Travel to Bulgaria — everything you need to know

When to go to Bulgaria?

Weather in Bulgaria

Check the weather city by city, starting with Sofia.

What to do in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-value destinations: the Black Sea coast with its sandy beaches and warm waters (27°C in summer), the medieval cities of Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv (European Capital of Culture 2019), the Rila Monastery (UNESCO), the Balkan Mountains with their pink-hued villages like Koprivshtitsa, and local wine that ranks among the best in Eastern Europe.

Black Sea Coast — Beaches and history

Bulgaria's Black Sea coast offers 350 km of golden sandy beaches and warm waters (27°C in July-August). Sozopol, an ancient Greek town on a rocky cape, is one of the country's most beautiful seaside destinations. Nessebar (UNESCO) is a well-preserved Byzantine and medieval town set on a rocky isthmus. The resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands are especially popular with families.

Highlights : Sozopol — ancient Greek town on a rocky cape, Nessebar — Byzantine and medieval town (UNESCO), Sandy beaches of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, Cape Kaliakra — Black Sea cliffs and dolphin colony.

Rila Monastery — UNESCO

Rila Monastery (UNESCO) is Bulgaria's largest and most important monastery — founded in the 10th century in the mountains at an altitude of 1,147 m. Its 19th-century frescoes (more than 1,200 biblical scenes across the galleries) and black-and-white striped arcaded architecture make it one of the Balkans' finest religious ensembles. It remains a living national pilgrimage site.

Highlights : Frescoes in the monastery galleries (1,200 scenes), Monastery museum — religious treasures and icons, Hike to the Rila Lakes (7 glacial lakes at 2,500 m), Balkan tower above the monastery — ridge views.

Plovdiv — European Capital of Culture

Plovdiv is Bulgaria's second city and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe (6,000 years). Its old quarter on the hills (Kapana — the maze) blends 19th-century Bulgarian Revival houses, cobbled streets, art galleries and trendy cafés. The 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre is still used for concerts.

Highlights : Plovdiv Old Town — 19th-century Bulgarian Revival houses, Roman amphitheatre (2nd c.) — open-air concerts, Kapana — the maze, arts-and-café district, Regional History Museum and its Thracian and Roman collections.

Veliko Tarnovo — Former medieval capital

Veliko Tarnovo was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire (1185–1393). Its Tsarevets Fortress, perched on a hill encircled by a bend in the Yantra River, is a national symbol of Bulgaria. The nighttime sound-and-light show on the ramparts is unforgettable. The terraced old town tumbles down toward the river in a postcard-perfect setting.

Highlights : Tsarevets Fortress — evening sound-and-light show, Veliko Tarnovo Old Town — terraced houses, Preobrazhenski Monastery at the foot of the cliffs, Artisan village of Arbanasi — Ottoman fortress houses.

Bansko & Pirin

At the foot of the UNESCO-listed Pirin peaks, Bansko is the Balkans' leading ski resort. Its historic centre of stone-and-wood houses is every bit as charming as its modern slopes. Glacial lakes, forests and nearby monasteries make it an ideal base all year round.

Highlights : Bansko ski area, Pirin National Park, Bansko Old Town — traditional Bulgarian houses, Vihren Lake, Rila Monastery from Bansko.

Travel budget for Bulgaria

Bulgaria is the cheapest destination in the EU. Prices are 50–60% lower than in Western Europe. The Black Sea coast, which is very touristy, gets a little pricier in July and August. Skiing in Bansko is the cheapest in Europe for a comparable snow quality.

Practical tips for travelling to Bulgaria

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