Bulgaria is the final of the Balkan international locations on my checklist to go to. Having already been to the entire former Yugoslavian international locations, in addition to a street journey by way of Albania and Kosovo, and naturally varied street journeys by way of Greece, it was time to lastly go to Bulgaria.
Whereas Bulgaria is just not excessive on the checklist for guests to Europe, with individuals choosing locations like Croatia or Greece, there’s greater than sufficient to do within the nation. The Balkans typically is my favourite a part of Europe. Whereas most individuals swoon over common locations like France, Holland, or Italy, I discover myself enthralled with the international locations within the Balkans. I discover the historical past and tradition to be a lot extra attention-grabbing than Western Europe and I discover myself time and again coming again to this area.
Bulgaria has all of it. From Cosmopolitan cities to historical wonders. From lovely mountain ranges to idyllic seashores on the Black Sea. The wine is great whereas low-cost, and the meals is heaven in case you are eager for grilled meats. Bulgaria is positioned at crossroads between Europe and Asia and all through historical past it was a spot of unbelievable commerce and a cultural melting pot.
Bulgaria Historical past
I’m not certain why however I discover Balkan historical past to be fascinating. Bulgaria is not any completely different. In historical occasions, Bulgaria was settled by the Thracians for 1000’s of years. Greeks and Romans ultimately took management of the peninsula. Just like the neighboring international locations of Macedonia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Croatia, Slavic talking individuals settled within the space from the sixth century AD in addition to the Bulgars, a nomadic individuals coming from Central Asia.
The Bulgars grew robust and conquered neighboring lands forming the primary Bulgarian Empire. Finally, the area got here beneath Byzantine Rule within the center ages and in the end fell to the Ottomans like the remainder of the Balkan area. Ottomans dominated the realm for 500 years with its influences nonetheless felt to this present day.
As Bulgaria is a Slavic talking nation, after WW2, the nation appeared to unite with Tito’s Yugoslavia given how culturally related the nations have been. Stalin refused this union and in the end Bulgaria got here beneath the affect of the Jap Bloc’s model of Communism. Bulgarians nonetheless really feel probably the most related with their South Slav neighbors in Serbia, Bosnia, Croatia, Macedonia and so forth. however they’re most likely pleased to have prevented the Balkan Wars.
I had visited North Macedonia just a few months previous to Bulgaria and seen that among the phrases in Macedonian have been similar to Bulgarian (however completely different than Serbo-Bosnian-Croatian). Seems that Macedonia was a part of Bulgaria solely a century in the past and the languages are practically an identical!
Finest time to go to Bulgaria
Bulgaria enjoys a continental local weather experiencing all seasons. As it’s positioned additional south, you’ll typically discover milder winters than different international locations in Europe.
Summer time months will be extraordinarily scorching particularly inland across the huge cities. Temperatures can simply go above 35c and keep there for lengthy intervals of time. Many individuals flock to the coastal cities of Varna, Burgas and Sozopol throughout these months to flee the warmth. Anticipate plenty of solar with the occasional bathe.
Within the winter months, temperatures can go under freezing particularly within the mountain cities. Sofia and Plovdiv will typically be milder with day by day lows barely under freezing. Nevertheless, mountain cities will be effectively under -10c. Bulgaria has ski mountains so you may anticipate that the climate gained’t be like that of Croatia or Montenegro!
Bulgaria, whereas lovely, doesn’t expertise the identical tourism numbers like neighboring Greece. In the summertime months, you’ll see varied vacationers from around the globe however you’ll by no means really feel overwhelmed just like the amusement park circumstances in locations like Dubrovnik, Croatia. The month of August will see a mass exodus of Bulgarians from the cities to the seaside cities. Nevertheless, outdoors of that, there’s not likely a foul time to go to the nation.
Whether or not you go to in the summertime, or the shoulder seasons of Spring/Autumn, you will discover that there aren’t many vacationers which is implausible.
