Sport/Adventurous tourism

For those searching for new adventures, for whom sport occupies an important part their daily life, whose idea of relaxing includes staying in motion and conquering high peaks and new territories, Bulgaria is an exceptionally attractive destination.

There are excellent opportunities for sport and outdoor activities along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. At almost every resort, there are clubs which offer training and equipment for diving, surfing, kite-surfing, and other outdoor sports. There are jet-skis for hire, as well as boats for excursions or for exciting fishing. The Black Sea offers conditions for diving and underwater fishing.

Bulgaria’s mountains cover a third of the nation’s territory, a well-developed network of eco-trails allow visitors the opportunity to appreciate their remarkable beauty. Fully-equipped climbing facilities have been established in some mountain regions – for instance, in the regions of the town of Vratsa, Lakatnik Rocks, Malyovitsa, and elsewhere.

You can also explore Bulgaria’s mountains on horseback. There are equestrian facilities throughout the country offering both shorter rides and pack trips with a guide, both in the mountains and lowlands. Along the Black Sea coast, visitors will find similar services. There is probably nothing more romantic than riding a horse along the beach into the sunset. Equestrian sports have been established in the country for almost 90 years, and a competition sanctioned by the World Cup of Equestrian Sport is held annually in the town of Bozhurishte.

Those searching for a jolt of adrenalin can try whitewater rafting on Bulgaria’s swift-flowing rivers, such as the Struma, Iskar, and Mesta. Rafting and kayaking are also popular on the rivers in the Iskar and Kresna Gorge areas. It is exceptionally exciting to ride the rivers in May and June, when the water levels are at their highest.

Another way to raise adrenalin levels is to sail above the Bulgarian countryside. The heights over the town of Sopot, for example, are some of the best places for paragliding in all of Europe. Paragliders and hang-gliders also take to the air over Vitosha, Sliven, Kyustendil, Stara Zagora and Albena.

Two of the routes of the Eurovelo network, established by the European Biking Federation, also pass through the country. These are Eurovelo 13, which passes along the length of the former Iron Curtain, and Eurovelo 6, which follows the Loire and Rheine rivers and continues to the mouth of the Danube.

Bungee jumping is organized on the higher bridges in the country, as well as in the Prohodna cave. Leaping into a cave’s abyss is an unforgettable experience..

In the past few years Bulgaria has begun to establish itself as a first-class golf destination. Modern golf courses designed by world-famous players such as Gary Player and Ian Woosnan are now open for play. There are three courses along the Northern Black Sea coast, three near Sofia, one near the mountain resort of Bansko, one in Pravets, and one near the town of Sliven.

Hunting and fishing are also quite well developed in the country. The animal population includes red deer, fallow deer, roe deer, wild boar, mouflon, chamois, capercaillie, bear, pheasant, and partridge. Excellent conditions for hunting big game are available in the hunting game-breeding farms near Botevgrad, Vitinya, Samokov, Aramliets, Borovets, Borovo, Zhenda, Kormisosh, Studen Kladenets, Rusalka, Palamara, Rakitovo, Midzhur, village of Parvenets, Bosna, Byalka, Voden and elsewhere. The Black Sea offers unique opportunities to fishing for turbot, mullet, bluefish, cod, mackerel, bonito and others, and Bulgaria’s rivers also abound in fish. The country’s many dams also afford excellent opportunities for sport fishing.