Southwest Bulgaria

Region

Bulgaria's highest mountains. The Rila Monastery is the country's most famous sight, the Seven Rila Lakes are a classic day hike, Bansko is a ski resort below the Pirin peaks, and Melnik is a tiny wine town among sand pyramids. Skiing runs from December to March and the hiking season from June to September.

Southwest Bulgaria Monastery of Saint John of RilaPirin National ParkBelasicaVihrenOsogovska PlaninaMaleshevo MountainKordopulov HouseRozhen MonasteryTumba Peak (Belasica)Vlahina PlaninaSlavyanka (mountain)Heraclea SinticaSamuilova KrepostRadomir (mountain)Ruen (mountain)BanskoSapareva BanyaKyustendilBlagoevgradSandanskiPetrichRila MonasterySeven Rila LakesDupnitsaGotse Delchev, Blagoevgrad ProvinceRazlogBelitsaKresnaYakorudaHadzhidimovoSimitliRila

Southwest Bulgaria essentials

Country: Bulgaria
Driest months: Aug-Oct
Pay in: Lev (лв)
Language: Bulgarian
Emergency: 166

Where to Go in Southwest Bulgaria

City Bansko BanskoSki resort town in Bulgaria's Pirin Mountains City Blagoevgrad BlagoevgradCity in Bulgaria with a vibrant cultural scene City Kyustendil KyustendilCity in Kyustendil known for its hot springs City Dupnitsa DupnitsaCity in Bulgaria with mountainous surroundings City Petrich PetrichCity in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria History Heraclea Sintica Heraclea SinticaRuins of an ancient Hellenistic city in Bulgaria History Rila Monastery Rila MonasteryMedieval Orthodox monastery famed for frescoes and churches Nature Pirin National Park Pirin National ParkUNESCO-listed park protecting Pirin's peaks and biodiversity Nature Belasica BelasicaMountain range straddling Bulgaria, Greece, and North Macedonia Nature Vihren VihrenHighest Pirin peak with steep limestone ridges Nature Osogovska Planina Osogovska PlaninaBalkan mountain range straddling Bulgaria and North Macedonia. Nature Maleshevo Mountain Maleshevo MountainMountain range in southwestern Bulgaria with alpine forests
Regions & Cities
Bansko Explore Bansko Skiers and hikers come for Pirin’s slopes and long chairlifts; cobbled Old Town hides mehanas dishing kapama and rakia. Sapareva Banya Explore Sapareva Banya Sapareva Banya steams from hot springs and a small geyser at the Rila’s edge; hikers use it as a base for mountain trails and locals offer thermal baths and robust mountain dishes. Kyustendil Explore Kyustendil Kyustendil’s claim is its mineral springs and orchards: public baths, Ottoman-era ruins, mountain trailheads and the annual plum markets. Blagoevgrad Explore Blagoevgrad Blagoevgrad’s student-packed cafés and pedestrian center act as gateways to the Rila and Pirin mountains; visitors combine concerts, bazaars and short drives to monasteries and ski resorts. Sandanski Explore Sandanski Sandanski sits at Pirin’s eastern flank with mineral springs, spa resorts and pine-lined promenades; hikers use it as a base for Pirin National Park and nearby Melnik wineries. Petrich Explore Petrich Where Bulgaria meets Greece and North Macedonia, Petrich serves as a base for hiking Belasitsa, visiting the Rupite sanctuary and warm springs, and sampling local Macedonian-influenced cuisine in lively markets. Rila Monastery Explore Rila Monastery Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century and rebuilt over time, sits in the Rila mountains with painted frescoes, a large central church and monastic museum. Seven Rila Lakes Explore Seven Rila Lakes Cluster of glacial lakes high in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains accessed by trails and a mountain lift; hikers come for alpine scenery, rocky cirques and straightforward day treks between sapphire-colored lakes.

Southwest Bulgaria at a Glance

Local Time
2:09 AM
GMT+2
Population
390,384

Best Things to Do in Southwest Bulgaria