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!
Table of Contents
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!
Comments
14 CommentsDany
Nov 11, 2017I’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!
Silke
Nov 11, 2017Wow. 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.
Chrisy
Nov 11, 2017I’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
Rhonda Albom
Nov 11, 2017I’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.
Kirstie
Nov 12, 2017Razlog 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?
Dario
Nov 12, 2017Bulgaria is a perfect place for a White Christmas in general 🙂
Anneklien Meanne
Nov 12, 2017Wow beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria but i love the Krushuna Waterfalls such a stunning place to visit and maybe hike during summer
Nisha
Nov 13, 2017Looks 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 🙂
Dario
Nov 13, 2017That’s nice! All of this place have their type of charm. Madara is one unique place to visit 🙂
Nick Wheatley
Nov 13, 2017The 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!
Dario
Nov 13, 2017Thank 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 🙂
Megan Jerrard
Nov 14, 2017I’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!
Dario
Nov 15, 2017You are welcome Megan! 🙂 If you want any other information for Bulgaria in the future just write me 🙂
Peter Korchnak
Nov 15, 2017Very 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!