Samokov is described as the 'gateway to the Bulgarian Alps' because of its excellent position at the foot of the impressive Rila Mountains. You have to pass through Samokov to get to the internationally acclaimed resort of Borovets and as a result, skiers and investors have realised the huge potential here and it is the home of many Brits. It has been earmarked for a complete overhaul to connect it to Borovets, in the form of the Super Borovets Project.

  As a result, it will have some of the best new ski facilities etc in the area. Only 1 hour away from the capital of Sofia and its international airport, it is incredibly easy to access all year round due to the brand new road connecting the two areas.

  Tourism is Samokov's main business although it does have a very strong agricultural heritage and you will notice many potato sellers in the region (the area is the biggest potato producer in Bulgaria). Due to Borovets being right next door, the town enjoys a lively winter season and is also very busy in summer as the Rila mountains are a beautiful place to visit all year round, especially with Lake Iskar just down the road.

  Being high up in the mountains brings many other benefits too. The air is free from pollutants and you will notice that it is very fresh and in general, a healthier place to live. The drinking water has even won awards for cleanliness which is no wonder since it comes straight from the mountains and it is similar to drinking Evian every day. In fact, residents of Samokov who have visited Britain have complained about the awful drinking water!

  There are around 30, 000 inhabitants living in Samokov, making it a sizeable town and the town was actually built on an old Roman settlement. Samokov has always had significance in the area and in the 14th century, it became Bulgaria's largest ore mining district. Due to the abundance of high quality raw materials, Samokov attracted many crafts and tradesmen including Saxons from Western Europe. As a result, new and modern techniques to ore refinery etc were introduced by the Saxons to Samokov which then spread to the rest of Bulgaria. The Saxons introduced water power to Samokov and all the workshops and ancient factories were powered by the rivers coming down from the Rila mountains, namely the Iskar river (Bulgaria's longest river). Iskar can still be seen flowing to the town today

Unfortunately, the Turks spotted the importance and wealth that Samokov was creating and conquered the town in 1372. Under the Turkish yoke, Samokov was made the most important town in the area, controlling the nearby towns of Dupnitsa, Ihtiman, Razlog and Blagoevgrad. Walk through the town today and you can still see some of the marks the Turks left during their rule.

  There are a few historic houses left (one beautiful example we have available for rent- the Lord's House), as well as the famous Bairakli Mosque in the centre. Although it is supposed to be a Muslin Mosque, the Bulgarians who designed it did it in typical Revival style. Visitors are always impressed by the ornamental and highly intricate painting of the interior. However, not many Turkish building or influences are left anymore.

  The 1800's saw the 'artistic revolution' for Samokov. During this time, Bulgaria's biggest and most modern art school was founded and produced some of the country's finest painters who included: Christo Dimitrov and his sons Dimitar and Zahary Zagraf. Other famous artists who came from the school included Ivan and Nicola Obrazoprisovi.

  Bulgaria's largest printing dynasty started in Samokov, with Konstantin Karastoyanov opening their first factory in 1827. The town kept growing and producing 'high fliers' of the day, another one of which who was Konstantin Fotinov who started Bulgaria's very first proper magazine 'Ljuboslovie' in 1844.

  Then came the struggle for the Independent Bulgarian Church which started here and ultimately marked a bit of a decline for Samokov. Arts and crafts started to decline and with it, so did the economic and administrative power. However, later on, Samokov picked itself up again and went into the agricultural business. With incredibly rich soil and favourable weather, potato farming became a staple business and Samokov became the main potato producer in Samokov, as mentioned above. Again, Samokov is experiencing yet another transition, this time into tourism.

  Samokov happens to be home to some of Bulgaria's most treasured land marks, one of which is the Church of the Assumption, built in 1791. Designed and built by some of the best artists and architects at the time, it really is a sight to behold. No visit to Samokov is complete until this superb church has been seen.

  Another place worth visiting is the Convent which symbolises the spirit of the feisty Revival Samokov. Although it is not quite the Sistine chapel, it is one of the only preserved Convents in the area and is renowned for its authenticity and peacefulness.

  In the last few years, some very nice and modern restaurants have been built in the town which are certainly recommended. If you go to the centre of town, you will immediately be presented with a good selection. Just behind the Earing Fountain is a more traditional style but large Mehana restaurant that is very nice in summer as it is cool. If you go further up and to the right, you will the Central (it is slightly hidden) and this has menus in both Bulgarian and English. Of a very nice modern and warm design with comfy seats in the section to the back and a very large open area which is great in summer (complete with fountain) this has to be on of the best in town.

  One of the most unique restaurants has to be the one overlooking the whole of Samokov. Constructed on the site of a much older property, it has some incredible views and in summer time there are good sized seating areas where you can eat your meal and enjoy the views. On Friday and Saturday nights there is also live music with a singer coming in and small band, playing different Bulgarian Folk songs. The menus are also in English.

  On the street parallel to the main to Borovets a new pizza restaurant has just opened. The pizzas are great, the atmosphere is very friendly and the prices are incredibly low- this is certainly a must.

  Apart from the more obvious restaurants as listed above, the town has plenty of smaller, more traditional ones which have rock-bottom prices and good quality food (Bulgarian vegetable produce is very good quality) and if you fancy something a bit more low key, then try one of these. They are dotted throughout the town are very easy to find.

  In the centre there is a good sized night-club called Crystal which is open at the weekends and occasionally during the weekdays. The drinks here are fantastic value for money- beers from 25p a bottle!

  Being the largest town in the region and so close to Sofia, the transport links are very good. In winter time (and summer), buses leave every 30 minutes from the central bus station and finish in front of the Samokov hotel. These work throughout the day and late into the night. A return trip to Borovets will cost just a few Levs.

  Every hour or so there is a regular bus to Sofia city so for a day out in Bulgaria's cosmopolitan capital, this is a great value way to get there.

  There are also buses to the majority of villages in the area, particularly to Govedartsi and then on to Malyovitsa resort (definitely well worth a visit).

  Throughout the town taxis are always readily available. The registered cabs are in the bright yellow colour and to get to Borovets in peak season will cost no more than 10-15 BGN. But as with any taxi in any resort- always check prices with the driver before you get in the cab and ALL cabs must display their costs per km.

  To view photos of Samokov, why not have a look at our Gallery.