Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, is located in the western part of the country and has 1.2 million citizens so far, it is the most populated region in the country. Less than 2 hours later, you will find yourself in the breathtaking mountain ranges in the southern area. Outstanding to the area are the perenially snow covered, awe-inspiring mountain tops of the Rila and Pirin, just under 3000m. nine thousand eight hundred forty feet.The most popular hiking and skiing trails are found in these mountains. You can finish your adventure here relaxing in Europe’s hottest mineral spring at 216 degrees F. (one hundred and two degrees Celsius) none of these are well used, sadly.
The Rhodope array has river ravines and basins sheltered by unspoiled woods, with mountain villages scattered everywhere, and is located to the east of the Rila and Pirin. Bulgaria is a region that is best travelled by car so you take in and enjoy its’ breathtaking beauty.
With Sofia to the West, the softly ondulating Sredna Gora and Balkan mountains go through central Bulgaria and are the source of the of the northern region’s Danubian plains. (which is generally barren of attractions)while their slopes to the south fall slide into the exotic valley of kings (also known as the Valley of Roses, so named for the local rose farms that produce some of the highest quality fragrant rose oil in the world). For all intents and purposes, Kazanluk is the Valley’s capital city, however Plovdiv (population: 340 thousand)A superior base can be found in Bulgaria’s number two largest city, one with a striking historical center.
For an in depth guide to Bulgaria visit holidays in Bulgaria.
