Vacation in Bulgaria

Pristine wild nature, surprising culinary highlights and the fantastic beaches of the Black Sea coast make Bulgaria one of the most varied and exciting insider tips in Europe.

And no matter which vacation type you are, there is certainly something for you here! Every year, most tourists are still attracted to the approximately 400 kilometers long coast of the Black Sea. Not only the fine sandy beaches and the deep blue of the water, but also two great nature parks and a lot of culture in the charming coastal towns make the region a real tourist hotspot. And that even away from the party miles!

With almost untouched nature, breathtaking mountain ranges and countless historic monasteries, Bulgaria as a travel destination shows a completely different, quieter, beautiful side in its interior. Away from the tourist crowds, you can dive deep into the original Bulgarian culture on extended hikes, adventurous rafting tours or a visit to one of the pretty wine-growing areas. Sounds good? Then let's go to Bulgaria!

A great starting point to start a trip through Bulgaria are its big, small and tiny cities. They are all as different and diverse as the country itself. What unites them all, however, is their rich offering of culture, history and quite a bit of life. The capital Sofia serves as a wonderful introduction to the country itself and is often the start and finish of a tour of Bulgaria. The wild mix of Orient and Occident found throughout the country gives the city a very special charm that may only reveal itself to the visitor at second glance.

World heritage sites such as the impressive Boyana Church on the outskirts of the city, the lively market life at the Women's Market and the proximity to nature in the Vitosha Nature Park characterize Sofia's unique cityscape.

For most Bulgaria vacationers, however, Varna is still the main port of call. The city on the Black Sea lies on terraces in the bay of the same name and is the colorful center of the region. A crazy mix of centuries-old history, modern shopping malls and an adventurous nightlife make Varna something very special. The smaller towns of Sozopol and Nesebar in the southern part of the coast are also a must-see on the Black Sea. Here you can stroll in the partly car-free old towns and enjoy the medieval architecture. And don't forget to try the delicious fig jam in Sozopol!

Away from the never-ending streams of tourists from the capital and the coast, in the south of the country lies the pearl of Bulgaria - Plovdiv. In the romantic old town, museums and galleries line up and the pretty pedestrian zone invites you to linger. However, it gets really exciting in the so-called Kapana district. Its winding little streets are lined with bars and snack bars, and you can simply let yourself drift in this widely ramified labyrinth. Lovers of good wines are recommended to visit Bulgaria's smallest town. Tiny Melnik, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, has just under 300 inhabitants, making it a record holder. Due to its high density of architecture in the Revival style, the small town was listed as a historical monument at an early stage. Surrounded by a bizarre sandstone formation and numerous wineries, a detour here is definitely worthwhile despite its size.

If you want to take a deep breath after an eventful city trip, you can do this best in the beautiful, partly almost untouched nature of Bulgaria. Due to its sparse population, this is more possible here than almost anywhere else in Europe. And the many nature parks, the impressive mountain ranges, numerous lakes and wild rivers offer exactly the right tour for every level.

Hiking, by the way, is at the top of the list. On the well-developed network of trails in the highest mountains Vitosha, Rila, Pirin or Balkan you can experience safe and comfortable tours and especially in the summer months it is also almost deserted here. So how better to marvel at the magnificent views or the diverse flora and fauna than in such secluded tranquility?

For those who want to combine the beauty of nature with a bit of culture, a trip to the Rila Monastery Nature Park is worthwhile. No wonder this hidden treasure is one of the most famous sights of the country. Surrounded by alpine mountain ranges and dense forest, the Rila Monastery, the largest in the country, stands at the end of the green valley. The colorful murals here are as enticing as the 28 mountain lakes and exciting wildlife. After all, the surrounding park is also home to deer, golden eagles and even brown bears.

Less contemplative, but all the more action-packed are the other outdoor activities that you can experience on your trip through Bulgaria. Kayaking, rafting, horseback riding or mountain biking - the abundance of such unique experiences is constantly growing and you will find exciting offers everywhere in the country. A very special hotspot for all outdoor enthusiasts are the Rhodope Mountains. On the lakes of the region you can make beautiful kayak and canoe tours and with the mountain bike you can even take part in trips lasting several days. All horse lovers can also ride from village to village in a one-week tour and get a bit into the soul of the former equestrian people of the Bulgarians.

Love is nurtured through food and so is the culture and essence of a country! So there is no better place to get to know Bulgaria a little better than in one of the many quaint and cozy restaurants. Especially in the warm months, the pretty garden pubs are an extension of the living room of many Bulgarians. Here you meet with friends and family, here you exchange ideas, here you enjoy together. And in the air, the hearty chatter and the delicious smells of the grill combine to create a very special atmosphere.

So it's clear that during a trip to Bulgaria you can't help but try the country's often simple but all the more delicious cuisine. And the fact that the entire region is strongly influenced by the Ottoman period is also reflected in the menus of the restaurants. Fresh tomatoes, peppers and yogurt meet spicy and aromatic meat dishes. By the way, a small but fine peculiarity of the Bulgarians is their preference for appetizers of all kinds. Soups such as the cold yogurt soup tarator and salads such as the famous shopska salata made of cucumber, tomato and cheese are served, as are sausages, cheese, bread and all kinds of stuffed vegetables.

The main dishes focus on one thing in particular - meat. On the grill, the parade discipline of the Bulgarians, among other things, the delicious minced meat kebapche or the small meatballs kyufte are prepared. But watch out! Often you have to order the side dishes like vegetables or potatoes separately. Each menu is rounded off with the small pretty fig cookies, baklava or a fresh yogurt with honey or jam.

What many do not know: Bulgaria is also a real insider tip when it comes to wine. Wine has been grown for 4000 years and in almost every region of the country. And just in recent years, viticulture experienced a small renaissance, which led to the fact that the wines are now all of high quality and simply delicious. For all wine lovers, or those who still want to become one, a tour to one of the growing areas is therefore a good idea. A wine tasting is the best way to get a good overview of the different specialties of each region and let the impressions of the trip sink in.