Rila Monastery Tours

Things to do near Rila Monastery

When visiting Rila Monastery, you can enjoy various activities in the area, including relaxing at a spa or skiing in the nearby mountains. Consider taking a guided tour from Sofia to explore the monastery and its surroundings. You can also book excursions in the stunning Rila Mountains for a more immersive experience, making the most of your day at Rila.

Food and drinks

Visit Medi Valley Winery, located 14 miles from Rila Monastery, for a delightful experience with local wines and a romantic ambiance. Enjoy the scenic views and unique architecture of the region while savoring the delicious local cuisine. It's a perfect stop for food lovers!

Recreation

Saparevo Banski & SPA offers rejuvenating body treatments in a tranquil setting, perfect for relaxation just 11 miles from Rila Monastery. For those seeking outdoor excitement, Pirin Golf and Country Club, located 20 miles away, provides a fantastic golfing experience amidst stunning natural beauty.

Adventure

At Malyovitsa Ski Resort, 6 miles from Rila Monastery, experience thrilling skiing amidst stunning mountain scenery. The Gondola Lift, located 14 miles away, offers breathtaking views and access to adventure-filled slopes. Additionally, the Sitnyakovo Express, 16 miles away, promises exhilarating ski vibes for adventurers of all levels.

Find the best attractions near Rila Monastery

While visiting Rila Monastery, you can explore various attractions that cater to culture and outdoor adventure. Key points of interest include the stunning Rila Mountain, the historic Rila Monastery itself, and the nearby picturesque lakes. You may also want to visit Boyana Church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For those who enjoy winter sports, the nearby ski resorts offer thrilling experiences in the beautiful Bulgarian landscape.

• Seven Rila Lakes: Nestled just 5 miles from Rila Monastery, the Seven Rila Lakes offer a romantic outdoor experience. These glacial lakes are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and are perfect for hiking and photography amidst breathtaking scenery.
• Borovets Ski Resort: Located 16 miles away, Borovets Ski Resort is an adventure seeker’s paradise. With a variety of ski slopes and outdoor activities, it’s ideal for both beginners and seasoned skiers looking for thrilling winter sports.
• Musala Peak: Just 13 miles from the monastery, Musala Peak is the highest point in the Balkans. This scenic destination offers challenging hikes and incredible panoramic views, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Rila Monastery

Visitor numbers around Rila Monastery is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Rila Monastery is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	33.6°F (0.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Moderately High
February	37.4°F (3.0°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately High
March	42.3°F (5.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
April	50.4°F (10.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly High	Average
May	58.3°F (14.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
June	65.3°F (18.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	62.8°F (17.1°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Average	Moderately Low
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Moderately Low
December	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Moderately High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rila Monastery

To save money on your trip to Rila Monastery, consider visiting in May or October to November when hotel prices are lower. Booking your accommodation about a month in advance typically yields the best rates. Explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Use Expedia’s search tools to find eco-friendly hotels or sort by price for the best options. Additionally, combining your hotel stay with flights and activities in an Expedia package can lead to significant discounts. Joining the One Key membership can also provide exclusive offers and earn you cash for future bookings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The hotel pricing around Rila Monastery is moderately seasonal. The cheapest months to stay around Rila Monastery are May and October to November, where the prices are moderately lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are moderately higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Rila Monastery about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will show you a list of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
• Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Rila Monastery with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
• Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.