There is hardly a fan of Bulgarian winter resorts who hasn’t been or at least heard of Borovets resort in Rila Mountain. Only 73km, and less than 50 minutes’ drive away from Sofia, the country’s oldest winter resort sits at 1350m at the base of Mt Musala (2925m), the highest peak on the Balkan peninsula.

Established at the end of the 19th century as a hunting village for the Bulgarian kings, Borovets is now renowned for skiing and winter sports. However, in the summer the Rila Mountain village transforms from a high-velocity, action-packed winter holiday resort into a peaceful holiday location.

The name Rila descends from the Slavic word "rula" which means "full of water". The mountains are filled with more than 200 lakes and surrounded by wild mountainous terrain containing more than 2000 different species of flora.

Bulgaria’s climate makes it possible for winter resorts to become popular summer destinations and Borovets is a good example. The resort in the summer is a perfect place for nature-loving holidaymakers in search of fresh air, long walks and a peaceful alternative to a Black Sea holiday. Borovets makes it possible for pensioners or couples with children to appreciate the beauty of nature, not just the fun. Quite different to the young, backpacking, fun-loving criminals during the winter. This does not mean that the place has lost its resort style and affection for foreign tourists. In many places they will be invited to sit down and sample homemade drinks, for example a fresh carafe of rakiya containing 14 herbs and spices.

This makes the experience even more memorable because Borovets is all about beauty, nature and traditional Bulgarian culture. More than half the resort’s numerous restaurants are closed in the summer, but do not despair because there’s still a wide choice of culinary delights. It’s worth taking a short reconnaissance around the streets before sitting down in one of the more celebrated restaurants. The choices are varied and most offer time-honoured delights from salads to lamb on the spit. If the latter makes your mouth water, just make sure you ask for it directly off the spit or else you might not get what you expected.

Taking a walk on the Rila Mountain is considered the number one summer activity. The signature hiking route to Chernata Skala, commonly known as Black Rock, takes visitors through centuries-old pine forests, passing flower-covered green meadows and small picturesque streams. After the leisurely two-hour trek, you will find plenty of places to picnic while admiring the wonderful view. If the four-hour walk seems a bit excessive then real adventurers can go on horseback or by horse-drawn carriage.
The hiking enthusiast can find a wide range of trails of varying difficulty but all generally well signposted.

Some of the more famous walks are to Mt. Musala - six hours, and from the upper station of the Gondola - three hours, to Sitnyakovo Palace - 1.5 hours, to Chakur Voyvoda Chalet - 2.5 hours, to Saragyol Palace - three hours, to the Maritsa Chalet - 4.5 hours, to the Zavrachitsa Chalet - six hours. Gondola and chair lift will take you up for a cost of seven leva one way or 13 leva return.

Borovets at this time of year doesn’t cater for the extreme sports tourist just yet, but with some imagination and a mountain bike, there is plenty of challenging terrain to keep you busy. Or if you are feeling a little more physical, the Alpine & Mountaineering School is a mere 40-minutes’ drive away in the Maljovitsa Ridge of the Rila Mountains. It is fully equipped, coming with an indoor artificial climbing wall. The instructors are expert climbers and most of them are lecturers at the National Sports Academy. Borovets out of season is all about relaxation and taking time out to enjoy a little slice of nature’s paradise.

How to get there
By bus: Every 30 minutes, a bus/minibus departs for Samokov from the South Bus Station (Avtogara Yug). Approximately an hour later the bus arrives at Samokov Bus Station where a shuttle van leaves for Borovets every 15 minutes. In Borovets, the van stops in front of Hotel Samokov. For the return journey the shuttle van departs from in front of Hotel Ela.

By car: If you choose to travel by car you have to take the following route: Sofia - Gorublyane - Pancharevo - Samokov - Borovets. The resort offers ample parking with the largest guarded car park situated by the entrance to the resort. The Rila and Samokov hotels also provide 24-hour guarded parking facilities.