Summary
Flowing down from the pine-covered massifs of the Balkan Mountains and the Rhodope ranges to meet the shimmering blues of the Black Sea, Bulgaria presents a diverse array of offerings, from sun-drenched beaches to captivating historical narratives, vibrant party towns to snow-blanketed ski resorts within its borders.
This guide outlines the 15 premier destinations in the country, highlighting major attractions that should be included on anyone’s Bulgarian travel itinerary this year.
1. Varna
The sun-drenched favorite of local Bulgarians escaping from Sofia and Plovdiv for the summer, Varna is much more than a typical resort town along the Black Sea. With a rich and engaging history, numerous crumbling Roman bathhouses, and magnificent Orthodox architecture (such as the uniquely named Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral), the city attracts history enthusiasts, cultural aficionados, and sun seekers alike.
While the beaches remain a significant highlight, the lively shoreline promenade attracts visitors with an abundance of seafood restaurants and cocktail bars, complemented by energetic clubs that thrive on the coast after dark.
2. Veliko Tarnovo
The historic City of the Tsars stands prominently on the edge of the rising foothills of Bulgaria’s northern mountains. Divided by the S-shaped bends of the Yantra River, the town’s location is nothing short of breathtaking, characterized by terraced rooftops of terracotta that rise over the waterway below.
The picturesque cobblestone pathways and half-timbered houses in the old town exemplify the Tarnovo school, which flourished during the height of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the Middle Ages.
Thus, visitors can experience a harmonious blend of natural scenery—courtesy of the expansive coniferous forests surrounding the area—and vibrant culture and history, particularly with the Tsarevets citadel and numerous exquisite Byzantine churches.
3. Sofia
The extensive capital of Bulgaria presents a collage of its historical past. Around its outskirts rise significant brutalist monuments to Soviet governance, along with a seemingly endless series of identical high-rise buildings.
Within the city center, the ancient remains of the Serdica Fort and the Roman-Byzantine Church of St George are set against the backdrop of imposing Stalinist municipal structures.
Furthermore, the iconic Orthodox domes and gilded structures of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral shine beneath the snow-capped peaks of Vitosha Mountain in the distance.
This eclectic mix rarely fails to impress visitors who choose to stay and explore the city further.
4. Zheravna
Celebrated for its showcase of Bulgarian National Revival architecture, Zheravna offers a rustic charm that exemplifies one of the country’s most iconic historical styles.
The town rests comfortably at the base of the grand Balkan Mountains, nestled among dense thickets of Bosnian pines and white elms, appearing almost organically formed with its wooden and stone structures.
The cottages that line the cobbled streets are beautifully restored, showcasing more than 150 examples of the characteristic hardwood facades.
Among the buildings, notable sites such as the Yordan Yovkov House and the richly decorated St Nicholas Church attract visitors, while others may prefer the nearby August Dobromiritsa Rural Park, which hosts festivals celebrating Bulgarian folklore and music throughout the year.
5. Burgas
Burgas serves as one of the primary access points to the southern segments of the Black Sea coast. Distinct from the ancient and historically rich centers found throughout the country, it presents a decidedly modern landscape characterized by Art Deco buildings and meticulously maintained parks along the shoreline.
Moreover, it hosts some of Bulgaria’s most vibrant music festivals, including the lively Spirit of Burgas that takes place each summer.
North Beach ranks as the most popular stretch of sand in the town, whereas Burgas boasts another noteworthy feature: the stunning set of three lakes, ranging from the birdwatching haven of Vaya to the west and the saline waters of Atanasovsko to the north.
6. Rila Monastery
Regarded as possibly the most renowned Eastern Orthodox monastery globally, Rila functions as a significant emblem of the Bulgarian nation.
It was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983, celebrated for its unique blending of Mamluk, arabesque, Byzantine, and Romanesque architectural styles, along with opulent iconostasis walls meticulously crafted and inlaid with shimmering gold leaf.
An on-site museum offers insight into over a millennium of history that converges at this site, while numerous courtyards and peristyles adorned with murals and medieval artwork provide opportunities for exploration and admiration.
7. Bansko
Prepare the ski equipment because Bansko is Bulgaria’s most esteemed winter sports destination. With numerous expansions and new lift projects completed, the dual ski areas of Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika nestled within the fir forests have earned a reputation as some of the finest in all of Eastern Europe.
Even for those not hitting the 70 kilometers of groomed runs available, Bansko’s rugged surroundings in the Pirin mountains, along with a plethora of luxurious hotels, lively bars, jazz venues, cross-country trails, and traditional Bulgarian tavernas, are sure to delight!
