Bulgaria is quick turning into an more and more fashionable nation to go to and it presents a vastly various vary of surroundings. The Black Sea seashores draw the crowds in the summertime months and the mountain slopes of Bansko and Pomporovo entice skiers within the winter. I like that this Balkan nation has a novel allure all of its personal, from my time spent exploring, listed below are my favourite magnificence spots to discover on this extraordinary nation…
1. The Black Sea Seashores
I extremely suggest beginning your Bulgarian journey on this dazzling shoreline! The Black Sea seashores are a seemingly limitless assortment of gorgeous sandy seashores which stretch all the way in which from the Romanian border (within the north) to the Turkish border (down south), masking an space of 235 miles.
A few of the seashores are highly regarded and are full of life vacationer resorts, some are very family-friendly and others provide a way more tranquil seaside expertise backed by fairly sand dunes.
In addition to the resorts, inns and fairly conventional fishing villages, the world can also be house to a number of historic mosques, church buildings and monasteries, the grand Balchik Palace and Botanical Gardens and attention-grabbing 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 time
My favorite highlights…
Discovering my private favorite seashores which had been the glitzy resort of Sunny Seaside (which had nice nightlife and eating places), the family-friendly Albena and the extra peaceable and pure spot, Ropotamo Seaside.
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2. Nessebar
When you find yourself exploring the Black Sea Coast you then simply have to incorporate this beautiful gem in your checklist! It’s often known as the “Pearl of the Black Sea” and this historic metropolis 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 placing 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 after I visited I might see why, it’s a fantastically preserved spot with fairly cobblestone streets, historical church buildings, stays of the traditional wall and conventional wood and stone constructed homes.
Location: Burgas Province, east coast
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer time
My favorite spotlight…
I cherished wandering across the many wonderful 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 essentially the most bustling Nessebar however nonetheless one other effectively preserved historic city which I believe is value a go to.
One of many oldest cities in Bulgaria it really began life in 7h century BC as Apollonia and have become a thriving fishing village and now a preferred laid-back seaside resort full with beautiful sandy seashores.
My favorite half although is strolling via the maze of slender cobblestone streets and gazing on the fantastically preserved conventional wood homes (which have uncommon overhanding higher flooring) after which taking a stroll alongside the quays because the day’s catch is being unloaded.
Location: east coast
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
Seeing the unbelievable historical stays of the Southern Fortress Wall and Tower (head to the south of the city for the perfect view).
Testing the historic church buildings my favorite was the Church of St. George, I cherished the very good Orthodox structure!
4. Rila Monastery
I like this distinctive and tranquil spot which is commonly often known as the “Jerusalem of Bulgaria” and enjoys a particular location surrounded by nature and thick forest only a two hour drive from Sofia, the capital metropolis.
The picturesque Jap Orthodox monastery was constructed within the tenth century however has been rebuilt just a few occasions through the years on account of fireplace injury.
Inside isn’t any much less distinctive and is adorned with historic artwork, placing ceiling work (by Nineteenth century Bulgarian artist Zahari Zograf), necessary spiritual relics and my favorite, a carefully carved wood display (an iconostasis) which I believe is essentially the most lovely within the nation.
Location: southwestern a part of the nation
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: 07:00 to 19:30 all yr spherical
My favorite spotlight…
Coming into the courtyard, and seeing the placing distinction of the colorful church – which had daring black and white striped arches, tiled partitions and 5 domes – towards 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 which is commonly nicknamed the “Sea capital of Bulgaria” because it’s so fashionable with locals in the course of the summer time months.
I personally suppose its a beautiful metropolis with lots to supply together with picturesque seashores full of nice golden sand, turquoise sea, nice surf breaks, historic websites, wonderful eating places, full of life golf equipment, busy bars, resort resorts and surrounding inexperienced forests.
Location: Black Sea Coast, East Coast
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer time
My favorite highlights…
Enjoyable on Rapongi Seaside which was my favorite spot in Varna as its well-maintained and didn’t get too crowded. I additionally cherished travelling north to the small upscale resort of Sunny Day or the quiet and intimate Sirius Seaside.
Strolling alongside Kraybrezhna Aleya 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 additionally enjoys a picturesque enjoys a privileged and scenic place situated excessive on a hill so the views of the fashionable a part of the town are gorgeous (and the remainder of the encircling space).
