Despite its closeness to Sofia, the region hides are rarely visited sites that are worth checking out. Not many people know that the church of Zemen Monastery dates back to the 14th century and, as a monument of culture, is comparable to Boyana Church. To the south, above Melnik, is Rozhen Monastery, founded by Alexius Slav back in 1220. The monastery founded by St Ivan Rilski in Rila Mountain is today the biggest in Bulgaria and figures on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Bansko, Kovachevitsa, Melnik, Delchevo and Dolen are famous historical communities with vernacular architecture typical of the Revival and Ottoman eras. Each has its unique charm and atmosphere, its secrets and glorious past. An old Turkish stone bridge, Kadin Most, from the 15th century, can be seen at Nevestino. Contemporary stone-carvers gather each year for workshops at the marble quarries of the village of Ilindensti.

In the most southern part of the region, between Pirrin, Belasitsa and Ograzhden, there is one of the most famous wine-growing areas in the country, home to the native grape variety Melnik.

The sandstone pyramids at Melnik and Stob are spectacular and attract much attention. Their ever-changing shapes generate new figures and tales, provoking the imagination of photographers, artists and travellers.

Equally interesting is the contiguity between river and rocks in the gorges of Struma – Zemen, Boboshevo and Kresna. Tisata Reserve is the country’s only habitat of a rare species of juniper, whilst its rocks give temporary shelter to numerous birds migrating between Europe and Africa along via Aristotelis.

The two Bulgarian mountain ranges of Rila and Pirrin tower at the top of the Balkans. Their peaks reach almost 3000m, with stupendous views unfolding in all directions. Hundreds of kilometres of marked paths and numerous lodges create conditions for hikes of different durations and difficulties, both in the summer and winter. The Malyovitsa region in Rila Mountain and the karst ridge of Pirrin challenge alpinists.

This region includes some of the major protected territories in Bulgaria – the Rila and Pirrin national parks, the Vitosha, Belasitsa and Rila Monastery nature parks and the Slavyanka Reserve, which is a habitat for unique plants and animals. The southern parts of the Pirrin and Slavyanka have exceptional biodiversity due to the mixed Mediterranean and mountainous climate. South-western Bulgaria is dotted with various natural mineral water spas – Nevestino, Katuntsi, Sandanski, Sapareva Banya, Dolna Banya, Rupite and Momin Prohod.

Ski centres are higher up in the mountains. The season in Rila and Pirrin is often quite long, lasting until May. The ski runs of Borovets and Bansko need no advertising. In those resorts and nearby, there are many new, cosy lodging facilities and great restaurants with outstanding service and amenities, all at excellent prices.