Samokov is a town in western Bulgaria, set at the foot of the Rila Mountains. It is one of the country's oldest towns, and its character reflects that long history, from its craft traditions to the Revival-era buildings that line its streets.
What to see and do
- Craft heritage: Samokov has a long association with traditional crafts, and a stroll through the town gives a sense of the skills that shaped its identity.
- Revival-era architecture: The town's older houses and buildings from the Bulgarian National Revival period are the best way to read its past at street level.
- Mountain walks: The Rila foothills offer easy access to hiking trails and open alpine scenery, a good choice for a day outdoors.
A base for the mountains
Samokov is also a gateway to Borovets, Bulgaria's historic ski resort, which makes the town a practical base for winter visitors and a convenient stop for anyone heading into the Rila range. Staying here lets you combine time in the mountains with a quieter, more local town setting.
For visitors interested in authentic Bulgarian culture, Samokov offers a grounded introduction: a working town with its own traditions, close to some of the country's finest landscapes.