by Dimana Trankova; photography by Dragomir Ushev

An example of how to blend ski and cultural tourism or of the consequences of  overbuilding in Bulgaria? – you wonder while you stroll among Revival Period houses and contemporary hotels in Bulgaria's probably most famous winter resort, in the Pirin. It was less than a decade ago when the old houses and their mehani were the favourite getaway destinations for Sofianites. However, since the first expats and foreign tourists began buying real estate and ski lift passes, the little town swelled. The combined length of the surrounding ski runs is 56 km, and besides a couple of modern ski lifts now you can see also snow guns.

Where in Bulgaria are you?

Email your answers by 10 December to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and you can win a weekend for two at the Medite Spa Hotel, Sandanski, where you will experience the ultimate in relaxation and service. The winner will be selected in a draw*.

*Conditions apply. Winners of competitions produced by Vagabond, Bulgaria's English Monthly, are selected in a draw. The decisions are final and correspondence will not be entered into. Prizes may be collected in person at the editorial offices in Sofia or shipped anywhere in Bulgaria postage-free. Postal charges will apply for shipments abroad. For customs reasons we are unable to ship alcoholic beverages abroad. Any customs or other duties levied on shipments abroad will be the responsibility of the addressee. Prize winners will be interviewed and featured in the magazine, unless they have specifically indicated otherwise.

Vanya Murgova in Sofia is our lucky Where in Bulgaria Are You? competition winner. Vanya went to Tryavna some time ago yet  she clearly recalls the museum houses, the woodcarving workshops and the town's inspiring Revival Period ambience. We hope she enjoys as much the weekend for two at the Medite Hotel, Sandanski that she wins in Vagabond's draw.