Post by TheTravelBug on Nov 14, 2009 16:03:16 GMT
There is more to Bulgaria than sunbathing on the Black Sea coast. For the more adventurous there is a wealth of land and opportunity for hiking, mountaineering, horse riding, mountain biking, water sports, hunting and fishing.
Bulgaria, located in the south-east of Europe benefits from a variety of stunning landscapes from the coast, to rivers, lakes, forests and mountains in which to indulge your taste for adventure. Go at the right time of year and you won`t be competing with hoards of other tourists for the fresh air and the views, rather you will be transported back to a different time where traditional cultures continue to thrive, particularly in the remoter areas.
Hiking, mountaineering and mountain biking are extremely popular in Bulgaria. A large network of marked trails exists in the various mountain ranges, where you can use an experienced guide or go it alone all year round. Mountain ranges include the regions of Pirin, Rila, Stara Planina (the Balkan Range) and the Rhodope Mountains.
Experienced climbers will savour the challenge of the steep mountains of Rila (the Maliovitsa ridge is considered one of the best), Rhodope, Pirin and the Balkan Range and there are many caves to be explored in these areas. The Rhodope Mountains are particularly suited to mountain biking and horse riding is popular in the Balkan Range, Rila and the Danube Valley.
Orienteering is another option, both in the summer (on foot) and winter (on skis). The annual cup for orienteering is held on the Shoumensko Plateau. Other suitable destinations for orienteering include the Kamchia River and the forests in the resorts of Helena and St. Constantin.
Those keen on winter sports will find plenty of opportunities in the main ski areas of Bansko (Pirin Mountains), Pamporovo (The Rhodopes), Borovets (Rila) and Aleko (Vitosha), although numerous other smaller centres also exist. Water sports such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing can be enjoyed on the various rivers of Bulgaria. The Stackevska river is excellent for rafting and the Danube for kayaking and canoeing.
A variety of accommodation is available but to truly experience the great outdoors camping is the way to go. Numerous travel companies exist to help you arrange an adventure holiday tailored to your needs. Bulgaria has an excellent Mountain Rescue Service to ensure your safety and campsites are graded with the best having hot and cold water, electricity, phones and shops. However you may wish to stay off the beaten track and camp out in remoter areas, far away from local amenities. If so you should ensure you are equipped with essential items to help you remain safe. All weather gear and a basic first aid kit are extremely important and if you plan a long trek with a variety of stops a lightweight tent will ease the burden. Certain vaccinations are recommended for Bulgaria, especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. We recommend you check with your doctor a few weeks before you travel.
Written by www.Crowdstorm.co.uk for thetravelbug.org
Bulgaria, located in the south-east of Europe benefits from a variety of stunning landscapes from the coast, to rivers, lakes, forests and mountains in which to indulge your taste for adventure. Go at the right time of year and you won`t be competing with hoards of other tourists for the fresh air and the views, rather you will be transported back to a different time where traditional cultures continue to thrive, particularly in the remoter areas.
Hiking, mountaineering and mountain biking are extremely popular in Bulgaria. A large network of marked trails exists in the various mountain ranges, where you can use an experienced guide or go it alone all year round. Mountain ranges include the regions of Pirin, Rila, Stara Planina (the Balkan Range) and the Rhodope Mountains.
Experienced climbers will savour the challenge of the steep mountains of Rila (the Maliovitsa ridge is considered one of the best), Rhodope, Pirin and the Balkan Range and there are many caves to be explored in these areas. The Rhodope Mountains are particularly suited to mountain biking and horse riding is popular in the Balkan Range, Rila and the Danube Valley.
Orienteering is another option, both in the summer (on foot) and winter (on skis). The annual cup for orienteering is held on the Shoumensko Plateau. Other suitable destinations for orienteering include the Kamchia River and the forests in the resorts of Helena and St. Constantin.
Those keen on winter sports will find plenty of opportunities in the main ski areas of Bansko (Pirin Mountains), Pamporovo (The Rhodopes), Borovets (Rila) and Aleko (Vitosha), although numerous other smaller centres also exist. Water sports such as rafting, kayaking and canoeing can be enjoyed on the various rivers of Bulgaria. The Stackevska river is excellent for rafting and the Danube for kayaking and canoeing.
A variety of accommodation is available but to truly experience the great outdoors camping is the way to go. Numerous travel companies exist to help you arrange an adventure holiday tailored to your needs. Bulgaria has an excellent Mountain Rescue Service to ensure your safety and campsites are graded with the best having hot and cold water, electricity, phones and shops. However you may wish to stay off the beaten track and camp out in remoter areas, far away from local amenities. If so you should ensure you are equipped with essential items to help you remain safe. All weather gear and a basic first aid kit are extremely important and if you plan a long trek with a variety of stops a lightweight tent will ease the burden. Certain vaccinations are recommended for Bulgaria, especially if you will be spending a lot of time outdoors. We recommend you check with your doctor a few weeks before you travel.
Written by www.Crowdstorm.co.uk for thetravelbug.org