Bulgaria is changing into an more and more widespread nation and it gives a massively various vary of surroundings from the Black Sea seashores to the ski resorts of Bansko. I really like that this Balkan nation has a novel attraction 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 suggest beginning your Bulgarian journey on this dazzling shoreline! The Black Sea seashores are collection of gorgeous 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.
A few of the seashores are bustling vacationer spots, whereas others are extra family-friendly, and some provide a peaceable retreat with serene sand dunes as a backdrop. All of them share the identical stunning mild golden sand and glowing turquoise waters.
In addition to the resorts, inns and fairly conventional fishing villages, the world can be dwelling to a number of historic mosques, church buildings and monasteries, the grand Balchik Palace and Botanical Gardens and fascinating historical cities like Nesebar and Sozopol.
Location: East coast, from Romanian Black Sea resorts within the north to Turkey within the south
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My favorite highlights…
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.
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2. Nessebar
When you’re exploring the Black Sea Coast you then simply have to incorporate this beautiful gem in your record! It’s often called the “Pearl of the Black Sea” and this historic spot is definitely one of many oldest cities in Europe, courting again over a 3,000 years to the Thracian interval.
I notably adore it’s scenic and putting 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 Web site and once I found it I might see why, it’s a fantastically preserved spot with fairly cobblestone streets, historical church buildings, the stays of the traditional wall and conventional wood homes.
Location: Burgas Province, east coast
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My favorite spotlight…
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 beautiful 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 suppose 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 grew to become a thriving fishing village and now it’s a preferred laid-back seaside resort full with beautiful sandy seashores.
My favorite a part of visiting this city was strolling by means of the maze of slim cobblestone streets, gazing on the fantastically preserved conventional wood homes (which have uncommon overhanging higher flooring) and taking a stroll alongside the jetty to observe the day’s catch being unloaded.
Location: east coast
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My private highlights…
Seeing the unimaginable historical 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 very good Orthodox structure!
4. Rila Monastery
I really like this distinctive and peaceable spot which is commonly often called 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 but it surely has been rebuilt a couple of instances through the years on account of hearth injury.
Contained in the construction is adorned with historic artwork, putting ceiling work (by Nineteenth century Bulgarian artist Zahari Zograf), necessary spiritual relics and my favorite, a gently carved wood display (often called an iconostasis) which has the repute of being probably the most stunning within the nation.
Location: southwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: 07:00 to 19:30 all yr spherical
My favorite spotlight…
Getting into the courtyard, and seeing the putting distinction of the colorful church – which had daring black and white striped arches, tiled partitions and 5 domes – in opposition to the gorgeous 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 preferred vacationer vacation spot situated on the Black Sea Coast. It’s usually often called the “Sea capital of Bulgaria” because it’s very talked-about with the locals in the course of the summer season months.
I personally suppose its a beautiful metropolis with quite a bit to supply. Right here I discovered picturesque seashores stuffed with effective golden sand, turquoise sea, nice browsing alternatives, historic websites, glorious eating places, full of life golf equipment, bustling bars and huge resort resorts all surrounded by thick inexperienced forests.
Location: Black Sea Coast, East Coast
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My favorite highlights…
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 night time which is a buzzy and charming space.
6. Plovdiv Outdated City
In addition to being the second-largest metropolis within the nation, the Outdated City boasts a privileged and scenic location atop a hill. From right here, the views of the trendy metropolis and the encircling space are really stunning.
Town was constructed round 6,000 years in the past and the Outdated City is severely spectacular with vibrant conventional wood homes inbuilt a Bulgarian Renaissance architectural fashion, a number of museums and a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
Location: South Central
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring and summer season
My favorite highlights…
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 homes which have now become museums.
7. Belogradchik
In case you love distinctive magnificence spots then I extremely suggest exploring Belogradchik, a small city situated on the foot at Balkan Mountains.
The city itself is charming, with its conventional wood homes, however the true draw right here is the putting Belogradchik Rocks and the historic Belogradchik Fortress.
Belogradchik Fortress is an awe-inspiring man-made construction, dramatically set in opposition to a backdrop of towering rocks and miles of unspoiled countryside.
The Belogradchik Rocks are a set of uniquely-shaped sandstone formations and are so stunning they have been as soon as proposed to be one of many New Seven Wonders of Nature.
Location: close to Balkan Mountains, in Northwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring to early fall (in winter it will possibly snow)
My private spotlight…
Seeing and photographing the unimaginable fortress contrasting with the dramatic pure backdrop. Once I was there I might see why it attracts so guests from everywhere in the globe.
8. Lake Atanasovsko
It is a pure magnificence spot which at all times intrigues me. It’s situated on the Black Coastline close to town of Burgas and is an exquisite shiny pink lake situated in a coastal lagoon.
It’s a novel vacation spot as a result of, in contrast to most pink lakes worldwide, its putting color isn’t solely on account of 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.
Location: Black Sea Coast, southeast
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season however anytime from spring to autumn is nice.
