Thousands Escape from Heat in the Mountains

The heat has turned into a gold mine for mountain resorts like Bansko, Devin and Belogradchik that are expected to burst with tourists in the weekend when thousands will evacuate from the inferno in the cities. Almost all rooms in hotels and private lodgings have been booked.

The hit in the Rhodopes Mountains, southern Bulgaria, is the SPA centres in Devin. The most popular is Orpheus complex that avails of three swimming pools, two outdoors and one in - doors.

Belogradchik, northwestern Bulgaria, is full with tourists too. It is only at 170 km away from Sofia and the resort town has been literally invaded by Sofians. "For the weekend we even expect guests from Varna and Bourgas, " said Botyo Rankov, keeper of Belogradhik Hotel. Guests prefer rooms that look to the north, which lack the unique view to the rocks but keep cool even without an air - conditioner.