Rila

Travel Guide

A historic courtyard with a church featuring domed architecture and a stone building with arched walkways.
A historic church with multiple domes and arches, set against a mountainous backdrop.
A historic church with multiple domes and striped architecture, surrounded by lush greenery and potted plants.
A historic building with ornate frescoes and a series of arches.
A courtyard with a red-tiled roof, white columns, and arches.
PORTALA Urban Lodge

PORTALA Urban Lodge

3 out of 5
Sveti Ivan Rilski 5 Rila Kyustendil
$31 nightly
The price is $33 total per night from Oct 13 to Oct 14
$33 total
Oct 13 - Oct 14
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this guesthouse in Rila. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Stob Earth Pyramids and Medi Valley Winery are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Absentee owner; Empty house. Difficulties opening the house and getting in. We were hassled by the police when we were standing in front of the house while we were unloading, on a road that had zero traffic, and while native residents down the road were often parked on the same road. Absence of a ..."

Reviewed on Oct 3, 2026

PORTALA Urban Lodge
Exclusive Stay Inside the Rila Monastery

Exclusive Stay Inside the Rila Monastery

2 out of 5
Rilska Rila Kyustendil
$201 nightly
The price is $219 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$219 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this castle in Rila. Enjoy a garden and tour/ticket assistance. Popular attractions Rila Monastery and St Luke’s Hermitage & St Ivan’s Cave are located ...
Exclusive Stay Inside the Rila Monastery
Saint George Palace

Saint George Palace

4 out of 5
5 Kosherinata Str. Bansko
$46 nightly
The price is $52 total per night from Nov 3 to Nov 4
$52 total
Nov 3 - Nov 4
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Bansko. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Bansko Gondola Lift and Bansko Ski Resort ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (208 reviews)
"Hotel was really great value for money staff were so nice , promptly fixed some problems I had and even help me fix my glasses . I will visit again"

Reviewed on Oct 2, 2026

Saint George Palace
See all 514 properties in Rila
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pirin Golf & Country Club Apartment Complex

Pirin Golf & Country Club Apartment Complex

4 out of 5
Pirin Golf Resort Razlog Bansko
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Razlog. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 6 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Vihren and Bansko Ski Resort are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (26 reviews)
"The receptionist was very kind and accommodating. We had a small incident, and after sharing with her, she went beyond our expectations to make our stay comfortable. I can’t say enough how caring she was. The rental of golf equipment was a bit pricey, and I would have expected to have a bit better ..."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2026

Pirin Golf & Country Club Apartment Complex
Persey Flora Apartments

Persey Flora Apartments

4 out of 5
Hauptstrase 1 Borovets Sofia
Book a stay at this spa apartment in Samokov. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Yanakiev Ski and Snowboard School and ...
Persey Flora Apartments
Pirin Sense Apartment Complex

Pirin Sense Apartment Complex

4 out of 5
Todorini ochi Bansko Blagoevgrad
Book a stay at this spa aparthotel in Bansko. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Ice Rink Bansko and Bansko Gondola Lift ...
Pirin Sense Apartment Complex
See all properties in Rila
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Rila attractions

Rila Monastery

9.2/10 (34 reviews)
Rila Monastery is just one of the places to see in Rila, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Make time to visit the spas and monuments while you're in the area.
See properties

Things to do

Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Tour

From Sofia : Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Tour

$23
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
From Sofia : Rila Monastery & Boyana Church Tour
Rila Monastery: Complex Smartphone Audio Guide

Rila Monastery: Complex Smartphone Audio Guide

$6
per adult
Rila Monastery: Complex Smartphone Audio Guide
Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour

Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour

$56
per adult
Rila Monastery Afternoon Half Day tour
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Small Group Day Trip

Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Group Day Trip

$40
per traveler
90% of travellers recommend
Rila Monastery and Boyana Church Shuttle Group Day Trip
Flexible Group Day Trip to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church

Flexible Group Day Trip to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church

$33
per adult
Flexible Group Day Trip to Rila Monastery & Boyana Church
Unique Traditional Bulgarian Meal at the Seven Rila Lakes Hut

Unique Traditional Bulgarian Meal at the Seven Rila Lakes Hut

$51
per adult
Unique Traditional Bulgarian Meal at the Seven Rila Lakes Hut
See all activities in Rila

Frequently asked questions

Is Rila worth visiting?
Rila is worth visiting for its standout attractions, offering travelers a chance to explore significant cultural and religious sites. Key highlights include the historic Rila Monastery and the beautiful Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno. These destinations provide a rich experience for those interested in the region's heritage.
When is the best time to visit Rila?
The best time to visit Rila is from May through September, when the climate is most favorable for travelers. For fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of November through February are a good option, offering cooler weather for a different experience.
What is Rila known for?
Rila, known as Rila Obshtina, is known for its prominent religious landmarks, including the historic Rila Monastery and the Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno. Travelers can also discover the local winemaking tradition at Medi Valley Winery in this Bulgarian city.
What is a good itinerary length for Rila?
A good itinerary length for Rila is one to two days to explore key highlights like Rila Monastery and the Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno. An extended stay of two to three days allows travelers to also visit Medi Valley Winery, offering a more relaxed experience of the area. See Rila Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Rila?
Rila offers historic landmarks, natural wonders, and local flavors for travelers to enjoy:


How do I plan a trip to Rila?
To plan your trip to Rila, book flights and hotels in advance. Consider a Private Tour from Sofia to the Rila Monastery to explore attractions like Rila Monastery, Church of Rozhdestvo Bogorodichno, and Medi Valley Winery. For outdoor activities, have indoor backups ready to ensure weather flexibility during your visit.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Rila?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Rila by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Rila with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Rila trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Rila?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Rila can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Rila trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Rila trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Rila trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Rila trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Rila?
If it's your first trip to Rila, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Rila hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Rila hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

Cities near Rila

A rural landscape with rolling hills, a cornfield, and a distant house.

Razlog

A forest with autumn-colored trees and a stream.

Samokov

A hillside village with terracotta-tiled roofs, a mix of old and new buildings, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.

Dupnitsa

A cityscape with a prominent cross on a hill overlooking a densely populated area.

Blagoevgrad