Bulgaria gives very various journeys. The Mountain slopes of Bansko and Pomporovo appeal to skiers within the winter, and the Black Sea seashores draw crowds in the summertime months. It has a singular attraction all of its personal. Listed below are my favourite magnificence spots on this extraordinary nation…
1. The Black Sea Seashores
A wonderful place to begin is the nation’s well-known shoreline. Bulgaria is understood for its Black Sea shoreline, with lengthy sandy seashores dotted with inns, conventional fishing villages, and historic websites.
Vacationers flock to the glitzier resorts of Sunny Seashore and Golden Sands, however I personally imagine town seashores in Varna and Burgas are simply as lovely.
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- Location: the jap half Bulgaria from Romanian Black Sea resorts within the north to Turkey within the south
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer season
2. Nessebar
Sometimes called the Pearl of the Black Sea, the historic city of Nessebar dates again to antiquity when it was based as a Thracian settlement often known as Menebria. Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Bulgarians, Crusaders, and Ottomans all took turns fortifying the traditional city and the slender peninsula on which it’s situated.
At present, a stroll on its cobblestone streets will deliver you to remnants of 40 brick church buildings courting again to the fifth century. The attractive city is a crucial website, and UNESCO acknowledges it as a World Heritage Web site.
- Location: Burgas Province, east coast
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer season
3. Sozopol
One of many oldest cities on the Black Sea shoreline, Sozopol is a well-known fishermen’s village and seaside resort.
Positioned 35 kilometers south of Burgas, Sozopol was recognized within the sixth century BC as Apollonia, full with a temple devoted to Apollo. The city is sufficiently small for an off-the-cuff stroll.
You possibly can stroll alongside the quays because the day’s catch is unloaded or by means of the outdated city, with its picket homes desperately calling for restore. If the ocean is just too deep or tough for swimming, you possibly can at all times sunbathe on the rocks alongside the shore!
- Location: east coast
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer season
4. Rila Monastery
Often called the Jerusalem of Bulgaria, this picturesque Japanese Orthodox monastery within the forested mountains lower than two hours south of Sofia is value a pilgrimage go to.
Named for St. Ivan of Rilski, a tenth-century hermit who lived in a close-by cave, the monastery has been constructed, burnt, and rebuilt over the centuries, with the most recent building courting to the 1800s.
Enter the courtyard, and you can be surprised by the proper concord of the church, with its swish arches in daring black-and-white stripes set beneath a row of sculpted gargoyles, tiled roofs, and 5 domes reaching in the direction of the sky.
Within the distance are the peaks of the Rila Mountains, complimenting an oasis of serenity excellent for spiritual hermits and fashionable guests alike.
- Location: southwestern a part of the nation
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: 07:00 to 19:30 all yr spherical
5. Varna
Varna is among the main vacationer locations within the nation. It’s straightforward to see why it’s so well-liked I believed it was a ravishing metropolis with incredible seashores, wonderful eating places, and wonderful inexperienced areas. Varna is also known as the sea capital of Bulgaria, as many locals flock to town within the hotter months.
Varna has many picturesque seashores with superb golden sand and crystal-clear water. A number of good surf breaks are additionally accessible if you happen to choose to surf or bodyboard.
Rapongi Seashore is probably the perfect seashore in Varna, as it’s well-maintained and doesn’t get too crowded. You can even journey north to the resort of Sunny Day or Sirius Seashore, each gorgeous places well-liked with vacationers.
There are many different actions to take pleasure in within the metropolis, together with many wonderful golf equipment, eating places, and bars alongside Kraybrezhna Aleya. This a part of town is charming and delightful at night time.
- Location: Black Sea Coast, East Coast
- Location Map
- Greatest time to go to: summer season
6. Plovdiv Previous City
Plovdiv, the second-largest metropolis within the nation, has one thing that Sofia doesn’t – an outdated city on a hill. Town was based some 6,000 years in the past and developed on seven hills, however one was destroyed originally of the twentieth century.
The Previous City towers over town centre with buildings from completely different eras, together with a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre.
The Previous City is finest recognized for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural fashion, with vibrant homes displaying the Nationwide Revival’s distinctive exterior traits on each nook. Strolling up the hill is a delight, with the various galleries and home museums all value a go to.
7. Belogradchik
Belogradchik Fortress is a synthetic building set in opposition to a surprising outcrop of rocks. The mix is so distinctive and picturesque that it appears lifted from a Disney fairytale. What’s much more distinctive than the fortress is the encompassing countryside.
The Belogradchik Rocks, named in 2009 as Bulgaria’s candidate to be chosen as one of many New Seven Wonders of Nature, is a surprising association of strange-shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations.
8. Lake Atanasovsko
Lake Burgas is a ravishing brilliant pink lake simply west of Burgas. Not like most different pink lakes worldwide, the lake’s color is just not solely brought on by excessive salt ranges.
