There aren’t many major tourist attractions that allow you to spend the night but Rila Monastery in Bulgaria is one of them!
The imposing site, also known as the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, is the biggest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria. How’s that for a tick off your bucket list?
Its stunning sweetie striped building sits high in the Rila Mountains more than 3,700 metres above sea level and is just a hike away from the famous Rila Lakes.
But what attracted me most was the novelty of sleeping at the 10th century monastery which is still home to some 60 monks.
It turned out to be one of the most unique travel experiences I have had, right up there with the temples of Bagan.
Staying at Rila Monastery
1. How to get to Rila Monastery
Our journey to Rila was the perfect start to the adventure. Get ready to wind down those windows, crank up the tunes and watch the mountains unfold before your steering wheel.
Bulgaria Playlist: Check out Lubo Kirov who we accidentally saw live in Plovdiv
There are two ways to get to Rila, by car or by bus, and we chose the former.
I would highly recommend driving because it offers more flexibility. From Sofia, the journey takes between one and a half to two hours, beginning on the motorway and ending on windy mountain roads. And guests can park at the back of the monastery for free.
The UK government website warns of poor roads in Bulgaria so we were pleasantly surprised to find smooth, well marked routes for the most part. Waze app gives you ample warning of potholes and speed cameras while also pointing out traffic police who often park in lay-bys. The approach to Rila does include some unmade dirt roads but if you take things slow, the views make up for the bumpy ride!
Alternatively, take the bus from Sofia to Rila Monastery. There is only one bus per day which leaves the west bus station, Ovcha Kupel, at 10.20am and arrives at around 1pm. From Rila to Sofia, the bus leaves at 3pm and arrives in the capital at around 5.30pm. A return ticket costs 22 BGN, or 11 euros, from the driver!
A new shuttle bus service is also available from 20 euros via traventuria.bg for day trips.
2. Accommodation
There are plenty of cosy hotels and riverside lodges in Rila but I say if you are going to do it, then do it and stay at the monastery. Trust me, you will not forget it.
The modest dorm rooms come with wooden single beds, scratchy blankets, a wardrobe and ensuite bathroom complete with a toilet, wash basin and basic wall fitted shower.
Water temperature: Lukewarm.
It’s not five-star lodgings but its quirks and creaks make for the perfect, authentic stay and the setting is exceptional.
3. How much does it cost?
A one night stay at Rila Monastery costs 20 BGN. Booking must be made directly with the brotherhood over the phone or upon arrival.
Alternatively, a day trip to Rila Monastery and Rila Lakes from Sofia starts at around £35. Check your options here.
4. What is it like to stay at Rila Monastery?
Walking around the beautiful corridors and balconies of the monastery is forbidden to visitors but accessible to guests. We loved this perk and took advantage, looking over the cobbles below and choosing a bench to read. Monks crossing the courtyard were a familiar sight.
One of my favourite things to do was to immerse myself in the peace and quiet and marvel at the mountain peaks. We walked down to the stream where we sat in silence listening to the water before having dinner at the monastery restaurant.
What did I order? Soup of the day, chicken and salad with monastery bread – warm, thick and delicious.
There is not much to do at night but enjoy the peace and tranquility in the knowledge you are in the middle of nowhere!
5. Travel Tips
If you have the time, take a look at the Rila Monastery to Seven Rila Lakes hike. The trip takes around seven hours and it is one of the most popular hiking spots in Bulgaria.
For those like me on limited time, the forest surrounding the monastery is also very worthy of hiking. There are several rough trails from the monastery car park with visitor maps on display.
There is also a fascinating museum at Rila Monastery, which runs underground, giving context to the site’s location and history.
So there you have it – how to stay at Rila Monastery and plenty of things to do once you’re there.
Bulgaria really surprised me as a travel destination and I hope this blog post inspires you to consider it too.
Until next time,
Laura x
Did you call or book on arrival? I have heard its not very easy to book via phone given reception + language barrier.
Thanks!
Author
Hi Gary, we managed to book on the phone but when we arrived, it seemed like it would have been easy to book there and then at the office
Is the restaurant outside of monastery grounds? Or part of the complex
Author
Hi Matt, the restaurant is just outside the walls of the monastery – less than a minute’s walk away I’d say!
Thank you Laura for these tips !
Author
You’re very welcome! Thanks for reading Zeina