The Soskovcheto Reserve was declared a reserve in 1968. Its buffer zone was established in 1986. Currently a procedure has been opened, for the recategorisation of the buffer zone into a protected zone. The reserve covers an area of 177.5 ha and its buffer zone – 104.4 ha.
This protected area offers exceptional landscapes – a dense and full-bodied river network, deep river beds, rapids and waterfalls, rock formations. Centuries-old Scots pine and spruce forests are being preserved here.

There are also rare plants, threatened by extinction, such as the Balkan endemic species of lady’s mantle (Alchemilla bulgarica), the Bulgarian endemic Rhodope rock dill (Seseli rhodopaeum), saxifraga (Saxifraga ferdinandi-coburgi) – a Balkan endemic and glacial relic. The reserve also gives home to animal species such as the alpine newt, the black woodpecker and the brown bear.
The Ministry of the environment and waters is financing the building of the eco-track “The Waterfall’s Canyon” in the reserve. The natural water cascade is over 100 metres high. The company STC Perelik will make a donation of 20 ha of land to increase the reserve’s area.
Read the rest of this entry »

Rugged snow-capped peaks and soft green slopes, cool forests carrying the aroma of herbs and wild fruit, quick-flowing rivers and crystal-clear blue lakes, mineral springs and bioreserves, rare plants and game, large climatic and ski resorts and small picturesque villages with living traditions and folklore – every Bulgarian mountain has its own characteristic appearance, fascination and beautiful name.

Photograph by Katarina

RILA
The most majestic Bulgarian Mountain, highest peak Moussala (2,925 m); 219 high-mountain lakes, over 2,000 plant varieties and a rich animal world.
The natural setting for Bulgaria’s most famous monastery – Rila Monastery, and the country’s oldest winter resort – Borovets.
Read the rest of this entry »

Alicia Taylor

There is much to do and see in Bulgaria and you are sure to be able to design the perfect holiday for your needs. The mountainous areas provide quality places to hike or ski and the cities offer cultural and historical opportunities. The beautiful Bulgarian Black Sea coast is a world class stretch of resorts offering sandy beaches and water sports.

If you are looking for top notch skiing in the winter and great hiking in the summer look no further than Bansko. It enjoys a climate of short summers and long, snowy winters. The skiing here is less expensive than at some of the other resorts yet no less fun. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and of course, shop.
Read the rest of this entry »

Andrew Gibson

The country of Bulgaria has been nestled deep in the Eastern Europe situated in the neighbourhood of Romania, Turkey and Greece. Summer vacations in Bulgaria will enable you to enjoy the variation of sun, sand and sea.

Winter vacations in the country will allow you to have fun in the snow-capped mountains that are perfect for snow boarding and skiing. If you are the person who likes to enjoy the mixture of food and fine weather with wonderful culture, history and architecture, then Bulgaria is a must-visit place for you.
Read the rest of this entry »

Mal Keenan

Yes, Bansko is known for the its skiing. People flock to the area from all over Europe to enjoy the new facilities and the ideal ski conditions. But what about the summer? Well, summer holidaying in Bansko is also fun. There are plenty of things to do in the mountains and in the town itself to make it a worthwhile holiday destination.

Bansko is crowded in the winter. The taverns are filled with people and the slopes are crowded. Parking can be a problem. But, in the summer, the peace of the mountains and the beauty of the village make it an ideal location for your summer holiday.
Read the rest of this entry »

by Josh Taylor

The climate here is mild in winter with snow cover from December to April but there is plenty of snow around. The Bulgarian government has recently committed to developing the resort further

The resort’s ski facilities are excellent and will be improved further during the ‘Super Borovets’ initiative. The resort has around 19 ski runs split into three areas (Sitniakoyo, Markoudzhik and Yastrebets). International signs and markings are used across the resort which well maintained and serviced. There are a range of lifts including a gondola, chair lifts, drag lifts and baby drag lifts.

Accommodation in Borovets
Read the rest of this entry »

by Andrew Regan

Traditionally, the Alps have been the mainstay of the European winter sports industry. Whilst the traditional Alpine nations of France, Switzerland and Austria are still the most popular ski destinations for the Brits, the cost of ski property in these countries has risen beyond most people’s reach. This has led to a gap in the market for more reasonably priced ski property, and this is a gap that Eastern Europe – and Bulgaria in particular – has neatly filled.

As the stigma attached to the former communist countries of Eastern Europe has slowly disappeared, the stable political atmosphere and the booming investment in such countries has become very appealing to the British buyer. And let’s not forget the ski resorts themselves; though not quite as high or extensive as the Alps, the Rila Mountains (which are part of the Balkans’ highest range) rise to a very respectable 2925m and offer numerous cosy villages and plenty of comfortable accommodation.
Read the rest of this entry »

We would like to present to you the results of some our polls which we run every week and in which you participate, so that we can discover together what the visitors of Bulgaria Travel Notes (you all) think and prefer. So this week we offer you the results of our “Which is your favorite Bulgarian skiing resort?” poll.
And most of you prefer:

And since we can also have a look at the preferences of each country, here come some country results:
- People from the US have a definite preference for Pamporovo.
- People from Denmark prefer Pamporovo.
- While Pamporovo is the most prefered most favorite Bulgarian skiing resort for Bulgaria

As for the preferences of men and women:
- Pamporovo is the most prefered skiing resorts in Bulgaria by the women.
- While men prefer Pamporovo but then some of them also like Bansko and Borovetz.

Agree or disagree with the results?

Feel free to comment.

To express your vote click here

Forget your lingering doubts from Bulgaria´s Communist past and you will be surprised and excited by the modern holiday attractions Bulgaria now has to offer.

Nestling on the banks of the Black Sea, with Romania to the north and Greece and Turkey to the south, and with its ancient historical connections with Russia, Bulgaria comprises an eclectic mix of all these nations, making it a rich and diverse cosmopolitan country with a strong cultural heritage.

Although not yet as visited as its Greek and Turkish neighbours, Bulgaria boasts stunningly untouched landscapes, beautiful, safe sandy beaches and a multitude of tourist attractions ranging from sports to history and culture. This, combined with great value for money and welcoming people, completes the most peoples’ formula for a perfect holiday destination.

Bulgaria has received heavy investment from the World Bank to modernize its entire infrastructure, which has vastly improved tourist facilities here – it is small wonder that tourism in Bulgaria have increased by some 50% in the past four years.
Read the rest of this entry »