Learn how to get round Bulgaria
Bulgaria is effectively related with the remainder of Europe. There are day by day flights to Sofia from many European capitals with loads of low cost airways flying into town (like Ryanair, Wizzair and so forth). I flew from Frankfurt to Sofia through Wizzair and paid about €70 spherical journey.
Sofia is effectively related and might simply be reached by bus from neighboring cities like Belgrade, Thessaloniki, Skopje, Bucharest and so forth.
To get round Bulgaria, I rented a automotive from Sofia and drove across the nation. Automotive leases are very low-cost in Bulgaria with gasoline costs typically under the common of the remainder of the EU. I all the time like driving a automotive as I really feel like I’ve the liberty to discover the little issues that I would like, after I need.
The street circumstances in Bulgaria are first rate however not nice. The principle freeway is nice however you’ll be on many smaller roads with questionable roads.
Alternatively, if you do not need to lease a automotive, you may as well get round fairly simply by bus and trains. The nation is effectively related, albeit with outdated soviet fashion trains and never the excessive velocity trains Western Europe enjoys.
Purchase the Vignette for those who’re coming from one other nation
In case you’re crossing the border into Bulgaria from one other nation like Northern Greece, or North Macedonia, be sure that to completely purchase the vignette. You should buy this on the border for €15 for 2 weeks and it will will let you drive legally on the roads.
Alternatively, you should buy this on-line at their web site. This can be a nice choice if you wish to pay by bank card as they don’t settle for card on the small outlets close to the borders. Be certain that to purchase this in any other case you may be caught and fined. I used to be very impressed with their toll system and the way subtle it’s to catching individuals.
They’ve cameras all around the nation and toll police will probably be knowledgeable when your plate will get photographed and they are going to be ready for you. Don’t danger it, in any other case the positive will probably be €300!
The place I went in Bulgaria
I had a complete of just below two weeks for my Bulgaria journey. I believe one week to 2 weeks might be sufficient to see the highlights of the nation. In fact, the extra time in a spot is all the time higher however I perceive individuals’s time constraints!
If these locations are in your checklist of place to go to, then that is the itinerary for you. Don’t fear, I’ll have loads of itinerary examples relying on the quantity of days it’s a must to journey.
- Sofia
- Rila Monastery
- Plovdiv
- Buzludzha Monument
- Koprivshtitsa City
- Varna (Black Sea), Sozopol and so forth.
Full Bulgaria Journey Itinerary
The journey begins in Sofia. I flew right here from Frankfurt and spent my first three nights exploring the capital. Though it isn’t probably the most lovely metropolis, I actually loved the vibe and vitality the capital has to supply.
From Sofia, I did a day journey to the Rila Monastery within the south which is a very talked-about day journey. Afterwards, I rented a automotive to go to Plovdiv. Alongside the way in which, I finished within the conventional village of Koprivshtitsa to benefit from the views earlier than arriving in Plovdiv. In Plovdiv, I spent one other three nights exploring town. Whereas in Plovdiv, I additionally made a day journey to the Buzluzdha communist monument which was simply wonderful.
Lastly, my previous couple of days have been spent alongside the Black Sea visiting the coastal cities of Bulgaria. I based mostly myself in Varna and used it as a base to discover the neighboring seashores and areas. I like to recommend 2-3 nights right here relying on how a lot of a seaside escape you need. I’m not notably impressed with the Black Sea so far as seashores go. The Mediterranean is way superior for my part however you’ll typically discover cheaper costs right here.
Bulgaria’s predominant airport is its capital of Sofia. Nevertheless, there are smaller airports in Plovdiv and Varna that service many worldwide airports round Europe. In case you’re not renting a automotive, then you can doubtlessly fly into Sofia, and fly out of let’s say Varna on the Black Sea so that you don’t have to backtrack your strategy to Sofia.
