Bulgaria holidays

Explore the mountains by booking a climbing or hiking trip which can be arranged by specialised companies in the areas of Vratsa, Veliko Tarnovo, Trojan, Maliovitza and Roussenski Lom. The sharp rocks of the Pirin, Rhodope, Rila and Stara Planina are widely known among experienced climbers. Bulgaria has hosted the orienteering World Championships twice and a national orienteering cup take place every year on the Shoumensko Plateau. Many companies also organise unique caving trips to the country's numerous caves and impressive subterranean rock formations (many of which have ancient cave paintings).

Horse riding is a great experience and you should really try it as there is a choice of one or two week tours available; main itineraries include the Danube Valley, the Balkan, Rila and Stara Planina mountains and the Valley of Roses. It is also possible to travel the country by horse and cart.

For mountain biking fans, the Rhodope mountains provide brilliant trails, while cycling along the Black Sea coast.

Don’t leave Bulgaria before you spend at least one day in one of the mineral water spa. The healing properties of the Bulgarian mineral waters have been widely known and used for thousands of years. Ancient mineral complexes were built near the mineral springs: Hisaria – ancient Augusta; Kyustendil – ancient Pautalia, Bourgas mineral baths – Aque Kalite, later Thermopiles; Sapareva Banya – Germaneia; The Sliven Baths – Tanzos and Sofia – Ulpia Serdika.