Welcome to Bulgaria

Bulgaria is one of the most underrated travel destinations in Europe. While millions flock to the coasts of Greece and Croatia, Bulgaria remains a hidden gem — with a diversity that surprises even seasoned travelers. The country on the southeastern edge of the EU combines Black Sea beaches, alpine high mountains, ancient ruins, and one of the oldest cultures on the continent.

• 7,000 years of civilization — Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe that has not changed its name since its founding in 681 AD. Thracian gold treasures, Roman amphitheaters, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques — history is omnipresent and fascinatingly complex.
• Black Sea Coast — 378 kilometers of coastline with golden sandy beaches, lively resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, and picturesque old towns like Nessebar (UNESCO) and Sozopol. Water temperatures up to 27°C in midsummer.
• Spectacular Mountains — With the Rila and Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria has two of the most impressive high mountain ranges in the Balkans. Musala (2,925 m) is the highest peak in the entire Balkan Peninsula. Hiking trails, glacial lakes, and the legendary Rila Monastery (UNESCO) make the mountains a paradise for nature lovers.
• Unbeatable value for money — Bulgaria is one of the cheapest travel destinations in the EU. A full dinner with wine costs 10–15€, a hotel room from 25€, a beer 1.50€. Here you get an extraordinary amount of vacation for little money.
• Valley of the Roses — In the valley between the Balkan Mountains and Sredna Gora grows the famous Bulgarian oil rose (Rosa damascena). Bulgaria produces 85% of the world's rose oil — a kilogram costs more than gold. The Rose Festival in June is an unforgettable experience.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Bulgaria has 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Rila Monastery, the Old Town of Nessebar, the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, and the Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo. For such a small country, an impressive density of world culture.
• Thermal Springs — With over 600 mineral springs, Bulgaria is one of the most thermal-rich countries in Europe. From luxurious spa resorts to simple village baths — warm healing water is almost everywhere.
• Hospitality — Bulgarians are warm-hearted and hospitable. A guest in the house is a gift from God, says an old proverb. You will be welcomed with Rakia (fruit brandy), Shopska salad, and genuine warmth.

Bulgaria is the counter-program to overpriced Mediterranean vacations: Authenticity instead of mass tourism, history instead of scenery, warmth instead of calculation. Those seeking the real Europe, far from the beaten paths, will find it in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria can be divided into four major travel regions, each with its own character:

Sofia & Surroundings

For whom: City travelers, culture lovers, foodies
Bulgaria's capital lies at the foot of the Vitosha Mountains and surprises with a mix of ancient ruins, Ottoman mosques, socialist monumental architecture, and a young, dynamic creative scene. The surroundings offer day trips to the Rila Monastery and the Zemen Fortress.

Black Sea Coast

For whom: Beach vacationers, partygoers, culture fans
378 kilometers of coastline with golden sandy beaches, the lively resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, the port city of Varna with Roman baths, the UNESCO Old Town of Nessebar, and the bohemian artist town of Sozopol. Perfect from June to September.

Mountains (Rila, Pirin, Rhodopes)

For whom: Hikers, nature lovers, skiers
Three majestic mountain ranges with alpine drama: the Rila Mountains with the legendary Rila Monastery and the Seven Lakes, the Pirin Mountains (UNESCO) with ancient black pines, and the mystical Rhodope Mountains with their caves, bridge ruins, and the legend of Orpheus.

Valley of the Roses & Central Bulgaria

For whom: History enthusiasts, romantics, wine lovers
The heart of Bulgaria: the famous Rose Valley with the Rose Festival in June, the old capital Veliko Tarnovo with its spectacular fortress, the Thracian tombs of Kazanlak (UNESCO), and the craft town of Koprivshtitsa with its colorful Revival houses.

1. Marvel at the Rila Monastery — Bulgaria's most famous building is nestled in dense forests at an altitude of 1,147 m. The colorful frescoes, striped arcades, and spiritual atmosphere make this UNESCO World Heritage site one of the most impressive monasteries in Europe. → Chap. Mountains
2. Stroll through the Old Town of Nessebar — The tiny peninsula in the Black Sea is an open-air museum: medieval churches, wooden houses from the Revival period, and breathtaking sea views. UNESCO World Heritage since 1983. → Chap. Black Sea Coast
3. Hike the Seven Rila Lakes — Seven glacial lakes over 2,000 m high, set in an alpine lunar landscape. One of the most beautiful hikes in the Balkans — and unforgettable in clear weather. → Chap. Mountains
4. Experience Veliko Tarnovo's Tsarevets Fortress — The medieval fortress towers on a hill above the Yantra River. In the evening, the sound-and-light show transforms the walls into a colorful spectacle — Bulgaria's history comes alive. → Chap. Valley of the Roses
5. Drink Rakia at a Mehana — The Bulgarian tavern (Mehana) is where the soul of the country lives: wood-paneled walls, live folklore, Shopska salad, and the inevitable Rakia toast — "Nasdrave!" → Chap. Food & Drink
6. Experience the Rose Festival in Kazanlak — In early June, the Rose Valley celebrates the rose bloom with harvest rituals, folklore parades, and the election of the Rose Queen. The scent of thousands of rose petals literally fills the air. → Chap. Valley of the Roses
7. Hike in the Rhodopes on Orpheus' Trails — The mystical mountain range in the south is considered the home of Orpheus. Deep gorges, hidden villages, ancient customs, and a silence that can be heard. → Chap. Mountains
8. Explore Plovdiv's Old Town and the Roman Theater — Europe's oldest continuously inhabited city delights with a perfectly preserved Roman amphitheater, colorful Revival houses, and a vibrant art scene. → Chap. Sofia
9. Enjoy the sunset on Sozopol's beach — The artist town on the Black Sea combines picturesque wooden houses, small fishing boats, and the most beautiful sunsets on the Bulgarian coast. → Chap. Black Sea Coast
10. Bathe in hot mineral springs — Bulgaria has over 600 thermal springs. In Velingrad, Hisarya, or the hot springs near Rupite, you can relax in warm healing water — sometimes right in nature and for free. → Chap. Practical
11. Photograph Koprivshtitsa's colorful houses — The museum town in the mountains is an open-air museum of the Bulgarian Revival: colorful stone houses, carved wooden balconies, and a silence that makes time forget. → Chap. Valley of the Roses
12. Admire Thracian gold treasures in the National Museum — Bulgaria has the largest collection of Thracian gold art in the world. The intricate gold craftsmanship from the 4th–5th century BC testifies to a high culture that was on par with the Greeks. → Chap. Sofia