8. Pamporovo
Surrounded by endless forests of pine trees that oscillate between lush green and frosty white throughout the changing seasons, the well-known mountain resort of Pamporovo is located amidst the rolling ridges of the southern Rhodope Mountains, only a short distance from the Greek border.
While summer offers fantastic hiking along the trails of Smolyan, it is the winter months that truly attract visitors, as the slopes (spanning 36 kilometers) open up, and the chairlifts transport skiers to the peaks of the Rhodope.
Pamporovo is also undergoing rapid expansion, making it a destination to watch within Eastern Europe’s evolving roster of mountain resorts!
9. Pirin National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage site that ascends like a formidable bulwark against the borders of Macedonia and Greece, Pirin National Park is a remarkable wilderness unlike any other in Europe.
Its summit, crowned in snow, rests beneath a veil of mist, while the alpine valleys below are adorned with dense stands of forest-green pines and firs, interrupted by patches of delicate edelweiss.
The park is home to deer and bears that continue to roam the woodlands, while wild goats climb the rugged cliffs seeking refuge in rocky crevices and caves.
It is no surprise that this location is regarded as a paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, with trails leading to the peak of Vihren (the highest point) and weaving around the park’s 186 mountain lakes!
10. Belogradchik
The extraordinary geological formations that linger near Belogradchik town consistently leave a lasting impression on visitors arriving in this remote area of Bulgaria, nestled on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains.
Known as the Belogradchik Rocks, these formations present a vast array of hoodoos and anthropomorphic monoliths, inspiring a wealth of local folklore and legends.
Nonetheless, Belogradchik offers more than just its natural wonders. The massive Belogradchik Fortress complex, which dates back to Roman times, the citadel of nearby Baba Vida, and the enigmatic prehistoric wall art at Magura Cave significantly enhance the area’s appeal!
11. Plovdiv
Situated across seven hills along the banks of the picturesque Maritsa River, Plovdiv boasts a wealth of historical attractions, featuring Roman amphitheaters, Thracian fortresses, honorific monuments dedicated to Bulgaria’s own Krum the Fearsome, National Revival churches, and even the occasional Soviet-era tenement building.
The pièce de résistance tends to be the charming historic center; a striking tableau of stone-clad fortresses and winding alleys flanked by Byzantine arches and hidden squares.
Moreover, Plovdiv’s nightlife entices revelers after hours, as cozy coffee shops transform into vibrant venues, fueling evenings with indie and jazz music, along with an abundance of Balkan beers!
12. Sunny Beach
Let go of your inhibitions and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Sunny Beach. Often compared to Malia and Ibiza, it is filled with energetic clubs and bars, enthusiastic promoters offering oversized drinks at competitive prices, flashing neon lights, spirited ravers, booze cruises, and a mix of sun-kissed enthusiasts in swimwear.
In addition to its lively ambiance, Sunny Beach also features a stunning stretch of sand, caressed by the Black Sea and backed by a dynamic boulevard where English-style breakfasts coexist with Italian pizzas in diverse international eateries, with hotels rising impressively amid bright white structures.
13. Koprivshtitsa
Impeccably preserved, Koprivshtitsa rises beautifully from the surrounding spruces and pines that blanket the valleys of the Sredna Gora Mountains, resembling an exquisitely designed gingerbread town.
This settlement is a protected national monument and is intended to reflect and commemorate the achievements of the Bulgarian National Revival through its wealth of vibrant facades, realistic stone sculptures, and shuttered houses.
Visitors to this destination may encounter commemorative exhibitions honoring the heroes of the April Uprising of 1876, while several institutions delve into the lives and contributions of significant revivalist writers and artists.
14. Perperikon
With evidence of human habitation extending back over seven millennia, along with what has been hailed as the most impressive monolithic structure in the entire Balkan Peninsula perched atop its hilltops, Perperikon is an essential visit for any history enthusiasts or cultural explorers journeying through Bulgaria.
Before its fortification by the Thracian tribes, it is believed that Copper Age priests utilized the hill for rituals and oracles, which allegedly predicted the ascendance of both Alexander the Great and the Roman Empire under Augustus.
Today, visitors can explore the off-the-beaten-path excavation site, while artifacts and discoveries can be viewed at the local archaeology museum in Kardzhali.
15. Nessebar
Extending out into the Black Sea like a Medieval Byzantine gem, Nessebar stands out as one of the most captivating and unforgettable cities along Bulgaria’s coast.
It is renowned for its enthralling UNESCO-recognized center, where layers of Thracian ruins blend with remarkable churches constructed between the 5th and 10th centuries.
Additionally, formidable fortifications are noteworthy for having successfully defended against both Ottoman forces and Crusading armies, alongside rows of charming seaside villas cascading toward the shore, resplendent in whitewash and red-tile rooftops. In summary, this destination is a must-visit!