My private highlights…
Discovering the close by Balneo Lodge 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 suppose it is a fairly, quaint and distinctive spot which gives a few of the most fascinating structure within the nation.
The small city is situated within the Sredna Gora Mountains and on my journey I felt like I used to be stepping again in time.
It’s a historic however fantastically preserved place stuffed with Nineteenth-century Bulgarian Nationwide Revival structure, winding cobblestone streets, a number of fascinating museums and am fascinating historical past – that is the place locals bravely fought in opposition to their Ottoman oppressors in 1876.
Location: two hours east of Sofia
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: late spring to early fall
My favorite highlights…
Exploring the normal vibrant homes the place the locals as soon as plotted their rise up.
I liked seeing all the traditional previous artefacts right here which included historic jewellery, artwork and even some previous costumes – they have been worn across the edges however they have been nonetheless very nicely preserved!
10. Veliko Tarnovo
It is a scenic and traditionally fascinating spot and in case you’re travelling across the nation then I extremely suggest including this to your itinerary!
Usually often called the “Metropolis of Tsars” it was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between the twelfth and 14th centuries. It’s location is simply divine, it’s nestled on three major hills and is surrounded by forests with the Yantra River reducing by means of it.
It’s stuffed with well-preserved medieval structure and fascinating websites such because the Asen’s Monument and the historic road of Samovodska Charshia the place I spent ages searching the craft retailers, artwork galleries and cute cafes!
Location: north-central
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My highlights…
Discovering the medieval Tsarevets Fortress which is a really putting complicated full with a royal palace, cathedral, and a number of other church buildings. The views from the fortress have been additionally stunning!
Strolling by means of the doorway gates of the city the place I might sense the nation’s former greatness!
11. Melnik
Nestled within the Pirin Mountains, Melnik is proof that the most effective issues are available small sizes! It’s truly the smallest city within the nation however I really like this picturesque and tranquil spot.
It has a novel magnificence with conventional structure, tasty conventional delicacies, a formidable monastery (the Rozhen Monastery), stunning mountain environment (the views are beautiful!) and the Melnik Pyramids are additionally value a particular point out. The Melnik Pyramids are towering sandstone formations which overlook the small city.
It’s largest draw although is that it’s dwelling to the nation’s finest wineries and wine so tasty it was mentioned to be a favorite of Winston Churchills!
I like to recommend you don’t go away with out attempting out a few of the Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine wine which is a full-bodied pink wine which you’ll pattern from the numerous cellars and eating places dotted all through the city.
Location: southwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: late spring to early autumn
My favorite highlights…
Tasting a neighborhood dish of banitsa (a savory spinach pastry) paired with their well-known pink wine at a standard tavern.
Attending their enjoyable three-day annual wine competition in September.
12. Pomorie
Pomorie is a picturesque coastal resort city situated on a slim rocky peninsula which spectacularly juts out into the Black Sea and gives spectacular views of the shoreline each within the north and the south.
In addition to being dwelling to stunning seashores, it’s a preferred wellness vacation spot, with quite a few spas and facilities providing mud and salt therapies sourced instantly 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 dwelling to an outstanding assortment of small inns, genuine retailers, and glorious eating places.
The jap tip of the peninsula has a number of small seashores which might be much less crowded than these to the north and the southwest so I spent lots of my time simply enjoyable there.
My favorite highlights…
Discovering the luxurious and fashionable Sundown Resort which is situated to the southwest of the city.
Exploring the lagoon-like Pomorie Lake which is situated close by.
Exploring the fascinating Museum of Salt, the Pomorie Museum of Historical past, and the road markets in Kableshkovo (that are held each Thursday).
Sampling the domestically produced wine at Vineyard Messembria and Stratsin Vineyard.
13. Evksinograd Palace
I personally suppose the Evksinograd Palace is among the most romantic buildings in Bulgaria. Situated 8 kilometres north of Varna on the Black Coastline, this beautiful Nineteenth-century palace was usually used as a vacation dwelling 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. I liked that there have been lashings of gold and silk all over the place I regarded!
I additionally liked the opulent decadent gardens which have been a sprawling 800-acre park stuffed with flowers, completely manicured hedgerows, ornate ponds and fountains.
Location: Black Sea Coast, East of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring and summer season to see the blooming flowers within the backyard
My private highlights…
Visiting the onsite vineyard which was added to the palace in 1891. I sampled the Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminer, Muscat Ottone, and Vratsa Muscat wines on provide!
Staying within the in a single day lodging situated right here and taking part in tennis and eating of their onsite restaurant the following day.
14. Seven Lakes
That is beautiful pure surprise, nestled excessive within the Rila Mountains, is a group of seven picturesque glacial lakes, every steeped in fantasy. I particularly love the legend that claims these lakes have been fashioned from the tears of a grieving feminine big, mourning her misplaced beloved!
