seafood. Melnik". Or perhaps you are on the lookout for adrenaline rushes. Often regarded as an essential city known for its rich historical heritage and, of course, the beautiful landscapes and full-on Bulgarian traditions. North Beach is the most popular sandy beach in the city. The Black Sea Beaches - Bulgaria's most famous and most beautiful coastline A good place to start is the country's famous coastline. This covered bridge is one of Often referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in Austria, Alpbach is a traditional village nestled between the mountains in Tyrol, at an altitude of about 1000 meters.Albach features cosy wooden houses, meadows and mountains, and represents a perfect holiday in both summer and winter.Hiking, cycling or paragliding are attractive summer activities, while skiing in the Ski . Situated in the real heart of Sofia. No matter where you go, you are never far from at least one of the cities on this list. Whatever you want to do youll find it here. Never leave home without travel insurance. It flourished in the 18th century, as multiple industries in the area became prosperous. The houses which are also made of wood are decorated with impressive woodcarvings and beautiful . Image Source. The lakes are between 6,800 and 8,200 feet above sea level. Another magnificent sight in close proximity is the Buzludhza monument. Alpbach. Called the Renaissance Villages, they are considered tremendously important for Bulgarian history and culture. The interiors are luxurious, with marble fireplaces, French chandeliers, large dining halls, antique furniture, and rare paintings. Spring In Sofia Festivities And Traditions. Here is my choice for the best and most beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria. This Monument was built thanks to donations from the Bulgarian population as a gratitude to the heroes who fought for the freedom of Bulgaria. 21 Beautiful Places in Romania | Cond Nast Traveler I've Travelled a lot in Bulgaria, I've seen a lot of Villages and these two have to be the Most Beautiful Villages in the Whole of `Bulgaria, and they are ri. Also called "Buzludzha Monument" (because it is located on the hill of Buzludzha, in the centre of Bulgaria), this extraordinary monument, built in 1974 and finished in 1981, commemorated the Built in the 16th century, this bridge is one of Bulgaria's best hidden gems for its beauty and the legends surrounding it. surprised by a violent wind which lifted the scarf of the young girl and revealed a sublime face. Getting to Leshten you will be greeted by beautiful traditional houses with stone roofs and mud walls that are iconic of the Bulgarian Renaissance era and style of architecture. The other lakes are Fish Vasilashko Lake, Upper Vasilashko Lake, Rainbow-shaped Vasilashko Lake, and Upper Todorino Lake. and Krushuna Waterfalls Tour". Tourists can visit the palace, explore the parks and even sample the wines. Off-the-beaten-path tourists seem to like the nearby village park of August Dobromiritsa, where festivals of Bulgarian folk music take place nearly all year round in their traditional Bulgarian dress. Sitting in the southeast corner of the Balkan peninsula, bordered by five other Balkan countries (Serbia, Turkey, North Macedonia, Greece, and Romania), this country is ideally situated to jump around from country to country if your vacation allows. Gabrovo is another of the places worth stopping by if you happen to be in the region. However, that doesn't mean that they aren't worth the visit. The final set of changes occurred in the 19th century. Belogradchik Fortress is a manmade construction set against a stunning outcrop of rocks. Varna is also known worldwide for the "Monument of the Bulgarian-Soviet Friendship" a monument of pure communist style also called "Bombastic Style" or "Monumentalism". Receive the latest news and updates from Dispatches Europe. It produces Chardonnay, Riesling, Traminer, Muscat Ottone and Vratsa Muscat wines. This reserve is a 1,200 hectare (2,965 acre) UNESCO-listed biosphere located on the northern coastline of Bulgaria. The village is full of memorials and museum houses displaying ethnographical treasures, old weapons and farm implements, national costumes, artwork, and jewellery. Top 30 Most Beautiful Villages in England - Global Grasshopper Discover Europes biggest collection of things to do and guided tours. 