Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
External accommodation is within 100m of Samokov gate. The monastery provides relat-
ively spartan accommodation for those desiring the full Rila experience.
Zodiak $
( 0888 216 527;
www.camping-zodiac.com
;
camp sites 10 lv, d from 30 lv)
This fores-
ted camping ground is a bit run-down but enjoys an idyllic setting along the river, 1.6km
past Rila Monastery towards Kiril Meadow. The Zodiak's restaurant is decent, and in
summer it does outdoor barbeques. There's also space for 30 camper vans (30 lv).
CAMPGROUND
Hotel Rilets $
( 2106; s/d incl breakfast from 25/35 lv; )
Located down a 500m-long access road
starting 1.2km past Rila Monastery, on the road to Kiril Meadow, the large and somewhat
lacklustre Rilets offers basic rooms and an average on-site restaurant.
HOTEL
Rila Monastery's Rooms $
( 0896 872-010;
www.rilamonastery.pmg-blg.com
; Rila Monastery; r 30-60 lv)
The
monastery offers older, dorm-style western-wing rooms (the communal facilities have toi-
lets but no showers), and some nicer en suite rooms. In summer, the latter rooms can be
booked by midday, so call ahead or arrive early. The reception office (in the southern
wing) handles bookings.
MONASTERY
Hotel Tsarev Vrah $
( 2280;
www.tzarevvrah.com
; s/d/tr 35/45/60 lv)
On land owned by Rila Monastery, the
renovated Tsarev Vrah has clean, though not terribly well-lit rooms; most balconies offer
forest views, but you can request a monastery-view room. The hotel cooks up tasty Bul-
garian cuisine (mains 6 lv to 11 lv), and the leafy garden tables are popular for a summer
repast. It's signposted about 150m from the monastery's Samokov gate.
HOTEL
Eating
Most restaurants are near Samokov gate. Rila's local delicacy is
pasturvka
(trout); prices
are usually per 100g.
Rila Restaurant $
BULGARIAN
