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Bulgaria, Guests

The favorite places of the bulgarian travel bloggers in Bulgaria 2017

posted by Dario
Nov 7, 2017 3034 9 14
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Bulgaria is one of does places with rich abundance: from the rich history, through the breathtaking nature to the centuries-old customs and traditions.

And that’s just the beginning!

The true magic occurs when we “experience” the place: the combination of people, food, sounds and that makes us fall in love, to experience the need to keep the memory close to the heart, to want to go back.

We invite you to a series of trips to the favorite places of some of the most famous Bulgarian travel bloggers who will not only prove you how rich is Bulgaria in general, but also inspire you for the next trip!

  • Gery from Whenwomantravels
    • Favorite place: Razlog
  • Todor from Kashkaval tourist
    • Favorite place: Strandzha
  • Elena from Drumi v Dumi
    • Favorite place:  Krushuna Waterfalls
  • Maria from Travellingbuzz
    • Favorite place: The Northern Black Sea coast
  • Stanislava from Sunandsunny
    • Favorite place: Rhodopes
  • Dario from Exploring beyond Sofia
    • Favorite place: Shegava Canyon

Gery from Whenwomantravels

Favorite place: Razlog

One of my favorite places in Bulgaria is the town of Razlog, located at the foot of Pirin and 15 km from the internationally known Bansko ski resort.

The reasons why I like it and come back over and over again are a lot. Years ago I lived in Razlog for 3 years and I had time to get to know both the countryside and the local culture. Razlog has its own dialect, which differs from Bansko. The town is well developed and surprisingly lively and full of people of all ages, something very unusual for small towns in Bulgaria.

When you are in Razlog, wherever you turn, you see mountains. The air is crystal clear and there are so many places that can be visited within a day. The Rila Monastery and the ski slopes above Bansko are only the most famous. Kovachevitsa and the Dancing Bears Park in Belitsa are very interesting places.

There are several traditional restaurants  in the town where you can sample local specialties. Traditions are very well preserved here. The biggest citywide celebration is the carnival organized on 1st of January each year. On this day, people of all ages are dressed in traditional or satirical-styled costumes. The crowds flow from all neighborhoods to gather at one point. The movements are accompanied by a great fury and the piercing sounds of the zurnas.

If you do not want to go to Razlog in winter, think again! Winter is extremely beautiful and snowy here.

Follow Gery on instagram and facebook, so you will not miss any of her adventures!

Todor from Kashkaval tourist

Favorite place: Strandzha

My favourite place in Bulgaria might just be the relict rhododendron forests of Strandzha. Tucked in Bulgaria’s southeast corner, just next to the Black Sea, these humid old-growth woods of oriental beech hide an understory of evergreen vegetation that you’d never expect to see anywhere in Europe.

Visit in May when the Pontic rhododendrons dot the forests with their purple blossoms! The “Marina Reka” and “In the Realm of the Rhododendron” trails would serve as the perfect introduction to the unique local flora of Strandzha.

You can find more inspirational stories from Todor on his facebook page and instagram!

Elena from Drumi v Dumi

Favorite place:  Krushuna Waterfalls

There are a lot of places in Bulgaria that I can mark as my favorite, so it is hard to select only one. But if eventually I must do it, I will select the amazing Krushuna waterfalls. During the last 10 years I have visited this place several times and it always seems to me so beautiful.

No doubt, Krushuna waterfalls are one of the most beautiful and interesting places to see in Bulgaria. In addition, the place can be reached quite lazy – by car. Beside that, one can walk around them on a relatively short eco path without much effort. All this makes them one of the most visited natural landmarks in our country in the recent years.  The waterfalls “work” all over the year – there are enough water to feed them 🙂 . What is more, the walk around the warefalls always brings freshness and a pleasant experience.

This interesting place is 2 hours and a half drive from Sofia. To get to it, you have to take the turn to the city of Lovech from the main road Sofia – Veliko Tarnovo. After passing Lovech, you have to take the road to the town of Levski. About 35 km far from the Lovech is the village next to the waterfalls – Krushuna. The distance from Sofia to Krushuna village is about 190 km.

As I have already said, the Krushuna waterfalls are active during the whole year, but the most suitable time to visit them is in the spring.

More useful tips and beautiful destinations from Elena can be found on her facebook page and instagram profile!

Maria from Travellingbuzz

Favorite place: The Northern Black Sea coast

Less crowded, a bit windier, but way more beautiful than the famous South, the northern Black Sea coast in Bulgaria charms you with unspoiled nature, stunning views and unforgettable atmosphere. This is one of the places that impressed me with its high steep shores that are hard to forget.