Though there may be loads of salt within the lake, it’s also influenced by the farming of brine shrimp within the water. The lake’s color tends to range relying on the place the fishermen and salt miners are presently lively. A number of basins in the midst of the south facet of the lake are used for salt mining.
These basins usually have essentially the most vivid colors, starting from darkish crimson to delicate pink. Not like different pink lakes, it’s attainable to swim in Lake Burgas.
It’s inspired as a result of the mud the lake comprises is alleged to have medicinal properties. Some locals imagine it has anti-ageing properties and might heal particular illnesses; due to this, it’s a widely known wellness attraction.
9. Koprivshtitsa
Strolling the slender alleyways of the village of Koprivshtitsa, some two hours east of Sofia, you’ll really feel transported again to the momentous months of 1876, when the locals bravely fought in opposition to their oppressive Ottoman rulers.
Contained in the colourful homes, which characterize Bulgarian Nationwide Revival structure of the Nineteenth century, native patriots plotted their revolt, main as much as the primary shot within the unsuccessful April Rebellion.
The village comprises memorials and museum homes displaying ethnographical treasures, outdated weapons and farm implements, nationwide costumes, paintings, and jewellery.
10. Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo was the historic capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire between the twelfth and 14th centuries. It’s situated within the nation’s centre and is a well-liked vacationer attraction.
The reconstructed Tsarevets fortress bears no resemblance to the medieval palaces of the tsars who dominated from the hilltop till their defeat by the Ottomans in 1393. Nonetheless, you possibly can virtually sense the nation’s former greatness when strolling by means of the gates of this picturesque stronghold!
11. Melnik
Melnik is understood for 2 issues. It’s the smallest metropolis in Bulgaria and is residence to a few of the nation’s finest wineries.
It’s going to take you minutes to stroll up the city’s one important road, however you’ll sit for hours at an area tavern, your head spinning beneath the intoxicating spell of the wealthy crimson wines.
In the event you rise up out of your seat, the close by pyramidal Melnik Rocks and the Rozhen Monastery are value a go to.
12. Pomorie
Pomorie is a picturesque coastal resort city in Burgas Bay on the jap seaboard of Bulgaria. Simply one of the crucial lovely locations to go to in Bulgaria, town sits on a slender rocky peninsula with spectacular views of the shoreline to the north and south.
Whereas it attracts many Bulgarian vacationers yearly, it’s a secret that almost all overseas vacationers don’t learn about. The city has two distinct sections — the outdated city heart to the east and the newer, extra touristy part to the west/southwest.
The senior city heart is charming, with many small inns, genuine outlets, and eating places. The jap tip of the peninsula has a number of small seashores which are normally much less crowded than these to the north or southwest.
Sundown Resort is situated to the southwest of the city. It’s a fashionable resort adjoining to South Seashore, the most important seashore within the metropolis. This can be a extra touristy a part of the city, however it’s a incredible location if you would like a resort with fashionable facilities. Pomorie Lake is among the “must-see” places in Pomorie.
Positioned to the north of city, it’s a gorgeous saline coastal lagoon residence to dozens of hen species. Medicinal mud is produced on the lake, and guests can take pleasure in a refreshing mud tub.
Different sights within the space embody the Museum of Salt, the Pomorie Museum of Historical past, and the road markets in Kableshkovo (held each Thursday). Two native wineries value visiting are Vineyard Messembria and Stratsin Vineyard.
13. The Evksinograd Residence
The Evksinograd Residence is among the most romantic buildings in Bulgaria. Positioned 8 kilometres north of Varna, this Nineteenth-century palace was usually used as a vacation residence for royalty.
The mansion’s exterior is similar to French mansions of the 18th century. It’s ornate, romantic, and fairly lovely. The interiors are luxurious, with marble fireplaces, French chandeliers, giant eating halls, vintage furnishings, and uncommon work. Anticipate to see loads of gold and silk!
The grounds surrounding the park are not any much less decadent. French park architects have been designed to put out the 800-acre park. They planted many uncommon species of vegetation, a few of that are alive at this time.
At one level, greater than 500 species of flowers have been within the grounds and greenhouses. A vineyard was added to the palace in 1891, and wonderful wines are nonetheless produced at this time. It produces Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminer, Muscat Ottone, and Vratsa Muscat wines.
Vacationers can go to the palace, discover the parks, and even pattern the wines. They will additionally keep within the palace complicated, which has a restaurant on the grounds. It’s a lovely constructing that’s positive to please.
14. Seven Lakes
This group of attractive glacial lakes is situated excessive within the Rila Mountains. The suitable time to go to the lakes is in the summertime, as even in June, they are often frozen. The terrain alternates between deep snowdrifts and patches of sensible wildflowers.
The lakes are situated one above the opposite in a mountain valley, interconnected by streams and waterfalls. Entry to the lakes is tough, though using a ski carry shortens the gap up the steep mountainside.
Legends say the lakes have been shaped by the tears of a feminine big, crying for her beloved! Aw!
15. Belogradchik Fortress
Belogradchik Fortress is an outdated fortress in northwest Bulgaria on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. It’s near the Bulgarian city of Belogradchik, residence to about 5,000 individuals.
The fortress was established as a surveillance put up when the Roman Empire managed the area. Within the 14th century, the Bulgarian tsar Ivan Stratsimir prolonged it to incorporate fortified garrisons.
The Ottomans captured the fortress in 1396, making it much more vital for repelling the Hajduk insurrectionists within the space.
The best way the fortress runs between the huge sections of pure rock is awe-inspiring, with some extremely scenic views from the highest of the defence.
16. Tevno Vasilashko Lake
Tevno Vasilashko Lake is among the most spectacular places in Europe. It’s a magnificent glacial lake surrounded by rugged mountain peaks in Pirin, Bulgaria.
The lake’s distinctive, saturated blue coloration displays the huge mountains close by. Tevno Lake is the most important of a collection of glacial lakes within the Vasilashko Lakes space.
The opposite lakes are Fish Vasilashko Lake, Higher Vasilashko Lake, Rainbow-shaped Vasilashko Lake, and Higher Todorino Lake. They’re all lovely lakes, however Tevno Vasilashko Lake is essentially the most spectacular.
There are tour operators who supply one-day journeys up the Vasilashki glacial valley, visiting three or 4 of the lakes. It’s a magical journey that showcases an unbelievable a part of this distinctive nation!
17. Greatest For Alpine Village
Dolen Village is an alpine village within the western Rhode Mountains (about 26 km from Gotse Delchev). It is among the most romantic villages in Bulgaria, with slender cobblestone roads, stone partitions, and genuine buildings designed within the Bulgarian Revival fashion.
The village was based within the sixteenth century by Bulgarians escaping the Ottomans who had invaded the nation. It flourished within the 18th century as a number of industries within the space turned affluent.
Many homes have stone foundations, timber partitions, and overhanging high tales. Inside, there are normally ornate ceilings and elaborate carpentry on show.
The locals have added fantastic gardens to most houses, so strolling the streets is like being part of a ravishing fairy story. It’s an expertise you gained’t neglect.
18. Pirin Nationwide Park
Most travellers don’t understand how picturesque Bulgaria’s pure setting is till they see the Pirin Nationwide Park. It’s a 403.56 km2 park in southwestern Bulgaria. It encompasses a lot of the Pirin Mountains, an unlimited mountain vary masking the southwest a part of the nation.
Pirin Nationwide Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in 1983 and is a part of the World Community of Biosphere Reserves. The park is residence to over 100 glacial lakes, the most important being Popovo Lake. Many gorgeous glaciers are additionally situated all through the mountains.
The park has a whole bunch of animal species, together with the attractive boreal owl, white-backed woodpecker, fireplace salamander, agile frog, crimson deer, and Eurasian three-toed woodpecker.
If you’re fortunate, you may glimpse one of many park’s rarer animals, such because the lesser noticed eagle, golden eagle, or peregrine falcon!
19. Kamchia Biosphere Reserve
The Kamchia Biosphere Reserve stands out as a Nationwide Park due to its huge dimension and pristine pure setting. This reserve is a 1,200-hectare (2,965-acre) UNESCO-listed biosphere on Bulgaria’s northern shoreline.
It has a various panorama starting from huge floodplains on the mouth of the Kamchia River to lengthy seashores adjoining to the Black Sea shoreline.
Established in 1977, it comprises many historic forests and spectacular pure waterways. The reserve is situated 20 km south of Varna and is surrounded by the villages of Bliznatsi, Staro Oriahovo, and Shkorpilovtsi.
Kamchia is the proper location for mountaineering, tenting, boating, or enjoyable on one of many many huge seashores.
20. Zheravna
Positioned within the rolling hills of the Balkan Mountain Vary is the magical village of Zheravna. The city is an architectural reserve consisting of greater than 200 homes constructed in the course of the Bulgarian Nationwide Revival interval within the 18th and Nineteenth centuries.
I like that strolling by means of the village seems like travelling again in time! You’ll marvel on the lovely buildings’ detailed crimson ceramic roof tiles and elaborate timber decorations. Most of the buildings have been transformed into visitor homes, so it’s attainable to remain within the city.
The interiors of the visitor homes are simply as pretty because the exteriors, that includes picket carvings and ornate carpentry carried out by artisans a whole bunch of years in the past. Loads of nature walks encompass the village, plus a number of museums and an artwork gallery, all of which I’d advocate visiting!