Bulgaria is an eastern European country that is still relatively unknown to the outside world. This guide will teach you how to travel the country with ease and make sure that you get the most out of your trip.
From its beautiful beaches, amazing wildlife, and diverse culture to stunning historical sites in its ancient cities and world-class archaeological treasures – this entire country offers one of the best experiences when traveling around Eastern Europe.
Bulgaria has an area of 111 000 square kilometers, making it slightly smaller than the state of Montana in the US. The climate of Bulgaria is temperate continental with cold winters and hot summers.
What are the top attractions in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s oldest countries and even today it has preserved many of its traditions. The country presents a blend of modern life with ancient culture. Exotic cuisine and stylish nightlife are combined with unique cultural sights that provide a glimpse into Bulgaria’s rich history. Here are some things you should do when visiting the wonderful country of Bulgaria:
1) Visit Sofia – the capital city Bulgarian architecture has been shaped by many different cultures throughout its turbulent history. The old town center consists mainly of 19th century buildings with a mix of baroque, neoclassical, Biedermeier and art nouveau styles.
2) The Ancient City of Nessebar- Nessebar was once one of the thriving ancient cities of the world with a population of around 15 000 people. After it was ransacked by the Crusaders in the 13th century, however, it fell into decline and is now situated on a stretch of gorgeous coastline with picturesque beaches and amazing views of the sea.
3) The Rose Valley Blessed with some of the most beautiful scenery in Bulgaria, the rose Valley is an area that should be high on every visitor’s must-see list. The valley’s main draw is the natural wonder known as the Stara Planina (or Old Mountains) but there are also plenty of other attractions in this gorgeous corner of Bulgaria including caves, forest reserves, and much more besides.
4) Visit the mountains, Bulgaria has great natural beauty with magnificent mountain ranges, including Rila Mountain (the highest in the Balkans), Pirin Mountain and Stara Planina. The country is also rich in cultural heritage, including its unique ancient sites, medieval monasteries and neolithic caves.
5) Take a hike through Rila Monastery, Sitting at an altitude of 1,260metres above sea level, Rila Monastery is Bulgaria’s most famous monastery. It was built between the 10th and 13th centuries and it is still home to around 50 monks today. The monastery was named after the surrounding mountain range Rila which is also one of the highest mountains in Bulgaria (2,817metres).
6) Visit the Shipka Memorial Church This church was built in honour of those who died in Bulgaria’s 1877 war with Turkey. It features a very interesting mix of Byzantine and European architecture styles. Outside there are two cannons that were used during that war. The surrounding area also features trenches that were dug by both armies during the war.
7)) Visit Kalofer: Kalofer is a picturesque town located in central Bulgaria on the bank of the Luda Yana River. The town is famous for its preserved architecture and traditional folklore songs. There are many different things that you can do in Kalofer. You can take a stroll along the cobble stone streets
Bulgarian cuisine
Bulgarian cuisine is a representative of the cuisine of Southeastern Europe with common Slavic and Greek elements.
Bulgaria’s cuisine is an extension of the country’s geography and history. Traditionally a land of shepherds, Bulgaria’s culinary traditions are based on lamb and goat milk products (cheese, milk and yogurt), vegetables, herbs and spices.
Bulgarian cooking traditions are diverse because of geographical factors such as its climate and terrain, as well as her rich history with influences from Byzantine Greek, Turkish, Roman, Slavic, Austrian, Russian, German and French cuisines.
Bulgarian food often has a strong presence of garlic and onions used both for flavoring and garnish. Herbs are very important part of Bulgarian cuisine, most notably thyme which grows all over Bulgaria.
Bulgarian cuisine is also noted for the diversity and quality of dairy products it offers such as various kinds of cheese (Sirene – a salty soft white cheese made from sheep milk or Kolbenitsa – a salty cheese made from cow milk) and yogurt (Mizithra – strained yogurt made from cow or goat milk).
Bulgarian language
Bulgarian is a member of the Slavic family of languages, and it’s very similar to Serbian, Croatian and Macedonian. It shares many words with Russian, but there are a few key differences, too.
Bulgarian, like all Slavic languages, is very phonetic and easy to learn. It has no cases, which means you can read any street name or restaurant sign without having to pick up a dictionary first (if you know the symbols from the Bulgarian alphabet). Bulgarians are proud of their language and heritage.
Bulgaria has a lot to offer its visitors. Its capital, Sofia, is one of the oldest – and prettiest – cities in Europe, while its ski resorts are becoming increasingly popular with holidaymakers each year.
Takeaway: Use this guide to plan a vacation, holiday or even just an extended weekend getaway to the beautiful Balkan country of Bulgaria.
If you ask people what they think of Bulgaria, they’ll tell you it’s a pretty country that’s cheap and has beautiful nature. This is true, but there’s so much more to Bulgaria than that.
One of the most beautiful and diverse countrys in Europe, Bulgaria presents an experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world, and doesn’t match the common Euro-tourist stereotypes. Bulgaria provides a mixture of adventure, ample attractions, great food, and a style all their own. There is so much to see and do in Bulgaria that it’s easy to go back year after year. Here’s to the future of this magnificent country and culture!
In closing, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Bulgaria, and you’ll never run out of options for places to visit in this beautiful country. The landscapes can be breathtaking and the cities are rich with history. From the cultural experiences available in Bulgaria to the warm hospitality of its people, there are more than enough reasons to travel to this unique country.