Town was constructed round 6,000 years in the past and the Outdated City is significantly spectacular with vibrant conventional wood homes inbuilt a Bulgarian Renaissance architectural type, a number of museums and a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
Location: South Central
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: spring and summer time
My favorite highlights…
Visiting the Kuyumdzhioglu Home which had unbelievable carved ceilings and murals and the rich and opulent Hindliyan Home which even had some authentic furnishings in.
Strolling up the hill and stopping on the many galleries and home museums was a delight!
7. Belogradchik
In case you love distinctive magnificence spots then I extremely suggest taking a go to to Belogradchik, a small city situated on the foot at Balkan Mountains.
The city itself is fairly with winding streets and conventional homes with red-tiled roofs however the motive why I’ve added it to this checklist is as a result of its house to the placing Belogradchik Rocks and the historic Belogradchik Fortress.
Belogradchik Fortress is a really spectacular man-made web site set towards a shocking outcrop of rocks and miles of countryside.
The Belogradchik Rocks are a mix of unique-shaped sandstone and rock formations and are so gorgeous they had been 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 may snow)
My private spotlight…
Seeing and photographing the unbelievable of the fortress contrasting towards its dramatic pure backdrop. As soon as there I might see why it attracts so guests from everywhere in the globe.
8. Lake Atanasovsko
It is 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 vivid pink lake situated in a coastal lagoon.
It’s a novel spot as not like most different pink lakes situated around the globe its attention-grabbing color isn’t just brought on by excessive salt ranges. It additionally will get its color from farming brine shrimp within the water.
It’s additionally an necessary spot for birdlife and is house to many migratory birds and I cherished making an attempt to identify the pelicans and herons on my journey.
Location: Black Sea Coast, southeast
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer time however anytime from spring to autumn is sweet.
My private highlights…
Going to the close by Balneo Resort Pomorie Wellness Heart (which was 12 miles away) and making an attempt out their mud therapies that are used from taking mud from this space. The minerals within the mud are used as therapeutic therapies.
9. Koprivshtitsa
I personally suppose it is a fairly, quaint and distinctive spot which presents a few of the most attention-grabbing 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 full of Nineteenth-century Bulgarian Nationwide Revival structure, winding cobblestone streets, a number of attention-grabbing museums and a wealthy historical past – that is the place locals bravely fought towards their oppressive Ottoman rulers 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 standard vibrant homes and visiting the museums the place locals plotted their rise up, main as much as the primary shot within the unsuccessful April Rebellion.
I cherished seeing all the traditional outdated artefacts right here which incorporates historic jewellery, artwork and even outdated costumes which had been worn across the edges however nonetheless very well-preserved!
10. Veliko Tarnovo
It is a significantly gorgeous and traditionally attention-grabbing spot and for those who’re travelling across the nation then I extremely suggest including this to your itinerary!
Usually 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 predominant hills and is surrounded by forests with the Yantra River chopping via it.
It’s full of well-preserved medieval structure and attention-grabbing websites such because the Asen’s Monument and the historic avenue of Samovodska Charshia the place I spent ages looking the craft retailers, artwork galleries and cute cafes!
Location: north-central
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer time
My highlights…
Discovering the medieval Tsarevets Fortress which is a really placing complicated full with a royal palace, cathedral, and a number of other church buildings. The views from the fortress had been additionally gorgeous!
Strolling via 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 perfect issues are available small sizes! It’s really the smallest city within the nation however I like this picturesque and tranquil spot.
It has a novel magnificence with conventional structure, tasty conventional delicacies, a formidable monastery (the Rozhen Monastery), lovely mountain environment (the views are simply gorgeous 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 predominant causes to go to although is that its house to a few of the nation’s finest wineries and wine so tasty it was mentioned to be a favorite of Winston Churchills! Don’t go away with out making an attempt out a few of the Broad-Leaved Melnik Vine wine which is a full-bodied purple wine and you’ll pattern from 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 purple wine at a conventional tavern.
Attending a enjoyable three-day wine pageant 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 presents spectacular views of the shoreline each to the north and the south.
In addition to being house to lovely seashores it’s additionally a preferred wellness location with plenty of spas and centres providing mud and salt therapies harvested from the native space.
The city has two very totally different sections – the outdated city centre to the east and the newer, extra touristy part to the west. I notably love the outdated city which is house to a group of small inns, genuine retailers, and a few wonderful eating places.
The jap tip of the peninsula has a number of small seashores which are much less crowded than these to the north or southwest so I spent a whole lot of my time right here.
