Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: where to go with children? Where is the best place to relax in Bulgaria? Overview of the Black Sea resorts.
Well known to Russians. In recent decades, this sunny country has attracted more and more tourists. The most important thing is that you can visit at any time of the year. Where is the best place to go? We will try to answer this question in this article. We offer you a small overview of the most popular and visited places that offer a comfortable stay.
Winter holidays in Bulgaria
In winter, it is better to spend a vacation in the mountains of Bulgaria. The magnificent nature and mild climate will allow you to have a wonderful rest. Let's consider some of the most popular objects, taking into account the reviews and recommendations of experienced travelers.
Bansko - ski resort
Bansko is a city located in the southwest of the country, at the foot of the Northern Pirin. 145 kilometers separate it from Plovdiv and 150 kilometers from Sofia. Here is the famous ski resort. The skiing season starts in December and continues until April.
Near the town is the Pirin National Park, through which the Glazne River flows. The Pirin Mountains are a great place for both amateurs and professionals to feel comfortable here. Bansko is a ski resort with its highest point of 2560 m and its lowest point of 1000 m. This popular resort is known for its main piste which is 75 km long. A third of it is equipped for beginners, it is served by 170 machines that produce artificial snow.
Bansko has cable cars, an elevator and other essential attributes of a good ski resort. On the territory of this complex, international competitions in alpine sports are often held. Tourists visiting this resort can combine active rest with sightseeing. Near the city there are ancient cultural monuments - the churches of St. Elijah and St. George, and the Church of the Holy Trinity, located in Bansko, was consecrated back in 1860. Next to it is a permanent exhibition of icons.
It should be noted that today tourists from all over the world come to resorts here designed for guests with any income. Take, for example, the Belmont 3 * hotel, located in the center of Bansko. It was built in 2005 at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, 400 meters from the lifts that lead to a height of 2600 meters. This homely hotel guarantees excellent service, excellent conditions for recreation for lovers of skiing.
Borovets
This wonderful place is located at an altitude of 1390 meters above sea level, near Mount Musala, the highest in the Balkans (2925 m). The resort of Borovets (Bulgaria) got its name because of the thick forest that surrounds it from all sides. Thanks to this, the area is famous for its unusually clean air.
The resort is separated from the capital of the country by 70 km. The most high point- 2560 meters. Borovets is the most prestigious and oldest ski resort in the country, with excellent ski slopes of varying difficulty, modern systems for production artificial snow. Customers comment great organized work lifts and developed infrastructure.
This resort dates back to 1896. At first, the area was intended for recreation and hunting of the kings of Bulgaria. Now it is a modern ski resort with a wonderful territory. Here you can practice various winter sports - snowboarding and skiing, skating and sledding, etc. As for the location of the guests, Borovets offers its visitors apartments, hotels, villas of various levels.
Where to stay?
We advise you to pay attention to the comfortable and modern hotel EUPHORIA CLUB HOTEL & SPA 4 *, which is located in a picturesque forest, a short distance from the center of the resort. Here you will be offered spacious and comfortable rooms. The property is perfect for a relaxing holiday. Three three-story buildings of the complex were built in 2011.
Where to relax in Bulgaria in summer?
You are probably interested in the question (if you are going to visit the resorts of Bulgaria): “Where is it better to go in the summer?” For many experienced tourists, the answer is obvious: the Black Sea.
Resort Golden Sands
In the northern part of Bulgaria is the most famous, largest and beloved by many resorts. It is located very close to the sea capital of the country - Varna (10 km). If you ask the question: “Which resorts in Bulgaria are especially popular?”, surely 95% of the respondents will name this particular area. Such popularity is not accidental.
The resort is located in natural park"Golden Sands", where tourist life does not stop all day long. The resort offers its guests all kinds of water activities, a magnificent water park has been operating here for more than ten years, there is no shortage of restaurants and discos. You can stay in luxury apartments or in a modest hotel. You can be sure that in any case you will be perfectly serviced and warmly received by friendly staff. We recommend that you stay at the Admiral Hotel, which we will discuss below.
