Home to miles upon miles of golden beaches, featuring breathtaking mountains and vibrant cities, there’s little wonder that Bulgaria has been attracting hordes of excited tourists in recent years.
Bulgaria has in fact changed dramatically over the last decade or so – the country has seen a construction boom of the like never experienced before, with rapidly expanding cities and new resorts sprouting up like mushrooms, luring buyers from all over Europe who come in pursuit of cheap holiday homes and spectacular landscapes.
Undiscovered Treasures
For the large majority of visitors, the biggest draw is the delightful Black Sea coastline, with swathes of golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see, and picturesque bays that couldn’t make a more perfect postcard, no matter what. But looking beyond the beaches, there’s plenty more to discover in Bulgaria. Much of the country remains unexplored by tourists – take the miles upon miles of awesome hiking trails, all well-maintained, snaking across acres of spectacular forest and mountain landscapes. Horse riding across the Pirin Mountains is a really special treat, where the luckiest may get to see one or two lynx cats or even a grizzly bear!
Another great thing about Bulgaria is that it’s so easy to get around – and it’s cheap! The public transport system these days is highly efficient, so getting from the cities to the hidden rural corners of the country need not be a bore. For those that do, they’ll get to see firsthand a much more traditional side of Bulgaria – the slow pace of village life is little changed from how people used to live centuries ago. The countryside also hides a wealth of treasures in the form of multi-colored monasteries, charming timber-framed homes, and donkeys pulling battered carts along bumpy village lanes.
Still More Value
Bulgaria’s cities too, have much in the way of entertainment to offer. Having shrugged off the weariness of the communist era, cosmopolitan Sofia is now one of Europe’s most vibrant capitals, boasting beautiful parks, fascinating museums, and a dynamic nightlife. Plovidiv, with its Roman archaeological sites and architectural gems, is crying out to be explored, while the seaside city of Varna provides everything one would expect – great hotels, great restaurants, great food and the most memorable experiences.
Budget for one week: More than 500 Euro
Taxes and gratuities: Gratuity is recommended
Local currency: Lev
Spoken language and/or official language: Bulgarian
Area: 110,993.6 km2 (42,823 sq mi )
Population: 7,364,570
Sanitary requirements: You can drink tap water most places in Bulgaria
Major cities: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas, and Ruse.
Main images, courtesy Wikipedia.
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Pick from among 14 holiday destinations in Bulgaria.
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Holiday destinations in regions of Bulgaria
If your destination is not listed, you will find a complete list of regions in Bulgaria in alphabetical order below.
