The Rila Monastery, which is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria, is located only 100 km from Sofia and close to the famous Borovets ski resort. Follow the International E79 route from Sofia to Kulata and turn at the Kocherinovo junction according to the signs. For direct public bus itineraries from Sofia, check the Ovcha Kupel coach station. Alternatively, you can buy a daily trip from almost any travel agent here. Even the bigger taxi companies can give you a fixed price quote to Rila Monastery.
Avoid religious and national holidays and weekends if possible as it may get really crowded and if big congregations of pilgrims and tourists are not your cup of tea. There are guest rooms on the premises and outside of the monastery as well as many hotels and B&Bs nearby where you can stay overnight in case you decide to give it more time and look at the surrounding area too. There are guides at the monastery who provide service in Bulgarian and English. The Rila Monastery features 2 museums, a tower with a chapel, 300 monastic apartments, guest rooms, 2 churches, a farm and the visiting hours are till around 7 pm in the summer and 4 pm in winter every day in the week. Only the museums charge an entrance fee of 5 to 8 leva (discounts for children and families apply) otherwise you can enter and look around the cloister for free. There is a paid parking lot outside the Rila Monastery and a bunch of small restaurants, eateries, street stalls and souvenir shops selling whatnot.
We highly recommend you spare at least 3-4 hours to explore this sanctuary of the Bulgarian spirit and tradition. Grab your camera and go for a walk in the beautiful Rila Monastery Park Reserve. There are unforgettable views and amazing scenery and if the weather is clear you may come up with some unique shots and videos.
My Guide Bulgaria, an informative and user-friendly online guide, was created for all those interested in the Bulgaria region.
Used daily by travellers, tourists, residents and locals, powered by Local Experts, our site reaches the people who are your potential customers.
A day tour to Serbia from Sofia to better understand the Balkans in all their complexity, history and colorful mixture of cultures and habits.
Explore Rila Monastery and Boyana Church - two UNESCO sites. Еnjoy breath-taking views of the Rila National Park. Your day, your way - guided or self-guided.
Take a trip to see the Belogradchik Rocks sandstone formations on a full-day trip from Sofia. In 2009, these red and yellow conglomerate rock formations were nominated for the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Get acquainted with the monumental art of the communist period with a professional guide. Admire over 70 sculptures at the Museum of Socialist Art and learn about one of the most controversial parts of modern history at the Buzludzha Monument.
Visit Lovech, one of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria on a full-day guided tour from Sofia. Admire the misty Krushunski Waterfalls and Devetashka cave. Learn history stories from your guide.
Uncover the beauty and uniqueness of the Belogradchik Rocks on a guided day trip from Sofia. See these interesting millions-of-years-old rock formations up close, learning about their historic uses.
Visit Rila Monastery, the sanctuary of Balkan culture, religion, and spirit in Rila National Park. Head to Sapareva Banya to take some time and relax at the thermal baths and spa.
Experience the Belogradchik Rocks from a bird's-eye view on a hot-air balloon flight. Discover the wonder and breadth of this 30 km long rock complex in Northwestern Bulgaria.
Relax in mineral water after spending time on the slopes with an entry ticket to the thermal pools in the village of Banya. Benefit from a convenient transfer from Bansko for a hassle-free experience.
My Guide Bulgaria is part of the global My Guide Network of Online & Mobile travel guides.
We are now in 180+ Destinations and Growing. If you are interested in becoming a local travel partner and would like to find out more then click for more info about our Website Business Opportunity.
Filter Events by Sub-Category
Please select a Date first.