Hotel ADMIRAL 5*
The hotel is located in the center of the resort, close to nightclubs and discos. A narrow path leads to the beach. The lobby is located "Raiffeisenbank", where guests can change currency at any time. The hotel was built in 2004. It occupies an area of 12,387 m 2 . This is one seven-story and one nine-story building. They have a total of 301 rooms of different levels of comfort for the reception of guests. You can stay at the hotel with pets of small breeds (weight no more than 5 kg).
sunny Beach
Many resorts in Bulgaria are popular. Where is the best place to go to make your vacation pleasant and memorable? Experienced travelers recommend going to sunny Beach. This is largest resort sunny Bulgaria which is known far beyond its borders. It is located between Varna and Burgas.
Every year guests from all over the world come here to relax. The resort is located in a picturesque area, has proven itself with clean and well-groomed beaches and calm seas. Sunny Beach gained its popularity among our compatriots back in Soviet times. Then the rest here was considered very prestigious.
The beaches of this resort stretch along the coast for sixteen kilometers. The bay is calm, the bottom is gently sloping, which is especially appreciated by families with children. This is a resort where no one will be bored - neither adults nor children. For kids, there are many magnificent playgrounds with carousels, slides, and pools. There are even children's discos, talented animators who organize outdoor games and interesting events.
ALBA Hotel 4*
We want to draw your attention to this nice hotel, which is located very close to the beach, in the center of the resort. It will be comfortable here for young lovers active rest, and power family couples. This hotel was built in 2003, and in 2014 a overhaul. You can live in an eight-story building.
Albena
Experienced tourists know how diverse resorts in Bulgaria are. Where is the best place to travel with children? We advise you to go to a relatively quiet place, which is located 30 km from Varna. Albena is considered the third largest seaside resort countries.
This is perfect place for holidays with children. A year ago, a magnificent water park was built here with dizzying slides, swimming pools for adults and very young vacationers. Ten kilometers from Albena is the Botanical Garden of Balchik. This is a very beautiful place where you can see unique plants from all over the world. In addition, there is also a palace, which at the beginning of the 20th century was the residence of Queen Mary.
Hotel ALTHEA 3*
If you are interested in where to stay in Albena, we recommend choosing this hotel. It is great for families. The hotel is located in the park area of Albena, 45 km away. It was built in 1972. Guests are offered to stay in one of the 200 standard rooms, which have two beds (single beds), a sofa bed or an armchair. The rooms are designed to accommodate three adults.
Just a dilemma: what to see during a trip to Bulgaria should worry those who go there least of all. This small country includes everything that many tourists dream of: architectural monuments, museums, theaters, beautiful nature, many entertainment centers. The low prices for all entertainment are a very pleasant addition.
However, resorts have been and remain the main attraction of Bulgaria. They won the glory of being famous in the last century, and since then they have proudly carried this title. The sights of Bulgaria are balneological centers, mineral springs, firth mud, Roman baths, wine cellars, fortresses, ancient cities, seaports, ancient temples, cave churches.
What to see in Sunny Beach
Going on vacation to Sunny Beach, first of all, tune in to an abundance of entertainment. There are hundreds of cafes, bars, restaurants, discos, karaoke, where for quite reasonable payment you can not only have a good time and eat, but also listen to music, sing or dance.
Rest on the beach can be alternated with catamaran or banana rides, go-karting, horseback riding, mini-golf, tennis. Naturally, there is no need to talk about the fact that in the village of Sunny Beach there are water parks, attractions, bowling. 
If you want to diversify your vacation, you can go on an excursion to Nessebar. This is a museum city where there is something to see in Bulgaria. Many museums, fortress walls, towers, churches have been preserved here. After wandering through the streets of Sunny Beach, visiting many historical sites, it is worth taking a few photos and buying souvenirs as a keepsake.
What to see in Golden Sands
Golden Sands is one of the most famous beach resorts Bulgaria. Here, modernity is wonderfully intertwined with ancient architecture. The first thing to see is the Aladzha Monastery or, as it is also called: the Holy Trinity. It is covered with ancient frescoes and mosaics, which are periodically restored by the state. Near the monastery there is a chapel, as well as a historical museum dated 1906. 
No less beautiful is the church of St. John, as well as his chapel. They also belong to the architectural monuments of Bulgaria. Going to the suburbs of Golden Sands, it would be nice to visit the ethnographic exhibition "Chiflika". In addition to stories about the life of the Bulgarians in the past, visitors are treated to dishes national cuisine and great house wine.