Full map of Bulgaria Itinerary
Day 1-3: Sofia, Capital of Bulgaria
It’s possible that almost all journeys to Bulgaria will begin within the capital metropolis of Sofia. Sofia is dwelling to about 1/3 of Bulgaria’s inhabitants and is a metropolis with a lot to supply. It’s not as lovely as different Balkan cities and I’ve even been advised my some individuals to skip town solely however that may be a mistake. There’s lots to do in Sofia that’s worthwhile.
Bulgaria, having been beneath the Jap Bloc, has a lot of the Communist fashion structure as different Jap European cities which is a distinction to the Tito managed Yugoslavia that emphasised preserving and restoring historic buildings. Sofia is just not so lovely within the conventional European sense nevertheless it’s an excellent place to spend just a few days having fun with the vitality of town.
Alexander Nevsky Church
Maybe probably the most iconic illustration of town of Sofia is the Aexander Nevsky Orthodox Church. I’m an enormous fan of Orthodox church buildings preferring them to Catholic cathedrals. This church in Sofia is without doubt one of the largest I’ve seen and is a should go to when coming to Sofia. The inexperienced and gold domes of this large construction guided merchants and retailers prior to now after they have been near town of Sofia.
The church is free to enter. I didn’t discover the within of the church notably spectacular however the outdoors is simply lovely.
In the identical space is the Serdica archaeological complicated, the place the restored stays of the excavated Roman metropolis of Serdika are on public show. Subsequent in your stroll are the Ottoman-era Banya Bashi Mosque and (demonstrating the cultural variety of Bulgaria by way of historical past) Sofia Synagogue, one of many largest synagogues in Europe. Between the 2 is Sofia’s central market – good for grabbing a snack or memento.
Considered one of Sofia’s most outstanding landmarks, the Nationwide Palace of Tradition is a few 15-minute stroll from the sights listed however chances are high you’ll come throughout it for those who discover any of Sofia’s many parks and inexperienced areas. It was opened in 1981 to have fun 1300 years of the Bulgarian state and is a should for travellers keen on structure from that period.
Free strolling tour of Sofia
Like different European cities, the free strolling tour of Sofia is a should do when visiting Sofia. I did this tour upon arrival simply to get my bearings of town. The tour lasts 2.5-3 hours and visits the principle highlights of town.
The tour began off with a common historical past of Bulgaria which is all the time attention-grabbing. We visited the quite a few predominant sights of town just like the St. Nedelya Cathedral Church, the Banya Bashi Masjid mosque, the St. George Rotunda, Nationwide theatre, varied Roman ruins and extra.
The tour meets daily at 11am on the Palace of Justice within the metropolis heart.
Sofia Pub Crawl
I can also suggest the Sofia pub crawl. In case you’re a solo traveler, that is the proper place to fulfill cool individuals and have a superb night time out in town. The tour meets at 9pm and goes across the city visiting quite a few bars and golf equipment.
The associated fee is 30 Lev which is a bit steep however you get some free beers and photographs with the worth.
The Scene or the Sense for Rooftop Drinks
For one of the best views of town, I might suggest visiting the Scene rooftop bar on the Hyatt Resort or the Sense Rooftop on the Sense lodge. Each lodges are close to to the Alexander Nevsky Church and options this lovely constructing entrance and heart.
The drinks listed below are fairly costly particularly by Bulgarian requirements however this simply comes with the territory. Come right here for a pleasant glass of wine whereas having fun with the views of Sofia and the neighboring mountains.
Rakija Bar Restaurant
Indubitably, Rakija bar is my favourite restaurant in Sofia. It’s recognized for its intensive Rakija menu with many various Rakija varieties. In case you’re new to Rakija, it’s the nationwide drink of Bulgaria and all the opposite Balkan international locations. It’s a lifestyle and faith all rolled up into one.
You may pattern varied types of Rakija at this restaurant. Rakija will be constructed from varied fruits like grapes, plums, quince, pear, peaches and so forth. Regardless, you’ll have a superb time and really feel drunk in a short time.
