Bulgaria is turning into an more and more widespread nation and it provides a massively numerous vary of surroundings from the Black Sea seashores to the ski resorts of Bansko. I like that this Balkan nation has a singular allure all of its personal and from my time spent exploring, listed here are my favorite magnificence spots I’d like to share with you…
1. The Black Sea Seashores
I extremely advocate beginning your Bulgarian journey on this dazzling shoreline! The Black Sea seashores are sequence of beautiful sandy seashores which stretch all the best way from the Romanian border (within the north) to the Turkish border (down south), overlaying an space of 235 miles.
Among the seashores are extremely popular and have develop into full of life vacationer resorts, some are very family-friendly and others supply a way more tranquil seashore expertise backed by fairly sand dunes. All are blessed with mild golden sand and glowing turquoise waters.
In addition to the resorts, motels and fairly conventional fishing villages, the world can be house to a number of historic mosques, church buildings and monasteries, the grand Balchik Palace and Botanical Gardens and fascinating historic cities like Nesebar and Sozopol.
Location: East coast, from Romanian Black Sea resorts within the north to Turkey within the south
Discovering my private favorite seashores which included the glitzy resort of Sunny Seashore (which had nice nightlife and eating places), the family-friendly Albena and the extra peaceable and pure spot, Ropotamo Seashore.
Guide A Journey!
We will e book your journey hopping round Bulgaria’s stunning locations via our free, top-rated journey planning service!
2. Nessebar
When you’re exploring the Black Sea Coast you then simply have to incorporate this attractive gem in your checklist! It’s often known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea” and this historic spot is definitely one of many oldest cities in Europe, relationship again over a 3,000 years to the Thracian interval.
I notably like it’s scenic and hanging location. It occupies a rocky peninsula which juts out into the Black Sea and is surrounded by glowing turquoise water on all sides.
It’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website and once I found it I may see why, it’s a fantastically preserved spot with fairly cobblestone streets, historic church buildings, the stays of the traditional wall and conventional wood homes.
I liked wandering across the many glorious retailers, eating places, bars after which spending a day enjoyable on the sandy seashores.
3. Sozopol
That is one other attractive gem of a spot situated on the Black Sea Coast. It’s a smaller and quieter spot than the extra bustling Nessebar, however I nonetheless assume this well-preserved historic city is value exploring.
One of many oldest cities within the nation, it truly began life in seventh century BC named Apollonia then it turned a thriving fishing village and now it’s a well-liked laid-back seaside resort full with attractive sandy seashores.
My favorite a part of visiting this city was strolling via the maze of slender cobblestone streets, gazing on the fantastically preserved conventional wood homes (which have uncommon overhanging higher flooring) and taking a stroll alongside the jetty to look at the day’s catch being unloaded.
Seeing the unimaginable historic stays of the Southern Fortress Wall and Tower (head to the south of the city for the most effective view).
Testing the historic church buildings, my favorite was the Church of St. George – I liked the excellent Orthodox structure!
4. Rila Monastery
I like this distinctive and peaceable spot which is commonly often known as the “Jerusalem of Bulgaria.” It enjoys a particular location surrounded by unspoiled nature and thick forests only a two hour drive from Sofia, the capital metropolis.
The picturesque Jap Orthodox monastery was constructed within the tenth century however it has been rebuilt just a few occasions through the years attributable to hearth harm.
Contained in the construction is adorned with historic artwork, hanging ceiling work (by Nineteenth century Bulgarian artist Zahari Zograf), necessary non secular relics and my favorite, a gently carved wood display (an iconostasis) which has the fame of being essentially the most stunning within the nation.
Finest time to go to: 07:00 to 19:30 all 12 months spherical
My favorite spotlight…
Coming into the courtyard, and seeing the hanging distinction of the colorful church – which had daring black and white striped arches, tiled partitions and 5 domes – in opposition to the beautiful pure backdrop of the towering peaks of the Rila Mountains.
5. Varna
Bustling Varna is the third largest metropolis within the nation and it’s additionally a well-liked vacationer vacation spot situated on the Black Sea Coast. It’s typically often known as the “Sea capital of Bulgaria” because it’s extremely popular with the locals throughout the summer time months.
I personally assume its a stunning metropolis with rather a lot to supply. Right here I discovered picturesque seashores crammed with positive golden sand, turquoise sea, nice surf breaks, historic websites, glorious eating places, full of life golf equipment, busy bars, lodge resorts and surrounding thick inexperienced forests.
