Bulgaria, a tiny nation in the Balkans, is one of Eastern Europe’s undiscovered gems. The Balkan, Rila, Pirin, and Rhodope mountains provide a picturesque setting for Bulgaria’s historic towns.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Bulgaria
The cultural history of these communities is deep, and the surrounding mountain ranges are a hiker’s and environmentalist’s dream. In contrast, the Black Sea coastline is lined with beautiful sandy beaches and modern coastal resorts that attract visitors from all over the world.
Bulgarians, however, feel their history in every fibre of their being. Many ruins, historic cathedrals, and majestic fortifications are scattered around Bulgaria, serving as continual reminders of the country’s long and varied history.
From the Ottoman Empire to the modern democratic state, it has a long and interesting history. The top tourist destinations in Bulgaria are as follows.
1. Burgas
Burgas is a stunning coastal city that is framed by the water on two sides. Unlike its coastal neighbours, Burgas did not begin to flourish until the twentieth century. It was immediately realised that the bay provided excellent security for commercial enterprises and the armed forces. Hence, the city’s core serves as a major industrial hub.
Yet, the major coastal promenade is always spotless, and the beaches never become crowded. Days away from the shore can be spent exploring the lakes, and there are a number of reasonably nice eateries and lodging options in the same area.
2. Koprivshtitsa
This tranquil town is deep in history, having been the epicentre of the ferocious April uprisings against the Ottoman Empire. It is also home to brightly painted buildings, classic Bulgarian architecture, and lively folk festivals.
There are many myths about the town’s history, but its true origin remains a mystery. It has been verified that it has been burned down multiple times before it was transformed into the secluded haven it is today. More than three hundred monuments of the town’s history, architecture, ethnography, and the arts may be found all over the place.
The Oslekov House, erected in 1856 by a wealthy businessman, and the Topalova House, constructed in 1854 by a distinguished tax collector, are two of Koprivshtitsa’s most notable landmarks. Both houses display artefacts from their respective eras to provide visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the early 20th century. The town’s attractive setting also includes verdant mountain ranges.
3. Sozopol
Sozopol, Bulgaria, is the oldest town in all of Bulgaria and a picturesque coastal resort. The Greeks founded it around 610 BC, and it quickly became a cultural mecca and a haven of salvation. Their presence in Sozopol is attested by artefacts discovered in the area.
Yet, as time progressed, other empires and kings moved in. That’s why the peninsula is ringed by old walls and fortresses and the ruins of a Christian complex from the Middle Ages.
But days, the area’s stunning seaside resorts, fantastic beaches, and charming cobblestone alleyways are what draw the majority of tourists.
The city features a vibrant arts scene, fantastic food, and exciting nightlife. Many other sports are available on the beaches during the day for people who would rather not lie in the sun. They can range from volleyball and sailing to waterskiing and wakeboarding.
4. Veliko Tarnovo
Tsarevets Fortress is the main attraction in this otherwise unremarkable central Bulgarian city. The city has earned the nickname “City of Tsars” due to its status as a former residence of Russia’s ruling family.
There are three thousand feet of stone walls surrounding the fort. There are many vantage points along the wall where you can look out over the entire city and the beautiful hills beyond.
The hilly terrain of the city’s historic core makes for picturesque streets lined with historic residences and landmark churches. The nearby Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God is renowned for its stunning architecture and priceless ancient artefacts.
Around thirty monasteries formerly stood in the city, but this one is all that’s left now. Nonetheless, the modern section of town has grown into an important administrative and commercial hub for all of Northern Bulgaria. There are up-to-date lodging and dining establishments available.
5. Bansko
Bansko is widely recognised as Bulgaria’s premier ski resort. Bankso is a village in southern Bulgaria that sits at the base of the 2914-meter-high Pirin Mountains. It is about 160 kilometres from the Bulgarian capital of Sofia.
The ski season at Bansko is widely recognised as the longest in Bulgaria. Skiing quality is on par with that of resorts in France and Switzerland, although prices are far lower than in the Alps. When not on the slopes, guests can unwind at one of the resort’s world-class spas or enjoy one of the resort’s many après-ski dining and nightlife venues.
Bansko, Bulgaria has an annual jazz festival that features well-known musicians from Bulgaria and around the world.
6. Varna
Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria and the most developed coastal city in the country. Along with the rest of Bulgaria’s seaside cities, Varna has a rich past. The world’s oldest gold, found in the region, is on display in the Varna Archaeological Museum. The Roman Baths are the largest in all of Bulgaria and are an amazing sight in their own right.
The city’s other notable landmarks help bring Varna’s long history to life. The Church of the Assumption of the Mary is one among them, as is the Baroque Opera House. The region is home to three popular beaches. They provide everything you need for a relaxing beach holiday, from delicious seafood to adrenaline-pumping water sports to comfy loungers.
The area’s shopping, lodging, and spa services are all top-notch, and visitors won’t have any trouble communicating thanks to the widespread use of English.
7. Nesebar
Nesebar has stunning architecture and world-class shores. Evidence of settlement by multiple cultures may be seen in the town’s old district, which is located on an island connected to the mainland by a slim man-made causeway.
The many churches that are still standing, even in their ruinous states, are fascinating to examine. St.Stefan Church, built in the 11th century, and The Church of Christ Pantocrator, constructed in the 13th century, are two of the city’s most well-known religious buildings. The latter is especially impressive as an exemplar of mediaeval architecture.
Despite its historical significance, the area’s beaches on the Black Sea remain the main draw for tourists. The “Pearl of the Black Sea” is a common reference to the area. As a result, it’s a great place for a holiday at the beach. Sunny Beach, the most popular beach, can get busy during peak times.
8. Rila Monastery
Located in the breathtaking Rila Mountains, the Rila Monastery is a sight to behold. St. John of Rila, a hermit, established it in the 10th century. Hundreds of pilgrims and tourists visit the place annually because of its profound religious importance.
There are perhaps some mysteries unique to the monastery as well. Famous revolutionaries like Peyo Yavorov and Vassil Levski are rumoured to have hidden out here at some point. Since the on-site library houses some 250 manuscripts spanning the 11th to 19th centuries, it has played an essential role in maintaining Bulgarian literary tradition.
The visual impact of the monastery is stunning. Arches in stark black and white, wooden staircases, and massive iron gates are the predominant architectural features. The walls are adorned with priceless artwork, while the floor is covered in colourful tiles.
9. Plovdiv
This area is home to the oldest continuously inhabited city in all of Europe. The city’s rich history explains why it is home to numerous museums, galleries, and churches, as well as a Roman amphitheatre that hosts events on a regular basis.
However, Plovdiv is already being recognised for its burgeoning food and wine sector. There are new vineyards springing up all throughout the city that produce traditional wines. The people of Bulgaria take great pride in their winemaking traditions.
Located on seven hills, the city is surrounded by the Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope Mountains, two of the most popular hiking and exploring destinations in the vicinity.
10. Sofia
Sophia is remarkable. It’s full of history, but still maintains a youthful spirit. The capital is a great example of how new and old can coexist together. The city’s central area is crammed with relics and monuments from the country’s long history. But it has also become a hub for cutting-edge hotels and exhibitions of modern art.
In addition to the city’s many museums and galleries, there are numerous parks in which to relax and exercise, as well as beautiful hiking trails on the outskirts. Among these is Mt.Vitosh, which, at an elevation of around 6,000 feet (2000 metres), provides stunning panoramas over the lakes and forests in the area. Sofia is an absolute must-see on any trip to Bulgaria.
