In the hills of Rila mountain, lays the pretty mountain village of Raduil. With the growing popularity of rural tourism, Raduil has become a favorite destination for both foreign and Bulgarian tourists. Crystal clear air, beautiful scenery and the proximity of the ski resort Borovets attract visitors to Raduil.

Four rivers are rising from the nearby mountain and are flowing into Maritsa River. The locals are devoted Christians and are always happy to tell a story about the vital power of religion. The village has 10 chapels, 2 churches and a monastery. Stanislav Zahariev is a family hotel manager:

"We believe that Christian devotion has  protected us from evil. There is a monastery that the locals help build. We all helped with money and work. Women cooked food. People help here care for each other. This is a scenic village, nested in the mountains and lying close to Borovets. Tourists love the tranquility and peacefulness.

Nature is all around us. We like to have barbecues and hiking trips in the summer. There are a lot of hiking trails and rivers to go angling. We don’t have flu and viral infections, because the air is pristine clear and unpolluted. Most of our products, eggs, cheese, butter, milk, fruits and vegetables, chicken and other types of meat, are organic and are grown and bred here or in the area. "

The village is the venue of a traditional beans feast, accompanied by music, dances and humor. Beans are highly valued in Raduil. Old beans recipes are passed down from generation to generation. 32 sorts of beans are grown in the village.

"Our beans are the village’s hallmark and are indeed delicious," says Stanislav Zahariev. "There is a great variety of beans on offer. The village is even famous abroad for its beans festivities that last for 3 days. Well-off tourists read about our beans specialties online, come here and find themselves delighted with traditional food and drinks that offer a unique rural experience, away form the big city."

In winter time, Stanislav’s hotel is fully booked. Both foreign and Bulgarians tourists opt for Raduil’s lower prices and serenity. Many go skiing at Borovets. Stanislav’s sister, mother and father are all part of the family business. His wife is taking care of their 3-month old son. The Zaharievs do not feel threatened by the global economic crisis. They used to make furniture and then switched on to hotel management. Stanislav’s father is a self-taught carver:

"We are doing well," says Stanislav. "We are getting by. It was a spontaneous but determined decision to start doing business. A lot of the tourist agencies are advertising our hotel. We got invited to seminars where we compare notes with other family-hotel owners. Our guests definitely prefer the folk-style and authentic Bulgarian atmosphere. We organize events with traditional folk songs and dances. Our guests can choose to wear national costumes. In other words, we give our guests a genuine experience of Raduil".