I can understand if Bulgaria was not at the top of your bucket list before you read this article! It is one of the most unfairly underestimated destinations in Europe. A lot of people still have in a mind a negative image of this country due to its corruption level, ambiguous communist past or whatsoever. But trust my travel experience: once you have been to this country, you will want to come back! There are tons of reasons why Bulgaria is worth a visit. I will give you my 5 favourite ones.
Breath-taking natural landscapes
Bulgaria is a lot about nature. The country boasts three spectacular National Parks, and many nature parks and reserves. Nearly 70 % of its territory is covered by mountains and hills. As a result, Bulgaria is a paradise for hiking and trekking. There are a lot of trails for all tastes and levels, which are generally very well marked, so it is hard to get lost. Just pick one and go for it! The most popular trail is Seven Rila Lakes, which is truly spectacular. But there are many others that deserve your attention. If I can give you a piece of advice: try to hike in several mountain ranges of Bulgaria, such as the Rhodopes, Pirin, Rila and Central Balkan. They are all very different from one another and I cannot even say which one I love the most.
Happened to be in Bulgaria in winter? Even better! Bulgaria offers very nice ski slopes with good infrastructure and abundant snow. Check out the mountain resorts of Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo for that.
Rich culture and heritage
Bulgaria is claimed to be one of the oldest countries in Europe. This country is a real time-machine! For several centuries, it was inhabited by the Thracians, Romans, Persians, and Ottomans, while in the second half of the 20th century, it was part of the socialist camp. Each of them left distinctive traces and brought something into the Bulgarian culture. You will find historical treasures in completely unexpected places: Roman ruins at the exit of a subway station, an ancient church surrounded by huge communist buildings and a tree converted into a bell tower! Do not miss the beautiful architecture of the National Revival period either. Sounds exciting, doesn’t it?
Stunning coastline and amazing beaches
That is the reason why most tourists come to Bulgaria during the summer. And I can easily understand them! The Black Sea is warm with low salinity. The climate of the shoreline is pretty mild. There are more than 70 beaches in Bulgaria. Among them, many are sandy and shallow, making them perfect for family holidays. My favourite part is the Southern coast. I usually like staying in ancient town of Sozopol or in a seaside resort nearby.
Hot springs and Spa
Bulgaria is the second country in Europe after Iceland in terms of hot springs. Water temperature varies between 20 and 103 °C and springs have different healing properties, for instance, boosting the immune system and detoxifying the body. Over the last years, this industry has significantly improved in Bulgaria, meaning that you can enjoy great service, amazing resorts and innovative treatments. And all that for a very reasonable price, as Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe.
Delicious food and wine
Bulgarian cuisine has a long-established tradition. It is fresh and hearty. It has features of Greek, Turkish, and Balkan cuisines but, at the same time, it has its unique flavour. Recipes include a large variety of meat, vegetables, herbs and spices. You must have heard of Bulgarian yoghurt, which is world-famous. No dinner would be complete without local wine or rakia (fruit brandy). The country has millennia-old wine-making traditions dating back to the Thracians.
