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Bulgaria’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Bulgaria’s Only Travel Guide You Need For A Great Trip in 11 Easy Steps

Bulgaria’s Background

 

Bulgarians today are descended from Central Asian Turkic tribes that blended with Slavic populations to establish the first Bulgarian kingdom in the late 7th century. Centuries later, Bulgaria experienced its first international contact with the Byzantine Empire, which was followed by the Ottomans. Northern Bulgaria gained autonomy in 1878, and the entire country gained independence in 1908. Finally, with the Soviets, after choosing the losing side twice in both world wars, until 1990, when communist dominance ended and democracy was established.

With Byzantine domination, 500 years of Ottoman authority, and Soviet influence, one would expect the country to have run out of steam and lost its identity. However, the Bulgarian entity managed to endure. Nevertheless, with each conquest or influence, a large amount of foreign culture was imported into Bulgarian territory. The Byzantines introduced them to Eastern Orthodoxy, symbolism, and monasteries, the Ottomans brought Islam, kebabs, and mosques, the Soviets, heavy industry and concrete monstrous construction; and the West, corruption and unfettered capitalism. What more could you ask from a single country?

Aside from Byzantine, Ottoman, and Soviet remains, the country also boasts a number of Greek and Roman sites. It has beautiful monasteries and mosques, as well as centuries-old Slavic and Turkish populations. It is inhabited by hardy mountain people who can withstand years of occupation and emerge unhurt. It is populated by individuals who identify as Bulgars, Gypsies, or Turks. It boasts beaches to rival those of the Mediterranean, as well as untamed mountains, deep gorges, snowcapped peaks, roaring rivers, glacial lakes, and vast woodlands where bears, wolves, and lynxes still roam free. It sells fine wine and enormous plastic bottles of beer at ridiculously low prices. It is endowed with food that is similar to Greek but not really, similar to Turkish but aren’t, and so distinctly Bulgarian.

The country is split into five geographical areas. You’re more likely to visit the northwest region, which is home to the country’s capital, Sofia. Southwest Bulgaria is a hilly region that is also a winter sports paradise. Northern Thrace lies on the lowlands and includes several historical cities, the most well-known of which being Plovdiv. Many resort villages on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast get little tourists. There are several major port cities as well, such as Varna and Burgas. Many villages and woodlands line the Danube River in Central Northern Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s strongholds and ruins reverberate with historical whispers. Neolithic towns have been discovered in caves hidden in Bulgaria’s river-sculpted wilds. The enigmatic Thracians left behind spectacular gold and silver hauls, as well as tombs that may still be visited today. The Romans created towns on a grand scale, with bathhouses, fortifications, and amphitheatres that lie casually in the middle of modern cities like Varna and Plovdiv. Tsars marched along the ramparts of the old capital Veliko Târnovo’s Tsarevets Fortress. These histories are still significant today, with Thracian art and Bulgaria’s victory over the Ottomans inspiring.

 

“A country that is known for its mountains that inspire the soul, with beautiful beaches, and towns that pulse with life and art. Captivating adventures are assured in Bulgaria’s enticing combination of nature and history.“

 

Bulgaria is a Black Sea nation in the Balkans. It is one of Europe’s most under appreciated countries, yet it has a lot to offer. Bulgaria is a surprisingly diversified nation with winter sports, beautiful beaches, and churches and culture in which to immerse oneself. Because it is less popular than other European nations, traveling here seems like you’ve discovered an unspoiled, unexplored, unique paradise. Although winters might be rather frigid, summers are extremely nice. The scenery in the vicinity may also be extremely lovely. There are mountains dotted with towns, beaches lined with resorts, and an old-world rural landscape that you won’t find anywhere else in Europe.

Nobody visiting Bulgaria will be unmoved by its religious art, which ranges from massive gold-domed buildings to minute icon paintings. Visitors and pilgrims go to Sofia’s Aleksander Nevski Church and the 10th-century Rila Monastery, while Tryavna’s wood sculptures and Bachkovo’s apocalyptic paintings are gaining popularity. However, even the smallest Orthodox churches have much to admire: emotional paintings of saints, sometimes set in carved wooden screens (iconostases), are enchanting when bathed in shimmering candlelight. The backgrounds of many religious buildings are almost as spectacular: granite cliffs, raging streams, and lonely mountain routes.

