Pamporovo - Mountains - Resorts Guide

Overview: A modern ski resort in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, Pamporovo is the sunniest Bulgarian winter resort situated at an altitude of 5,413ft (1,650m), has wonderful snow throughout the season and is a highly popular holiday destination. The unique Mediterranean climate is extremely healthy and provides excellent conditions for climatic therapy and health tourism all year round. A Balneological Centre operates from within the resort. Pamporovo provides a variety of excellent ski runs for all degrees of difficulty, most of them starting from the Snejanka peak above the resort. The ski school centre is one of the best in Europe with highly qualified instructors and an international reputation. Off the slopes there are numerous opportunities for entertainment and interesting tourist attractions; the Rhodope Mountains have long been the source of legends and stories, including the mythical singer Orpheus, and the region is interesting for its folk traditions and culture.

Shopping: The main shopping centre in Pamporovo, containing mostly boutiques, souvenir shops and sports gear outlets, is attached to the Hotel Perelik and holidaymakers will not be disappointed. There is also a shopping centre at Murgavets Hotel.

Restaurants: Pamporovo is well supplied with restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisine, but most holidaymakers favour the local folk taverns like the Chevermeto, where whole sheep are roasted over open fires and dancers in traditional costume provide colourful entertainment. For an eclectic, filling selection the favourite eatery is The White Hart, which offers home-made pub grub, mouth-watering steaks, a selection of pizza and pasta and even caters well for vegetarians. More upmarket dining, along with Bulgarian wines, is offered in style at The White House.

Nightlife: Après-ski in Pamporovo is lively with plenty of options to choose from, whether you're the kind of holidaymaker who prefers sipping wine in a cosy piano bar, or partying the night away in a club. Most popular choices are BJ's in the lobby of the hotel Perelik, Daks Bar in the hotel Snejanka, Night Flight, the resort's largest disco, in the Hotel Rojen, or the White Hart pub.

Activities: Ski season in Pamporovo comes hand in hand with a full programme of events and activities for holiday visitors to enjoy, ranging from bum-boarding to a raucous ski-instructor's show. Bowling is offered at hotels, ice-skating, skidooing and tobogganing are popular pastimes, and excursions to nearby places of interest and Sofia are on offer.