Enjoyable on Rapongi Seashore which is well-maintained and didn’t get too crowded. I additionally liked travelling north to the small upscale resort of Sunny Day and the quiet and intimate Sirius Seashore.
Strolling alongside Kraybrezhna Aleya promenade at evening which is a buzzy and charming space.
6. Plovdiv Previous City
In addition to being the second-largest metropolis within the nation, the Previous City additionally enjoys a privileged and scenic place situated excessive on a hill. The views of the fashionable a part of the town and the encircling space from listed here are beautiful.
The town was constructed round 6,000 years in the past and the Previous City is critically spectacular with vibrant conventional wood homes inbuilt a Bulgarian Renaissance architectural fashion, a number of museums and a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
Visiting the Kuyumdzhioglu Home which had unimaginable carved ceilings and the opulent Hindliyan Home which even housed a few of its authentic furnishings.
Strolling up the hill and stopping on the many artwork galleries and home museums.
7. Belogradchik
In the event you love distinctive magnificence spots then I extremely advocate taking a go to to Belogradchik, a small city situated on the foot at Balkan Mountains.
The city itself is fairly with wood conventional homes however the two causes to go to listed here are the hanging Belogradchik Rocks and the historic Belogradchik Fortress.
Belogradchik Fortress is a really spectacular man-made construction set in opposition to a backdrop of rocks and miles of pristine countryside.
The Belogradchik Rocks are a set of uniquely-shaped sandstone formations and are so stunning they had been as soon as proposed to be one of many New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Finest time to go to: spring to early fall (in winter it will probably snow)
My private spotlight…
Seeing and photographing the unimaginable fortress contrasting with the dramatic pure backdrop. Once I was there I may see why it attracts so guests from all around the globe.
8. Lake Atanasovsko
This can be a pure magnificence spot which all the time intrigues me. It’s situated on the Black Coastline close to the town of Burgas and is a stupendous shiny pink lake situated in a coastal lagoon.
It’s a singular vacation spot as a result of, not like most pink lakes worldwide, its hanging color isn’t solely attributable to excessive salt ranges. The colourful tone additionally comes from the brine shrimp farming that takes place there.
It’s additionally a big habitat for birdlife, attracting quite a few migratory species. I particularly loved recognizing pelicans and herons once I visited.
Finest time to go to: summer time however anytime from spring to autumn is sweet.
My private highlights…
Discovering the close by Balneo Resort Pomorie Wellness Heart, simply 12 miles away, to expertise their mud therapies. The mud they use is sourced from this space and is wealthy in minerals.
9. Koprivshtitsa
I personally assume this can be a fairly, quaint and distinctive spot which provides a number of the most fascinating structure within the nation.
The small city is situated within the Sredna Gora Mountains and I like taking a visit right here as I really feel like I’m stepping again in time.
It’s a historic however fantastically preserved place crammed with Nineteenth-century Bulgarian Nationwide Revival structure, winding cobblestone streets, a number of fascinating museums and a wealthy historical past – that is the place locals bravely fought in opposition to their oppressive Ottoman rulers in 1876.
Exploring the normal vibrant homes and visiting the museums the place locals plotted their riot, main as much as the primary shot within the unsuccessful April Rebellion.
I liked seeing all the traditional previous artefacts right here which incorporates historic jewellery, artwork and even previous costumes which had been worn across the edges however nonetheless very well-preserved!
10. Veliko Tarnovo
This can be a critically beautiful and traditionally fascinating spot and in case you’re travelling across the nation then I extremely advocate including this to your itinerary!
Typically often known as the “Metropolis of Tsars” it was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between the twelfth and 14th centuries and it’s location is simply divine – it’s nestled on three major hills and is surrounded by forests with the Yantra River slicing via it.
It’s crammed with well-preserved medieval structure and fascinating websites such because the Asen’s Monument and the historic avenue of Samovodska Charshia the place I spent ages shopping the craft retailers, artwork galleries and cute cafes!
Discovering the medieval Tsarevets Fortress which is a really hanging complicated full with a royal palace, cathedral, and a number of other church buildings. The views from the fortress had been additionally beautiful!
Strolling via the doorway gates of the city the place I may sense the nation’s former greatness.
11. Melnik
Nestled within the Pirin Mountains, Melnik is proof that the most effective issues are available in small sizes! It’s truly the smallest city within the nation however I like this picturesque and tranquil spot.