What to see in Varna
The main attraction of Varna is considered to be the Cathedral of the Assumption. Its construction dates back to the 19th century. At the same time, wonderful stained-glass windows, frescoes and icons were created, which are of historical value in Bulgaria.
No less exciting on vacation in Varna will be to see the Roman Baths, consisting of two complexes. The first was erected in the 2nd century AD. e., the second - in the 14th century AD. e. Discovered quite by accident during archaeological research, the baths tell about a unique culture and a well-developed heating and water supply system for that time. 
For a change, you can see the Sea Garden, where a huge number of plants are collected, there is the only Dolphinarium for the entire peninsula. The Museum of Archeology was built nearby, where more than 55 thousand exhibits are placed.
Bulgaria is a historically rich country. Therefore, it is quite difficult to briefly answer the question: what to see and where to go, being interested in Bulgaria. The choice is formed only on the basis of preference, and the country has something to offer everyone.
Bulgaria is a country that still attracts tourists who want to organize a quality and affordable holiday. It pleases with beautiful landscapes, educational excursion programs, clean beaches and hospitality of local residents. If we talk about where to go in Bulgaria, the eyes just run wide - each of its cities and resorts is attractive in its own way, and it is quite difficult to make a choice. But by responsibly approaching the solution of this issue, you can determine the most suitable direction for organizing a trip.
Sunny Beach
The resort is located 42 km from Burgas. Its construction began in 1958. The resort currently offers:
- more than 200 hotels;
- 2 campsites;
- a huge number of amusement parks;
- many cafes, clubs and other entertainment venues.
The resort often hosts all kinds of festivals, concerts and other programs for vacationers, so you won’t be bored here. If you are thinking about where to go in Sunny Beach in Bulgaria, you can visit one of the tennis courts, go to the pool. There are also bowling clubs, mini-golf courses, horse bases with instructors. The resort has a couple of fairly large shopping centers where tourists can buy everything they need for a holiday.
Thinking about where to go with children in Sunny Beach in Bulgaria? Visit the water park. It is located very close to the resort, it can be reached in a couple of minutes by public transport. Here the attention of visitors is presented huge selection attractions, so positive emotions both children and adults will receive.
For lovers of nightlife, Sunny Beach offers the following establishments:
- "Mania";
- "Soho";
- "Iceberg";
- "Golden Apple";
- "Camellia";
- "Siren".
As you can see, holidays organized in Sunny Beach are quite diverse. Be sure you won't get bored here.
Golden Sands
Golden Sands resort is located on the territory national park with the same name. It is considered one of the best in the country, so it is always crowded and noisy. The resort provides its guests with a clean, well-maintained beach, numerous entertainments, including for children. Prices are quite reasonable, which can be attributed to the additional benefits of Golden Sands. In total, there are about 70 hotels on the territory of Golden Sands, so there will be no problems with accommodation. Here, the conditions are also designed for residents with children, so there are all relevant services.
Do you know where to go in Golden Sands in Bulgaria? Lots of ideas. First of all, of course, the beach. Its length reaches 3.5 km, and its width reaches 100 meters. The resort's beach is considered the best in all of Bulgaria, while the bottom near the coast is shallow, there are no jellyfish and dangerous fish, which is also good for families with children.
If we talk about the sights of the area, it is worth highlighting the following:
- chapel of St. John the Baptist;
- Aladzha monastery;
- riding school.
In addition, the resort has enough restaurants, clubs, souvenir shops and shopping and entertainment centers. There are amusement parks and attractions.
Saint Vlas
A small resort village is located just 5 km from the famous resort of Sunny Beach. Despite its modest scale, St. Vlas offers comfortable conditions for recreation and affordable prices. In total, the resort has three beaches, their total length is 1.5 km. The sand here is surprisingly clean, there is everything you need for a quality holiday.
If you are thinking about where to go in Sveti Vlas in Bulgaria, pay attention to these places:
- Tsar Simeon and Mak streets - there are a lot of shops, souvenir shops and restaurants;
- Temple of Athanasius the Great - the main attraction of the resort;
- outdoor amphitheater "Arena";
- port of Marina Dinevi.
Also St. Vlas is known for its medical complexes, where you can go in Bulgaria to people who want to improve their health, improve the work of the cardiovascular and nervous system. Here they will help to get rid of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and other ailments.