The meals at this restaurant can also be scrumptious. Get the grilled hen or the normal Bulgarian kebapche and also you’ll be in heaven.
Shtastlivetsa Restaurant
Positioned within the metropolis heart, Shtaslivetsa is without doubt one of the high eating places in Sofia. The within is immaculately adorned and the normal Bulgarian meals that’s served can also be scrumptious. It feels very fancy inside however the costs are fairly affordable.
Rainbow Cafe
For a fast breakfast, look no additional than Rainbow Cafe. In extra to a conventional brunch fashion menu, in addition they take advantage of scrumptious Mekitsi (fried dough) and Banitsa (native pastry much like Burek). Be certain that to get the Mekitsi with jam!
Cocktail bars
5L Speakeasy Bar
Soda Bar
Day 4: Day Journey to Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery, or the Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila, to offer it its full title, is an Jap Orthodox monastery based within the tenth century. A fireplace destroyed the monastery originally of the nineteenth century, and the complicated was rebuilt quickly after. The Bulgarian Renaissance fashion stripes are its most distinctive characteristic. UNESCO inscribed Rila Monastery as a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 1983.
There’s a costume code for visiting Rila monastery, so be sure to are appropriately attired: lengthy trousers and skirts (at the very least under the knee), no sleeveless tops (deliver a shawl or scarf to cowl your shoulders).
This monastery is without doubt one of the most spectacular complexes I’ve ever seen. Not solely are the church buildings in implausible circumstances, however the entire complicated is the scale of a soccer stadium surrounded by views of the gorgeous Balkan mountain vary.
Day 5: Koprivshtitsa
Alongside the way in which from Sofia to Plovdiv is the village of Koprivshtitsa. This mountain city is without doubt one of the most conventional and picturesque cities in Bulgaria and is effectively price a go to as it’s positioned alongside the way in which. It’s a common day journey from Sofia and is accessible even for those who don’t have a automotive.
Koprivshtitsa is without doubt one of the most lovely cities in Bulgaria and the Balkans. It’s stuffed with buildings, largely homes, from the nineteenth century which are one of the best instance of Bulgarian Revival Structure. There are precisely 383 of them and nearly all of them have been restored to its former glory with vivid colours, wealthy decorations, and distinctive shapes.
One of the best view of Koprivshtitsa is from the Georgi Benkovski monument positioned above the city. Going up there isn’t too troublesome and you may be rewarded with some wonderful views of Koprivshtitsa and surrounding Sredna Gora mountains.
To be trustworthy, there’s not that a lot to do within the metropolis. I finished right here for lunch at a conventional restaurant which was implausible. I discovered that one of the best factor to do on this city is solely stroll by way of the streets and admire the structure.
Day 5-7: Plovdiv
After exploring Sofia, the following step on the Bulgaria itinerary is the historic metropolis of Plovdiv. As one of many European Capitals of Tradition in 2019, Plovdiv might be probably the most tourist-friendly metropolis in Bulgaria and it has loads to supply guests. What Sofia lacks so far as outdated European allure, Plovdiv presents it and extra.
Plovdiv is considered the oldest constantly inhabited metropolis in Europe, with a historical past relationship again over 6,000 years. It was sacked, managed, and sacked once more by virtually the entire main historic empires of the area. From the Greeks, to the Romans, to the Huns, Mongols, Turks and extra, everybody has come by way of Plovdiv and fallen in love with town.
Follow Aylak
Aylak, is without doubt one of the guiding principals of Plovdiv. I realized this on my strolling tour that the phrase and idea originated in Plovdiv. What does it imply you ask?
To easily relax and benefit from the life. The artwork of doing nothing and having a superb time. When you might see the sights of Plovdiv in a half day, it’s worthwhile simply to spend a while in Plovdiv and benefit from the life. That’s the guiding principal in any case!
What to do in Plovdiv
Spend your first day within the metropolis exploring its historical monuments just like the aforementioned amphitheatre and the traditional stadium. Wander by way of the picturesque outdated city and benefit from the view of town from the ruined fortress on Nebet Tepe.