If you find yourself in the region, definitely visit the National archeological reserve “Yaylata”, located 2 km south of Kamen Bryag. More than 100 cave dwellings dated back in V century BC are found there. Some of them you can still visit. Even more impressive is the view to the open sea!

For even more memorable experience, I recommend you to enjoy a sunrise over beach Bolata, sea kayaking on sunset or just to spend the night under the stars in the shores of Tyulenovo. The northern Black Sea coast is also a place where you can stumble upon some amazing sunsets over endless fields of sunflowers.

Follow Maria to learn more exciting places in Bulgaria and abroad from her facebook page and instagram!

Stanislava from Sunandsunny

Favorite place: Rhodopes

With winter approaching I’ve been thinking of the mountains more often. Last year I visited the Rhodopes for the first time and I was impressed. It is one of the most charming places in Bulgaria especially in the winter when everything is covered with snow.

Fresh air and quietness are just part of the things you will find here. Chepelare is located 85 km away from the second biggest Bulgarian city Plovdiv. There is also a ski slope that is 3 km long. Next to it is Pamporovo that is said to be the ski resort with the best ski slopes for beginners. There are 18 ski slopes, a fun park and you can also ride here in the evenings.

The views from peak Snezhanka will take your breath away. The television tower is 156 m long and there is a fantastic panorama from it. Make sure you try the local food here – ‘sudzhuk’, ‘patatnik’ and ‘klin’. No doubt this will be one of the most delicious things you’ve ever had. If you want to explore more of this region, I recommend visiting the old town in Smolyan.

You can also have one of the biggest ‘mekitzi’ with home-made ayran in Narechenski bani. The Rhodopes are beautiful all year long, but winter makes them really special. This is definitely one of my favourite places in Bulgaria.

For more complete information from the sunny Stanislava you can find on facebook and instagram!

Dario from Exploring beyond Sofia

Favorite place: Shegava Canyon

For me, my favorite place in Bulgaria is the Shegava Canyon. A mixture of virginity, divinity and freedom, which generates humility in everyone.

This terrain is located in the western parts of Konyovska mountain in the Kyustendil region. The canyon itself is extremely picturesque, as you can see different shapes of rocks in this area, some bearing different names such as Camels, Turtles, Solitary, etc., while others are waiting to be named with creative names through your imagination.

If you want to feel the energizing energy in this beautiful place, I advise you to visit it in the early spring, when the rock shapes can be seen in their full glamor. After spring, vegetation takes over the canyon and poses serious difficulties in considering it. Be spontaneous and indulge in this unique natural phenomenon that few know!

For more unique and beautiful places in Bulgaria – you can follow Dario on facebook and instagram!

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About me

Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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legenddario

Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake ag February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again. 

Yuki-Doro is challenging me who is the better poser. 🧐

#dog #hike # winter
I guess I am starting this year with a true challe I guess I am starting this year with a true challenge - hiking during winter under -15 degrees.

That was the case with the Boyana waterfall. Last year I visited them during the late summer and decided that I want to visit this place during the winter because, to be honest, I have never seen in person a big and full waterfall to be completely frozen.

So, let’s say it was something as a target for me to see it sooner or later. 

But as you can see it was really pleasant conquering this adventure because I had with me the best assistant ever - Mr. little adventurer Yuki-Doro. 

And yes, I won’t lie, I almost lost my hands and one of my legs from the extremely low temperature.

#dog #hike #winter
Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty o Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty of Yuki-Doro and I don’t blame them, to be honest. 

But as it is said - the devilish creations are the sweetest. Well, I can confirm this through my dog. 

SWIPE to the next picture and witness yourself that I have a true monster as a pet, he is twisted and scary, like a loooooot.

#dog #hiking #winter
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain 2290 m the peak is the fourth highest mountain summit in Bulgaria.

It presents the best spontaneous getaway if you want to go out in the nature. Also is way to good challenge yourself. I myself did it multiple times and must confess every time I climb it from different points it amazes me with the beauty that this mountain contains.

#Bulgaria #nature #mountain
The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Go The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Golden Bridges - amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon - the largest stone river in the Vitosha National Park. Massive stones (average size 2-3 meters) flow down from the mountain top to the valley for more than 2 miles long and 150 meters wide.

The stone river is ‘descending’ from elevation 1800 m above sea level to 1410 m at Golden Bridges site.

