Bulgaria turned out to be one of my favorite countries in the world. I went with few expectations and was blown away by the country’s affordability, amiable locals, incredible history, scenery, beaches, and nightlife. Everything about this country was a win. The country has a long history and it’s location in the world has ensured that is has been a gateway for European and Turkish culture. It’s a regional melting pot. As you roam the country, you’ll see Roman ruins, stunning Black Sea beaches, incredible forests, and medieval cities. This country is very under the radar and doesn’t get the full attention it deserves. But that works out for you as you’ll run into few crowds as you travel around.
Bulgaria
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Bulgaria
1. Sofia
2. Varna
3. Plovdiv
4. Veliko Tarnovo
5. Rila Mountains
Other Things to See and Do
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1. Rusenski Lom Nature Park and Ivanovo
This park has a nice hiking area and also contains a Rock Monastery with ancient frescoes, as well as a quaint village worth exploring.
2. Cross the Marvelous Bridges
The Marvelous Bridges are natural marble bridges that were formed by erosion in the Rhodope Mountains. The two bridges can be crossed on secure trails, and two tourist huts are located nearby. The site can be reached by an asphalt road and is about 20 miles from the closest town, Chepelare.
3. Visit Melnik and the Rozhen Monastery
The Rozhen monastery is a medieval Bulgarian monastery nearby, dating from 1259, with many intact frescos to view. Nearby, you can find a hiking area with sandstone ‘pyramids’ (rock formations from erosion). The region is also known for outstanding wine, wine that was preferred by Winston Churchill.
4. Step back in time in Old Plovdiv
This is a small, well-preserved area where visitors can take walks through different historical ages, see ancient buildings adapted to the modern way of life, and feel the spirit of this town dating back to Bulgarian Revival Period.
5. Check out the Museum of Socialist Art
This is a new museum which showcases art from the socialist period (1944-1989). A large outdoor sculpture park contains everything from the giant statue of Lenin that once stood in the center of the city, to the red star that topped the socialist party headquarters. Smaller pieces reveal a gentler side to the socialist ideals. The gallery inside has some excellent examples of 20th century modern art as well as the socialist realism genre we know from the period. Admission is 6 BGN and it’s open daily (except Mondays) from 10am-5:30pm.
6. Hike the Balkan Mountains
This mountain chain lends its name to the Balkan Peninsula. It stretches all along the country and is popular among the fans of the long-distance hiking trips. One of the famous European Long Distance Routes (E3) follows its main ridge all the way from the western border of the country to the seaside. One of the three national parks in Bulgaria, Central Balkan National Park, is situated here.
7. Hit the beaches on the Black Sea
A 250-mile stretch of Bulgarian land lies along the Black Sea, and around a third of this is covered in nice sandy beaches. This is a very popular spot for resort packages, and can be crawling with tourists. I’m not a fan of Sunny Beach, but there are other more secluded beaches to check out as well.
8. Unwind in Balchik
This is a quaint town on the coast of the Black Sea. It’s not a great beach location, but the area used to serve as the summer residence for the Queen of Romania. You can tour her palace and the botanical gardens which lie on the grounds.
9. Go skiing
If you come during the winter months, use the cold weather to your advantage, and hit the ski slopes. Bansko is one of the newer resorts in Bulgaria. Come to Bulgaria expecting an inexpensive ski holiday, not the quality of the Alps.
10. Stop and smell the roses in Kazanlak
Bulgaria is actually one of the biggest producers of rose oil in the world. Since 1903, Kazanlak has hosted the Festival of Roses. During the first weekend of June, the local community organizes this international event and thousands of tourists and guests celebrate the rose valley. Traditions include rose-picking rituals, learning the rose distillation process, a street procession, acapella choirs, folklore concerts, art shows, exhibitions, wine-tasting, shows, and more.
11. Visit the Varna Necropolis
This prehistoric archaeological site is home to the oldest processed gold, dating back 7,000 years. The gold was extracted from 62 graves (it was custom to bury people with gifts at that time). This fascinating exhibit can be found at the Archaeological and Historical Museum Varna. It’s open daily (except Mondays) from 10am-5pm. In the summer, it’s open every day. Admission is 10 BGN.
12. Grab a drink at Hotel Cherno More
The bar/restaurant on the top floor of this hotel offers the best view of Varna. Go here to watch an incredible sunset while sipping on a delicious drink.