1. Its narrow paths between these beautifully preserved houses give a sense of fantasy and history surrounding you at every step. What is more, you can take day trips to Bozhentsi village, one of the most beautiful preserved villages in Bulgaria, and the Sokolsky Monastery. Kovachevitsas architecture is that of tall stone houses with beautiful wooden roofs, a testament to its importance as an education hub in the 17th and 18th centuries. Legends say the lakes were formed by the tears of a female giant, crying for her beloved. The village is set in Liguria, a small region of Italy on the western coast of the country within the beautiful Italian Riviera. Tevno lake is the largest of a series of glacial lakes in the area called the Vasilashko Lakes. reputedly impregnable fortress was the subject of numerous clashes during the Russo-Turkish wars. How to get there:Book yourflightsto Burgas (20 min by car) or Varna Airport (1h30). You can see more here in an earlier post.). Ghost villages and the slow death of rural Bulgaria - Equal Times The lake has a unique saturated blue colour that reflects the huge mountains nearby. 20 July 2021 View Romania is a picturesque and fascinating country with something for everyone - whether you're looking for exhilarating hiking in the Carpathian Mountains, cultural diversity in the capital of Bucharest, seeking out vampires in Transylvania or learning about the country's turbulent history. These seemingly other-worldly landscapes hidden around Belogradik rarely get seen in Bulgarias remote corner, on the northern slopes of the Balkans. Discover Bulgarias biggest collection of things to do and guided tours. With a population of about 70,000 people, this beautiful city is an important economic and cultural center for the entire southwestern region of the country. Belogradchik Fortress is an ancient fortress built located in northwest Bulgaria on the northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains. Make sure you visit the Church of Assumption with the characteristic dome and sample the tasty Pirin dishes. For the Bulgarian people, it is famous for its textile industry and its National Revival architecture but also because it is the birthplace of the famous writer Pencho Slaveykov. There are plenty of nature walks surrounding the village, plus several museums and an art gallery. The towns people have well preserved its impressive architecture and authenticity. Ribaritsa is the longest Bulgarian village. Bulgaria, Burgas: Boat Trip to St. Located in the center-north of Bulgaria, 2h30 from Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo is a high place of Bulgarian culture and history. Home > 15 Of The Best Cities In Bulgaria You Gotta See. visit in. A legend says that a young Bulgarian man had fallen in love with a young girl in a veil from the village. These places are full of interesting new adventures and experiences. Medicinal mud is produced at the lake and visitors can enjoy a restorative mud bath. You can also travel north to the resort of Sunny Day or to Siruius Beach, which are both stunning locations that are popular with tourists. As a matter of fact, it is so beautiful that there are actually a couple of places in Blagoevgrad that made the list of top 100 tourist sites in the entire world. But apart from the historical aspect, Troyan is home to three major National Reserves: Kozia Stena, Severen Jendem and Steneto, which are part of the larger Central Balkan National Park. Even if the monument seems close to the city centre we advise you to take a bus or a taxi to get there because once there you will have to climb many steps to reach the top of the monument. Bulgaria is absolutely gorgeous, with vast expanses of lush forests, beautiful beaches, and picturesque villages that still carry the Bulgarian heritage with faithful authenticity. There is so much to see and learn in this popular city. Discover Melnik, the smallest town in Bulgaria with only 385 inhabitants. Varna is undoubtedly one of Bulgarias most relaxing places tovacation. Bulgarian villages are famous for their beautiful natural settings and their hospitable residents. Hidden treasures and secret destinations, off the beaten track, await you in Bulgaria. You have likely heard of Veliko Tarnovo before. The beautiful town is such an important site its recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Surrounded by the lush verdant nature of the Western Rhodopes mountain ridge, they seem like images of a fascinating past. It was the Treaty of Lausanne, between Bulgaria and Greece, which brought Nessebar back under the colours of the Bulgarian flag. They are all beautiful lakes, but Tevno Vasilashko Lake is easily the most impressive. I think its quite amazing that Bulgaria is still considered to be off the beaten track for Western tourists, because the country has a bit of everything, and all at very affordable prices. We blog about the best travel destinations in the Balkans. Keep up with what's going on in Europe. Bulgaria located near Buzludzha Monument, near the town of Gabrovo. Even if you are not a ski junkie, the location in the Pirin Mountains, with numerous luxury hotels, hedonistic bars, jazz bars, and Bulgarian taverns, makes Bansko the perfect getaway for families, couples, or solo travelers! There are also a couple of good surf breaks available if you prefer to surf or bodyboard. Many of the buildings have been converted into guest houses, so it is possible to stay in the town. (I shall not bore with historical facts because most Bulgarian places are full of history and things worth exploring if you are interested specifically in this.). This is a more touristy part of the town, but a fantastic location to stay if you are looking for a resort with modern amenities. 