#Bulgaria #nature #stoneriver
Etudes of Vitosha • Is there anyone who lives i Etudes of Vitosha •

Is there anyone who lives in Sofia and had never visited Vitosha Mountain?

Because clearly this mountain is a pure nature gift for us all!

Vitosha Mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. Its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image.

Vitosha Naturе Park is the most broadly protected territory in Bulgaria, and due to its proximity to Sofia it has turned into a site of education in responsible attitude towards nature.

And don’t forget Sofia is the only European capital with such a big mountain so close to the city center.

So no matter the time and season Vitosha is always a good choice for adventures.

#Bulgaria #mountain #tourism
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Comments

14 Comments
  1. posted by
    Dany
    Nov 11, 2017 Reply

    I’ve always wanted to see Bulgaria and I still haven’t managed! This post is exactly what I was looking for! Strandzha has just gone straight to my bucket list, I love forests!

  2. posted by
    Silke
    Nov 11, 2017 Reply

    Wow. Simply wow. I need to look into Bulgaria more earnestly now. It seems to have it all: stunning landscapes, remote sceneries, romantic villages, snow… I’d love to visit all of the places described above, in particular the waterfalls look enticing. Thank you for putting together this very inspiring round-up of things to see in Bulgaria, a country that definitely deserves more attention by the public that it does now.

  3. posted by
    Chrisy
    Nov 11, 2017 Reply

    I’ve been to Bulgaria years ago, although all be it only to Sunny Beach. I knew there was more to Bulgaria than sitting on a sun lounger! The places you named and described on your blog really wants me to go back and experience the other side to Bulgaria. The area of Strandzha looks stunning. So rich in wild flowers. Along with the Krushuna Waterfalls it just makes Bulgaria seem even more outstanding

  4. posted by
    Rhonda Albom
    Nov 11, 2017 Reply

    I’ve longed to visit Bulgaria for years because it looks so stunning and vibrant. I think the Strandzha would be my favourite spot, just photography wise. Those beautiful purple flowers take my breath away.

  5. posted by
    Kirstie
    Nov 12, 2017 Reply

    Razlog seems like a great place to try winder. I live in a tropical country, we don’t have snow here. I want to try White Christmas. You think this is a good place?

    • posted by
      Dario
      Nov 12, 2017 Reply

      Bulgaria is a perfect place for a White Christmas in general 🙂

  6. posted by
    Anneklien Meanne
    Nov 12, 2017 Reply

    Wow beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria but i love the Krushuna Waterfalls such a stunning place to visit and maybe hike during summer

  7. posted by
    Nisha
    Nov 13, 2017 Reply

    Looks like these are definitely great places to travel. We were in Bulgaria only a couple of months back. I wish I knew about these places. We went to Sofia, Plovdiv , Varna and also paid a visit to the horseman in Madara 🙂

    • posted by
      Dario
      Nov 13, 2017 Reply

      That’s nice! All of this place have their type of charm. Madara is one unique place to visit 🙂

  8. posted by
    Nick Wheatley
    Nov 13, 2017 Reply

    The name of your blog is very fitting. In my one trip to Bulgaria we visited only Sofia, and that was a brief 3-day hope off of the train between Istanbul and Budapest. We loved it though! The city seemed so hipster to us with organic food and boutique shops everywhere – like an eastern European version of Portland, Oregon. I would love to return and venture further afield in Bulgaria – Shegava Canyon and the Krushuna waterfalls look particularly beautiful, but I am sure the whole country is worth exploring!

    • posted by
      Dario
      Nov 13, 2017 Reply

      Thank you for the kind comment! You are more than welcome in Bulgaria. You can even write me to help you with the planing of your trip 🙂

  9. posted by
    Megan Jerrard
    Nov 14, 2017 Reply

    I’ve been hearing more and more about Bulgaria recently, it sounds like quite the authentic hidden gem! I want to visit Sofia of course, but am a big nature fan, so would love to see the relict rhododendron forests of Strandzha. Krushuna Waterfalls too sounds like a spectacular spot. Looks like something out of Laos or perhaps Vietnam!

    Thanks for adding to my bucketlist for 2018!

    • posted by
      Dario
      Nov 15, 2017 Reply

      You are welcome Megan! 🙂 If you want any other information for Bulgaria in the future just write me 🙂

  10. posted by
    Peter Korchnak
    Nov 15, 2017 Reply

    Very cool! Nothing like travel tips about a country from its natives. Having been to Bulgaria only once, as a child to Golden Sands, I was surprised not to see Varna here. But I understand, it’s better to skip the super touristy places. Can’t wait to explore Bulgaria more!

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