Hikers, mountain bikers, and skiers are drawn to Bulgaria’s wild landscapes. Seven mountain ranges crisscross the land, with glacial lakes sparkling amid the snow-dusted summits and tangles of forest concealing wolves, bears, and lynx, a glimpse of Europe’s prehistoric past. Mist-cloaked views in the Stara Planina range and dawn from Bulgaria’s second-highest peak, Mt Vihren, are accessible by networks of paths and hizhas (hiking huts) (2915m). Between walking through the Rodopi villages, roaring through ski fields in Bansko, and birding in Pirin National Park, Bulgaria offers much to please (and fatigue) outdoor enthusiasts.

Traveling throughout the nation by bus is the most affordable and convenient option. This is the most prevalent and quickest mode of transportation. Trains are significantly cheaper than buses, but they are also slower and have a shorter range. Some places in the countryside or higher in the highlands need the use of a rental car. This can be accomplished in most big cities, including Sofia, although it can be costly, more on this topic below.

In general, Bulgarian prices are fairly modest, with people from both ends of the backpacker and luxury spectrum able to find what they need. Restaurants are often inexpensive, and pizza is a cheap alternative practically everywhere. Hotels are less expensive than in many Eastern European nations, and most big towns feature at least a handful of hostels for people on a low budget. Read on to learn all you need to know before visiting Bulgaria. Learn about things to do in Bulgaria, as well as helpful advice and recommendations for your vacation.

Top Places in Bulgaria

Nessebar

Nessebar is a 2500-year-old city that is also a World Heritage Site. It is a significant beach resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast, located in the Burgas Province. Nessebar, a more than 3,000-year-old landmark on a rocky peninsula on the Black Sea, was once a Thracian village (Menebria). The little city is divided into two halves by a thin man-made isthmus, with the older part of the community on the peninsula (formerly an island) and the more contemporary half (hotels, subsequent construction) on the mainland side.

Rila Monastery

The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, also known as Rila Monastery “Sveti Ivan Rilski,” is Bulgaria’s largest and most well-known Eastern Orthodox monastery. It is located in the southwestern Rila Mountains, 117 kilometers south of Sofia, in the deep valley of the Rilska River, at an elevation of 1,147 meters above sea level, within the Rila Monastery Nature Park. The monastery, which houses roughly 60 monks, is named after its founder, the hermit Ivan of Rila. The Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th century, is recognized as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical, and architectural landmarks, as well as a major tourist destination for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. It had 900,000 visitors in 2008. The monastery is pictured on the reverse of the 1999 1 lev currency. The Rila Monastery is Bulgaria’s largest and most well-known Eastern Orthodox monastery. It is located in the southern Rila Mountains and is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important religious, cultural, and architectural sites. It was constructed in the eleventh century and named for its discoverer, the hermit Ivan of Rila.

Pirin National Park

Pirin National Park, formerly known as Vihren National Park, covers the majority of the Pirin Mountains in southern Bulgaria, covering 403.56 km2. It is one of the country’s three national parks, the others being Rila National Park and Central Balkan National Park. The park was founded in 1962, and its boundaries have been enlarged multiple times since then. In 1983, UNESCO designated Pirin National Park as a World Heritage Site. Vihren, Bulgaria’s second highest peak and the Balkans’ third, with an elevation range of 950 to 2,914 meters. The park is located on the area of seven municipalities in Blagoevgrad Province, the country’s southernmost region: Bansko, Gotse Delchev, Kresna, Razlog, Sandanski, Simitli, and Strumyani. Its land has no urban areas. Bayuvi Dupki–Dzhindzhiritsa and Yulen natural reserves are located inside the limits of Pirin National Park. Bayuvi Dupki–Dzhindzhiritsa is one of Bulgaria’s oldest reserves, having been created in 1934, and is part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere Programme.

