Rila is the highest mountain in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan peninsula with mount Moussala -2925m . It occupies the pestigious 6 th place in the European “classification”, preceded by Caucasus, the Alps, Sierra Nevada, the Pyrenees and the Etna volcano.

CLIMATE AND BOUNDARIES
The climate of Rila is determined by its geographical situation, on the border between the continental and the transitional Mediterranean climate.
The lowest average monthly temperature was recorded during February on the mount of Moussala – minus 11.6oC as well as the absolute minimal temperature in Bulgaria – minus 31.2oC. During the month of August the average temperature of the month is 5.4oC and the absolute maximal temperature is 18.7oC
The winds in Rila blow predominately from the west and the southwest. The quantity of precipitation is about 2000 mm fall on Moussala per year, about 80 per cent of them being snow. All these climatic factors create prerequisites for avalanches.
The Yundola saddle and the Avramovs saddle separate it from the Rhodopes and the Predel saddle separate it from Pirin. The mountain occupies the area of 2396 square kilometers.
MAIN PARTS
EASTERN RILA
The highest and the most spacious of the 4 main parts. The 11 highest peaks of the mountain steeper there headed by Moussala.
The lake groups of Moussalenski Lakes with the highest lake in Rila – Glacial (2709m), Marichini Lakes, Ropalishki, etc. are in this part as well and also the mountain resort Borovetz.
The highest meteorological station in South-eastern Europe, built in 1932 is situated on the Mount of Moussala.
MIDDLE RILA
The smallest part of the mountain, but its relief is the most alpine. Middle Rila is rich in glacial lakes. Here are: Fish Lakes, Djendem Lakes, Monastery Lakes. The biggest glacial lake on the Balkan Peninsula – Smradlivoto with the area of 212 decares.
MAIN PARTS
NORTH-WESTERN RILA
Occupies 24% of the total area of the mountain.
There is the peak: Malyovitsa (2730m), a symbol of Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering. Some of the biggest and significant lake groups are situated in this part of the mountain as well as the biggest and the most famous lake group on the Balkan Peninsula – the Seven Rila Lakes.
SOUTH-WESTERN
Comprises 30 % of the mountain.
One of the oldest biosphere reserve is located on the territory of this part – Parangalitsa.
RIVERS
Some of the most known Bulgarian rivers rise from Rila : Iskar, Maritsa, Mesta.
Among the bosoms of Rila at the altitude of 1147 m above sea level, on the right bank of the Rila River the most outstanding monument of the Bulgarian culture and architecture of the Revival period – the Rila Monastery.