Bulgaria provides everything from sun-kissed beachfront to fascinating historical tales, bustling party cities to snow-covered ski resorts across its boundaries. The Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope mountains both roll down to meet the dazzling blue waters of the Black Sea. Even those of us who travel the world the most may have never been to this little Balkan nation, let alone discovered its hidden gems. Amazing and diverse natural landscapes, little towns where time appears to have stood still a century ago, and locations with a rich cultural and historical legacy may all be found in Bulgaria. This nation is so much more complex than first appears. This list of the top 15 tourist destinations in Bulgaria examines all the significant attractions that everyone visiting Bulgaria this year should check off their bucket list.
Veliko Tarnovo
On the edge of the rising foothills of Bulgaria’s northern highlands, the fabled City of the Tsars rises majestically. The town’s environment is nothing short of stunning, with terraces of terracotta-colored roofs rising over the waterways below. It is divided by the S-shaped meanders of the Yantra River.
The charming half-timbered houses and cobblestone streets of this city’s old town are great examples of the Tarnovo school, which emerged as the Second Bulgarian Empire grew in the Middle Ages.
That means visitors to this region encounter a blend of the uncontrolled culture and history that emanate from the Tsarevets capital and the collection of stunning Byzantine buildings, as well as the natural beauty provided by the wild coniferous trees that cover the landscapes all around.
Sofia
Bulgaria’s enormous capital is a bit of a patchwork of its own history. The massive brutalist monuments to Soviet tyranny are rising around its perimeter, continuing in an unending stream like cookie-cutter highrises.
Nearer to the centre, Stalinist municipal buildings cast a shadow over the historic Serdica Fort ruins and the Roman-Byzantine Church of St. George.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral’s famous Orthodox domes and golden structures are also visible, shining beneath the distant Vitosha Mountain’s snow-capped summits. Everything is really different, and those who choose to stay a little bit will get quite an impression. Make your Jetblue airways booking now so that you do not miss out on this lovely location.
Zheravna
Zheravna is a rough and unpolished representation of one of the nation’s most renowned architectural forms from the past and a showcase for everything Bulgarian National Revival.
The town itself looks almost naturally created in its timber-clad, rocky aspect as it is tucked away at the foot of the powerful Balkan Mountains, between thickets of Bosnian pines and white elms.
More than 150 specimens of the distinctive wooden façade are on show in the cottages that dot the cobblestone lanes, all of which have been carefully preserved.
The most popular destinations among the structures are the Yordan Yovkov House and the St. Nicholas Church, which is crammed with icons. Others will travel to the neighbouring August Dobromiritsa Rural Park, where events honouring Bulgarian traditional attire and music erupt year-round.
Pirin National Park
The Pirin National Park is a European hinterland unlike any other, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and towering like a giant Balkan bastion against the borders of Macedonia and Greece.
Its snow-covered summits are in clouds of mist, while the alpine valleys below are complete with beds of edelweiss and avalanches of forest-green pine and fir trees.
Deer and bears continue to prowl the forests, while wild goats scale steep cliffs to seek refuge in rocky niches and caves.
With routes winding around the staggering 186 mountain lakes and ascending to the summit of Vihren, the highest peak, it’s no surprise that this place is a hiking and outdoor enthusiast’s heaven.
Perperikon
Perperikon is a definite must-see for any history enthusiasts and cultural vultures. There is evidence of human occupation reaching back more than seven millennia. This has been popular as the most spectacular monolithic monument in the entire Balkan Peninsula.
It is believed that Copper Age priests utilised the hill for rites and soothsaying before the Thracian tribespeople built it up and fortified it; tradition has it that they foresaw the coming of both Alexander the Great and Imperial Rome under Augustus. Today, tourists can roam around the remote dig site, but the best place to see artefacts and discoveries is at the Kardzhali archaeological museum. In case of any difficulty or issues regarding your flight, do not hesitate to contact Jetblue customer service number.
Koprivshtitsa
Since the National Revival, this little town has been one of the most significant historical locations in Bulgaria. Koprivshtitsa, a picturesque town surrounded by stunning mountains, retains the revolutionary spirit of Bulgaria and the April Uprising of 1876. Try to learn more about Bulgaria’s history before going to Koprivshtitsa so that you can appreciate its significance. The largest genuine folklore festival in the nation takes place in Koprivshtitsa once every four years.
Trigrad Gorge and Devil’s Throat Cave
Without a doubt, one of the most picturesque locations in Bulgaria is the Trigrad Gorge. In the Rhodope Mountains of southern Bulgaria, the Trigrad River carved a 7-kilometer-long gorge. The sole road in the canyon links Trigrad to the closest town of Devin, which is between the river on one side and the sheer cliffs on the other. The Devil’s Throat, the area’s most well-known tourist attraction, is located at the base of the gorge’s tallest cliff. Here, a breathtaking 42-meter subterranean waterfall is there as the river enters the cave.
Sozopol
One of the oldest towns in Bulgaria is Sozopol. It has been there since 610 BC as Apollonia Pontica, a Hellenic settlement of Miletus Greeks. Sozopol is now a true open-air museum town by the urban structure. It illustrates the phases of the evolution of human civilization. It bears the signs of inherited cultural layers and continuity.
Present-day Sozopol is the face of maritime tourism in Bulgaria. The town attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. This is because of its stunning architecture and antiquities. Also, there is varied cultural programme, first-rate hotel amenities. Burgas airport is 35 kilometers away from Sozopol.
Visit the “Castle in love with the Wind” while you’re there. It was one of the last castles constructed in Europe. It is among Bulgaria’s most stunning structures.
Belogradchik
In addition to being one of the top tourist sites in Bulgaria, Belogradchick has received the “Destination of Excellence” designation from the European Commission for its dedication to environmentally friendly travel and the preservation of regional intangible heritage.
The stronghold amid the natural setting of the Belogradchik mountain is one of Belogradchik’s symbols. The fortification is complete with rocks, which gives the location a distinctive personality. Since Belogradchik’s stronghold was built during the Roman era, the area’s rocks are a natural rampart.
The ochre, yellow-colored boulders of Belogradchik provide a unique natural sight of exceptional beauty. Make reservations for your travel, lodging in Belogradchik or Sofia, and excursions like “Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress from Sofia.”
Nessebar
One of the nicest places to visit in Bulgaria is Nessebar and its peninsula, a historical city. Nessebar, a famous coastal destination for Bulgarian vacationers, is north of Burgas.
Nessebar was predominantly by Greeks from antiquity through 1923. It is different due to its monuments and gastronomic delicacies.
Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It entices those who enjoy leisurely movement as well as history and gastronomy. There are numerous fish and shellfish restaurants in Nessebar. Since cars are not on the peninsula where the old city of Nessebar is there. Families with strollers and small children will find the area to be especially welcoming. Traditional restaurants, cafés, and alleyways are all present in Bulgaria.
The “Sunny Coast” and the new town of Nessebar are great places to spend quiet days because they both have a tonne of all-inclusive resorts that are suitable for both families and partygoers.
This year, visit Nessebar, one of the best places to go in Bulgaria, to combine history, leisure, and food.