Following the launch of our new Bulgaria hiking holiday recently, we think it’s was only polite to introduce you to the man leading the way and the newest member of our team. Meet Atanas, a mountaineer, travel lover and history buff. There’s nothing he doesn’t know about Bulgaria’s mountains—he’s been exploring them by foot, skis and bike since his teens.
Read on to get to know Atanas (who we suspect is secretly half-yeti) and find out what our exciting new adventure entails.
Tell us a bit about yourself—where did you grow up and why did you become a guide?
I was born in the seaside city of Burgas but I’ve spent most of my life in the capital, Sofia. I started exploring the Bulgarian mountains in my teens, spending all my free time travelling, hiking, skiing and cycling with my free-spirited friends. Outdoor sports have always been a big part of my life and my favourite way to explore.
I studied political science at university and became really interested in the history and culture of Eastern Europe, specifically the Balkans. But despite enjoying what I learnt, I knew academic life wasn’t for me—I wanted to explore the world first-hand. And so after graduating, I started guiding small-group activity tours in Bulgaria and its neighbouring countries and it struck me that being a guide combined all of my interests: outdoor sports, travel and history.
During the pandemic, I used the time to improve my mountaineering skills and enrolled in a two-year mountain guiding course to gain my official Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) accreditation.
I’m always learning new things and feel part of an amazing travel community—that’s the best thing about my job.
What is your favourite place to explore in Bulgaria?
As a person who loves trekking and skiing, my favourite places are the Rila and Pirin mountains as they’re within a three-hour drive from Sofia and have great, steep terrain, perfect for those outdoor activities.
The Rhodope mountains are a close second favourite. Located in the southern part of the country, this is the largest mountain range in Bulgaria (part of it lies in Greece), and is a world of its own with rolling hills, high mountain lakes, and dramatic karst landscapes.
But what makes the Rhodopes really unique is the people living there. This region is home to the country’s minority muslim population (about 10% of the total population) and they’re known for their warm welcome. The traditional villages there are probably the best places to experience genuine local hospitality.
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What might surprise visitors about Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is mostly known for its seaside and winter resorts, but it has so much more to offer.
With more than 30% of its territory occupied by mountains and some major Balkan rivers flowing through it, Bulgaria offers endless outdoor adventures. Rila, Pirin and the Central Balkan National Park are great for trekking, the Rhodopes have numerous mountain biking trails, and the Struma and Iskar rivers are great for rafting and kayaking.
Another little-known fact about Bulgaria is that it’s one of its most biodiverse European countries. You can find 70% of the continent’s bird species and 40% of its natural habitats, particularly in the southeast which is a paradise for bird-watchers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Bulgaria is also a country steeped in history and ancient traditions dating back to the 7th century AD. Like its Balkan neighbors, it has always been at the crossroads of various empires, cultures and religions, making for a fascinating backstory.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
Most of my hobbies are related to the outdoors and I enjoy hiking and cycling with my friends. Winters are all about skiing. The greatest thing about living in Sofia is its location in the middle of three mountains, so there is plenty to do on the weekends within arm’s reach. Of course, there are times when I prefer to relax with a good book and catch up with friends in the city.
What is your favourite thing about being a guide?
Spending time with like-minded people who are genuinely curious about the world. When travelling, we often visit interesting destinations and learn new things but in the end, it is all about the people and the connections you make along the way. I often visit the same places as a tour leader but in a way, I always see them through fresh eyes like my guests.
Not much is known about Bulgaria and the Balkans in general and I find that visitors often come with certain preconceptions (or none at all). So it’s great to see them being pleasantly surprised by what this region has to offer.
What traditional foods/drinks should visitors try in Bulgaria?
Tasting a shot of rakia is absolutely mandatory, anywhere you visit in the Balkans. For centuries, Bulgarians have prepared their own rakia, putting their own ‘family signature’ on it. You can buy it in the stores, but the homemade one is the real thing. Who makes the best Rakia in the Balkans is a hot topic!
It’s hard to name a national dish specific to Bulgaria as many are shared with its Balkan neighbours due to Ottoman influences. You can taste some great grilled meat (as in Serbia), yoghurt and salads made with fresh vegetables and white cheese (as in Greece), as well as stuffed vegetable dishes and baklavas (as in Turkey and Albania).
But if you want to try something truly local, I would recommend tasting the Kapama, it is a slow-cooked dish (usually made of different kinds of meat, potatoes and vegetables) prepared in a clay pot. The best ones are made in the region of Bansko. Be sure to have yoghurt with blueberry jam for dessert, it is amazing!
What can travellers expect on our new Bulgaria hiking adventure with you?
We will mostly be exploring the Rila and Pirin mountains (my favourite places) which offer world-class hiking terrain that few people know about. Forged by receding glaciers, these mountains are characterised by unbelievably scenic valleys, pristine lakes and jagged peaks.
In Rila, we will explore three iconic places: Mount Musala, the highest peak in the Balkans at 2,925 metres (9,596 feet) above sea level, the glorious Seven Rila Lakes cirque, and the Malyovitsa valley, known as the cradle of Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering.
And in Pirin, the highlight is definitely the Marble Ridge for its stunning views. We will also take a very scenic hike in the Bezbog area, which provides a glimpse into the more central part of the mountain.
Feeling inspired? Check out the full itinerary for our Bulgaria mountain hiking adventure.
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