In the summertime, it’s a great spot for mountain climbing and capturing the breathtaking great thing about the lakes, with wildflowers blooming in abundance. The seven lakes are additionally interconnected by streams, with a couple of waterfalls including to the great scenic attraction!
I both suggest beginning a hike the Rila Monastery or taking the Pionerska Chair Elevate on the Pionerska Hut in Panichishte for a better journey there!
Location: Rila Mountains, Centre West
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My favorite spotlight…
Climbing round the entire lakes which took me a number of hours however the spectacular surroundings made it value it!
15. Belogradchik Fortress
That is a formidable historical 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 the 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 boasts a captivating historical past, having performed an important position in the course of the Bulgarian-Ottoman wars. Over time, it was strengthened by the Byzantines, Bulgarians, and Ottomans, every leaving their distinctive mark on its construction.
Handle: Belogradchik Fortress, 1 Hadzhi Dimitar Road, 3900 Belogradchik
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My private highlights…
Wandering round and photographing the positioning. The best way 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 quite a bit and I personally suppose Tevno Vasilashko Lake is among the most spectacular magnificence spots on the continent!
This magnificent glacial lake sits at an elevation of seven,779 toes above sea degree within the Vasilashki Cirque, surrounded by the rugged peaks of the Pirin mountain vary.
Tevno Lake is the biggest of the glacial lakes within the Vasilashko Lakes space, and in my view, it’s probably the most spectacular. I’m at all times captivated by its putting deep blue color, created by the reflections of the towering mountains that encircle it!
To succeed in the lake, I counsel reserving with one of many tour operators that supply one-day journeys by means of the Vasilashki glacial valley, permitting you to go to three or 4 of the lakes in a single outing.
Location: Pirin Mountains, southwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season
My private highlights…
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 an enthralling alpine village nestled within the western Rhodope Mountains within the south of Bulgaria, simply 26 km from Gotse Delchev.
For my part, it’s one of the vital romantic and well-preserved villages within the nation, with winding slim cobblestone roads, historic stone partitions, and conventional homes constructed within the distinctive Bulgarian Revival fashion.
Based within the fifteenth century in the course of the Ottoman interval, it retains an genuine historic attraction that I discover really charming. I extremely suggest visiting to expertise a glimpse of rural life on this fascinating nation.
Location: Blagoevgrad Province, southwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: late spring to summer season
My favorite highlights…
Exploring the homes which had stone foundations, timber partitions, and distinctive overhanging high flooring. I discovered the wealthier homes to be rather 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 have been connected to the homes which have been used for rising meals and herbs in addition to socialising.
18. Pirin Nationwide Park
Many vacationers are unaware of simply how picturesque Bulgaria’s pure surroundings is till they go to Pirin Nationwide Park. Spanning over 154 sq. miles in southwestern Bulgaria, the park encompasses the biggest portion of the expansive Pirin Mountain vary.
It’s a particular protected space which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1983. It’s dwelling to over 100 sensible turquoise glacial lakes (the biggest is the gorgeous Popovo Lake), towering snow-capped mountains and an abundance of assorted wildlife.
I really like attempting to identify the wildlife right here which included golden eagle (though I by no means managed to identify one sadly!), pink deer and the brightly colored hearth salamander.
My favorite spotlight…
Climbing the Vihren Peak Path which after some difficult and steep terrain lead me to the summit of Mount Vihren the place I used to be handled to some really unimaginable views!
19. Kamchia Biosphere Reserve
This pristine and exquisite protected space, established in 1977, is located on the mouth of the Kamchia River alongside the Black Coastline.
The large 2,965-acre UNESCO-listed biosphere options various landscapes, together with uncommon floodplain forests, secluded sandy seashores, historical woodlands, and beautiful pure waterways.
It additionally performs a significant position in conserving many threatened plant and animal species. I like to recommend visiting for the wonderful mountain climbing, tenting, and boating alternatives, or just enjoyable on one of many many lengthy, vast 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.
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer season to take advantage of the seashores.
My favorite highlights…
Attempting to identify chicken and wildlife right here together with otters, wild boar, white-tailed eagle and the very uncommon Dalmatian pelican.
Climbing the Longoz Forest Path which took me by means of the just about jungle-like forest.
20. Zheravna
I found this enchanting spot nestled within the rolling hills of the Balkan Mountain Vary. It’s a fantastically preserved village, dwelling to over 200 conventional wood homes adorned with pink ceramic roof tiles, all constructed in the course of the Bulgarian Nationwide Revival interval within the 18th and Nineteenth centuries.
I discovered the interiors of the visitor homes simply as charming because the exteriors, with their darkish wood beams and carvings that embody intricate geometric and floral patterns.
Lots of the homes have been become museums and I additionally discovered historical crafts on show, a cute artwork gallery and a number of other nature walks surrounding the village.
My private spotlight…
I liked that taking a stroll by means of the village felt like travelling again in time!
Staying in a single day at a visitor home that had been transformed from an previous village dwelling, giving me an opportunity to stretch out my keep slightly longer!