Looking for the best reasons to visit Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is a small country with few visitors but a wealth of beautiful sites to see; the fact that it is off the beaten path makes it a fascinating destination where you may feel like a genuine explorer. Here are eleven reasons why Bulgaria should be on your travel itinerary, ranging from cultures and customs to crafts and cuisine.
Lets explore this beautiful country and all the best reasons to visit Bulgaria.
1- The Most Affordable Country in the EU
First and foremost, let’s talk about the cost. Bulgaria is one of Europe’s few under developed countries. The country is attractive, yet it is not overrun with visitors. Bulgaria has its own currency, the Levi, and everything in Bulgaria is incredibly inexpensive, including food, lodging, and alcohol.
Sunny Beach Bulgaria, one of the country’s most prominent beach resorts on the Black Sea, was named the most affordable beach vacation in Europe for the fourth time in the previous four years by the tourist press. Sunny Beach Bulgaria was far ahead of the second place finisher, the Algarve resort in Portugal, using as a barometer a basket of recreational essentials, including three meals a day for two with a bottle of wine (here just 15 dollars).
Enjoy this exclusive list of the top 10 best reasons to visit Bulgaria.
2- Amazing Four-Season Weather
Bulgaria has a primarily continental climate. It features four distinct seasons, each of which has its own distinct beauty. Bulgaria is a wonderful spot to visit all year since the weather is typically clear and dry. Of course, keep in mind that the temperatures are greater in July and August and that it may snow more heavily in the winter.
The ideal way to spend the hot summer months is to go trekking in the woods, relax by the sea, or visit some lovely mountain communities. Sofia is also great since it is nestled between numerous mountains, therefore temperatures are moderate. The country normally experiences more intense rainfall in the second part of May. The coldest month is usually January, but if you dress appropriately, this is not an issue and you can definitely still go on sightseeing trips.
3- One of a Kind Beaches
The Adriatic Sea is rivalled by the Black Sea. If you’re searching for a beach vacation in the Balkans but don’t want to be trampled by visitors on the Croatian coast, come to Bulgaria’s east. There will be blue sea and white sand beaches.
Don’t get me wrong: the Bulgarian shore receives a significant amount of tourism. In fact, many tourists regard Bulgaria as a vacation destination because of this. The beach is popular with both international tourists on package vacations and locals, so you won’t have the spot to yourself.
Bulgaria boasts without a doubt the most gorgeous coastlines in Europe. Sunny Beach is Bulgaria’s most well-known beach. In the Black Sea coastlines, where tourists fall in love with the golden shores, the nightlife never ceases. If you choose Bulgarian beaches for your summer vacation, you will have a complete vacation.
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4- Bulgarian Cuisine
Whether you choose something traditional Bulgarian or something more trendy, the cuisine is delicious. Bulgaria is one of the best countries for Meat-lovers to visit. Banitsa, a pastry delicacy made from dough and white cheese, is the typical local breakfast. It’s usually served with “Ayran,” a salty yoghurt drink from the region. The chilly summer soup “tarator” is created with salty yoghurt and cucumbers. “Shopska salad,” with tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheese, is the most popular local salad. The traditional pig barbecue is known as “kufte” (round meat balls) or “Kebapche” (the long ones). Pork is also used to make a delicious salami known as “Lukanka.” Also, if you enjoy yoghurt, Bulgaria is the spot to visit because it is the country’s birthplace.
Make sure to taste the Kufte, or Bulgarian meatballs, which has a Turkish cuisine kick to it. Fresh fish, particularly that obtained near the Black Sea coast, Gyuveche, a spicy vegetable stew, and local breads such roast or travail are also popular.
Just a note of sympathy to my vegan friends: it’s not easy to be a vegetarian in the Balkans, and Bulgaria is no exception. In larger places, you’ll almost certainly find some alternatives, but a vegan or vegetarian diet is more difficult to follow than omnivory.
5- Kind People
Bulgaria is at the crossroads of Slavic stoicism and Ottoman hospitality, which may explain why its culture is a bizarre mix of apparently nasty and truly charming.
You’d assume this is a country of fierce motherfuckers walking down the street. Is it prohibited to smile in public or something? However, if you start interacting with folks, you’ll notice that they’re quite helpful, pleasant, and welcoming.
When you stay in a family hostel in Bulgaria, which is more comfortable than a five-star hotel, you will receive a warm welcome and excellent service. The generosity of the inhabitants will undoubtedly be appreciated.
Many young people speak excellent English, making communication simpler. However, due to the Soviet era, most elderly Bulgarians only speak Russian as a second language.
6- Beautiful Lakes
The Seven Rila Lakes, a collection of glacial lakes in the Rila Mountains, are roughly a two-hour drive from Sofia. Each lake is named after a distinguishing characteristic. Okoto (or The Eye) has an almost perfect oval form, while Dolnoto Ezero (or The Lower Lake) is the lowest of the bunch. Little streams of water flow into one another, forming small waterfalls. The climb to the summit takes a whole day, but the effort is rewarded with spectacular vistas of all seven lakes. Prepare ahead of time, carry food, and wear comfortable footwear.
