I’m honored to introduce you my charming and full of history home country – Bulgaria!
Bulgaria is small but charming country in Southeast Europe. It is a European, Balkan, Black Sea and Danube country. Its geographic location places it on the crossroad between Europe, Asia and Africa. Bulgaria is rich of history, culture, natural sites and there are many reasons to choose this mostly unknown country for your next trip.
Here are just a small portion of reasons:
#1. There’s a sea, there are montains, there are valleys – whatever you like
If you are a sea person, that’s your place. Or do you like mountains? We have a lot to choose from – Balkans, Rila, Pirin, Rodopes and many more. Part of Bulgaria’s territory are valleys – Danube Valley (north), Thracian Valley (south) and probably the most famous one – The Valley of Roses which produces 85% of the world’s rose oil.
#2. Everything is cheap – food, drink, logging, etc.
You can find many affordable hostels, hotels, etc. with prices starting from 10 euro. The food is also very cheap and yummy. The night life is not expensive at all.
#3. There are many historical, architectural, cultural, natural sites to see
Maybe we are a cheap destination, but! we are rich of historical, architectural, cultural, natural sites. For example, our Balkan villages are perfect for cultural tourism with many historic buildings, paved streets and powerful atmosphere. Here are my Top 3 Cultural Destinations in Bulgaria. If you are a nature lover, I would recommend you to visit the 7 Rila Lakes. They are the most visited site in the country and not without a reason. Each one of the lakes have its own original name associated with its shape or distinguishing characteristics.
#4. There are 9 UNESCO heritage sites in Bulgaria
Where do I start? There are 7 cultural sites: Boyana Church (A medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church), Madara Rider (An early medieval large rock relief carved on the Madara Plateau), Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (Monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries hewn out of solid rock), Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (Ancient tomb, part of a large Thracian necropolis), Ancient City of Nessebar (Ancient part of town, situated on a peninsula (previously an island), Rila Monastery (Medieval monastery, one of the region’s most significant cultural, historical and architectural monuments), Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (A Thracian tomb dating back to 3rd century BC) and the 2 natural sites: Pirin National Park and Srebarna Nature Reserve (A nature reserve and lake on the Via Pontica bird migration route).
#5. The food is amazing
When you come to Bulgaria make sure to check Balkan Bites – the free food tour of Sofia. The tourguides will tell you everything you need to know about Balkan’s and Bulgarian’s cuisine. You will try typical Balkan meals for free. Don’t forget to try one of Bulgarian’s typical breakfasts such as “popara”, “princesses”, “banitsa s boza” and “ayran”.
#6. ‘Cuz Huffington Post say so
Recently Huffington Post published a list of 15 places to see before they get famous. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, was one of them. They say the city “is super walkable and has a young, cosmopolitan vibe mixed with ornate churches, outdoor markets and Ottoman architecture” and I couldn’t say it better.
#7. You’ll get free tours of most charming cities in Bulgaria
Free Sofia Tour, Free Plovdiv Tour, Free Varna Tour or Free Nesebar Tour – you choose! The capital has a lot to offer but seen through the eyes of the local tourguides is indispensable. Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria. It’s a place with ancient history and more than 200 archaeological sites which you have to see with the help of the locals. Varna is the sea capital of Bulgaria which also has a lot to offer. Make sure to visit the free tour in the city. Nesebar is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and not without a reason. An ancient city with a lot of history and beautiful architecture.
So… Are you coming or what?
LOL @ coz HuffPost says so. I just did the Baltics, I need to do the Balkans next. I worked with a Bulgarian guy in Boston and for years he would passionately talk about his country. Since then I have always wanted to visit and after reading this you’ve definitely encouraged me to hurry up and get there! I’d like to go before the mass tourists do
You sold me. Bulgaria is now on my travel wish list. Thanks.
A nice introduction to Bulgaria! Like many Americans, I’ve never really thought of visiting Bulgaria, and have mainly traveled in other parts of Europe, but not the Balkans. And after reading your blog I’m thinking…why didn’t I think of this? and when will I go? I’m looking forward to learning more about your country from your blogs!
Thank you very much for this introduction to your very interesting country, Travelling Buzz! Like PHeymont said, we in the Americas need to take a closer look at this region.
I don’t like to travel to Europe during the months of July and August as it’s just too busy. When would be a good time to visit Bulgaria? Weather doesn’t have to be perfectly warm, I don’t mind wearing a jacket. Is it a Mediterranean climate?
Also, is there a good guidebook or reference you’d recommend?
Thanks for telling us! I’ve been to Bulgaria a few times and was unaware of so much. I need to go back!
Bulgarians really appreciate travelers. For budget travelers wanting to experience Europe, it really is a great country to spend some time and stay within budget.
I’m glad you liked the article. I would be more than happy if the post make you visit the country.
@DrFublefinger I believe the best time to come to Bulgaria is september-october from the weather perspective, but if you want to see the charm the blooming trees give to the city, you should come in the spring. The summer is really, really (I mean really) hot and dry!
The country lies between the strongly contrastic continental and Mediterranean climate zones, so it has an unusually variable and complex climate. The continental zone is predominant.
I’m not familiar with quidebooks about Bulgaria, simply because I don’t need them. I can tell you the official website of the country about tourism: http://bulgariatravel.org/, also Printed materials with more info on different topics here: http://bulgariatravel.org/en/print_materials. This broshure also gives basic info for people who want to discover Bulgaria: http://www.mi.government.bg/fi…BULGARIA_ENGLISH.pdf
I’m also planning on writing a basic travel guide about Bulgaria, but don’t know when it will be out yet
If any more questions occur, don’t hesitate to ask me.