Varna
This is one of the oldest cities in the country. Despite this, it is developing dynamically and is considered one of the most popular among tourists. The rich cultural heritage of the area surprises, colorful landscapes and clean beaches. There are many interesting entertainments for both adults and children. Thinking where to go in Varna in Bulgaria? Pay attention to:
- Grand Mall, Pfohe Mall and Central Plaza are large shopping centers where you can buy everything you need, including souvenirs;
- Welcome to HAPPY Bar & Grill - restaurants with reasonable prices and a rich menu, including the best masterpieces of national cuisine;
- Cathedral of the Assumption Holy Mother of God- the main attraction of the city;
- Archaeological Museum, which allows you to get acquainted with the history of the country and the city in particular;
- Morska Gradina Park is perfect for organizing outdoor walks.
Entertainment and activities in Varna are enough to spend time here in an interesting, fun and productive way.
Nessebar
Considered the pearl of Bulgaria, it opens up numerous masterpieces to guests ancient architecture. The city is located on a rocky peninsula, considered one of the oldest in all of Europe. Nessebar is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, which makes it of great value to local residents and tourists.
If we talk about relaxation, the beach of the resort is often called the best in Bulgaria, which is confirmed by the Blue Flag award. On the coastal strip, you can not only sunbathe and swim, but also play beach volleyball, rent a pleasure yacht, and get diving lessons from experienced instructors. When thinking about where to go in Nessebar in Bulgaria, you should pay attention to the local old churches. They are the main attraction of the village.
Burgas
Included in the list of the largest cities in the country. It is located in the eastern part of the Burgas Bay. Burgas is considered the industrial and tourist center of Bulgaria and is very popular with visitors. If we talk about where to go in Burgas in Bulgaria, then there are plenty to choose from. There are a lot of museums, exhibition sites and natural attractions. Acquaintance with them will allow you to get to know the city better, get acquainted with its features. The main attraction is the Marine Park. Here you can see many sculptures and monuments, as well as a summer theater where numerous festivals and concerts take place. Nearby there is a small zoo where you can go with children while in Bulgaria. Particular attention should be paid to the churches of Burgas - these are ancient buildings that keep a long, but very interesting history.
Whatever city of the country you go to, the time spent here will not be in vain. You made sure of this yourself, having learned where you can go in Bulgaria and what to see here. It remains only to make a choice, deciding which city you want to go to. In any case, pastime promises to be very interesting.
What resorts in Bulgaria do tourists go to relax in the summer and why? We figure out where and when it is best to relax in the country for various categories of people.
According to reviews, in Bulgaria you can have a good rest in Balchik- many tourists go there. This is a small calm town, where the roofs of houses are decorated with red tiles, and the smell of roses is felt in the air. Some of the local beaches are sandy, some are rocky. The main decoration of the city is the royal residence and the botanical garden. This place is well suited for a secluded and romantic getaway.
Where to stay while traveling? Look for hotels and hostels on the Roomguru search engine, it will select the most profitable options among a variety of booking systems. We advise you to look for accommodation in the private sector in Bulgaria on Airbnb - there you will find a lot interesting options from the owners.
(Photo © Sergey Galyonkin / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)
Where can you relax cheaply in Bulgaria in 2019?
According to the reviews of tourists for 2018, high prices in Albena, Sunny Beach and Golden Sands. The most prestigious one is in the Riviera, located not far from Varna among a huge old park. Once it was a place for the ruling elite of the country, and now it is an elite resort with excellent opportunities for family holidays. It is believed that it is best to relax in Bulgaria there, but the prices bite.
To budget resorts include small seaside towns, where there are many 2-3 * hotels and there is an opportunity for accommodation in the private sector. Locals living in cottages often rent upper floors houses for rent. You can save money by settling in Nessebar, Balchik, Kranevo, St. Vlas and Ravda, affordable prices for accommodation in Pomorie and Tsarevo.
Did you know that vouchers to Bulgaria can be purchased from only 20 thousand rubles (for example, a tour for two for 7 nights from Moscow)? And during the promotion period - even cheaper! In the price of the tour: flight, accommodation, transfer, insurance and meals to choose from. Hot tours on the best prices you can search on the services and - they compare the offers of 120 tour operators and therefore are able to find the best way. You can buy a ticket online, which is very convenient.
(Photo © aleazzo / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Cultural and excursion rest
In general, the climate of Bulgaria allows you to travel around the country at any time of the year, but May, June, September and October are the most favorable months. Tourists like to visit the Rila Lakes and the monastery, Driven stones, ancient Roman baths and temples of Varna, Sofia museums, the temple on Cape Kaliakra, ancient buildings and ancient buildings of Nessebar and Sozopol.
Where is it better to relax in Bulgaria with children in 2019?
With children in Bulgaria it is comfortable to relax anywhere. You can spend an expensive, comfortable and fun time in Golden Sands, Albena and Sunny Beach. There is a good bottom and wide beaches. In the resort of Sunny Beach there is a bay with shallow water, where the water warms up well and is suitable for kids. Many children's entertainment: playgrounds, rides, slides, water parks.
Close to Sunny Beach (5 km) are the quieter resorts of St. Vlas and Ravda. Ravda is a developing resort with good opportunities for sports and entertainment for children. St. Vlas is suitable for those who want to improve their lungs - the air is enriched with iodine vapor and phytoncides of coniferous forests. According to reviews, you can have a good rest with children in Bulgaria in the villages of Elenite and Kranevo - they are suitable for those who prefer a calm and comfortable family vacation.
On an excursion with older children, you can go to Nessebar or Sozopol. Sofia has an extreme amusement park and a zoo, and not far from Varna is the largest family theme park in the country, Happy Land.
(Photo © Balcon del Mundo / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)
Resorts for youth
The most party and noisy resort in the country is Sunny Beach. No less vibrant nightlife in Golden Sands. Both resorts have a good entertainment area and rich opportunities for active pastime: there are water parks, centers for surfing, rowing and water skiing.
According to reviews, you can have a great rest in Bulgaria in the village of Ravda. It has a good base for sports and excellent beaches, while the rest itself will cost much less. Economical youth vacation in southern resort Kiten - there are campsites and many inexpensive hotels.
Not far from Sozopol there is the Golden Fish beach, popular among surfers, and the Smokini beach, which was chosen by nudists and informals. Both beaches have cafes, umbrellas and sun loungers. You can stay at campsites nearby.
Resorts for the elderly
St. Constantine and Elena is a respectable resort a few kilometers from Varna. good hotels, green parks, thermal and hydrogen sulfide springs, balneological treatment center.
Balchik, Nessebar and Sozopol also have a measured rest. It is quiet here, compared to the crowded Sunny Beach or Golden Sands, a rich excursion program, and prices in local cafes are affordable. If you are interested in passive beach holiday, then you should go to Pomorie.
(Photo © Filip Stoyanov / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)
Weather in Bulgaria: where and when is it better to relax?
In Bulgaria, the climate is not hot, continental, with warm summers and cold winter, in the south - closer to the Mediterranean. The air temperature even in the southern latitudes rarely rises above +30°C.
Spring short and cool. In March, snow often still lies, during the day +6 ... + 10 ° С, in April the air warms up to + 15 ... + 18 ° С, everything blooms. In mid-May, summer is already coming in the south of the country, but the water in the sea is cold, so you can swim in the pool, and it is better to walk along the promenade along the sea. In May, the night of museums takes place, at this time you can visit the museums of Nessebar, Sofia and other cities for free.
June often overshadowed by rains, the water near the coast is +20...+22°С, in the daytime +24...+26°С, so it is best to relax in southern Bulgaria - in Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Sozopol.
The best beach holiday in Bulgaria - in July and august. Water +24...+26°С, air +29...+30°С. This is the peak summer season, all resorts are filled to the limit with tourists.
AT September the air temperature drops to +23...+25°C, the sea cools down by 1-2 degrees. This is a good month for swimming, as well as trips around Bulgaria - at this time it is best to relax in Sofia, Nessebar, Balchik, Sozopol, Varna, Plovdiv. Resorts are still working, but there are fewer tourists.
AT October and november winds and precipitation begin to rage, during the day +12 ... + 15 ° С, a little warmer (a couple of degrees) in the south of the country. You can forget about the beaches, during this period we recommend visiting thermal springs and balneological resorts: Sapareva Banya, Sandanski, Velingrad and others.
in winter you can go to the mountains - in December, winter ski resorts Bansko, Vitosha, Pamporovo and others. AT coastal zone damp due to rains, during the day +7°С, in the mountains in winter during the day 0...+3°С, at night down to −7°С. In the north of the country, snow lies until April, in the south - until March.
