Best attractions and places to see in Плана include a blend of natural landscapes and cultural sites. This mountain plateau, located near Sofia, Bulgaria, offers open landscapes, rolling meadows, and low hills, making it suitable for nature exploration. The region features historical religious buildings and natural monuments, providing diverse points of interest. Плана acts as a natural transition between the capital and higher mountain ranges, characterized by its gentle topography.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Highlight • Natural Monument
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Tip by
Highlight • Mountain Hut
Tip by
Highlight • Religious Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions in Плана.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
The chapel was built in 2001 next to the ruins of an old monastery of the same name. There is a legend that the monastery was built on the foundations of a Thracian sanctuary. Ethnographers believe that former pagan festivals held at this place have passed into the cult of the Holy Spirit. This tradition has been preserved even today among the population of the surrounding villages. The monastery was burned and destroyed by the Turks.
0
0
Nice place for rest. There is a bbq there :) I saw a guitar from the window so it seems that a lot of funny stories were happened here :) You can get to it by off-road car too.
0
0
Nice place for rest with a view to Vitosha. There is a bbq there :) The name in Bulgarian means "Heaven" probably because it is very calm place with a view. You can get to it by off-road car too.
0
0
Great place to relax in the summer and beyond. The water temperature is 28-30 degrees Celsius. You can meet nudists.
1
0
There is a sign. The monastery is open only on Saturdays and Sundays. You can enter the church but you cannot see the monastery.
0
0
Plana Mountain itself is a significant natural feature, offering wide-open landscapes, rolling meadows, and expansive views. You can also visit the Spring of the Fairies, a natural monument known for its relaxing warm waters (28-30 degrees Celsius). The Zheleznishka Reka river, with its deep valley, forms a natural boundary between Vitosha and Plana.
Yes, Plana has several notable religious and historical sites. The Kokalyane Monastery is a historical religious building open on Saturdays and Sundays, allowing visitors to enter the church. You can also find the Chapel "St. Cyprian," which offers panoramic views, and the Chapel "Holy Spirit" in the northern part of Plana village. The Alino Monastery "Ascension of the Lord" and the Alino Kale fortress are also accessible in the region.
Plana Mountain's gentle topography makes it ideal for hiking, mountain biking, and gravel cycling. The area is also known for horse riding, with several bases like "Plana" and "Vitosha" offering lessons and tours. For specific routes, you can find many easy hikes and MTB trails in the region.
Absolutely. The Zeleny Sad Shelter is a great spot for rest, complete with a BBQ area. Another excellent option is the Rai Shelter, which offers a calm place to relax with a view towards Vitosha Mountain and also has a BBQ facility. Both shelters are accessible by off-road vehicle.
The Chapel "St. Cyprian" is a popular spot for its unique panoramic views of Plana village and Vitosha Mountain. Additionally, the Rai Shelter provides a wonderful view of Vitosha, living up to its name, which means "Heaven" in Bulgarian.
Yes, families can enjoy the gentle trails of Plana Mountain for easy hikes and nature exploration. The ECO-FARM "ELATA" in Plana village offers an opportunity to see various animal breeds like Karakachan dogs, horses, and sheep, and they organize "green weekends" and an "eco-academy" which can be engaging for children. The Spring of the Fairies is also a pleasant spot for a family outing.
Plana Mountain is characterized by its gentle topography, featuring wide-open landscapes, rolling meadows, and low hills. It acts as a natural transition between Sofia and higher mountain ranges. Its highest peak, Manastirishte, reaches an elevation of 1,338 meters, making it suitable for various experience levels, from easy walks to more moderate trails.
The ECO-FARM "ELATA" in Plana village offers a unique local experience where you can observe various animal breeds and taste typical Bulgarian natural products. They also host "green weekends" and an "eco-academy," providing insight into local traditions and sustainable practices.
Plana is generally suitable for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling from spring through autumn, when the weather is mild. The gentle trails and open landscapes are particularly pleasant during these seasons. The Spring of the Fairies is a great place to relax in the summer and beyond due to its warm water.
Yes, Plana offers several easy hiking options. You can explore routes like the "Duralia loop from Plana" or the "Mineral Spring – Spring of the Fairies loop from Zheleznitsa." For more options, refer to the easy hikes in Plana guide.
Plana Mountain's diverse ecosystem, with its forested areas and grasslands, supports a variety of wildlife. You might encounter roe deer, wild boar, foxes, and various bird species. The mountain is also part of the National Ecological Network NATURA 2000, highlighting its importance for biodiversity.
For the Chapel "Holy Spirit" in the northern part of Plana village, convenient parking is available nearby. For other attractions and trailheads, parking availability can vary, but many areas are accessible by car. Shelters like Zeleny Sad Shelter and Rai Shelter are also accessible by off-road vehicle.


Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions: