All around the country, guest houses and family hotels welcome visitors. Directly in the historic heart of towns, in villages dotting the countryside and in cities, warm hosts open up their lives and invite you to experience true Bulgarian hospitality.

Some specialise in hiking excursions or strolls through nature, spa experiences or biking, while others focus on gourmet cooking, wine, fine arts and times of ultimate relaxation.

For example, the Kapsazov Houses in Kovachevitsa, south-west Bulgaria, have brought these latter to exquisite levels of accomplishment in their dedication to preparing traditional Bulgarian dishes with skill and love. Not to mention the houses’ comforts and secluded village atmosphere.

Many of these guesthouses and family hotels can be found in the fourth edition of Bulgaria Bed & Breakfasts and Guesthouses Guidebook, published by the Bulgarian Association for Alternative Tourism. The bilingual Bulgarian-English guidebook, which is available at Zig Zag Holidays and at Traditzia Gallery in Sofia; and at Helikon, Booktrading and Pingvinite bookstores; and OMV and LUKoil petrol stations nationwise, provides detailed descriptions of places to stay around the country. Concise maps and direct contact information make arranging your visit convenient and pleasant.

In the white winter season, what could be more enjoyable that snuggling up in front of a blazing hearth, with a cup of tea and a book, or romping outside in the snow, knowing that, in the evening, you have the option of being treated to a gourmet meal with incredible local wines and the conversation of your engaging hosts.

Of course, if you’re more the type to plan everything individually and just want a cabin in the mountains, the guidebook also has such options.

Nothing can compare to the beauty of a Bulgarian winter and an escape to peacefulness.