Viktor Pashinsky
The country is very multifaceted. Only here, next to dozens of discos that do not stop for a minute, you can see one of them.
Only in Bulgaria did we manage to walk to with amazing clean water and sand, reminiscent of Bounty advertising.
And, of course, in Bulgaria, any Russian tourist will feel as comfortable as possible: friendly people, complete absence, low and European quality products leave few people indifferent. Let's try to figure out what and how in Bulgaria: what you can see here and how best to spend your time.
What excursions and sights can be seen in Bulgaria in summer?
But there is also a surprisingly interesting corner in Balchik - local. Worth a visit to this place is not cheap. We paid 12 leva for the entrance to the garden and the palace. But it was definitely worth it. The park is very large and amazingly beautiful. Here you can see many exotic plants, a collection of palm trees and cacti, old Bulgarian villas and even the palace of the Romanian Queen Mary. For those who wish, there is a tasting of elite Bulgarian wines, but we ignored it.
The palace itself, which cost 5 levs, we did not really like. There is practically nothing inside, they were allowed only on the first 2 floors. If you have the opportunity not to purchase a ticket to the palace, you can not spend money. But the park is definitely worth a visit. We walked in it for about 5 hours and with pleasure would have spent even more time there if we had not had to rush to the bus.
The small summer residence of Queen Mary is located on the coast of Balchik.
Gorgeous patterns of bushes adorn the garden in Balchik.
At the entrance to the greenhouse of the botanical garden, all the plants that this part of the park is rich in are perfectly visible.
AT botanical garden the experienced hand of the landscape master is felt.
Even huge cacti in Balchik's greenhouse manage to bloom and delight tourists.
Part of the garden from which you can descend directly to the Balchik embankment.
The whole millet park is immersed in greenery and flowers. It is very pleasant to walk in the shade of trees in the hot summer heat.
Burgas and Varna are the largest cities in coastal Bulgaria
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Easy
Burgas and Varna Largest cities on the coast of Bulgaria. Despite the fact that these are primarily large industrial centers and ports, they really have something to see.
We advise you to go here in windy weather so that you are not bitten by midges and do not forget to bring binoculars or a camera with a high magnification, a sun umbrella, water and picnic food. Healing mud is also mined in Pomorie, salt is evaporated from the local water - swimming in the lake is considered good for health and is not prohibited.
Between Pomorie and Aheloy there is a long sandy spit. Sunbathing and swimming in the sea is a pleasure.
Closer to Aheloy, the sandy spit is more loaded with tourists, but there are still many fewer vacationers than on the beaches in resort towns and townships.
The waters of Pomorie Lake were divided by small narrow dams. Some of them are ornithological or botanical routes.
Many birds can be seen on Pomorie Lake. This is not surprising, because the place is considered a bird sanctuary.
The shell we accidentally caught served only as an object for a small photo shoot, and then went very quickly back into the water.
A small dam runs between Pomorie Lake and the Black Sea. We walked along it when we traveled between cities to Pomorie.
Bungalows and small houses near Pomorie Lake are often rented out to tourists.
Monastery of St. George - a surprisingly cozy and beautiful place
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Easy
Resorts Sunny Beach and Golden Sands - 5 * hotels and plenty of entertainment
Interest: Bad
Getting there: Easy
Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi - one of the most beautiful corners in the interior of the country
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Difficult.
Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanassi are inland. Getting there by bus is quite difficult - you will have to go with a change in Varna and book a hotel for an overnight stay on the spot. You can choose one of the popular excursions to these places. They cost from 70 to 90 leva, depending on the resort and travel company.
You will be able to see a city with a history of almost 7000 years, which seems to have frozen somewhere in the Middle Ages. Narrow streets, houses hanging one above the other, steep stairs and unexpected bends of paths - this is how you will remember ancient capital Bulgaria Veliko Tarnovo.
Arbanassi is an old Bulgarian village, where many authentic buildings with rich interior decoration and several churches have been preserved.
Rose Valley - a place where millions of roses grow
Every year in Kazanlak they hold a magnificent holiday - the Festival of Roses.
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Difficult
Almost every website writes about the Valley of Roses in Bulgaria. Tens of thousands of roses are planted here, which are then used to make well-known cosmetics. Not only the valley itself is interesting, but also its surroundings. We advise you to see Plovdiv, Kazanlak and Shipka, climb the local mountains or see the Thracian tomb.