Central Mineral Baths

The Central Mineral Baths are a landmark in the city center of Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital and a city noted for its mineral springs. It was erected beside the previous Turkish spa in the early twentieth century and served as the city’s public baths until 1986. Sofia has had public baths since at least the 16th century. During his visit to Sofia in 1553–1555, Bohemian explorer Hans Dernschwam documented the presence of one great spa and two smaller baths on either side of the city. Dernschwam characterized the baths thus: The baths are placed on the plaza; there is a large quadrangular edifice in front of the entrance with a circular Greek-style dome on top, similar to the Pantheon in Rome. It’s lavishly coated in white marble… The large water conduits that feed the baths are fashioned of potter’s clay. Each tube is about one Viennese cubit long, and they all go through each other. They are plastered up, like in Siebenbürgen and in ancient Thorenburg buildings.

Sunny Beach

Slanchev Bryag is a popular coastal resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, some 35 kilometers north of Burgas. Originally a tiny coastal resort, it has expanded to encompass a wide range of recreational activities and services. Sunny Beach, founded in 1958 as a weekend retreat for Bulgarian families, has evolved to become the country’s most popular tourist and holiday destination. Its fast expansion has made it the largest resort on the whole Black Sea coast; to the south, the complex blended with the built-up suburbs of Nessebar.

5-day Itinerary in Bulgaria (with extension options)

Days 1 to 3

 

Arrive at Sofia

You will most likely begin your Bulgaria itinerary in Sofia, the country’s capital and largest city. Though Sofia may not have the best reputation among Balkan towns but leave these preconceptions behind, and you will discover that it has a lot to offer visitors with wonderful energy and many intriguing things to do.

Though you could easily spend a week or more exploring Sofia, we recommend spending three of your five days in Bulgaria in the city. There are many things to do in Sofia during these three days, including seeing major attractions such as the old city of Serdika and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. You may also visit some of Sofia’s numerous museums, Mosques, experience the city’s booming culinary scene, and learn more about the city’s communist heritage.

Though it is not the most gorgeous city, Sofia has a really interesting edge, and it is worth knowing about its blossoming street art culture.

If you only have three days, we recommend that you spend them all in Sofia to fully get to know the Bulgarian city. However, if you want to visit more of Bulgaria on your 5 days in Bulgaria schedule, you may embark on a day trip. The adjacent Vitosha Mountain, which can be reached by Sofia’s public transportation, is also a popular day excursion from Sofia.

Sofia has emerged as a tourist destination in recent years, and as a result, there are several lodging options available to fit every budget, from backpacker to luxury.

  • Backpacker: Hostel Mostel, Hostel N°1 in Sofia, Elegance Hostel
  • Budget: Hotel Bansko, Fancy Hotel, St. George
  • Mid-range: Hotel Aris, L’Opera House, Hotel Sofia Place, Park Hotel Amfora, Budapest Hotel Sofia
  • Luxury: Art 'Otel, All Seasons Residence Hotel, Intercontinental Sofia, Hyatt Regency Sofia

This section will be added shortly.

Days 4 to 5

 

Head to Plovdiv

Following your exploration of Sofia, the next stop on your 5-day Bulgaria itinerary should be Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second-largest city. As one of the European Capitals of Culture in 2019, Plovdiv is likely Bulgaria’s most tourist-friendly city, with enough to offer visitors.

Plovdiv is claimed to be Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, stretching back over 6,000 years. Plovdiv is well known for its magnificent historic amphitheatre. There is a lot more to see and do in Plovdiv, which is why we recommend staying for two days to fully get to know the city.

Spend your first day in town touring the city’s historic structures, such as the aforementioned amphitheatre and old stadium. Wander around the lovely ancient town and admire the city from the ruins of Nebet Tepe.

You may also visit the fashionable Kapana neighborhood, which translates to “The Trap” in Bulgarian. These winding, pedestrian lanes have recently been rebuilt thanks to significant government investment and are now home to a plethora of fantastic restaurants, cafés, pubs, and independent stores, as well as a sanctuary for local artists. This is the neighborhood to visit if you are interested in hipster culture or street art.

