Bulgaria is small but charming country in Southeast Europe. It is a European, Balkan, Black Sea and Danube country. Its geographic location places it on the crossroad between Europe, Asia and Africa. Bulgaria is rich of history, culture, natural sites and there are many reasons to choose this mostly unknown country for your next trip.
Here are just a small portion of reasons:
#1. There’s a sea, there are montains, there are valleys – whatever you like
If you are a sea person, that’s your place. Or do you like mountains? We have a lot to choose from – Balkans, Rila, Pirin, Rodopes and many more. Part of Bulgaria’s territory are valleys – Danube Valley (norht), Thracian Valley (south) and probably the most famous one – The Valley of Roses, which produces 85% of the world’s rose oil.
#2. Everything is affordable – food, drink, logging, etc.
You can find many affordable hostels, hotels, etc. with prices starting from 10 euro. The food is also very cheap and yummy. The night life is not expensive at all.
#3. There are many historical, architectural, cultural, natural sites to see
Maybe we are a poor destination, but! we are rich of historical, architectural, cultural, natural sites. For example, our Balkan villages are perfect for cultural tourism with many historic buildings, paved streets and powerful atmosphere. If you are a nature lover, I would recommend you to visit the 7 Rila Lakes. They are the most visited site in the country and not without a reason. Each one of the lakes have its own original name associated with its shape or distinguishing characteristics.
Here’s a post to check: 20 other places to see and reasons to visit Bulgaria
#4. There are 9 UNESCO heritage sites in Bulgaria
Where do I start? There are 7 cultural sites: Boyana Church (A medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church), Madara Rider (An early medieval large rock relief carved on the Madara Plateau), Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo (Monolithic churches, chapels and monasteries hewn out of solid rock), Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak (Ancient tomb, part of a large Thracian necropolis), Ancient City of Nessebar (Ancient part of town, situated on a peninsula (previously an island), Rila Monastery (Medieval monastery, one of the region’s most significant cultural, historical and architectural monuments), Thracian Tomb of Sveshtari (A Thracian tomb dating back to 3rd century BC) and the 2 natural sites: Pirin National Park and Srebarna Nature Reserve (A nature reserve and lake on the Via Pontica bird migration route)
#5. The food is amazing
When you come to Bulgaria make sure to check Balkan Bites – the free food tour of Sofia. The tourguides will tell you everything you need to know about Balkan’s and Bulgarian’s cuisine. You will try typical Balkan meals for free. Don’t forget to try one of Bulgarian’s typical breakfasts such as “popara”, “princesses”, “banitsa s boza” and “ayran”.
#6. ‘Cuz Huffington Post say so
Recently Huffington Post published a list of 15 places to see before they get famous. Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, was one of them. They say the city “is super walkable and has a young, cosmopolitan vibe mixed with ornate churches, outdoor markets and Ottoman architecture” and I couldn’t say it better.
#7. You’ll get free tours of most charming cities in Bulgaria
Free Sofia Tour, Free Plovdiv Tour, Free Varna Tour or Free Nesebar Tour – you choose! The capital has a lot to offer but seen through the eyes of the local tourguides is indispensable. Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria. It’s a place with ancient history and more than 200 archaeological sites which you have to see with the help of the locals. Varna is the sea capital of Bulgaria which also has a lot to offer. Make sure to visit the free tour in the city. Nesebar is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site and not without a reason. An ancient city with a lot of history and beautiful architecture.
So… Are you comming or what?
Ellis Shuman | May 21, 2014
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Wonderfully said! There are many, many more reasons to visit Bulgaria!
Maria | Author | May 21, 2014
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Sure there are! Glad to hear you loved it! 🙂
Katrina | May 21, 2014
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I would love to visit! One day, one day… 🙂
Elena | June 3, 2014
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I’ve been to Bulgaria 4 times actually 🙂 To the Golden Sands, Sunny Beach and Varna. It was back in my teens though and we simply partied all the time with my friends, so didn’t see much of the county 🙁
Maria | Author | June 3, 2014
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Yep, these are the most popular tourist destinations for parties. But Bulgaria has a lot more to offer than great clubs and entertainment 🙂 You should visit again! 🙂
jennifer | September 19, 2014
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I love Bulgaria! I didn’t know much about it before I went so it was one of those truly exciting trips where you are going to a a completely foreign (to you) land. It was so beautiful and the people are the friendliest I have encountered anywhere in the world.
Maria | Author | September 19, 2014
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I’m so happy you liked it! It warms my heart when hearing things like this! Which cities did you visit and what was your favorite place here?
jennifer | September 23, 2014
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I was in Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo and Belogradchik. My favorite by far was Belogradchik. Absolutely stunning.