Bulgaria
Overview
A unique blend of nature and history draws in foreign visitors to Bulgaria. Its landscape, that is marked by seven mountain ranges, fascinates nature enthusiasts and makes Bulgaria the perfect destination for hikers, mountain bikers and skiers. From rough mountain ranges with granite cliffs, long sandy beaches with crystal clear waters, to bustling city nightlife, religious art, and ancient fortresses and ruins, Bulgaria boasts a diversity in culture and activities that is waiting to be experienced.
Top Attractions
- Explore the historic city of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, with its blend of ancient history, Byzantine architecture, and Soviet-era monuments, including landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church, and the National Palace of Culture.
- Discover the medieval charm of Veliko Tarnovo, the former capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, with its dramatic hilltop fortress, cobblestone streets, and historic landmarks like the Tsarevets Fortress, the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of God, and the Samovodska Charshia.
- Visit the picturesque town of Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, with its well-preserved Roman amphitheater, Ottoman-era old town, and cultural landmarks like the Roman Stadium, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Kapana Creative District.
- Explore the natural wonders of Bulgaria, including the Rila Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning frescoes and mountain setting, as well as the Seven Rila Lakes, the Pirin National Park, and the Rila and Rhodope mountain ranges.
- Experience the beauty of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, with its sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and resort towns like Varna, Burgas, and Sunny Beach, as well as historic sites like the ancient city of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Local Cuisine
- Indulge in the flavors of Bulgarian cuisine, known for its hearty dishes, fresh ingredients, and influences from Ottoman, Greek, and Slavic culinary traditions.
- Sample iconic dishes like banitsa (a savory pastry filled with cheese and eggs), shopska salad (a refreshing salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, and feta cheese), and kebapche (grilled minced meat skewers), as well as traditional side dishes like lyutenitsa (a spicy pepper and tomato relish) and kyopoolu (a roasted eggplant spread).
- Try Bulgarian specialties like tarator (a chilled yogurt soup with cucumbers, garlic, and dill), kavarma (a slow-cooked stew of meat and vegetables), and shkembe chorba (a tripe soup), as well as traditional desserts like baklava (sweet pastry), tolumbichki (fried dough soaked in syrup), and lokum (Turkish delight).
- Savor refreshing beverages like rakia (fruit brandy), Bulgarian wine (produced in regions like Melnik, Thracian Valley, and Danube Plain), and ayran (a yogurt drink), as well as traditional herbal teas and infusions made from ingredients like mountain herbs and rose petals.
- Don’t forget to try Bulgarian street food like kashkaval pane (fried cheese sticks), kyufte (spiced meatballs), and mekitsi (fried dough), as well as snacks like sunflower seeds, roasted chickpeas, and pumpkin seeds.
Outdoor Activities
- Go hiking in Bulgaria’s mountains, with opportunities for exploring scenic trails, visiting alpine lakes, and summiting peaks like Mount Vitosha, the Seven Rila Lakes, and Mount Pirin, which offer stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
- Explore the rivers and lakes of Bulgaria, with opportunities for kayaking, rafting, and fishing on the Struma, Iskar, and Arda rivers, as well as swimming, sunbathing, and water sports on the Black Sea coast.
- Take a bike ride through the countryside of Bulgaria, with opportunities for exploring rural villages, vineyards, and historic landmarks like the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, as well as visiting cultural sites like the Rila Monastery and the Bachkovo Monastery.
- Go birdwatching in Bulgaria, with opportunities to see a diverse range of bird species like the European bee-eater, the white stork, and the hoopoe, as well as rare species like the imperial eagle and the griffon vulture.
- Experience outdoor adventures like rock climbing, caving, and paragliding in Bulgaria, with opportunities for adrenaline-pumping thrills in destinations like the Vratsa Balkan Nature Park, the Rhodope Mountains, and the Sopot Waterfall.
Cultural Experiences
- Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Bulgaria with visits to museums, galleries, and cultural institutions like the National Museum of History in Sofia, the Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv, and the Rila Monastery Museum, which showcase the history, art, and culture of the country.
- Explore the vibrant arts scene of Bulgaria, with opportunities to attend festivals, concerts, and exhibitions showcasing Bulgarian and international talent, such as the Sofia International Film Festival, the Plovdiv International Fair, and the Varna Summer International Music Festival.
- Experience traditional Bulgarian music and dance performances, such as folk dances like the horo and the rachenitsa, as well as classical music performances, opera productions, and ballet performances, which reflect the diverse cultural traditions of the country.
- Discover the history and legacy of Bulgaria’s medieval past with visits to historic sites like the Tsarevets Fortress in Veliko Tarnovo, the Bachkovo Monastery in Plovdiv, and the ancient city of Nessebar, which showcase the architectural and artistic achievements of the Middle Ages.
- Participate in local festivals and celebrations, such as the Kukeri Festival, the Rose Festival, and the Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games, to experience the vibrant culture and spirit of Bulgaria firsthand.