Plovdiv is also a good starting point for wine tasting tours in the Thracian valley. Brestovitsa, a neighbouring village with roughly 7 vineyards, is only 20 kilometers from Plovdiv’s center. Though Bulgaria may not be the first nation that comes to mind when thinking about wine tourism, it boasts one of the world’s oldest viticultures and produces some genuinely exceptional vintages.

Plovdiv may not receive as many visitors as Sofia, but it is still a popular stop on most Bulgaria itineraries, so there are plenty of fantastic places to stay. If you're looking for a place to stay in Plovdiv, consider these options:

  • Budget: Noviz Hotel, Hotel Alians
  • Mid-range: Hostel Old Plovdiv, Hotel Evmolpia, Landmark Creek Hotel, Holiday Inn Plovdiv
  • Luxury: Hotel Imperial, Hotel Gallery 37, The Emporium Plovdiv

This section will be added shortly.

Extra Days in Bulgaria (Option 1)

 

Veliko Tarnovo

If you’re planning your Bulgaria itinerary outside of the summer months or prefer mountain cities to coastal escapes, then spending the last two days in Veliko Tarnovo is a terrific alternative to the Black Sea coast.

Veliko Tarnovo, located in northern Bulgaria, is a vibrant university town that was previously the country’s capital. It is now recognized for its alpine landscape and towering fortification, which commands spectacular views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Veliko Tarnovo is breathtakingly beautiful and definitely worth exploring on foot for a day or two. It is also quite close to a number of fantastic mountains, so you can use the city as a base to go on a nice day trek. As a previous Bulgarian capital and another historic city, Sofia has a lengthy and intriguing history that is worth studying about.

As the home of one of Bulgaria’s greatest universities, there is also a dynamic, young spirit that leads to a plethora of superb restaurants, pubs, and cafés, as well as some fashionable stores and activities.

Veliko Tarnovo is a popular destination for anyone staying in Bulgaria for more than a couple of days, so there are plenty of decent places to stay.

  • Backpacker: Hostel Mostel, Hikers Hostel, Diana Guesthouse, Rooster Hostel, Tarnovski Dom Hotel
  • Budget: Guest house Malkia, Guest House Selin, Guest House Astra, Hotel Bela Neda
  • Mid-range: Park Hotel Arbanassi, The Lions Residence, Guest Rooms Cheshmata, The Hill, Hotel Izvora, The Complex Arbanashki Han
  • Luxury: Bey House Boutique Hotel, Vitality Guest House

This section will be added shortly.

Extra Days in Bulgaria (Option 2)

 

Indulge the Black Sea

After five days in Sofia and Plovdiv, it’s time to drive to the coast and enjoy the beautiful Black Sea.

There are a variety of wonderful sites to explore along Bulgaria’s lengthy coastline, depending on the type of experience you seek. If you’re looking for a smaller, more tranquil coastal village, come to Sozopol. This village has two gorgeous sand beaches, charming cobblestone streets, and a relaxed attitude.

If you prefer more western facilities, a party scene, or a high-end beach resort, visit Sunny Beach or Nessebar, which are far more touristic and developed than Sozopol. But bear in mind that Sozopol is a beautiful place with yet another old town to feast your eyes with.

If you want a big city atmosphere but still some fantastic beach time, travel to Varna or Burgas, Bulgaria’s largest cities on the coast. No matter where you go, you’re guaranteed to have a good time experiencing the Black Sea’s beauties.

The Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria is quite popular during the summer months, and there are various cities to pick from. We recommend Sozopol for a laid-back attitude, or Varna if you want to experience Bulgaria's third-biggest city.

  • Backpacker: M Hostel Musala
  • Budget: Vezhen Hotel, Kalimera, Ecoclub
  • Mid-range: Villa Climate Guesthouse, Ivanchov Han, Hotel Ventura, Hotel Belle Epoque Beach, Modus Hotel, Hotel Diamanti
  • Luxury: Primorski Hotel, Dallas Residence Hotel, Oasis Botique Hotel, Melia Grand Hermitage

This section will be added shortly.

