Rila Monastery Tours

Things to do near Rila Monastery

During your visit to Rila Monastery, explore its stunning architecture through guided monastery tours and enjoy a memorable stay in the area. For outdoor enthusiasts, consider a moderate hike to appreciate the surrounding natural beauty or visit nearby ski resorts for winter sports. Additionally, unwind at local spas for relaxation after a day of exploration.

Shopping

At Rila Monastery, enjoy local shops offering handmade crafts and religious souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit SkiBansko by Traventuria, located 23 miles away, where you can find outdoor gear and unique gifts related to the beautiful Rila Mountains.

Recreation

Pirin Golf and Country Club offers a scenic golfing experience 20 miles from Rila Monastery, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Shiligarnik - Highland presents vibrant music concerts 25 miles away, creating an energetic atmosphere. For relaxation, visit Park Vitosha, a rejuvenating recreational area located 26 miles from the monastery.

Adventure

Experience winter thrills at Malyovitsa Ski Resort, located 6 miles from Rila Monastery, offering fantastic skiing opportunities. At Borovets Ski Resort, 16 miles away, dive into outdoor adventures. For breathtaking views, take the Gondola Lift, situated 14 miles from the monastery, and enjoy the scenic alpine landscapes.

Nightlife

In Rila, the nightlife is serene and unique, with cozy taverns offering traditional Bulgarian cuisine and local wines. Nearby, the charming village of Rila has quaint bars where visitors can enjoy live music and socialize, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere after a day of exploring the monastery.

Find the best attractions near Rila Monastery

When visiting Rila Monastery in Kyustendil Province, Bulgaria, you'll discover a variety of attractions including stunning lakes, historic churches, and majestic peaks. This destination offers outdoor adventures and rich cultural experiences, making it ideal for nature lovers and history buffs alike. For additional insights, explore options like Rila Monastery accommodations and reviews on TripAdvisor to enhance your visit.

• Seven Rila Lakes: Located 5 miles from Rila Monastery, the Seven Rila Lakes offer breathtaking scenery and a romantic atmosphere. This stunning glacial lake group features crystal-clear waters surrounded by lush landscapes, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike.
• Kartala Ski Resort: Just 7 miles away, Kartala Ski Resort is an adventure-seeker's paradise. With thrilling ski slopes and picturesque views, it caters to both beginners and experienced skiers, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
• Musala Peak: At 13 miles from Rila Monastery, Musala Peak is the highest peak in the Balkans, providing spectacular outdoor experiences. Hike to the summit for panoramic views of the Rila Mountains and beyond, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Rila Monastery

The best time to visit Rila Monastery is dependent 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	Slightly High
February	37.4°F (3.0°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly 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	Slightly Low
June	65.3°F (18.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
July	70.5°F (21.4°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
August	71.1°F (21.7°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Slightly High	Average
September	62.8°F (17.1°C)	No Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
October	53.2°F (11.8°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
November	45.1°F (7.3°C)	No Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly Low
December	37.0°F (2.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Slightly Low	Slightly 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 prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential savings. Saturdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter by budget and hotel type, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and earn you cash for future bookings.

• The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rila Monastery are May and October to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
• The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Rila Monastery is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
• The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Rila Monastery is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Rila Monastery is Tuesday.
• Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
• 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.