Find hotels near Rila Monastery, Rila

Top reasons to visit Rila Monastery

• Stunning Architecture: Experience the breathtaking design and intricate frescoes of Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Outdoor Adventures: Enjoy hiking in the surrounding Rila Mountains or partake in winter sports at nearby ski resorts.
• Rich Cultural Experience: Immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, engaging with pilgrims and exploring nearby historic churches.
• Relaxation Options: Unwind at local spas after a day of exploration, perfect for rejuvenating your spirit.
• Diverse Accommodations: Choose from cozy guesthouses to comfortable hotels, catering to various traveler needs.

Find great hotels near Rila Monastery

Discover a variety of accommodation options near Rila Monastery, perfect for every type of traveler. From cozy guesthouses to comfortable hotels, you’ll find facilities that cater to spa enthusiasts, business travelers, and those seeking a ski vacation experience. Whether you’re a pilgrim looking for a serene stay or a visitor wanting to explore the stunning surroundings, Rila offers a range of places that ensure a memorable visit.

• Rila Hotel Borovets: A vibrant 4-star retreat, Rila Hotel Borovets is the perfect choice for travelers seeking a welcoming atmosphere, especially for LGBTQIA guests. Located 16 miles from Rila Monastery, this hotel is ideal for ski enthusiasts, providing easy access to ski shuttles and lifts nearby. With its modern design and amenities, guests can enjoy comfortable accommodations after a day on the slopes. The hotel is affiliated with LGBTQI travel guides, ensuring a friendly environment for all visitors. Experience the thrill of a ski vacation while enjoying a cozy and inclusive setting.
• Euphoria Club Hotel & Resort: This 4-star hotel, situated 17 miles from Rila Monastery, is a pet-friendly paradise for adventurous travelers. Euphoria Club Hotel & Resort offers a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Guests can rent ski equipment onsite and explore the snowy trails or take part in snowshoeing adventures nearby. With special amenities for pets, including a variable fee policy, this resort ensures you can bring your furry friends along for the fun. The blend of adventure and comfort makes it a great choice for families and thrill-seekers alike.
• Festa Winter Palace: For those seeking an upscale experience, the 5-star Festa Winter Palace is just 17 miles away from Rila Monastery. This luxurious hotel is perfect for families and adventure seekers, offering a range of activities from onsite horseback riding to ski rentals. The hotel also features a free children’s club and playground, ensuring younger guests are entertained. Guests appreciate the elegant accommodations and the stunning mountain views, making it an ideal base for both relaxation and exploration. Experience the height of Bulgarian hospitality with adventure and family-friendly amenities.

Where to stay near Rila Monastery

Visitors to Rila Monastery will be enchanted by its friendly atmosphere, where local pilgrims and travelers alike gather. Explore charming nearby shops, savor delicious meals at a few quaint restaurants, and indulge in a romantic ambiance that enhances your getaway. The stunning backdrop of the Rila Mountains offers a perfect escape, allowing you to connect with both nature and the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria.

• Rilski Manastir: A quaint village located a mere 0.4 miles from the iconic Rila Monastery, Rilski Manastir is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. This area's traveler arrivals peak from January to March, making it a vibrant spot during the winter months. In the warmer seasons of May and October to November, visitor numbers dwindle, providing a quieter atmosphere. Here, you can enjoy activities such as golf at a nearby private club, as well as exploring the stunning local scenery, including the monastery and surrounding park areas.
• Rila Mountains: Just 2 miles from Rila Monastery, the Rila Mountains offer breathtaking natural beauty and exhilarating outdoor activities. The seasonal visitor pattern mirrors that of Rilski Manastir, with peaks in January to March. This majestic mountain range is perfect for adventure enthusiasts, particularly those looking to ski or explore the numerous trails. In addition to skiing, the area features charming shopping precincts and picturesque lakes, making it an excellent destination for both thrill-seekers and those looking to unwind amidst nature's splendor.
• Sapareva Banya: Located 11 miles from Rila Monastery, Sapareva Banya is a lively city that boasts a year-round appeal. Its visitor numbers peak during the summer months of June to August, offering a bustling atmosphere filled with outdoor and adventure opportunities, including skiing and spa experiences. The city is known for its healing mineral waters and proximity to beautiful lakes and places of worship, including another monastery. Whether you're looking to indulge in relaxation or adventure, Sapareva Banya has something special to offer.

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.

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.

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

The nearest major airports for your trip to Rila Monastery

If you're planning to visit Rila Monastery, the nearest major airport is Sofia Airport (SOF), located 39 miles away. For a comfortable stay near the airport, consider the Grand Hotel Millennium Sofia and InterContinental Sofia by IHG, both 4 miles from SOF. The Grand Hotel offers a 24-hour airport shuttle, available on request, while the InterContinental provides scheduled shuttle services and transfers, though fees may apply. Both hotels ensure easy access to the airport, making your travel convenient as you embark on your journey to explore the stunning Rila Monastery.