Bulgarian towns and villages to visit in winter

The holidays are approaching, and with them increases our desire to indulge in a well-deserved vacation.

Winter is a season that brings more or less comfort. But almost everyone loves those moments to watch their favorite Christmas movie, with a mug of hot chocolate in front of the fireplace, while outside a blanket of snow generously covers the ground.s.

But at some point, we get tired of staying home and just want to go out. And at this time of the year, even temperatures below zero can not be an obstacle for winter walks.

This is why we have selected in photos the most beautiful destinations of authentic Bulgaria, suitable for a walk during the short winter days…

The village of Pchelin is located in the municipality of Kostenets (southwestern Bulgaria in a picturesque mountainous region not far from the city of Sofia.

It is 9 km from the famous thermal baths of Momin Prohod and Kostenets Villas, thermal spa resort, 30 km from the ski resort of Borovets. The Pchelin spas nestle in the woods of the Ihtimanska Sredna Gora mountain, surrounded by a magnificent crown of oaks and pines.

The popularity of Pchelin mineral springs dates back to Antiquity. According to legends, these waters heal wounds.

In addition, locals tell stories of childless women who gave birth to cherished children after taking a bath in the mineral waters of Pchelin.

Staro Zhelezare – The Bulgarian open air museum for modern art.

Staro Zhelezare is a small village in central part of Bulgaria, today it is already the most known STREET ART VILLAGE in Eastern Europe.

It is the unique open-air art gallery, where houses and fences are painted with visages of local people together with world known icons like politicians, different kinds of celebrities, chosen by the householders.

It is also called THE VILLAGE OF PERSONALITIES.

Borovets is a hilstation located on the northern slope of the Rila Mountains, Bulgaria.

The ski area is 73 km from the city of Sofia.

During winter it is the largest winter sports resort in Bulgaria and in summer the resort offers plenty of outdoor activities.

The ski slopes are open from mid-December to April.

The town of Rudozem is located in south – central Bulgaria (Province of Smolyan) near the Greek border. It is situated in Rhodope Mountains where the Elhovo and Chepino rivers flow into the Arda.

The areas are mainly hilly and low mountainous.

The wonderful nature of the municipality of Rudozem is a combination of overflowing dark green hills, wild and untouched pieces of land, beautiful panoramic views, crystal clean air and incredible diversity of plants and animals.

Multiple plant and animal species have been preserved in the recently unreachable forests beyond the border control point and the former minefields.

The territory of the municipality of Rudozem is crossed by Arda, Chepinska and Elhovska rivers.

The climate is typical for mountains with average altitude.

The Raykova house, Tryanva – Town room from the beginning of XX century.

Built in 1846. A typical example of the Tryavna school of architecture and one of the best buildings of the Tryavna Revival house.

The museum exhibition presents the life of the Tryavna people at the end of the ХІХ and the beginning of the ХХ century.

Zlatograd is a small town in the Rhodope Mountains located just 2 km away from the Greek border and 60 km southeast of Smolyan.

Zlatograd Ethnographic Areal Complex lies in the heart of the town. It is an open-air museum which is also part of the everyday life of local people.

The complex comprises an ethnographic museum, workshops and an exhibition of water equipment.

The town is a small with numerous nice houses (about 60). Its citizens are friendly, humble and easy-going.

After the tour around the complex tourists can sit and relax in some of the restaurants in the town or drink a cup of spun coffee made on hot sand and served in a special way.

There are many hotels in Zlatograd because the town is a popular tourist destination. Accommodation is also available in the ethnographic complex itself – in an old house with an authentic atmosphere from the Bulgarian Revival Period.

Pravets is a town in Pravets Municipality in central western Bulgaria, located approximately 60 kilometres from the capital Sofia.

Mountains surround it, which allows for a mild climate with rare winds. In the outskirts there is an artificial lake used for fishing and recreation. 

Today, the town is also most famous for its hotel welness & spa RIU golf resort complex.

Shiroka Laka is a Rhodope village located in southern Bulgaria. It is located 26 km northwest of the town of Smolyan.

The village, mainly composed of buildings in the Bulgarian Renaissance style, is classified as an “architectural reserve”.

The village is known for its typical houses in the Rhodope mountain style, arranged in tiers on both banks of the Širokalăška reka.