Whether because of the summer heat or the favorable conditions for mountain tourism, the number of foreigners who chose to spend their summer vacations in Bulgarian mountains is on the rise. A popular place is the mountain town of Elena, which attracts with its tranquility and authentic Bulgarian houses that have preserved the spirit of the National Revival period. Along with the Bulgarian tourists, among the guests of Elena are Germans, Russians, French and Indian citizens. According to the town administration, this is the second consecutive year of full guest houses and hotels in Elena and the region during the summer.

There are also many foreign tourists in the Rhodope Mountains, where the Pamporovo resort has established itself as a preferred place for rest and mountain tourism. There tourists can enjoy swimming pools, cycling and hiking trails and excursions to caves in the Rhodope Mountains. There are specially organized hiking tours to the Snejanka, Mechi Chal and Perelik peaks, as well as to the Smolyan Lakes, Shiroka Laka, Rozhen, Haydushki Polyani and others. Qualified mountain guides offer their services to tourists and the lift from Pamporovo to the Smolyan Lakes is open throughout the summer.