It has a singular magnificence with conventional structure, tasty conventional delicacies, a formidable monastery (the Rozhen Monastery), stunning mountain environment (the views are simply beautiful from right here) and the Melnik Pyramids are value a particular point out. The Melnik Pyramids are towering sandstone formations which overlook the small city.
One of many major causes to go to although is that its house to a number of the nation’s greatest wineries and wine so tasty it was mentioned to be a favorite of Winston Churchills! Don’t go away with out attempting out a number of the Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine wine which is a full-bodied crimson wine and you’ll pattern from cellars and eating places dotted all through the city.
Tasting a neighborhood dish of banitsa (a savory spinach pastry) paired with their well-known crimson wine at a conventional tavern.
Attending a enjoyable three-day wine competition within the September.
12. Pomorie
Pomorie is a picturesque coastal resort city situated on a slender rocky peninsula which spectacularly juts out into the Black Sea and provides spectacular views of the shoreline each to the north and the south.
In addition to being house to stunning seashores it’s additionally a well-liked wellness location with a number of spas and centres providing mud and salt remedies harvested from the native space.
The city has two very completely different sections – the previous city centre to the east and the newer, extra touristy part to the west. I notably love the previous city which is house to a set of small motels, genuine retailers, and a few glorious eating places.
The japanese tip of the peninsula has a number of small seashores which can be much less crowded than these to the north or southwest so I spent numerous my time right here.
My favorite highlights…
Discovering the massive, luxurious and fashionable Sundown Resort which is situated to the southwest of the city.
Pomorie Lake is without doubt one of the “must-see” places in Pomorie.
Exploring the fascinating Museum of Salt, the Pomorie Museum of Historical past, and the road markets in Kableshkovo (that are held each Thursday).
Sampling regionally produced wine at Vineyard Messembria and Stratsin Vineyard.
13. Evksinograd Palace
I personally assume the Evksinograd Palace is without doubt one of the most romantic buildings in Bulgaria. Positioned 8 kilometres north of Varna on the Black Coastline, this attractive Nineteenth-century palace was typically used as a vacation house for royalty.
It has the fashion of a 18th century French mansion and contained in the interiors are very opulent, with marble fireplaces, French chandeliers, massive eating halls, vintage furnishings, and uncommon work. There have been lashings of gold and silk in every single place I regarded!
I additionally liked the opulent decadent gardens which had been a sprawling 800-acre park crammed with uncommon plant species, completely manicured hedgerows and ornate ponds and fountains.
Finest time to go to: spring and summer time for the blooming flowers within the backyard
My private highlights…
Visiting the onsite vineyard which was added to the palace in 1891 and shopping and sampling the Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminer, Muscat Ottone, and Vratsa Muscat wines on supply.
Staying in a single day on the palace and enjoying tennis and desk tennis the subsequent day and eating of their onsite restaurant.
14. Seven Lakes
This can be a beautiful pure magnificence spot situated excessive within the Rila Mountains which is definitely a set of a minimum of seven picturesque glacial lakes, surrounded by myths. I like that the legend say the lakes had been fashioned by the tears of a feminine big, crying for her beloved!
In the course of the summer time it’s an important place to go mountain climbing and {photograph} the beautiful lakes in addition to seeing the wildflowers which develop in abundance right here. The seven lakes are additionally interconnected by streams and a few waterfalls too.
I both advocate beginning a hike the Rila Monastery or taking the Pionerska Chair Elevate on the Pionerska Hut in Panichishte for a better journey there!
Mountaineering round the entire lakes which took a number of hours however the spectacular surroundings made it value it!
15. Belogradchik Fortress
That is a formidable historic fortress situated on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains, in northwest Bulgaria. It resides near the historic small city Belogradchik and was constructed by Romans throughout 1st to third centuries AD.
In addition to mendacity in a dramatic pure location within the Belogradchik Rocks, its top-of-the-line preserved fortresses within the nation.
It additionally has an fascinating historical past and as soon as performed essential function throughout the Bulgarian-Ottoman wars, and has been strengthened by the Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Ottomans all through the years with every leaving their very own private mark.
Wandering round and photographing the positioning. The way in which the fortress runs between the huge sections of pure rock was awe-inducing!
Seeing the unimaginable scenic views from the highest of the defence.
