Day trips from Sofia
5 hidden towns and nature spots within 150 km of Sofia, picked by Europe Revealed. Sorted from nearest to furthest.
15 km01 · Nature spotVitosha MountainA mountain at Sofia's edge, with boulder 'rivers' and wide views.
Buses from Sofia go up the mountain. The Simeonovo gondola runs at some times.
55 km02 · Nature spotSeven Rila LakesSeven glacial lakes stepping down a mountain cirque.
Drive to the Panichishte area, then take the chairlift up. It may not run in bad weather.
65 km03 · Hidden townRila MonasteryBulgaria's largest monastery, with striped arches and painted walls deep in the mountains.
About 2 hours by car from Sofia. A daily bus also runs from Sofia.
95 km04 · Hidden townBanskoA stone town at the foot of the Pirin mountains.
Buses run from Sofia in about 3 hours. A narrow-gauge railway passes through too.
115 km05 · Nature spotBelogradchik RocksRed rock towers with a fortress built among them.
Easiest by car, about 3 hours from Sofia.Questions
Day trips from Sofia: good to know
What are the best day trips from Sofia?
Our favourite hidden places near Sofia are Vitosha Mountain (15 km), Seven Rila Lakes (55 km), Rila Monastery (65 km) and Bansko (95 km). All 5 are on this page, sorted by distance.
How far are these places from Sofia?
All of them are within about 150 km of Sofia in a straight line, close enough for a day trip by car, and many by train or bus too. Check each place for how to get there.