Six best places for outdoor adventure holidays in Bulgaria
Whether you are looking for tours including scaling rugged peaks, biking on scenic dirt roads or kayaking wild rivers and high-mountain dam lakes, Bulgaria offers an endless playground for outdoor activities.
With over 30% of its territory covered by mountains and several major rivers running through it, Bulgaria is an endless playground for outdoor adventures. Beyond the sheer diversity, what makes Bulgaria’s outdoors so great for travel is how easy it is to access. Most major mountain ranges are within a three-hour drive from the capital and with more than a century-old tradition of nature tourism, the country boasts some great options for cosy guesthouses, family-run hotels and mountain huts.
Read on to learn about some of the best places in Bulgaria for outdoor experiences that you can include in your itineraries, along with some useful information about their accessibility and accommodation options.
Rila National Park
Characterised by rugged peaks and lake-dotted valleys shaped by receding glaciers, Rila National Park keeps some of the most pristine landscapes of Bulgaria. In the Seven Rila Lakes Cirque, visitors will discover amazing scenery and learn about a local religious movement and its annual pilgrimage in the area. Another iconic region of Rila is the Malyovitsa Valley where steep trails take hikers among majestic peaks which have inspired generations of alpinists, freeskiers and mountaineers. And towering above Borovets, the county’s oldest resort, is Mount Musala, the tallest in the Balkans with its 2923 m.
Despite being a high-mountain area, the park is easily accessible through high roads and lifts, allowing hikers to explore its iconic places on a day trip while enjoying the local hospitality and cuisine in the evening. Nestled among the hills of the mountain, the village of Govedartsi is the perfect starting point for each Rila tour, offering some great options for cosy guesthouses and family hotels. Another great spot to base your groups is the spa village of Separeva Banya where guests can also relax in the local mineral baths after a strenuous day in the mountains or in case of bad weather.
Pirin National Park
UNESCO World Heritage site, Pirin National Park boasts dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and striking limestone peaks. Hikers can take on the challenge of climbing Vihren Peak (2,914m), Bulgaria’s second-highest mountain, or traverse the thrilling Koncheto Ridge. If you would like to add a more immersive experience to your itineraries, a trek to the Tevno Lake refuge will take your groups to the heart of the mountain passing through the most stunning and pristine regions of the mountain.
Located in the foothills of the mountain, the resort town of Bansko offers great options for cosy guesthouses and family hotels as well as higher-standard accommodations for those willing to upgrade. The fact that it is also a historic town makes it even more attractive as a base point for exploring the region. The nearby villages of Banya and Dobriniste also offer some great spots for mineral baths, which are great for relaxing after a strenuous day in the mountain and provide great plan B options in case of bad weather.
The Rhodopes
The vastest mountain range in Bulgaria, the Rhodopes are steeped in history and legend and are also the home of the country’s Muslim population known for its hospitality and local traditions. This enchanting region features rolling green hills, deep gorges, high-mountain dam lakes and picturesque villages. Offering an endless playground for village-to-village walking (both guided and self-guided) as well as cycling, mountain biking and kayaking, the Rhodopes are the best option for multi-activity itineraries.
The western part of the range is well-developed offering plenty of accommodation and activity options in the regions of Smolyan town, Pamporovo resort, and Trigrad and Buinovo Gorges. If you want to incorporate a truly authentic experience in your itineraries we highly recommend considering a visit to the villages of Kosovo, Kovachevitsa and Lesten, preserving the unique local century-old architecture and traditions. Known for their wild beauty and rich biodiversity, The Eastern Rhodopes are great for birdwatching and nature experiences.
Kresna Gorge
Kresna Gorge, carved by the Struma River, is a haven for water activities. The gorge is one of Bulgaria’s top destinations for rafting and kayaking, offering exciting yet accessible rapids ideal for beginners and intermediate paddlers. Canyoning opportunities in nearby tributaries provide a chance to explore narrow gorges and waterfalls, adding variety for those seeking an active, water-based itinerary. The area also boasts remarkable biodiversity, with over 300 species of butterflies and numerous endemic plants.
Accommodation options in the area include family-run guesthouses, eco-lodges, and rafting-focused camps. Many are located near the town of Kresna or in the village of Oshtava, offering easy access to the river and nearby trails. These properties cater to small groups and independent travellers, often featuring home-cooked meals, local wines and a warm welcome from hosts familiar with outdoor tourism.
Central Balkan National Park
Located in the heart of Bulgaria, Central Balkan National Park is a paradise for hikers looking for scenic mountain routes and pristine nature. Dotted with many well-maintained huts, the central ridge of the massif is ideal for multi-day hut-to-hut itineraries, fully immersing hikers in the vast pristine nature. The park includes some of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks, such as Botev Peak and Raysko Praskalo waterfall.
The Kom-Emine trail, a section of the E3 European long-distance route, passes through the park and attracts well-prepared trekking groups. There are also shorter circuits that can be adapted for family or leisure-focused tours, highlighting waterfalls, panoramic ridges, and wildlife observation points. Accommodation in the region ranges from traditional guesthouses in towns like Apriltsi, Kalofer and Troyan, to rustic mountain huts and refuges inside the park that cater to trekkers and adventure groups.
Iskar Gorge
Just an hour from Sofia, Iskar Gorge is one of the most accessible yet underrated outdoor destinations in Bulgaria. The dramatic canyon carved by the Iskar River is perfect for soft hiking, rail tourism, and rock climbing. Lakatnik Rocks offer routes for climbers of all levels, while nearby Prohodna Cave—also called “God’s Eyes”—draws photographers and geology enthusiasts alike. The scenic train route between Sofia and Mezdra adds a unique travel element and can easily be integrated into custom tour itineraries. The proximity to Sofia makes Iskar Gorge a perfect day trip or short break addition to longer Bulgaria itineraries.
Bulgaria offers endless outdoor adventures, from high-altitude trekking to thrilling water sports and cultural encounters in mountain villages. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or a peaceful escape into nature, these six regions provide the perfect playground for every kind of adventurer.
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