Not everyone seeks sun and sand come wintertime. There are those of us who relish the colder temperatures and enjoy cozying up, indulging in warm beverages and hearty meals and getting outside in invigorating fresh air - perhaps followed by a warming sauna session. When your friends and family are talking Bermuda or Mexico, you’re dreaming of cross-country skiing in the Rockies or strolling through Christmas markets in Germany. For you winter lovers, we have an under-the-radar Europe destination you’ll adore: Bulgaria. Here’s why this incredibly hospitable, beautiful, affordable country on the Balkan Peninsula is particularly wonderful in winter.
The Mountains
As enticing in the colder months as they are in the summer, the mountains of Bulgaria are emerging as one of the leading European destinations for winter alpine activities. Snowshoeing is a true pleasure here, allowing for easy access to snowy summits and dramatic ridgelines beneath a clear blue sky. There are superb routes for beginners and guided touring is readily available with knowledgeable local guides.
For those seeking a challenge, alpine-walking holidays in the Riga Mountains take you into a largely untouched winter wonderland of deep forests, glacial lakes and panoramic views. Or, head to Pirin National Park for guided winter hiking and snowshoeing, making your way to one of the many mountain huts in the area. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, head to the Borovets ski resort near Sofia, Bansko (in the shadow of incredible Todorka Peak) or Pamporovo, where you can schuss down the longest run in Bulgaria, the Mechi Chal Trail. Love to ice skate? Don’t miss the incredible rink at Ariana.
Hearty Cuisine
There’s nothing better after a chilly day playing in the snow or ice skating than coming inside to a warm, hearty meal. Drawing on their long tradition of gracious hospitality, Bulgarians are quick to lavish their guests with fresh, tasty cuisine focused on top-quality produce and dairy products. You’ll find pork, chicken, fish, veal and lamb on the menu - and a huge array of famous Bulgarian wines to warm up your insides.
Everyone loves a good Christmas market, and especially if you’re a gourmet, the Bulgarian markets should not be overlooked. Centuries-old shops exhibit their holiday goodies, including wine collections that date back to the ancient Thracians era, complemented by delicious homemade cheeses.
Opera, Ballet & More
No need to spend every day outside during a Bulgarian winter - head indoors in Sofia, the country’s cultural hub, for opera, theater and art shows, all at their climax during the winter. You can catch world-class performances by the National Opera and Ballet at a fraction of the cost of other parts of Europe. Dive into Bulgarian culture at the world-renowned galleries and museums throughout the country, particularly the National Art Gallery and Sofia History Museum, all of which will be much less crowded in winter than in, say, July.
Superb Spas
Soothe your snowsport-weary muscles at one of the many thermal spas throughout Bulgaria. Some of the most prominent are Velingrad, Separeva Baya and Hisarya. More than 80 mineral water springs can be found at Velingrad, providing a number of treatment options for the spa goer and making it the largest balneotherapeutic resort in the country. Kleptuza, the biggest Bulgarian karst spring, is here, too.
At Sapareva Banya, about 90 minutes from Sofia, you’ll find the only European geyser with a water temp of 103°C - it’s easy to find, right in the center of town. It spews out an 18-meter jet of mineral water every 20 seconds, harnessed by the spa center next door. And at Hisar, you’ll find 22 springs with various physical and chemical properties and a temperature of 41 to 52°C - unique in the world and, again, qualities that the spas here capitalize upon through world-class body treatments. (Bonus: At Hisar, you can learn about Bulgarian history through the well-preserved Roman buildings, amphitheater remains and ancient city walls and churches.)
Fab Festivals
Go beyond the typical Christmas market scene in Europe and instead, enjoy the winter festival circuit in Bulgaria. The Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games takes place in Pernik the last weekend of January and is a colorful, heavily costumed party intended to ward off evil spirits and celebrate the imminent arrival of spring. Oenophiles won’t want to miss Sveti Trifon Den in February, a celebration of the patron saint of wine - in an age-old ritual, three sprigs are cut from different vines, crafted into a wreath, then worn before watering the base of the vine with wine in an effort to awaken the frozen earth after a long winter. Of course, the celebration includes much drinking of homemade wine and rakia and eating an abundance of home-cooked, traditional Bulgarian foods. There are countless Christmas and New year’s festivities, the trading of red-and-white dolls and friendship bracelets for Baba Marta in March and, as spring approaches, the acclaimed Sofia International Film Festival.
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