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Bulgaria, Guests

The favorite places of the bulgarian travel bloggers in Bulgaria 2017

posted by Dario
Nov 7, 2017 4081 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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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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To the Rhodopes we go! On this adventure we visit To the Rhodopes we go!

On this adventure we visited Sitovo waterfall - a place far away from the human and industrial hand and completely preserved by the surrounding nature. 

It is located in the Rhodopes, 30 km from Plovdiv, right at the junction between the beautiful Rhodope villages Sitovo and Lilkovo. They can be reached by a unpaved, but relatively flat road. The left road continues to Sitovo, and the right - to Lilkovo. 

Under the bridge at the fork, which turns to Lilkovo, the passing river has formed a cascade of waterfalls. The waterfalls have a maximum drop of about 2 meters and are extremely picturesque as you can see from the pictures.

 #Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
Skakavitsa is the name of the highest waterfall in Skakavitsa is the name of the highest waterfall in the Rila Mountains. Located in Rila National Park. The waterfall is located on the Skakavitsa River in the Skakavishka Valley at the foot of the eastern slope of Kabul Peak, Northwestern Rila. It is located at 1950 m above sea level, and the height from which the water falls is 70 m.

The hike can be challenging during the winter but the final destination is pure wonderland. Although you can visit the waterfall every season because it is always “working”. Skakavitsa is in fact one of the most majestic and amazing waterfalls in Bulgaria, so don’t miss to visit it.

#Bulgaria #Waterfall #hike
Happiness is having a travel partner and dog like Happiness is having a travel partner and dog like Yuki-Doro!

Can't describe how much I love this little sassy piece of fur. 😄

Anyway about our new destination - Slivodolsko praslkalo. It is located in the Dobrostan part of the Western Rhodopes. The nearest settlement is the village of Yugovo located in the southeast.

The water falls from a height of 49 meters, making the waterfall the highest in the Rhodopes.

This waterfall is absolutely magical so it is worth to do the hike to reach the place even if at some spots it is a little bit difficult but the pleasure and views at the end is worth doing the hike!

#bulgaria #hike #dog
We are continuing with the exploration of the Bulg We are continuing with the exploration of the Bulgarian waterfalls. This time we are finding ourselves in the Rhodope mountains. 

There we went to the beautiful village of Manastir. Near the village is situated the waterfall "Holy Spirit". Its height is about 15 meters and is the highest in the period April - June. The waterfall is located on the river Manastirska and is about 1.5 km walk from the center of the village of Manastir. It was declared as natural landmark in 1965, and the area of 0.5 ha around it is protected.

Curious fact:
The village of Manastir is the highest altitude village on the Balkan Peninsula - 1500 meters above sea level.

#Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
Our last gem waterfall in Belasitsa mountain will Our last gem waterfall in Belasitsa mountain will be the Sramejlivetza waterfall or directly translated in english the Shy waterfall.

The waterfall is located on the river Kameshnitsa between the villages Samuilovo and Kamena. It is locked by a rock in the shape of the letter "P", which surrounds the entire gorge, starting from the waterfall. It is 21 meters high, making it the highest waterfall in the Belasitsa mountain.

It is quite impressive and its totally worth it to go over all the obstacles that the trail has.

#waterfall #bulgaria #hike
Exploring the Mangaro waterfall another nature gem Exploring the Mangaro waterfall another nature gem of Belasitsa mountain.

#Bulgaria #waterfall #hike
Let’s open the season of the waterfalls! Finall Let’s open the season of the waterfalls!

Finally, the warm spring days have arrived and was time to start exploring the awakening waterfalls in Bulgaria. For my first stop I choose the village of Skrat – a place in the very corner of Southwest Bulgaria.

The first waterfall is called waterfall Dubitsata - an easily accessible spot. The hike is around 40-50 min depending of your speed of walking.

It is a wonderful place to explore and to dive into the Belasitsa mountain’s nature.

The face of our mountain expert Yuki-Doro is the living proof of this experience!

#Waterfall #Bulgaria #hike
Click bait post! Just joking, or maybe not? Last Click bait post! Just joking, or maybe not?

Last week we had the chance to visit once again one my most favourite Eco paths in Bulgaria – View to nine mountains.

I always say that only because you visited a place once that doesn’t mean automatically that this spot is not worth visiting again. On the contrary, it is much more worth it to do that. In that way you can see how the place has developed, changed or just refresh your old memories here or even create new ones!

An adventure is always an adventure no matter whether the place is new or old, it is just up to you and how you will live it!

#bulgaria #hike #dog
The Radetzky was an Austro-Hungarian passenger ste The Radetzky was an Austro-Hungarian passenger steamship built in 1851 in the shipyard in Óbuda, Hungary, and used for regular services on the Danube, mainly between Orşova, Austria-Hungary and Galaţi, Romania. Named after Bohemian nobleman and Austrian general Joseph Radetzky von Radetz, it is most notable as part of the history of Bulgaria as the ship which revolutionary and poet Hristo Botev and his band bloodlessly hijacked and used to reach Kozloduy, Bulgaria.

