Avid hikers decamp to the 29 peaks of the Rila Mountains for access to two of Europe’s longest trail routes—the E4 and E8. Hikers with less time or stamina can opt for popular one-day excursions from Sofia, including guided treks to the Seven Rila Lakes and Mount Musala. Bike tours are another option during the warmer months, while winter brings prime snowshoeing conditions in the forests of Rila National Park.
Less athletic travelers can still enjoy the beauty of this epic mountain range with wine tasting in the Medi Valley or a soak in the medicinal hot mineral waters of Sapareva Banya. Outdoor adventure can be paired with a cultural visit to Rila Monastery—a stunning Eastern Orthodox monastery treasured for its colorful frescoes and ornately carved wood icons.