When you visit Sofia in the winter, do not miss the chance to take a day trip to one of the nearby mountains and to enjoy the snowy fairytale!
Here are our top suggestions for such day trips:
Vitosha Moutain and SPA
Whether you want to practice some winter sports or just to have a walk in the snow, the Vitosha Mountain is the closest possible option since it is situated just next to Sofia. From the outskirts of the town we board a cabin lift which will take us to the Aleko hut and its zone for winter sports. There you have the option to rent ski/ snowboard equipment and have some fun. Professional instructors are also available. Or you can just have a short walk in the snow and a cup of tea in the hut. If the weather is clear, we can also see the beautiful panoramic views of the town.
In the afternoon, we leave the mountain and we go Bankya village which is famous for its hot mineral springs. There you will have the opportunity to relax in a pool with such water.
Book the trip here:
https://citytour.bg/tours/63-vitosha-mountain-winter-trip-and-spa-from-sofia
Day Trip to Borovets
Borovets is the oldest winter resort in Bulgaria, established in the end of the 19th century. It is situated in the Rila Mountain, about 1,5 – hour drive from Sofia. There you will have the option to rent ski/ snowboard equipment and practice winter sports along the many different slopes. Professional instructors are also available. If you are not into winter sports, you can enjoy a walk in the resort, visit the old royal residence and also take the cabin lift which goes to some of the highest points of the mountain and see the amazing panoramic views. In Borovets you can also find many great places for a lunch break.
Book the trip here:
https://citytour.bg/tours/72-winter-day-trip-to-the-rila-mountain-from-sofia
Day Trip to the Rila Mountain with Traditional Lunch
With this trip you will also visit Borovets and you will have the options for winter sports or walk. After that, you will go to Samokov and there you will enjoy a delicious local lunch a traditional restaurant. The local cuisine is mostly popular for its ‘’pot” dishes.
In the afternoon, you will visit the local museum of history and culture. During the National Revival Period, Samokov was one of the most prominent centers for icon painting and many of these icons now can be seen in its museum.
Another interesting option if the weather is good is to go to the nearby village Belchin where the restored fortress of Tsari Mali Grad is situated.
Book the trip here:
https://citytour.bg/tours/104-rila-mountain-with-traditional-lunch-private-day-trip-from-sofia
Day Trip to Sapareva Banya for SPA
This is a very relaxed day trip which will take you to Sapareva Banya – the SPA capital of the Balkans. It is famous for its hot thermal mineral springs – considered the hottest in Europe – and popular for their healing qualities.
There you will have the opportunity to take a break in a SPA center which has both inside and outside hot thermal pools and also offers additional procedures. Just next to it, there is a nice restaurant which is a great option for your lunch break.
Book the trip here:
https://citytour.bg/tours/69-private-day-trip-to-sapareva-banya-for-spa-from-sofia
City Tour Sofia - since 2002, Stara planina 6, Sofia, Bulgaria
