Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Rila Village
POP 3044
The jumping-off point for Bulgaria's most sacred Orthodox shrine, this village 22km east
of Rila Monastery is a sleepy place kept awake by its small faculty of tourism. Most
monastery-bound buses connect here, however, and Rila does offer more inexpensive ac-
commodation options than the monastery.
The town post office (which, amusingly, sells Christmas cards, not Rila postcards!) is
behind the bus station. But the action, such as there is, centres on the main square, pl
Vazhrajdane. Here you'll find ATMs, cafes and restaurants, plus the Rila Tourist Informa-
tion Center, which has bus timetables, monastery and hiking info, and maps.
Sleeping & Eating
Hotel Orbita $
( 07054-2167; s/d 26/40 lv; )
The village's old standby has basic but clean
rooms with good-size bathrooms, though the communist- era facade and lobby are rather
glum. If staying out after 10pm, you'll have to ring the bell to get someone to open up.
The Orbita is 30m to the right when walking upwards (a northeasterly direction) on the
square.
HOTEL
Bistro 169 $
(mains 4-7 lv; )
Despite its unpromising interior, this little place just right of the square
serves decent salads, light grills and local fish. Tables are on the footpath.
GRILLS
Kafe Djoana
(pl Vazhrajdane 2; 7am-1am; )
A small, bright place on the square, good for an
evening drink, and attracting a young local crowd.
CAFE
Information
Rila Tourist Information Center
( 0887 848 439; rilatur@gmail.com; pl Vazhara-
jdane; 7am-1pm & 2-7pm)
Rila village's small tourist information office has bus