My favorite highlights…
Discovering the big, luxurious and trendy 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 attention-grabbing Museum of Salt, the Pomorie Museum of Historical past, and the road markets in Kableshkovo (that are held each Thursday).
Sampling domestically produced wine at Vineyard Messembria and Stratsin Vineyard.
13. Evksinograd Palace
I personally suppose the Evksinograd Palace is without doubt one of the most romantic buildings in Bulgaria. Situated 8 kilometres north of Varna on the Black Coastline, this beautiful Nineteenth-century palace was typically used as a vacation house for royalty.
It has the type 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 seemed!
I additionally cherished the opulent decadent gardens which had been a sprawling 800-acre park full of uncommon plant species, completely manicured hedgerows and ornate ponds and fountains.
Location: Black Sea Coast, East of the nation
Location Map
Greatest 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 looking and sampling the Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminer, Muscat Ottone, and Vratsa Muscat wines on provide.
Staying in a single day on the palace and enjoying tennis and desk tennis the following day and eating of their onsite restaurant.
14. Seven Lakes
It is a gorgeous pure magnificence spot situated excessive within the Rila Mountains which is definitely a group of at least seven picturesque glacial lakes, surrounded by myths. I like that the legend say the lakes had been fashioned by the tears of a feminine large, crying for her beloved!
In the course of the summer time it’s an ideal place to go mountaineering and {photograph} the gorgeous 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 suggest beginning a hike the Rila Monastery or taking the Pionerska Chair Raise on the Pionerska Hut in Panichishte for a neater journey there!
Location: Rila Mountains, Centre West
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer time
My favorite spotlight…
Mountaineering round all the lakes which took 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 Romans throughout 1st to third centuries AD.
In addition to mendacity in a dramatic pure location within the Belogradchik Rocks, its among the best preserved fortresses within the nation.
It additionally has an attention-grabbing historical past and as soon as performed essential position in the course of 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.
Handle: Belogradchik Fortress, 1 Hadzhi Dimitar Avenue, 3900 Belogradchik
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer time
My private highlights…
Wandering round and photographing the location. The way in which the fortress runs between the huge sections of pure rock was awe-inducing!
Seeing the unbelievable scenic views from the highest of the defence.
16. Tevno Vasilashko Lake
I’ve travelled round Europe lots and I personally suppose 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 stage in Vasilashki Cirque and is surrounded by rugged peaks within the Pirin mountain vary.
Tevno Lake is the biggest of a sequence of glacial lakes within the Vasilashko Lakes space however I believe 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 provide one-day journeys up the Vasilashki glacial valley, visiting three or 4 of the lakes at at time.
Location: Pirin Mountains, southwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: summer time
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 a picturesque alpine village situated within the western Rhode Mountains within the south (26 km from Gotse Delchev).
In my view, it’s one of the vital 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 type.
It was fashioned within the fifteenth century in the course of the Ottoman interval and I like the way it nonetheless has an genuine historic really feel even at present. I like to recommend visiting to get a glimpse of rural life on this fascinating nation.
Location: Blagoevgrad Province, southwest
Location Map
Greatest time to go to: late spring to summer time
My favorite highlights…
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 cherished 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 notice how picturesque Bulgaria’s pure atmosphere 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 biggest a part of the sprawling Pirin Mountain vary.
It’s a particular protected space which was declared an UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1983. It’s house to over 100 good turquoise glacial lakes (the biggest is the gorgeous Popovo Lake), towering snow-capped mountains and an abundance of various wildlife.
I like making an attempt to identify the wildlife right here which incorporates golden eagle (though I by no means managed to identify one sadly!), purple deer and the brightly colored fireplace 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 really unbelievable views!
19. Kamchia Biosphere Reserve
It is a lovely 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 assorted landscapes together with uncommon floodplain forests, secluded sandy seashores, historical forests and spectacular pure waterways.
It additionally performs an necessary conservation position within the safety of many under-threat plant and animals. I like to recommend visiting for the wonderful mountaineering, tenting and boating alternatives or enjoyable on one of many many lengthy, broad 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 time to profit from 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.
Mountaineering the Longoz Forest Path which took me via the virtually 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 simply over 200 conventional wood homes with purple ceramic roof tiles constructed in the course of the Bulgarian Nationwide Revival interval within the 18th and Nineteenth centuries.
I believed 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.
Most 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 cherished 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.