The picturesque town of Samokov is situated in the southwest of Bulgaria in Sofia district 55 km from Sofia and 12 km from Borovets. The town is the biggest one in the district and is an administrative centre of Samokov Municipality.
The Samokov valley is located between several mountains – Rila, Plana, Vitosha, Verila, Ihtimanska Sredna gora. It is 950 meters above sea-level. In the heart of Samokov Valley spatter the waters of Iskar River and its feeders.
Climate
The position of the town defines the climate – not too hot summer but mild and continuous winter. Prolonged is the sun shining and the lack of fogs. The high mountain stops stormy winds.
History
The town is also known for its history. In the past, Samokov was a centre of handicrafts and art. The famous icon- painter school of Samokov left a lot of works of art all over the country.
Samokov is rich of cultural and historical sightseeing. Several interesting churches can be visited in the town; there is even a working nunnery, which was created in 1772.
Tourism
The great cultural and historical heritage the historic records, the National Park ‘Rila’ – the biggest nature preserve in Bulgaria complete the diversity of premises for development of the tourist sector.
Due to the suitable winter sports conditions, Samokov, together with the nearby resort Borovets, is a major tourist centre. Actually Samokov is known to be the town with oldest traditions in the ski sport.
The municipality features quite favorable natural conditions for developing tourism and is among the few municipalities categorized to have potential for winter tourism of international scale. A great potential for development are the other resort areas in the municipality – ‘Malyovitsa’ complex, the villages of Govedrsti, Mala Tsakva and Beli Iskar which according to the plans will develop into resort-tourist localization with international importance ‘Samokov-Borovets-Beli iskar’. The offering of tourist services is increasing in the town of Samokov itself where there are many private hotels. The purpose will be diversification and expansion of the tourist product for achieving an all year round activity and utilization of the unique opportunities for development of a wide range of sport activities, nature- healing and bio-prophylaxis.
A new ski complex was opened in Samokov
BOROVETS
Borovets is the oldest Bulgarian winter resort located 10 km away from the town of Samokov and less than 75 km from the capital of Sofia. Through the years the resort is a desirable place for many tourists. Now Borovets is a modern ski resort with more than 45 km of diverse ski runs for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers distributed among three regions – Sitnyakovo, Yastrebets and Markudjika. In process of elaboration are new ski tracks and equipment that will turn Borovets into the biggest winter resort on the Balkans. Here one can have a memorable holiday in luxury hotels, visiting cozy restaurants, many night-clubs, bars and discos. For those who wish to feel the unique Bulgarian spirit the Bulgarian folklore evenings are an exclusive attraction.
MALYOVITSA
The Malyovitsa resort is situated in the northeast part of the Rila Mountain. It is away 14 km from the village of Govedartsi. Malyovitsa is a perfect place for tourism and alpinism. There are restaurants, hotels and ski-tracks. The mountain cliffs are sheer and are one of the most difficult climbing routes in the in the whole country. The area of Malyovitsa mountain hostel is a starting point for many tourist routes: To Rilla Monastery – 6 hours, to "Ivan Vazov" chalet – 7 hours, to Ribni ezera (Fish lakes) chalet - 9-10 hours, to the Seven Rilla lakes - 5 hours. The peak of Malyovitsa (2000m-high) can be reached in about 2-3 hours and magnificent view burst upon the tourists from there.
There is regular bus transport to the village of Govedartsi where there is a ski- track with length of 1600 m.
GOVEDARTSI
The village of Govedartsi is located at the foot of the gorgeous Rila mountain. The village is extremely attractive for recreation. Govedartsi is well-known for the magnificent landscape. This is the only village in the area with ski run (1600 m) and a lift. The resort is a starting point for lots of itineraries to the Rila Mountain- to the peak of Malyovitsa, the Seven Lakes of the Rila Mountain, the Urdini lakes, the Rila Monastery, etc. The Ecotourism Association has created 150 km of walking and cycling paths in the area, sponsored by the Bulgarian Ministry of Environment and Waters.
The village amenities include small family hotels, restaurants, shops, cafes.
Read about the new project ‘Iskrovete-Govedartsi-Malyovitsa’
BELCHINSKI BANI
The Belchin Banya (Belchinski Bani) mineral balneological centre is siutated at a distance of 10 km to the west of Samokov by the River Palakaria. The temperature of the mineral water is 41.5o C and is curative mainly for diseases of the joints, bones and the locomotion system. There are recreation houises, and open-air pool.
ISKAR RESERVOIR
The Iskar Reservoir is the largest reservoir in Bulgaria. It is situated on the Iskar River and provides 2/3 of the water for the capital Sofia, also being used for producing hydroelectricity.
The reservoir has a total volume of 673 million m3, of which 580 million are in use and the rest is reserve. The reservoir has a drainage basin of 1,046 km² and is 25 km long. It is situated at an average 1,314 m above sea level, its dam being 204 m long and 76 m high.
The area is a preferred place for dedicated anglers and besides fishing is extremely suitable for water sports and sun-bathing, as well as mountain walks.
PICTURES FROM THE REGION
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