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The snow-capped pinetrees in the Rhodope Mountains make for a perfect backdrop for your ski vacation photos in Pamporovo. One of the biggest ski resorts in Bulgaria is located in the heart of one of the most cultured mountains in the country, where the villages still stick to their centuries-old traditions and people are excessively hospitable. From traditional villas to luxury hotels, these are the best places to stay in Pamporovo.

Holiday Village Kochorite, Pamporovo

Hotel

Kochorite is a holiday village located in the west part of Pamporovo, just a 10 minute walk from Malina ski lift. Here you can enjoy the privacy of your own two-floor villa with spacious rooms, a fireplace, and a view to the inner garden of the holiday village. The houses are built in the typical Balkan architecture style, mainly of wood and stone. You can cook your own dinner or visit the complex’s restaurant for a traditional Bulgarian meal.

Cassiopea Villas, Pamporovo

Villa

Cassiopea Villas, Pamporovo

Enjoy the privacy of a villa where you take a steaming bubbly bath after a long day out, cook your dinner in the kitchen, or just stretch your feet in front of the fireplace. The villas are just a five minute drive from Studenets ski lift (you can request a transfer), and the owners can also help you arrange ski or horseback riding lessons to explore the mountains. One of the best things about Cassiopea Villas is that your morning coffee comes with a scenic mountain view from the balcony.

Mountain Lodge Winter Half-Board, Pamporovo

Lodge, Hotel

Mountain Lodge Winter Half-Board, Pamporovo

This aparthotel is located in the center of Pamporovo and offers self-catered apartments with a kitchenette and a dining area. Cooking is easy as you have a choice of shops around, as well as many restaurants if you are not in the mood for preparing food. To make your ski vacation stress-free, this place offers a free shuttle service to the ski lifts. A stone’s throw away, you can find a sauna, an indoor pool and spa center if you need to unwind.

HOTEL DAFOVSKA, Pamporovo

Hotel

If you prefer family-run hotels, Dafovska is one of the best in Pamporovo, especially when you know that its owner is the ’98 Nagano Winter Olympics biathlon champion, Ekaterina Dafovska. It is located in the center of the ski resort and offers beautiful panoramas to Snezhanka Peak. After a day at the tracks, you can relax in the sauna, soak in a hot tub or enjoy a massage.

Hotel Iva & Elena, Pamporovo

Hotel

Hotel Iva & Elena, Pamporovo
Hotel Iva&Elena is where you will have your luxurious stay in Pamporovo. It is located approximately 50 metres (160 feet) from the ski lift of Studenets, which makes it perfect for exploring the slopes of the resort. You can choose between a standard double room, a luxurious studio and even one- to two-bedroom apartments (some of which include a fireplace for extra coziness).

Your ski equipment can dry off on a special wall, and don’t worry if you didn’t bring it with you – you can rent high-end equipment at the ski wardrobe. To make your experience even better, the hotel has a jacuzzi, steam bath and sauna to relax in style. When you get hungry, there are two restaurants serving traditional Bulgarian and European food.

Residence Hotel Malina, Smolian

Hotel, Villa

These cozy mountain chalets will make your vacation special; they are spacious, with a huge ground floor and a steep staircase leading to the bedrooms upstairs, and a huge open area around the buildings where children can play and adults can feel close to nature. Every chalet has its own fireplace, so you can prepare barbecue, as well as a veranda with garden furniture to enjoy the sunny days. Malina Villas are located just 150 metres (492 feet) from the ski slopes, so you don’t need to worry about transfers and shuttles. If you feel like splurging on your well-being, in the nearby Malina Residence you can book a massage or a luxurious body treatment.

COOP Rozhen, Pamporovo

Hotel

COOP Rozhen, Pamporovo
COOP Rozhen Hotel is located 6 km (4 mi) away from Pamporovo, at the foot of Rozhen Peak. It is equipped with everything you may need: a restaurant, a spa center with an indoor swimming pool, sauna and a steam room, as well as a beer house where you can taste traditional Bulgarian dishes and discover local beers and spirits. The hotel is set among evergreen forests and is close to the Rozhen Observatory, which you can visit on a clear night for an astronomy observation.

Stream Resort, Pamporovo

Resort, Apartment

Stream Resort, Pamporovo

Stream Resort is tucked in a peaceful part of Pamporovo, far enough away from the hustle that you can glimpse deer at twilight while you sip your coffee on your balcony or on the restaurant terrace. The complex consists of apartments, each equipped with a kitchenette and dining area. The grounds also include a relax center with an indoor swimming pool, Finnish sauna, aromatherapy steam bath, hot tub, gym and massage rooms. If you need a moment of tranquility, grab a book or a glass of wine and enjoy the warmth of the fireplace at the lobby or at the restaurants. When you’re ready to hit the slopes, there is a shuttle service to the Malina ski lift.

Complex Kamelia, Smolyan

Apartment, Hotel

Complex Kamelia, Smolyan

Complex Kamelia is located at an altitude of 1,650 metres (5,413 feet), close to Studenets Ski Lift. This four-star hotel has an indoor pool and a gym, as well as a spa center. You can choose an apartment with a kitchenette to prepare your dinner and enjoy it by the fireplace in the dining area. The mountain views from the balcony are the perfect companion to your morning coffee. If you want to taste traditional Bulgarian cuisine, especially the grilled specialties, head to the complex’s restaurant. This isn’t just a playground for adults, children also have designated playgrounds both outdoors and indoors.

complex Boriki, Pamporovo

Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel, Hotel

This cozy hotel complex offers amazing mountain views and delectable local cuisine served in its restaurant with a traditional-styled fireplace. The breakfast includes local pastry delicacies such as banitsa and mekitsa, as well as homemade butter and cheese. It is 3 km (1.5 mi) from Stoykite Ski Area and 1.5 km (1 mi) from Ardashla ski lift station. Russian steam bath and a hot tub complete the perfect stay.

About the author

Maria Angelova is in love with Bulgaria, fortune-telling, photography and talking to strangers. She is the author of several travel books in Bulgarian and English, including "50 Secret Places to Discover in Bulgaria' and "203 Travel Challenges. Travel the World. Explore Your Inner Self."

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