16. Tevno Vasilashko Lake
I’ve travelled round Europe rather a lot and I personally assume Tevno Vasilashko Lake is without doubt one of the most spectacular magnificence spots on the continent.
It’s a magnificent glacial lake which resides at an elevation 7,779 toes above sea degree in Vasilashki Cirque and is surrounded by rugged peaks within the Pirin mountain vary.
Tevno Lake is the most important of a sequence of glacial lakes within the Vasilashko Lakes space however I feel that is essentially the most spectacular. I like its distinctive, saturated blue color which is fashioned by the reflections of the encircling towering mountains.
To get there I like to recommend visiting by way of on the a number of tour operators who supply one-day journeys up the Vasilashki glacial valley, visiting three or 4 of the lakes at at time.
Exploring all of the lakes on a tour which included Fish Vasilashko Lake, Higher Vasilashko Lake, Rainbow-shaped Vasilashko Lake, and Higher Todorino Lake.
17. Dolen Village
Dolen Village is a picturesque alpine village situated within the western Rhode Mountains within the south (26 km from Gotse Delchev).
For my part, it’s some of the romantic and well-preserved villages within the nation, with winding slender cobblestone roads, historic stone partitions, and conventional homes designed within the distinctive Bulgarian Revival fashion.
It was fashioned within the fifteenth century throughout the Ottoman interval and I like the way it nonetheless has an genuine historic really feel even right now. I like to recommend visiting to get a glimpse of rural life on this fascinating nation.
Exploring the homes which had stone foundations, timber partitions, and distinctive overhanging prime flooring. Inside I discovered the wealthier homes to be way more ornate than I anticipated with wood beams adorned with intricate geometric patterns and a few had fairly floral motifs.
I particularly liked the gardens which had been hooked up to the homes and used for each rising meals herbs in addition to socialising.
18. Pirin Nationwide Park
Most travellers don’t understand how picturesque Bulgaria’s pure setting is till they pay a go to to Pirin Nationwide Park. The park covers over 154 sq. miles in southwestern Bulgaria and is house to the most important a part of the sprawling Pirin Mountain vary.
It’s a particular protected space which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1983. It’s house to over 100 sensible turquoise glacial lakes (the most important is the beautiful Popovo Lake), towering snow-capped mountains and an abundance of various wildlife.
I like attempting to identify the wildlife right here which incorporates golden eagle (though I by no means managed to identify one sadly!), crimson deer and the brightly colored hearth salamander.
My favorite spotlight…
Mountaineering the Vihren Peak Path which after some difficult and steep terrain lead me to the summit of Mount Vihren for some actually unimaginable views!
19. Kamchia Biosphere Reserve
This can be a stunning pristine protected space, established in 1977, which is situated on the mouth of the Kamchia River alongside Black Coastline.
The large 2,965-acre, UNESCO-listed biosphere is house to diverse landscapes together with uncommon floodplain forests, secluded sandy seashores, historic forests and spectacular pure waterways.
It additionally performs an necessary conservation function within the safety of many under-threat plant and animals. I like to recommend visiting for the wonderful mountain climbing, tenting and boating alternatives or enjoyable on one of many many lengthy, huge sandy seashores.
Location: 20 km south of Varna on the East Black Sea Coast and is surrounded by the villages of Bliznatsi, Staro Oriahovo, and Shkorpilovtsi.
Finest time to go to: summer time to benefit from the seashores.
My favorite highlights…
Making an attempt to identify chook and wildlife right here together with otters, wild boar, white-tailed eagle and the very uncommon Dalmatian pelican.
Mountaineering the Longoz Forest Path which took me via the just about jungle-like forest.
20. Zheravna
I discovered this magical spot situated within the rolling hills of the Balkan Mountain Vary. It’s a splendidly preserved village house to only over 200 conventional wood homes with crimson ceramic roof tiles constructed throughout the Bulgarian Nationwide Revival interval within the 18th and Nineteenth centuries.
I assumed the interiors of the visitor homes are simply as pretty because the exteriors they usually featured darkish wood beams and carvings together with some very intricate geometric and floral patterns.
Lots of the homes have been changed into museums and I additionally discovered historic crafts on show, a cute artwork gallery and a number of other nature walks surrounding the village.
My private spotlight…
I liked that strolling via the village felt like travelling again in time!
Staying over a visitor home which had been transformed from a former house within the village and stretching out my keep right here a bit longer.