On 29 May 1876, after the ship left the port of Bechet, the Bulgarian revolutionaries, who had boarded it from different ports disguised as gardeners, forced the captain Dagobert Engländer to change course and transport the group to the Bulgarian port of Kozloduy, from where they would attempt to organize an anti-Ottoman uprising as a follow-up to the already crushed April Uprising of the same year.

Nowadays the steamship Radetzky is a national relic of Bulgaria. A village in Sliven Province bears its name, Radetski, and national writer Ivan Vazov wrote a poem based on the events of May 1876, which is today a popular patriotic song called Still White Danube Undulates.

#Bulgaria #history #museum
God's Bridge also known as Jabokrek, is a natural God's Bridge also known as Jabokrek, is a natural rock bridge in the Chirensko-Lilyashki karst region about 15 km north of Vratsa. It is about 20 meters high, 25 meters wide, and along its main axis the "tunnel" formed by the Lilyachka River is about 100 meters long. During the dry months of the year, the river under the bridge dries up and there are several ponds full of frogs. Hence the other name under which this rock phenomenon is known.

The place is quite phenomenal and it’s very interesting to explore. Here you can easily hike for an hour and enjoy the nature that offers not only this but a long side river with small waterfalls, amazing panoramic views and also a bit of history thanks to the vicinity of Borovanska Mogila where remains of a fortress from Roman times are found.

#Bulgaria #nature #hike
Dive in the animal kingdom of Budapest. Being hug Dive in the animal kingdom of Budapest.

Being huge fan of animals, it was a must for me to visit the zoo of Budapest after hearing so much positive feedback.

Saying that, the Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the oldest in the world with its almost 150 years of history. Having more than 2000 species it makes this place one of the best maintained zoos in Europe.

During my visit here, I was surprised how well divided the the zoo is, every continent had its personalized building where you can enjoy the rich variety of animals and plants.

But probably the best part of this whole experience was the chance to be with some of the cage-free animals, without cages or restriction, just to build that special human - animal bond.

#Budapest #zoo #botanicalgarden
The street habitants of Budapest. As a big fan of The street habitants of Budapest.

As a big fan of every type of art I couldn’t resist but make my research to find the best murals and graffities in the Hungarian capital.

Must say -  I wasn’t disappointed! Budapest is famous with the big spaces and buildings that give chance to talented artist to create and make the urban atmosphere more fun and colourful.

Most of them can be found in the centre of the city in the so-called Jewish neighbourhood, also known as the creative spot of Budapest.

#Budapest #art #graffities
The little cultural art universe of Budapest. The The little cultural art universe of Budapest.

The Museum of Fine Arts is a magnificent example of how well preserved and maintained can one art space be. It is made up of international art (other than Hungarian), including all periods of European art, and comprises of more than 100,000 pieces. 

The Museum's collection is made up of six departments: Egyptian, Antique, Old sculpture gallery, Old master paintings gallery, Modern collection, Graphics collection.

Visitors can enjoy the enormous variety of pieces of art from different decades making this museum one of the best spots to visit in Budapest.

#Budapest #museum #art
Hungarian’s most iconic building ✨ I am sure Hungarian’s most iconic building ✨

I am sure that when someone hears about Hungary one of the first thing that pops in their mind is the building of the Parliament and for a reason. It is one of the most beautiful administrative buildings in the world! 🤩

Building this impressive edifice took 17 years, from 1885 to 1902, based on the design by the architect Imre Steindl. Richly decorated, both inside and out, was inspired by the Houses of Parliament in London, thus it was designed in Neo-Gothic style, although it also bears Renaissance and Baroque stylistic flourishes. The third largest parliament in the world, it was built on the 1000th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Hungary. 🤓

Nowadays you can visit the building with a special tour that will show you the most significant places inside and explain you details about the evolution and roles that this place took part in, in the past and now. 👀

#Budapest #building #architecture
Budapest – The little Paris 👀 Many people de Budapest – The little Paris 👀

Many people describe the Hungarian capital as the little Paris but the question is – is it really? 🤔

The answer is yes, in a very strange way. While exploring Budapest I could see the resembling style and symbol of East Europe but at the same time I could feel the Western influence in the buildings, atmosphere and in the overall view. 🧐

The city is a unique mix of both Europes, showing an interesting and intriguing side of the cultural treasure that our continent has. But probably one of the most important events that marked this place is when Budapest became officially a city in 1873, when the three neighbouring cities of Pest, Buda and Óbuda united.  The unification was extremely important and lead to a rapid development of the city that we can see nowadays. 🤓

#Budapest #Hungary #capital
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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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