Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SKIING MALÎOVITSA & HIKING THE SEVEN RILA
LAKES
For more low-key skiing than at Borovets or Bansko, try Malîovitsa (Mali-ov-itsa), located 13km southwest of
Govedartsi at the foot of the Rila Mountains. Malîovitsa is ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers; its relatively
placid atmosphere makes it more family-friendly too. In summer, it's popular for rock climbing, mountain climbing,
hiking and birdwatching.
In winter, the
Central Mountain School
( 07125-2270; Maliovitsa)
rents out equipment (5 lv to 10 lv per
person per day, depending on quality). Malîovitsa's one draglift costs 12 lv per person per day. In summer, the same
outfit offers rock climbing and mountain climbing (30 lv to 50 lv per person per day). This includes a guide, but not
transport or equipment (they're available at the school). Between March and June, and in September and October,
the school runs kayaking and rafting trips on local rivers. The
Central Mountain School
(
07125-2270; d from
25 lv;
)
pension also offers simple accommodation from 25 lev per person.
Malîovitsa's also the base for one of Bulgaria's most popular hiking destinations: the
Seven Rila Lakes
(Sedemte
Rilski Ezera)
. These glittering turquoise lakes, small but exquisitely beautiful, are strung out like jewels across
rolling meadows in the central Rila Mountains.
From Malîovitsa, well-marked hiking trails access the lakes (Kartografia's detailed
Rila
map is useful too); along
the trails, several
hizhas
(mountain huts) provide accommodation. From the village, first hike (about one hour) to
Hizha Malîovitsa (2050m). The barracks-like rooms have between four and 20 beds. There's cheap camping too.
The cafe has basic meals and a kitchen.
From Hizha Malîovitsa, it's a seven-hour hike to Hizha Sedemte Ezera, an older hut with simple dormitories. Al-
ternatively, a little further north is
Hizha Rilski Ezera
( 0701-50 513; dm/r with shared/private bathroom from
40/50 lv per person), at
2150m. The Rila Mountains' best
hizha
, it offers dorm beds and rooms with shared/private
bathroom from 40/50 lv per person, including breakfast and dinner, plus a cafe. Reservations aren't necessary, ex-
cept during August.
From the Seven Lakes, it's an easy one-hour walk downhill to
Hizha Skakavitsa
( 0701-50 513; dm from 25
lev), at
1985m, and its lovely waterfall; alternatively, head for Rila Monastery (a six- to seven-hour hike).
Another route to the Seven Rila Lakes from Malîovitsa is via Hizha Vada and Hizha Lovna, bypassing Hizha
Malîovitsa.
In nearby Govedartsi village,
Guesthouse Djambazki
( 0888 573-133;
www.house-djambazki.com
; bul Iskar
53, Govedartsi; s/d/apt from €35/50/75; )
is a cosy place with comfortable rooms, some with balconies,
plus a sauna and bike rental. Otherwise, the bigger
Hotel Malîovitsa
(
07125-2222; Malîovitsa; d/tr/q incl
breakfast from 25/40/60 lv;
)
, above the central car park, has clean rooms at good rates, plus restaurant, bar, ski
school and kids' playground.
From Sofia's Yug bus station, one daily direct minibus (10 lv, two hours) departs for Malîovitsa in the morning.
Otherwise, go via Samokov, from where a minibus runs to Malîovitsa (5 lv, 45 minutes). Minibuses return to
Samokov twice daily, and once daily to Sofia. From Blagoevgrad, take any bus passing through Samokov, then
catch the Malîovitsa minibus.
