Located by Mount Musala in the Rila mountain range Borovets is the oldest winter sports resort in Bulgaria and is fast becoming one of the best known ski destinations in Europe. Borovets is around an hour’s drive from Sofia.

What is the skiing like in Borovets?

Borovets is a world class ski resort, evidenced by the fact that the town has twice been host to the World Cup and would have been used for Olympic runs had Bulgaria won the 2014 Winter Olympics. The facilities here are considered to be top rate — the biathlon track on the resort, for example, is one of the best in Europe. The resort enjoys good snowfall from December to April and usually has a mild winter. There are around 20 ski rums here spread over three sectors, Sitniakoyo, Markoudzhik and Yastrebets. Although considered a great option for families, Borovets actually offers runs of all difficulties from novice to expert.

Visitors to Borovets can also do other sports as well including snowboarding, ski-dooing, ice-skating, alpine skiing, ski jumping and cross country skiing. All signs/markings are international and the resort’s runs are well maintained. Borovets has a gondola and various chair and drag/baby drag lifts.

What kind of accommodation is available in Borovets?

As a well-established and busy resort Borovets has a wealth of hotels — from five star through to small family run concerns — and plenty of self-catering properties for those who prefer rented accommodation. Options here will suit all sizes of parties and all budgets. Typical self-catering properties include villa, apartments, chalets, houses and bungalows. Some properties here are purpose built new developments whilst others are conversions of local properties.

What’s the night-life like in Borovets?

There is plenty to do in the resort. The town has shops, bars, cafes and restaurants as well as various discos and clubs for skiers who like to burn the candle at both ends! From an eating perspective there are all kinds of cuisines on offer from stalls selling local snacks, to traditional Bulgarian restaurants through to the kind of modern European cuisine that is universally found.

What else is there to do apart from skiing?

Many visitors explore the local countryside so hiking, walking and horse-riding are all popular activities. Some people take the opportunity to go up Mount Musala which involves a lift for part of the way and then a walk to get to the top. Visitors should take a look at the Bistrista Palace which is an old royal hunting lodge which contains some great examples of wood carving for which the region is renowned. Other activities include swimming, bowling and there are various health/spa options as well. Many visitors also go a little further afield and make a visit to historical Sofia or Plovdiv.

Conclusion

The facilities and friendly atmosphere in Borovets make this an ideal destination for a ski holiday. Although the resort is very well designed and maintained at the moment it is likely to benefit from further improvements. The Bulgarian government has started a ‘Super Borovets’ initiative which is designed to turn the resort into a year-round holiday destination. As part of this initiative the winter sports facilities will also be enhanced.

Gifts, Souvenirs, Boutique Clothes & Jewelery

It can be fun to wonder along Surin Beach road  to discover the small souvenir shops and boutiques clothing stores.  As you walk down Surin beach road there is a small gallery where you can buy paintings, and a lovely boutique clothes shop Dharma bum.  You could also visit Twinpalms Hotel, and the ‘Island Shop’,  on the ground floor near to the juice bar, selling beautiful bikinis, necklaces and bags, and Palm Spa sells interesting teas, essential oils, and candles. At Palm Spa you could treat yourself to a fantastic steam and massage, you will emerge feeling a million dollars!  As you continue walk towards the end of the road there is a fascinatingly shop – Soul of Asia, which is great for browsing.

If you are visiting Royal Phuket Marina you may want to purchase some home-made chocolates and pasteries to die for. Royal Phuket Marina has a lovely furniture store with various items you could take home with you and spa.

Surin Plaza, and Canal Village are also great places to explore.  For example, Ginger (ground floor, Surin Plaza) has some interesting trinkets, jewelery, and gift items.

Within Canal Village you can find Jim Thompson Thailand’s famous producer of silk products including cushion covers, purses and other luxury items.  There is also a good coffee shop, clinic, travel agent, and souvenir shops.  It has an ATM and parking.

Local Thai Markets

The best local Thai markets is the Sunday market in Cherntalay, at the intersection by the Police station, every Sunday afternoon.  If you want to purchase everyday Thai style clothing, shoes and food this is the place to shop, beware buying toys for small children as the Thai products do not adhere to international safety standards.

Western Style Super Markets

Tesco Lotus is open from 9am to 10pm everyday, it has an ATM and parking, and it is located about 10 minutes from Club Lersuang.  Tesco Lotus is the nearest western style Super Market, it sells most grocery items including fresh milk, drinking water, fruit, vegetables, suncream, music, books, and newspapers; as well as a bakery and pharmacy. 

Carrefour in (Jungceylon mall) Patong is much larger Super Market and it’s about 20 minutes away.  Other Super Markets such as Big C, and Tops can be found in the center of Phuket Island.  Local shops, grocery stores and Seven-Eleven convenience stores are on every main road.

Shopping Malls

There are two main shopping malls, Central Festival and Jungceylon. 

Jungceylon in Patong is the nearest mall, and it has a large variety of shops, including Robinson’s department store, sports shops, a diving shop, food center, cinema, nail and beauty salons.  You can park underground but you may need to pay a small fee depending on how long you stay (show your shopping receipts).  It also has an excellent indoor market called That’s Siam, perfect for souvenirs such as Thai Silks, Pearls, Shells and local items. 

Central Festival is located in the center of the island and is about a 30 minute drive, it has some designer brands like Guess, and everyday shops as well.  Its a great place to buy good quality items, ask for a 5% tourist discount card.

ATMs can be found at all shopping malls and large super markets, the nearest ATM’s are at Tesco Lotus and Surin beach road, near to the Tuk Tuk stand.

For more information on shopping, restaurants and things to do in Phuket, Thailand see our websites:

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