Yarema Villa Zone

Yarema is a villa zone on the saddle between the Vitosha and Plana mountains, above the village of Zheleznitsa. The road from Sofia to the Samokov area runs through it, which makes it easy to reach all year round.

This page covers the practical side: getting here by car or public transport, the walking routes, the restaurants and the places nearby.

Where Yarema is and what the weather is like

The saddle lies at about 1,300 m above sea level, roughly 700 m higher than central Sofia. It is usually a few degrees cooler here than in the city, so the Sofia forecast is not accurate for Yarema, especially in the evening. Bring a warm layer for the evenings, even in summer.

The houses stand among pine forests on the southern slope of Vitosha. Besides Vitosha, the mountains around are Plana, Lozenska, Verila and Rila.

Getting here by car

Yarema is on the third-class road III-181. It starts at the Sofia Ring Road in Malinova Dolina, at the junction with Sv. Kliment Ohridski Blvd, and climbs south through the villages of Bistritsa and Zheleznitsa. From the Ring Road to the saddle it is about 20 km.

The road is maintained all year. In winter, drive with winter tyres. Past the saddle the road drops steeply towards the village of Kovachevtsi and the Samokov valley.

If you would rather not drive, Villa 1331 offers its guests a transfer from the airport and back. Details are on the Transfers page.

By public transport: bus 69

Since 2023, Sofia city bus 69 has run to Yarema. It starts at the National Oncology Hospital stop (НСБАЛ по онкология) and passes the University of National and World Economy (УНСС). It then continues through Malinova Dolina, Bistritsa and Zheleznitsa and ends at the Mestnost Yarema stop (Местност Ярема). The ride takes about 50 minutes.

Not every bus goes all the way to Yarema, and on weekends the bus runs less often. Check the timetable on sofiatraffic.bg before you set off.

Within the villa zone, the bus stops at the chapel of St. Mina and at the final stop.

Walks from Yarema

Several routes on Vitosha start from Yarema:

• To Gradishte Peak – about 50 minutes, with 300 m of ascent through beech forest. An easy walk.
• To Golyam Kechek Peak and Fizkulturnik Hut – about 3 hours, with 600 m of ascent on marked trails.
• To the village of Zheleznitsa – about 1 hour 35 minutes, with little change in elevation.

By the chapel of St. Mina, in the centre of the villa zone, there are benches and a gazebo – a good spot for a very short walk. In winter the trails can be snowy, and then you need shoes with a good grip.

More about the routes on the Hiking Trails and Mountain Biking pages.

Where to eat

• Bai Iliya restaurant – in the villa zone itself, 200 m from Villa 1331. Bulgarian cuisine and a garden.
• Hanche Yarema – 650 m from the villa. Traditional dishes, a summer garden and a children's play area.
• Sage Bistro in the village of Bistritsa – 14 km, about 19 minutes by car. Mediterranean cuisine and a summer terrace with a view of Sofia.

Opening hours may change, so call ahead. The phone numbers are on the Nearby Restaurants page.

What is nearby

Distances are from Villa 1331.

• St. Cyprian Chapel in Plana – 10 km, about 20 minutes by car, with views of Vitosha and Rila. The village of Plana also has the Buddhist Stupa of Enlightenment. Plana Mountain
• Adgor riding base – 6 minutes away. Horseback Riding
• Scenic flights from the Belchin airstrip. Scenic Flights
• Tsari Mali Grad – a fortress 27 km away, about 30 minutes by car. Tsari Mali Grad
• Sapareva Banya – 40 km, with hot mineral springs and a geyser. Sapareva Banya

More places south of Sofia, including Boyana, the Golden Bridges, Pancharevo and Urvich, are in the article Walks around Sofia.

If you are looking for a place to stay in Yarema, Villa 1331 is in the villa zone, on the southern slope of Vitosha. See the accommodation or send an enquiry for your dates.