10 Best Places to Visit in Bulgaria (with Map) - Touropia Its one of the oldest countries in the Balkans and its 1,300-year history has been vibrant and powerful throughout its existence. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the city, including many excellent clubs, restaurants, and bars along Kraybrezhna Aleya. You will not be disappointed in choosing Bulgaria for your destination anytime. You might have seen it before in photos. Bulgaria is known for its Black Sea coastline which has long stretches of sandy beaches dotted with hotels, traditional fishing villages and historical sites. 10 of the best towns and villages in England to visit - Skyscanner With its fortress ranked among the most beautiful castles in Bulgaria, its houses clinging to the side of the cliff that Other nearby rock formations look like people, birds, animals, objects. After stints studying theatre in Dublin and Utrecht she used her creative streak to see as much of the world as she could on as little money. Most beautiful villages in Bulgaria - Fest The village is an architectural reserve consisting of more than 200 houses built during the Bulgarian National Revival period in the 18th and 19th century. Skip to content Menu About Work with me Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Contact Menu Home Destinations Andorra Belgium Bulgaria Czech Republic France Germany Italy Latvia Luxembourg Netherlands Romania Spain Most travellers dont realise how picturesque the natural environment is in Bulgaria until they see the Pirin National Park. Golyam Beglik reservoir. Polperro, Cornwall - one of the most picturesque villages in England. You can also attend some of the hottest music festivals in Bulgaria, such as the Spirit of Burgas Festival, which more people attend yearly. It is a peaceful location that gives visitors a chance to feel at one with nature and explore the stunning natural environment of Bulgaria. The fortress of Belogradchik bears the name of this city rewarded by the European Commission for its commitment to sustainable tourism. It encompasses most of the Pirin Mountains a vast mountain range covering through the southwestern part of the country. During your stay in Sofia, Capital of Bulgaria, do not miss to visit the best hidden gems of Bulgaria such as "Devetashka Cave". For history junkies, the museum will help you discover more than 1,000 years of history, plus the numerous courtyards and peristyles with wall paintings and medieval scenes on them. The top of the hill was dynamited to install this gigantic monument which cost nearly 35 million euros. Bulgaria was one of the most accessible and convenient countries to travel to in the Balkans. Beyond Rozhen monastery, you can continue on to visit three small but remarkably unique villages: Leshten, Kovachevitsa, and Delchevo. Expect to see a lot of gold and silk! Here's our list of the most beautiful colorful towns in Bulgaria. Day Tour". Including, Croatia, Turkey, Greece, Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina,, Montenegro, Slovenia, Turkey, Macedonia, Romania, Kosovo and Serbia. Best way to book a trip there in 2023. How to get there:Book yourflightsto Burgas. Save on money exchange & credit card fees. 13 Beaches In Bulgaria You Should Visit In 2023 To Have Fun The Old Town towers over the city centre with structures from different eras, including a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheater. And the view is unbeatable. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. Book your flights to Plovdiv (1h30), your accommodation in Plovdiv as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria as a "Private Veliko Tarnovo In fact, it is encouraged, because the mud that the lake contains is said to have medicinal properties. 