The city heart is kind of small and you’ll stroll the cobblestone streets from one finish to the opposite in quarter-hour. There are many outlets and eating places alongside the way in which to maintain you occupied.
It’s also possible to head into the stylish neighborhood referred to as Kapana, which suggests “The Entice” in Bulgarian. This neighborhood is positioned inside the outdated city and is made clear by the narrower extra windy pedestrian streets. This pedestrian solely space is packed full with nice eating places, cafes, and bars. It’s possible that you just’ll be spending at the very least a few of your time on this space. I just about spent all my time right here.
Plovdiv is named town of hills – typically seven hills after the variety of hills in and across the metropolis, and typically three hills after those Outdated Plovdiv was based on. Don’t anticipate towering peaks – Dzhendem tepe is the tallest at simply over 300 metres. In case you are keen on Bulgaria’s communist-era monuments Alyosha, the Unknown Soviet Soldier Memorial sits atop Bunarzhik, referred to as Liberators Hill and the second-highest hill in Plovdiv (at simply 108 metres).
Go on the free strolling tour of Plovdiv
Just like the free strolling tour of Sofia, the Plovdiv tour is unquestionably a should do for all guests. I realized loads concerning the historical past of this metropolis which I by no means would have in any other case. It meets daily at 11am and lasts about 3 hours.
The place to eat in Plovdiv
Plovdiv has many implausible eating places serving scrumptious Bulgarian meals, burgers, pizza, and extra. My favourite restaurant within the metropolis was definitely Pavaj restaurant in Kapana. The Shopska salad and the veal cheeks have been to die for! Different nice eating places I attempted are the next:
- Aylyakria Restaurant
- Sofra Turkish Restaurant
- Хранителен Комплекс Център Витекс-90 ЕООД – Native grilled meals
- Rahat Tepe: Should Go to for the wonderful views of town and nice grilled ribs
The place to drink in Plovdiv
There aren’t any scarcity of locations to have a superb drink in Plovdiv. Bulgarians like to drink and have a superb get together so that you’re in the precise place. For one of the best bars, you’ll go to Kapana as there’s actually a bar each few meters.
For one of the best cocktails, go to Anyway Social Bar or The Barber & Cat (solely open on weekends). Throughout the road from Anyway Social Bar is the Cat and Mouse Beer Bar in addition to Pals Cafe.
Day 8: Day journey to Buzludzha Monument
Bulgarians will most likely be dismayed to listen to that the Buzluzdha communist monument is probably the best factor I noticed throughout my go to. Positioned at Buzludzha peak within the Balkan mountains, this Soviet period monument seems to be extra like a spaceship or UFO than it does an Earthly construction.
It’s additionally positioned in the course of completely nowhere and the closest cities look extra like medieval villages in comparison with this futuristic constructing.
What’s the Buzludzha monument?
I first noticed footage of the Buzludzha constructing on my Instagram feed years in the past. I assumed it was faux at first however after analysis, discovered that it very a lot existed within the countryside of Bulgaria close to to the city of Stara Zagora.
The Buzludzha monument was a Soviet monument constructed within the early Eighties. It was constructed with the futuristic structure of the time that exemplified all issues Soviet. The inside house of the monument featured partitions coated in richly detailed mosaics, which illustrated an allegorical historical past of the Bulgarian Communist Social gathering. Notable scenes depicted house journey, warfare, and communist employees driving their pitchforks right into a serpent symbolic of international capitalism.
The monument was used for your complete Eighties as a museum devoted to Communism and an occasion heart for prime degree gatherings. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1989, the monument was deserted virtually in a single day. The monument was shut from the general public and has been in a state of decay ever since. However, the facade continues to be effectively in place and that is simply probably the most wonderful communist monument of all time.