Day 5

 

Departure Day

This is the final day of your Bulgaria trip itinerary. Unless, of course you want to add more days. If you want to add extra days to your vacation or try something new, you can choose one of the following.

If you want to experience some of Europe’s greatest and most cheap skiing in the winter or visit a pristine hiking destination in the summer, Bansko is a perfect addition to any Bulgaria itinerary.

Finally, the northern village of Belogradchik on the Serbian border is an excellent off-the-beaten-path trip in Bulgaria. Spending a day or two here will show you a distinct aspect of the nation, thanks to its unusual rock formations and formidable stronghold.

If this is not the case, you will most likely be traveling to Sofia airport, where you will prepare your belongings, double-check that you have everything, check out, and make your way to the airport.

While on your way, you will see the country’s streets one more time and bid them farewell. We hope you had a good time on your trip to Bulgaria.

The Most Popular Food in Bulgaria

Bulgarian salads are incredibly fresh. They include cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a variety of other vegetables, but rarely have lettuce. The dressing is usually made from either sunflower or olive oil and flavored slightly with vinegar. Although somewhat comparable to Greek salads, Shopska salads typically have a subtly different flavor. What makes this different you ask? Bulgarian white cheese, or ‘sirene’, is grated on top of the veggies, giving the salad its inimitable flavor and is what makes the salad taste so good!

Shopska Salad

Salads in Bulgaria are wonderfully fresh. Cucumbers, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a variety of other vegetables are often used, although lettuce is rarely included. The dressing is often created with sunflower or olive oil and is gently seasoned with vinegar. Although similar to Greek salads, Shopska salads have a somewhat distinct flavor. What makes this unique, you ask? Bulgarian white cheese, or’sirene,’ is grated on top of the vegetables, giving the salad its distinct flavor and making it taste so fantastic!

Meshana Skara

Meshana skara, commonly known as mixed grill, is a traditional Bulgarian meal consisting of a plate of meat and vegetables. On the platter, place one kyufte, one pork steak, one kebapche, and one pig skewer. The meat is usually served with french fries, lyutenitsa, and onion-flavored bean salad. It is typically accompanied by a couple of glasses of beer and rakia.

Bob Chorba

This mint and herb soup is often served warm. It is considered a Bulgarian national dish, however it is prepared in a variety of forms around the country. It is often cooked with beans and onions.

Bob chorba is a Bulgarian soup made with white and kidney beans, onions, peppers, tomatoes, carrots, and mint. The soup may be made with practically any available item, including bell peppers, paprika, potatoes, and meat.

The bob chorba po manastirski, a monastery-style variant of this soup that was served in several Bulgarian monasteries and is totally vegetarian, is very popular. This simple soup is a national dish of Bulgaria, and its vegetarian variant is typically served on Christmas Eve.

Drob Po Selski

Drob po selski, or village-style liver, is a traditional Bulgarian meal created by boiling liver in a clay earthenware pot with vegetable pieces and (optionally) mushrooms. Pieces of chicken, beef, or hog liver are roasted with onions, carrots, peppers, garlic, tomatoes, and mushrooms before being boiled with water and flour.

Wine, tomato purée, and spices are frequently used to enhance the flavor of the meal. In Bulgaria, the dish is a common lunch or supper dish, generally topped with freshly cut parsley and served with pieces of baked bread on the side.

Tarator

This is a cucumber and yogurt soup often served cold. It often combines walnuts, dill, garlic and vegetable oil and is most frequently served during the warmer summer months.

What's the Travel Budget for Bulgaria?

Final Thoughts on Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers an intricate and rich Balkan heritage that is visible throughout the country, with its empire past, earlier occupations, marvelous and unique Islamic and orthodox structures, warm hospitality, and majestic nature making it especially alluring and picturesque as a result of this blend. Bulgaria is thus a destination worth visiting. The splendor of Bulgari is amazing, from its wonderful national parks, natural treasures, and breathtaking vistas. Would you visit Bulgaria?

Have you ever been to Bulgaria? Please share your experience in the comments area below.

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