Still not convinced with these reasons to visit Bulgaria? We got a few more for ya!
7- Bulgarian Monasteries
There are old mediaeval churches and monasteries in many towns. The Boyana Church and the Rila Monastery, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are the most well-known. Amazingly ancient frescoes from the 13th century are totally preserved at Boyana Church, on the outskirts of Sofia.
The most popular tourist attraction in Bulgaria is the Rila Monastery, which is roughly an hour and a half south of Sofia. The monastery is named after Ivan Rilski, Bulgaria’s patron saint, who resided in a cave nearby. The outside walls of the main church are adorned with Biblical-themed murals and are framed by black and white striped pillars. The interior of the church is gloomy, yet friendly to the numerous pilgrims who come to light candles.
8- Footprints of Communist Past are Still There
Bulgaria was a socialist country from 1946 until 1990. It was a member of the Soviet Union and had a strong relationship with the Soviet Union. Even though Bulgaria’s Soviet era is past, there are still many intriguing monuments to see.
Just the capital, Sofia, has a multitude of socialist mementos strewn everywhere. Visit the Statue Garden at the Museum of Socialist Art. (You may see a bizarrely big Lenin-head.) The National Palace of Culture is a beautiful building, and the Monument to the Soviet Army is constantly being painted over with different themes, such as superheroes, as a form of protest.
But it’s not all glamour and glam; being a former part of the Soviet Union, Bulgaria has a fair dose of Stalinist architecture. Largo, a splendid communist ensemble of three socialist classicism buildings in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, was commissioned in 1951 and finished in 1957. In the year 2000, the statue of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin was replaced by a statue of St. Sophia.
9. The UFO-Shaped Monument House
One of the weirdest structures is the Communist Party of Bulgaria’s house monument atop Mount Buzludzha in the Central Balkan Mountains. It was opened in 1981 to commemorate the founding of the Bulgarian Communist Party atop a hilltop in 1891. The now-ruined building’s interior design is definitely a sight to behold.
10- Plovdiv, One of the Oldest Cities in the World
Is it worthwhile to visit Sofia, Bulgaria? Sure, I suppose. Sofia has some fascinating locations, but it’s basically another lovely, bustling capital city. Plovid, Bulgaria’s second city, nonetheless…
The archaeological ruins in the city center show that Plovdiv is one of Europe’s oldest towns. The hilltop amphitheater, which is still utilized for cultural events, is a reminder of Plovdiv’s Roman heritage. The city’s major attraction is its Old Town, which has colorfully restored mid-nineteenth-century homes that now function as house museums and galleries.
Ploviv is roughly a three-hour drive east of Sofia. The best part is that it’s constructed on top of ancient Roman ruins; you can practically walk into an H&M and see down at some really old stones beneath the floor.
If history isn’t your thing, perhaps I might tempt you with some culture? Some artwork? What is Bulgaria’s best cuisine? Plovdiv was selected the European Cultural Capital of 2019 for a reason.
Beautiful street art and graffiti, galleries, and monuments abound throughout Plovdiv.
Milyo’s monument, which was basically just some person that everyone knew and liked, was erected in his honour. If you whisper your wish in his ear, it appears to come true.
This is also where you’ll discover Bulgaria’s best cuisine and beverages! There’s a lot of wonderful stuff here, from craft beer bars to handmade gelato. (As well as the country’s greatest coffee shops!)
Spend some time in Kavala, Plovdiv’s trendy nightlife and restaurant quarter, then stop by Bluestone Doughnut for a delectable lunch donut. Taco Reyes serves the greatest tacos I’ve ever tasted.
Still looking for more reasons to visit Bulgaria? Here are two more!
11- The Rose Valley
If you want to participate in the annual Rose Festival in the Rose Valley, near Kazanlak, you should visit Bulgaria around May or June. Bulgaria is a major exporter of rose oil, and the rose (of the Rosa Damascena variety) is one of the country’s emblems. However, you must be an early riser to participate in the rose picking, as the event begins before sunrise.
With the alpine Rila and Pirin massifs with their rocky, pointed peaks with hundreds of turquoise glacial lakes, or the Balkan range with its gorgeous waterfalls and bright meadows, or even the Rhodopes with their lush woods and intriguing routes, Bulgaria is certainly not short of mountains. The Bulgarian highlands will enchant you with their breathtaking vistas and some of Europe’s top hiking trails.
12- The Mountains
The world-class resorts of Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo draw skiers from all over the world to Bulgaria’s several mountain ranges. Skiing is also feasible on Mt. Vitosha, a peak visible from nearly everyone in Sofia. Hikers go to the glacial Seven Rila Lakes, a favorite springtime destination that may still be coated in ice.
What do you think about this list of best reasons to visit Bulgaria? Let us know in the comments.