Mesmerizing Destinations to Visit in Bulgaria
The Republic of Bulgaria lies in Eastern Europe and shares borders with Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, and Ukraine. Its name comes from the Bulgars, an Asiatic people who were part of the Turkic tribes that migrated westward into southeastern Europe between the 6th and 10th centuries AD, who founded the First Bulgarian Empire in 681 AD which expanded until it reached its peak under Tsar Simeon I in 927 AD when it covered all of what is today Bulgaria as well as large parts of modern-day European Turkey, Greece, Romania, Moldova, and Yugoslavia.
Sveti Konstantin and Elena Resort
If you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax and enjoy the landscape, Sveti Konstantin and Elena Resort is the perfect destination for you. This small town is located in the mountains, making it a great place to go for a hike or explore the heritage sites. The beaches here are also enjoyable, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from. There is no shortage of things to do at this area, whether that be going for a walk on the beach or hiking up mountains.
There are also many other attractions such as museums and churches that can be found near this area. One church worth visiting is St. Constantine and Helena Church which was built around 1783 and still functions today. It has paintings by some of the most well-known Bulgarian artists such as Ivan Milev, Zahari Zograf, Nikola Petrovich Pavlovich and Dimitar Hristovski-Zograf.
Valley of Roses
One of the most mesmerizing places to visit in Bulgaria is the Valley of Roses. The landscape is blanketed with rose bushes as far as the eye can see, and it’s a beautiful place to stop and smell the roses…literally. The Valley of Roses is also home to many heritage sites, making it a must-see for history buffs. There are 12 monasteries within an hour of the valley, including one monastery which dates back to 1128 AD. If you’re not afraid of heights, you’ll love climbing up Mount Kozya after seeing all the ruins on top! (The climb takes about two hours.).
To get to this breathtaking spot, take a cable car from the town of Troyan and enjoy breathtaking views from above. On the way down, be sure to visit Grishte Monastery–one of only three pre-thirteenth century Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria. Spend some time exploring this beautifully restored 11th century building. When you come out, you’ll feel like you’ve taken a step back in time!
Shipka Memorial Church
This neo-Byzantine church was built in the early 1900s to honor the Russian and Bulgarian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War. The interior is covered in beautiful frescoes, and the exterior is adorned with a gold-plated cross. Shipka Memorial Church is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Bulgaria. Visitors can take guided tours inside the church or enjoy some serene solitude on the grounds. A short drive from town, Shipka Memorial Church will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time and are walking through history.
Continuing further up into the mountains, visitors can also visit three more monasteries that are tucked away high up in the Balkan Mountains: Chistovlata Monastery, Sveti Gaudenti Monastery, and Zograf Monastery. All three monasteries were founded by members of the Byzantine royal family and were later used as nunneries. These locations give visitors a glimpse into what life was like in the 18th century when these stunning monasteries were still functioning centers of worship.
Golden Sands Resort
Bulgaria’s Golden Sands Resort is popular tourist destinations. The resort is situated on a beautiful stretch of golden sand beach. It offers a wide range of activities and facilities for tourists, including a water park, golf course, and spa. The resort is also home to a number of restaurants and bars, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the incredible views. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the famous Dolphinarium!
One of the world’s largest saltwater aquariums, it has over 10 million liters of water and over 700 animals. You can even see dolphins in their natural habitat or learn about their anatomy with interactive displays. For the adrenaline junkies among us, try paragliding off the top of nearby Momina Klisura Mountain. For nature lovers, head to Sviyazhitsa Nature Reserve where you’ll find plenty of hiking trails and caves to explore as well as bird watching opportunities.
Melnik – The Pearl of Danube River
Melnik in south west Bulgaria. The town is situated on the banks of the River Ardas and is surrounded by picturesque mountains. Melnik is known for its red wine and honey, as well as its unique architecture. The houses in Melnik are built of stone and have red roofs, which makes the town look like it’s straight out of a fairytale.
Every summer, there’s an open-air theater festival called Melnik Nights that features performances from artists from all over the world. Guests can stay at one of the many boutique hotels or spend the night at one of the many cottages or homes for rent. There are also many hiking trails around Melnik if you’re looking to explore the region.
Amber Valley – A Place Where Wonders Unfold: Located in northeastern Bulgaria, Amber Valley is often referred to as Bulgaria’s Little Switzerland. It has many scenic spots including waterfalls, rivers, and beautiful lakes.
Nesebar – the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast pearl And Rila Monestary
Nesebar is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The town is located on a small peninsula and is home to many historical buildings and churches. Nesebar is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Rila Monastery – A UNESCO World Heritage Site (six sentences): Inhabited since the 6th century, this monastery was founded by John of Rila, one of Bulgaria’s patron saints. The monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, but it remains an important spiritual center for the country. It is home to over fifty chapels, including the Church of All Saints which features hand-carved iconostasis screens from 1788 as well as frescoes from 1695 depicting scenes from both biblical and secular history. There are also many activities to do in and around the monastery, such as hiking, horseback riding, fishing or mountain biking. Visitors can stop by the blacksmith workshop and try their hand at forging their own piece of iron. To take a break from the excitement, visitors can enjoy refreshments at the canteen or visit with some of the animals at the monastery farmstead.
In 2011 alone, more than 300,000 people visited these two mesmerizing destinations!
Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden
The Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden is a must-see destination when visiting Bulgaria. The palace was built in the early 20th century by Queen Marie of Romania and is now a museum. The gardens are home to over 2,000 species of plants, making it one of the most diverse botanical gardens in the world. Visitors can also take a boat ride on the Black Sea or go hiking in the nearby mountains. The park’s variety of flora includes species from all around the world including those from South America, Asia, North America and Europe.
The greenhouse has a large selection of exotic plants that are not native to Bulgaria. Besides being aesthetically pleasing, the garden offers educational opportunities for children and adults alike. School groups come from around the country to study biology in this special location. It would be best to visit during spring or summer when much of the garden’s beauty can be seen at its best but even if you miss out on some of these times there is still plenty to see!
Varna -the largest seaside resort town in Bulgaria.
Varna is the largest seaside resort town in Bulgaria and it is a beautiful place to visit. The town is situated on the Black Sea coast and it has a long history dating back to the 6th century BC. Today, Varna is a popular tourist destination for its stunning beaches, historical landmarks, and vibrant nightlife. If you’re looking for a breathtaking place to vacation, add Varna, Bulgaria to your list!
There are many things to do in this area such as fishing or surfing. You can also enjoy an evening stroll along the promenade that runs from one end of the beachfront boulevard, Bulair-Varna Highway, all the way to the other end at Friendship Park. You will not regret visiting this incredible country with it’s charming nature and exquisite architecture!
Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria.
Sofia is the ideal destination for those who love architecture and history. The city is home to many of Bulgaria’s most important historical and cultural sites, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Boyana Church, and the National Archaeological Museum. Sofia is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of parks and green spaces to explore. And of course, no visit to Sofia would be complete without sampling some of the delicious local cuisine.
Popular dishes include kebabcheto, a hearty soup made from vegetable broth; kjufte, spicy minced meat patties; tarator, yogurt-based soup that is usually seasoned with garlic or dill; and banitsa, phyllo pastry stuffed with cheese or spinach. Proudly boasting beautiful landscapes, fascinating wildlife, and rich culture all across its borders, Bulgaria is one of Europe’s hidden gems. From mountain peaks to ancient towns full of charm, this Eastern European country offers travelers an unforgettable experience. In wintertime, visitors can go skiing in Vitosha Mountain or head out on a hiking adventure along the Balkan Mountains.
