Welcome to Bulgaria: A Brief Travel Guide

To those who have stepped out of their comfort zone already and have visited Bulgaria, you are among the richest of travellers, for this gem in Eastern Europe has plenty going for it. If you are reading this however the likelihood is that you haven’t visited yet but are at least intrigued by the idea and that’s a good start.

This country continues to grow and it simply gets better with age; these days you will find Bulgaria is booming without losing any of its charm. Uncover the acclaimed Black Sea Coast where swathes of golden sandy beaches beckon. Explore modern cities which retain their historical roots and gorgeous countryside with networks of hiking trails leading the way to untouched, traditional villages and lesser known cultural spots. In the winter of course, Bulgaria is a dreamy, affordable skiing destination too. Unfortunately, time to explore the whole of the country is limited so here is a brief guide.

Getting To Bulgaria

Bulgaria, as part of the EU is well served with cheap flights to the four major airports; Sofia, Varna, Bourgas and Plovdiv. With direct flights offered by easyJet, RyanAir and Wizz Air among several other low cost operators, there are some great deals to be had. Alternatively, if travelling from mainland Europe, opt for an international train with connections from a wide choice of cities including the likes of Istanbul.

Some Of The Best Things To See And Do In Bulgaria

There are thousands of things to do in this fascinating country so here is a snapshot of the diverse selection on offer to travellers here.

All of Bulgaria’s major cities are worth exploring but as the capital, Sofia is a great place to start. Gaze in awe at the Alexander Nevski Cathedral, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, with its Russian style architecture and delve into the local culture with a trip to one of the 15 museums. Enjoy some classic dishes at one of the many restaurants or bars and relax in at one of the parks; City Garden is a great choice, as is Borisova Gradina which is home to Ariana Lake.

Step back in history with a trip to the Ivanovo Monasteries; cut into solid rock faces they are famous for their impressive architecture and the well preserved paintings found within.

The Rose Valley in central Bulgaria is a joy to visit during early summer where the scent of thousands of colourful roses greets you. The region is a prime growing location due to the ideal temperature and soil condition and as such it is where 80% of all rose oil is cultivated. That aside, it’s a lovely destination for an afternoon drive. Alternatively, the Sunflower Fields are a sight for sore eyes also.

If you have an interest in quirky attractions, take in the sight of the Petrified Forest close to the city of Varna. Limestone columns which resemble petrified trees litter the landscape although their origin remains somewhat of a mystery!

Journey to the beautiful Black Sea Coast and take your pick from the countless resorts and historic towns nestled along the water line. Nessebar is often a popular spot with a pristine Old Town area that is jam packed with historic churches and of course a great beach. For other excellent sunbathing options consider Golden Sands, Sunny Beach and Sozopol amongst others.

Research the local events and festivals during your travel dates; from the Gypsy Bride Market to an adult puppet show festival called Pierrot, there are many weird and wonderful festivities to include.

Let loose and head out into the stunning Balkan Mountains. Whether you pack a picnic or gear yourself up for a full blown hike, they are well worth experiencing. Alternatively, do the same in the Pirin Mountains.

Getting Around Bulgaria

There are a number of ways to travel around Bulgaria. If you are a fan of excursions then this option is naturally for you, but one of the best ways to really explore the country is with your own transport. Hire cars are plentiful across the country but prices tend to be most favourable when you collect from the major airports. As the capital, Sofia is a popular option; consider booking a hire car at Sofia Airport to see the sights on your pilgrimage towards the coast. Buses are also a feasible option although this is considerably slower than other methods.

When To Travel To Bulgaria

The best time to travel varies depending on what activities you enjoy. Inland, the weather is usually hot and humid during the summer months with contrasting winters which frequently welcome heavy snow showers. Along the coast however, the hot temperatures are complimented by coastal breezes, winters are cool while spring and autumn tend to be relatively mild.

For a beach holiday, time your visit between late June and early September as the temperatures will too cool either side of this and resorts will not be fully open. For a cultural holiday, avoid the midst of winter and the height of summer as temperatures will probably make for a less than comfortable trip.

So, as the title suggests this is just a very brief guide but one that will hopefully inspire you to research a little more thoroughly and then book your trip to Bulgaria! It really is a fascinating country with plenty to offer.