1 September 2018 View According to Bulgarian law, a 'small town' has fewer than 30,000 inhabitants, while a 'very small town' is one with fewer than 10,000 inhabitants. Another place you need to know about is Beklemeto Pass. Bulgaria is one of the more fascinating countries in the Balkans. Walking up the hill is a delight, with the many galleries and house museums all worth a visit. Zheravna rose to affluence and importance in the 17 th century due t its ky position on a trding route. The scenic small town of Zheravna lies at the foot of the Balkan Mountains. Yes, this huge abandoned monument atop a spectacular mountain is a tribute to Bulgarias communist past. The Most Fascinating Small Towns to Visit in Bulgaria - Culture Trip Where to stay:"Plovdiv City Center Hotel". Where to stay:Grand Hotel Plovdiv". A guide to beaches in Bulgaria along the Black Sea Coast. French park architects were designed to layout the 800-acre park. It is the smallest city in Bulgaria and it is home to some of the best wineries in the country. The popular tourist attraction is known for its dramatic forests, a collection of crystal-clear lakes, and in the winter, skiing facilities. This little town is itself a living museum. Book your flights to Plovdiv, your accommodation in Plovdiv as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria However, for those who have been around the city before, you will likely want to get off the beaten path, for there are plenty of alternative things to do in Sofia as well, such as Hamara bar a local place seemingly built in a cave (lit by candlelight) in the middle of the city. Sunny beach is a city in Bulgaria where people go to be seen. It is a beautiful fishing village, marked by intertwined cultures, renowned for its seafood restaurants and its monuments and historical sites. Whats even more unique than the fortress is the surrounding countryside. Legend has it that at the time Romania was experiencing a major plague epidemic but when the relics of St. Dimitar Basarbovski had passed through Bucharest the plague epidemic had stopped All in all, Bulgaria is a place full of interesting places to see, explore and experience. The good news is a lot of Sofias best sites can be seen for free. 30 Most Beautiful Places in Bulgaria - Ipanema travels In between adventures, travel writing and performing she resides peacefully with her family, cats and ukulele. monument you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Varna and the sea. heritage and a huge collection of breathtaking cultural, places in Blagoevgrad that made the list of top. More than 300 cells carved into the rock housed the monks of the rock monastery Saint Dimitryi Basarbovski in Basarbovo in the North-West of Bulgaria. You can read our privacy policy here. Bulgaria such as a "Rose As you travel closer to Sofia, you must stop at Veliko Tarnovo. Anastasia Island". Unlike its neighboring seaside towns, Burgas did not start to really actively develop until the 20th century. You will find this part of the city quite charming and beautiful at night. No trip to the region would be complete without a visit to the Belogradchik Fortress, which out-dates the Roman era. Famous for their honey-coloured stone buildings, cosy traditional pubs, quaint cottages and local tea rooms, the Cotswolds is often referred to as the most charming place to visit in the UK.. village of Zimzelen and bears its name because of its resemblance to a couple ready to engage. Some of the locals believe it has anti-ageing properties and can heal certain ailments, because of this its a well-known wellness attraction in Bulgaria. 8. The town has some of the most unique old architecture in the entire country, and you can clearly see the times effect on it. It will take you minutes to walk up the towns one main street, but youll sit for hours at a local tavern, your head spinning under the intoxicating spell of the rich red wines. The authentic towns in Bulgaria that will capture your heart How to get there:Book yourflightsto Plovdiv (2h30 by car). Inside, there are usually ornate ceilings and elaborate carpentry on display. private parking and a fitness centre. Tryavna. What you must not miss, however, are the Melnik pyramids. 175 km from Sofia but only 30 km from Greece you will find Melnik town- the tiniest town in Bulgaria but one of the most gorgeous one. Though hiking is just fantastic in the summer and fall, what really draws the crowds are the winter slopes of the Smoylans. A In fact, we even wrote a post on easy weekend break itineraries for Bulgaria because they are so worth it! The Most Beautiful Towns In Romania - Culture Trip And with beautiful surroundings whether it be the Black Sea, the towering Balkan mountain range, the secluded sandy beaches, or the supreme culture you will indeed find the right place for you. Book your flights to Sofia (2h by car) your accommodation in Melnik or Sofia as well as your activities and tours such as a Shumen Fortress Lyutitsa Castle Of Ravadinovo 12 Of The Most Beautiful Castles In Bulgaria To Visit Located in the east of the Balkan peninsula, on the Black Sea shore, Bulgaria was often where traders, travelers, armies, and adventurers entered or left Europe. