Bulgaria is a country in the Balkans on the shoreline of the landlocked Black Sea. One of the most fascinating travel destinations in southeastern Europe, if you travel to Bulgaria you can enjoy winter sports at its ski resorts, sunbathe on its sublime beaches or go sightseeing in its capital, Sofia.
Bulgaria shares land borders with Greece, Romania, Turkey, North Macedonia and Serbia. In recent years, travel to Bulgaria has increased in popularity thanks to the allure of its exotic cities and sun-drenched beaches, making it a destination worthy of any intrepid traveller. Aside from the cosmopolitan capital of Sofia, other major cities to visit in Bulgaria include the industrial centre of Plovdiv and the coastal cities of Burgas and Varna.
The beach resorts of the Black Sea are a must-visit if you choose a holiday to Bulgaria. The most popular resorts include Sunny Beach, picturesque Bolata Beach and beautiful Golden Sands.
As well as sun-soaked beach holidays in Bulgaria, you’ll find plenty of cultural treasures and UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore, such as Rila Monastery, the ancient ruins of Nessebar and the diverse religious sites of Sofia, including Boyana Church and St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral. Add to this an ever-expanding winter sports scene, extraordinary wildlife and breathtaking mountains and you can bet that a trip to Bulgaria is sure to surprise you in all the right ways.
History of Bulgaria
You might not know much about the history of Bulgaria, but this country has a fascinating story, represented in its huge number of historic sights. Take the Roman ruins of Serdica, for example. Recently uncovered beneath modern-day Sofia, visitors who travel to Bulgaria will be awe-struck by the ancient remains of once-mighty Serdica.
Originally, Bulgaria was home to the Thracians, known for their gold and silver jewellery and fearsome gladiators. Later, the territory of modern-day Bulgaria was incorporated into the Roman Empire and then the Byzantine Empire. You can trace this evolution if you visit the Black Sea town of Nessebar on a tour of Bulgaria. Originally a Thracian settlement, the town is home to ancient ruins dating back to Roman and Hellenistic times, as well as the amazing Byzantine-era Stara Mitroplica Basilica.
The Bulgarian Empire emerged in the late 7th-century when Slavic and Bulgar tribes unified the region. Both the Byzantine and Bulgarian Empires rose in prominence until the region was overtaken by the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman rule continued for five centuries until Bulgaria finally gained independence in 1878. In later years, Bulgaria was occupied by the Soviet Union during the Second World War and, post-war became a People’s Republic. If you visit Bulgaria today, you’ll see a lot of Soviet-era architecture in its major cities. Nowadays, Bulgaria is a democratic state and a member of the European Union and NATO.
Nature in Bulgaria
Bulgaria boasts an array of unique and beautiful natural landscapes. Its diverse climate, at the meeting point of Mediterranean, Oceanic and Continental air masses ensure a mix of environments to explore if you travel to Bulgaria. Boasting one of the richest biodiversities in Europe, it is home to 10 biosphere reserves and 3 national parks.
Winter sports are incredibly popular, and the most famous ski resorts in Bulgaria are Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo and Chepelare. Bulgaria is one of the few places in Europe where you can combine a skiing trip with a sun-soaked beach break on the Black Sea!
Away from the ski slopes and beautiful coastline, Bulgaria is divided in half by the Balkan Mountains, home to unique wildlife and breathtaking views. Rila National Park is a must-visit if you tour Bulgaria. The largest protected area in the country, it’s home to glacial lakes and the highest peak in the Balkans: Mount Musala. It is the perfect place to get in touch with the nature of Bulgaria. The snow-capped Pirin National Park is also a must-see, known as the ‘Land of Giants’ thanks to its towering peaks.
Another fascinating sight is the Stone Forest, near the coastal city of Verna. This otherworldly geological phenomenon is composed of naturally formed limestone pillars, scattered across a 3-kilometre wide area. Shrouded in myths and legends, the Stone Forest is one of the most mysterious natural wonders in Bulgaria. Other unique geological features to visit on a trip to Bulgaria include the Stone Mushrooms of Plovdiv and the Melnik Pyramids, located in the foothills of the Pirin mountain range.
Culture in Bulgaria
Bulgarian culture is a fusion of ancient traditions and national identity. Bulgaria has a rich tradition of folklore that permeates all areas of the arts, literature, music and festivals. Famously, fire is an important element of traditional Bulgarian folklore, used to banish evil spirits. This popular tradition can be experienced at any Nestinari dance show if you visit Bulgaria, and it is included in the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Much of Bulgaria’s population follow the Eastern Orthodox church, whilst there is also a large Islamic population. The country is also known for its religious arts, including its colourful frescoes, murals and icons.
When it comes to the national cuisine, Bulgarian food is similar to that of the rest of the Balkans, combining gastronomic influences from Greece and Turkey. In the larger cities, you’ll encounter restaurants serving international dishes as well as traditional restaurants such as those that serve different types of soups, a favourite Bulgarian dish.
If you travel to Bulgaria you’ll notice that they use the Cyrillic alphabet. In fact, the first Bulgarian Empire created this, now widespread, alphabet. The official language is Bulgarian although Turkish and Romani are widely spoken.