Attending to Buzluzdha
From Plovdiv, it’s about 2 hours by automotive to the Buzluzdha monument. It’s positioned excessive up within the mountains and a 20 minute drive from the principle street up windy mountain roads. There isn’t any strategy to get right here actually by public transportation as once more, it’s positioned in the course of nowhere.
Nevertheless, you may organize day journeys to go to Buzluzdha from Plovdiv however these aren’t as common as I assumed.
Are you able to go inside Buzludzha?
The images of the within of Buzluzdha are simply as spectacular as the skin. Full of lovely and decaying mosaics from Soviet occasions, the within seems to be like a fantasy film. It jogged my memory of the decrepit buildings I noticed at Chernobyl.
Sadly, as of 2019, it’s inconceivable to enter the Buzluzdha constructing. It has been fully sealed off and there aren’t any methods to enter until you could have a jetpack or actually subtle climbing gear.
Unhappy I do know. You’ll simply should accept (wonderful) pictures from the skin of the constructing!
Day 9-12: Black Sea
If in case you have multiple week for journey by way of Bulgaria, the following logical step is to go to the coastal cities of the Black Sea!
Bulgaria’s Black Sea cities are lovely and an excellent getaway in the summertime for the locals. Nevertheless, let’s be clear that the black sea is just not the Mediterranean. It’s not as lovely and the water is nowhere close to as clear because the waters on the Greek islands. If you’d like one of the best seashores, drive west to the Ionian islands of Greece.
Nevertheless, as you’re already in Bulgaria, it solely is smart to maintain going and see what else the nation has to supply!
Varna Metropolis
Varna is Bulgaria’s predominant Black Sea seaside resort and port metropolis. I desire Varna over Burgas as effectively. Varna’s typical sights embody Varna Cathedral, the ruins of the Roman metropolis of Odessus and the Sea Backyard, a park that stretches alongside the coast. The Sea Backyard can also be the place you will discover the Pantheon of the Fallen within the Combat In opposition to Fascism, a powerful monument near a statue of Yuri Gagarin within the Alley of Cosmonauts. Somewhat farther from the city centre is the Park-Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship, one other must-see for monument-seekers. Varna is a well-liked vacation spot and though town has a large positive sand seaside, we’ve by no means spent a lot time on it.
Varna has just a few museums however our favorite is the Retro Museum an actual blast from Bulgaria’s socialist previous. There are all kinds of memorabilia on show together with a set of over fifty vehicles from the period together with Trabant, Moskvich and Volga fashions. The museum is on the Grand Mall of Varna which is near the principle bus station – it’s a superb place to go to if in case you have time to kill earlier than your bus.
Discover the Black Sea Coast
If you’d like a smaller, extra sleepy seaside city, then head to pretty Sozopol. This city boasts a few positive sand seashores, lovely cobbled streets, and a laid-back ambiance.
If you’d like some extra western facilities, a celebration scene, or a high-end seaside resort, the pinnacle to Sunny Seashore or Nessebar that are considerably extra touristy and developed than Sozopol.
Bulgaria Itinerary Day By Day
Here’s a breakdown of my itinerary on a daily foundation. I’ve created just a few examples relying on how a lot time you could have so hopefully it will show you how to plan your journey to Bulgaria!
One week in Bulgaria
Day 1: Land in Sofia, Sofia for the day
Day 2: Full day Sofia
Day 3: Day journey to Rila Monastery
Day 4: Sofia to Plovdiv
Day 5: Plovdiv Full day
Day 6: Plovdiv Full day
Day 7: Again to Sofia to fly dwelling
Ten days in Bulgaria
Day 1: Land in Sofia, Sofia for the day
Day 2: Full day Sofia
Day 3: Day journey to Rila Monastery
Day 4: Sofia to Plovdiv
Day 5: Plovdiv Full day
Day 6: Plovdiv Full day
Day 7: Plovdiv to Varna
Day 8: Black Sea
Day 9: Black Sea
Day 10: Again to Sofia for a flight out
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