5 unique experiences in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

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In association with The Municipality of Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria

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1. Hiking on little-known mountain routes

Blagoevgrad province boasts beautiful mountain trails, rarely experienced by travellers – local residents enjoy an active lifestyle and are often seen on the slopes, but Bulgaria isn't known for its hiking routes. Until now! Make a beeline for Komatinski rocks, a day trip from Blagoevgrad city – an imposing outcrop that attracts walkers and mountain climbers from all over Bulgaria.

2. Taking part in tradition

Mummers, also called Kukeri or Babugeri, are Bulgarian carnival figures, represented by men dressed as animals or traditional characters such as grandparents, kings and tax collectors. Mummers dance on the streets to scare the evil spirits away and to banish the cold.

They also perform symbolic rituals such as ploughing, sowing, and others for good health and fertility. Mummers’ Day is celebrated exactly on the first Sunday before Lent. The dancers can also be seen as part of the International Festival of Masquerade Games and Mummers.


Traditional Kukeri costume (Shutterstock)

3. Visiting the 'Pyramids'

The Stob Pyramids are rusty-brown, reddish and dark yellow rock-earth formations, shaped like pyramids. Some can reach up to 10-12 metres in height, but they're constantly changing shape with wind and rain erosion. Visit at sunset, when the red-orange rocks reflect the sun's rays. Each set of 'pyramids' has different name, given to them by local folklore – the Dolls, Chukite, the Fairy Chimneys, the Pinnacles, the Brothers and the Matchmakers.


Stob Pyramids (Shutterstock)

4. Exploring monasteries

Nestled among the mountains of Bulgaria, a handful of monasteries tell the story of the country's religious history. Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria's most famous spiritual sites – it's a day trip from Blagoevgrad city, and easy to reach by bus or car. It was built in the 10th century AD, and is a fortress as well as a monastery – an essential stronghold during the unrest and tumult that followed its construction. Look out for Rozhen Monastery, Ruen Monastery and Brestovo Monastery, too.

5. Strolling through history, Blagoevgrad city

One of the most interesting parts of Blagoevgrad city is the old Varosha quarter. Here, you'll find quaint rows of renovated and restored houses, huddled around small pretty gardens and flanked by winding cobbled streets. It's a charming, peaceful spot.

Varosha emerged as the town’s Christian quarter at the end of the 17th century. At the time the Bulgarian people from the nearby villages, mainly craftsmen and traders, moved to this quarter and lived peacefully with the Turkish population. The quarter was connected to the Muslim part of the town by three bridges, now destroyed.


Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province (Shutterstock)


For more information on the 'Valley of Struma' click here




Main image: Traditional Kukeri costume (Shutterstock)