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids. This rock formation is located south of the the symbols of the town of Lovech. That being said, below is our list of the most beautiful villages around the world. Belogradchik is one of the best hidden gems in Bulgaria but also one of the best castles in Bulgaria. middle of nature, was stopped and the building was closed to the public. fortress perched on top of a hill, surrounded by majestic rocks and incredible ramparts awaits you in Belogradchik, a town located in the North-West of Bulgaria, 2h30 by road from Sofia. A guide on where to sleep in Veliko Tarnovo. There are hundreds of different animal species in the park, including the wonderful boreal owl, white-backed woodpecker, fire salamander, agile frog, red deer, and Eurasian three-toed woodpecker. 9 Best Cities to Visit in Bulgaria You can find her dining at cute caf, shopping at markets, scouting second-hand shops or just chillin' at home with something great to read. Province capitals are shown in bold. It is one of the most romantic villages in Bulgaria, with narrow cobblestone roads, stone walls, and authentic buildings designed in the Bulgarian Revival style. The Mountain slopes of Bansko and Pomporovo attract skiers in the winter and the Black Sea beaches draw the crowds in the summer months. Top 50+ Incredible Places to Visit in Bulgaria - Owl Over The World rocky and sandy formations. remind us of Porto in Portugal, Veliko Tarnovo is one of the hidden gems of Dont forget to check out places like the Roman Amphitheater dating back to the second century, the Ethnographical Museum, or the Balabanov House, a symbol of national renewal in Bulgaria and another side of the countrys deeply rooted history. They are replete with beautiful nature, historical sites and just amazing food you have to try. leoks / shutterstock.com 1. Devetashaka cave was inhabited by Paleolithic people for tens of thousands of years. Where to stay:"Landmark Creek Hotel & Wellness" features a free outdoor pool, as well as a spa and Nessebar was a village of sailors, inhabited by Greeks until 1923. Where to stay:"Sense Hotel Sofia". Hiking to the lakes uncovers epic scenic views of the rugged mountaintops. Primary sources are the National Statistical Institute (NSI) [1] and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. Your email address will not be published. Book your flights, your accommodation in Bulgaria as well as your tours and activities in Bulgaria While it attracts many Bulgarian tourists each year, it is something of a well-kept secret that most foreign tourists dont know about. Situated in the real heart of Sofia. In short, Veliko Tarnovo illustrates an essential page in Bulgarian history, and the light and sound show is a magical experience focused on important moments of the rich Bulgarian culture. Below you will find a few villages that you simply must visit as well as basic information you must know before visiting Bulgaria: Everywhere in Bulgaria, there are things to discover and enjoy, but a great start is to have an itinerary of some of the most picturesque and unique Bulgarian villages you will find! and a spa. Get lifestyle & culture, startup & tech, jobs and travel news dispatched to your inbox each week. It is a monument dedicated to the Russian, Ukrainian and Bulgarian soldiers who died for the Pamporovo town is also developing rapidly, which means that it is undoubtedly one of the next places to lose its culture and atmosphere to over-tourism in Europe. Bulgaria. 1. From spa treatments to beaches and mountain getaways, you will find everything you need for your next great trip. Find Beth on Linkedin or Facebook. Polya holds a Master's degree in journalism from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and loves writing and telling the untold stories of interesting people. Naltar Valley. Varna - the perfect sea-side living 4. ethnographic village of Etar. It lies in the valley of the mountains at 2,000 feet above sea level. This picturesque village on the edge of a harbour was voted the prettiest village in Cornwall. This medieval city is a pearl of the Black Sea. well as by all-inclusive resorts at affordable prices. jewels of European religious heritage. Where to stay:"Sofia Palace Hotel by HMG" is a 5-minute walk from St Sofia Cathedral. This open-air museum, also considered one of the best destinations to visit in The interiors of the guest houses are just as lovely as the exteriors, featuring wooden carvings and ornate carpentry performed by craftsmen hundreds of years ago. lucky enough to stay in Lovech you will see that the bridge is beautifully lit at night.