The nearest airport is in Plovdiv. The Rose Valley can be reached by bus from Sofia (200 km), Plovdiv (100 km) or Gabrovo (50 km). It makes sense to come here only from May to the end of June, when the roses are still in bloom.
An excursion to the Valley of Roses will cost about 70-80 leva per person.
Sofia - the ancient capital of Bulgaria
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Hard
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria. The city is interesting not only by the huge number of attractions by the standards of Bulgaria, but also by the road to it - you will pass through the mountains. It is surprising that even going down the subway, you can see ancient masonry or archaeological sites.
The easiest way to get to Sofia is with a change in Varna. An excursion to Sofia with a stop at the Rila Monastery will cost about 130-150 leva. In our opinion, Sofia is far inferior to the number of attractions in most European capitals, but for Bulgaria this is just a great option.
Aladzha Monastery - a shrine right in the thickness of the rock
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Difficult
Aladzha is an ancient rock monastery located near Varna and Golden Sands. Now the monastery does not work and is exclusively a tourist attraction. If you believe the photos on the Internet, there really is something to see. True, many tourists write that visiting the monastery is clearly not worth the time spent.
You can get to the monastery by taxi, rented car or during an excursion to Balchik.
The Rila Monastery is one of the largest in Bulgaria
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Hard
The Rila Monastery is the largest stauropegial (this is the highest status) monastery in Bulgaria. It is located in the mainland of the country, 117 kilometers from the capital of Bulgaria, the city of Sofia. The monastery was founded back in the 10th century and is somewhat reminiscent, but it is much more majestic.
Excursion to Istanbul - one of the most beautiful cities in Turkey
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Hard
Not far from Bulgaria is the city of Istanbul. Various tour operators offer a lot of excursions for every taste: for one, two or three days, shopping tours or sightseeing options. We recommend visiting the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque (Mehmet Sokollu Pasha Mosque) in Istanbul.
Ropotamo is a nature reserve near Burgas
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Hard
Not far from Burgas is Ropotamo - a large and beautiful nature reserve, where excursions with tourists are taken. A visit to Ropotamo will cost about 50-60 leva. As the guide suggested to us, “there you can see the turtles.”
Ravadinovo Castle - modern, but very beautiful
Interest: Excellent
Getting there: Hard
Ravadinovo Castle is a new building. But at the same time very beautiful and well-groomed. There is a park and a small lake. You can get to it both by rented car and during the tour.
Cape Kaliakra - one of the most beautiful sea views in Bulgaria
Interest: Average
Getting there: Hard
Cape Kaliakra offers one of the most beautiful seascapes in Bulgaria. At least that's what travel companies and guides say. Here you can also look at windmills that produce electricity.
Pobitye Stones - one of the most mystical places in Bulgaria
Interest: Average
Getting there: Hard
There has always been a lot of controversy about this place. For some, it seems mystical, unusual and filled with special energy, while for others it is just a popular tourist attraction.
What can be seen: original stone pipes up to several meters high. Some of them are hollow, with an almost perfectly consistent diameter, while others look more like tree trunks. Scientists still argue about the origin of this place. Many believe that these are just giant fossilized algae from ancient eras when the sea was here.
You can get and see Pobitye Stones by renting a car or by ordering an excursion. Public transport here, of course, does not go.
Sozopol is one of the most overrated places in Bulgaria
Interest: Low
Getting there: Hard
Sozopol is often called the Bulgarian Athens and local Jerusalem. In fact, apart from a small amphitheater and a few old buildings, we saw nothing there. As one of our acquaintances aptly described Sozopol, “Were you in Nessebar? Here in Sozopol everything is the same, but 10 times smaller.”
You can get to Sozopol by bus, by boat or during an excursion. But since the city is located far to the south, it will take a very, very long time to go there from most resorts.
Other sights of Bulgaria
Of course, in Bulgaria you can see a wide variety of attractions. The country is surprisingly rich: picturesque valleys, mountains, waterfalls, lakes and bays. There are also ancient monasteries that store many miraculous icons.
In Bulgaria, you can easily find nearby, and after a few kilometers you can reach a corner of untouched nature.
But especially Bulgaria strongly attracts various magicians and psychics - there are no other countries in such a number of places of power. It is not for nothing that the powerful Vanga lived somewhere in these places for a long time ...
