{"id":5383,"date":"2020-06-24T22:29:31","date_gmt":"2020-06-24T19:29:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/?p=5383"},"modified":"2025-11-13T20:36:54","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T18:36:54","slug":"20-wonderful-travel-experiences-places-visit-bulgaria-2017","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/20-wonderful-travel-experiences-places-visit-bulgaria-2017\/","title":{"rendered":"20 Amazing Places To See And Things To Do In Bulgaria"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bulgaria already has so\u00a0many beautiful places<\/strong>\u00a0travellers know about and want to definitely\u00a0visit, such as Rila Monastery, 7 Rila Lakes, Plovdiv\u2019s Old Town… And even though they are popular tourist attractions, they are all worthwhile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But this time, I want to share with you\u00a0some less-known and more interesting travel experiences and places in Bulgaria\u00a0<\/strong>to put on your bucket list. Without further adieu, here are my top 20 recommendations:<\/span><\/p>\n

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On the Black Sea Coast<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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1. Sea kayaking near Kavarna<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Instead of heading to the more famous and overcrowded southern Black Sea coast, visit the Northern part and add an adventure flavor with an unforgettable\u00a0sea kayaking experience<\/a>. Even better if you get up early and meet the sunrise on the kayak. You’d enjoy that view, wouldn’t you?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"kayak-bulgaria\"<\/p>\n

2. Visit the Northern Black Sea Coast<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Less crowded, a bit more chilly than the South, but way more beautiful. The Northern Black Sea coast<\/a> in Bulgaria impressed me with unspoiled beauty and high, steep shores <\/strong>that are hard to forget. If you find yourself in the region, you should visit \u201cYaylata\u201d Natural Reserve with its more than 100 coastal caves, the coast near Tyulenovo, Kaliakra Cape, beach Bolata.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"black-sea-bulgaria\"<\/p>\n

This is also the place where you can stumble upon some amazing sunsets over endless fields of\u00a0sunflowers. I was lucky enough to caught one by accident…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Sunflower<\/p>\n

3. Cape Emine – where the mountain meets the sea<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One hidden and hard to reach\u00a0but extremely beautiful place in Bulgaria is Cape Emine. This is the easternmost point of the Balkan mountain<\/strong> range. It offers a spectacular view of the place where the mountain meets the sea..\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Cape<\/p>\n

4. Veleka Beach – where the river meets the sea<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Another gorgeous\u00a0spot on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is Veleka Beach in Sinemorets – a sea resort on the South. This is where river Veleka flows into the sea<\/strong>\u00a0and creates a unique are where you can enjoy both – the salty sea water or the calm and relaxing river. It’s just fascinating…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Veleka<\/a><\/p>\n

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In Rhodope Mountains<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Mountain Biking in the Rhodopes<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rhodope mountains are so colorful and beautiful. Exploring them with a bike was something new for me and I definitely recommend it. During our 2-day cross country biking trip<\/a> we saw several unspoiled villages, amazing views<\/strong>, reached to the highest village in Bulgaria<\/strong> – Ortsevo, ate delicious home made traditional meals<\/strong>, dip ourselves in a hot mineral pool after the trip… it could not be better.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\"mountain-biking-bulgaria\"<\/p>\n

6. Work from a hammock at Office in the Woods, Chepelare<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

And again, Rhodopes are calling! Located in Chepelare, Office in the Woods<\/a> is a coworkation camp<\/strong> that lets digital workers recharge from the boring and cold atmosphere in the traditional office. It is a place where you can\u00a0<\/span>work during the day and have tons of fun after that \u2013 mountain biking, hiking, zip lining… you name it. And, also, nothing can beat the cleanest mountain air out there!<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"DSC_5581\"<\/p>\n

7. Watch a movie on a rock at Momchilova Fortress<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Momchilova Fortress is fully renovated fortress on a high hill in Rhodope mountains near a village named Gradat.\u00a0<\/span>Usually, every Saturday a short movie about Momchil hero<\/strong> is projected on a rock with a spectacular view to the whole Rhodopes. The atmosphere is indescribable and it costs only 2 Euro.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Momchilova<\/p>\n

8. Enjoy a weekend in Velingrad – the Spa capital of the Balkans<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Velingrad<\/a> is a must visit Spa destination in Bulgaria – with 77 mineral springs<\/strong>, each one with its unique and even miraculous healing powers, the city is a perfect choice for your spa and wellness holiday in Europe.\u00a0<\/span>There are many open mineral water pools with healing and medical properties\u00a0in the town. Moreover, the biggest carst spring in Bulgaria \u2013 Kleptuza, can be found in Velingrad.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"velingrad-spa-bulgaria\"<\/p>\n

Photos: Velingrad\/www.velingrad-bg.com<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

9. Visit the unique Carpet factory in Kostandovo<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The\u00a0only factory for hand-woven carpets in Europe<\/strong>\u00a0is hidden in Kostnadovo village, very close to Velingrad. It is open for tourist visits so you can see the actual carpet-making process and learn more about the history and present of the factory.<\/span><\/p>\n

More than 30 woman work to create amazing hand-made carpets for royals and not only.\u00a0It takes\u00a04 ladies to create only 10cm of the carpet<\/strong>\u00a0per\u00a0day. One carpet is made for at least 4-5 months. You can imagine how hard and resourceful this job is. Definitely a must-visit…<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kostandovo-carpets\"<\/p>\n

10. Asen’s Fortress<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Located near the city of Asenovgrad, Asen’s Fortress is a<\/strong>\u00a0medieval fortress<\/strong> nestled on a high rocky ridge<\/strong>\u00a0in the Rhodope mountains. It is easily reached by car. The scenic view from the top is, again, something you should see with your own eyes.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Asen<\/p>\n

And while you are in the area, you can also visit the impressive Bachkovo Monastery.<\/strong> An accommodation option near these sights is\u00a0Kosovo Houses Complex<\/a>, located in the picturesque village of Kosovo. We visited it earlier this year and we highly recommend it\u00a0because it’s a place where you will enjoy an authentic Bulgarian hospitality in a traditional and cozy atmosphere.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Kosovo_Houses_Bulgaria\"<\/p>\n

11. The rock phenomenon Karadjov Kamak<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Karadjov Kamak is another interesting phenomenon, again in the Rhodope mountains –\u00a0a\u00a0huge stone stuck between two rocks.<\/strong>\u00a0You can reach it from Krastova Gora, it takes around 40 min hiking. There is a slightly dangerous wooden ladder that allows you to climb the rocks and see the stone from a bit different perspective.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Karadjov<\/p>\n

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In Northern Bulgaria<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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12. Visit the only left desert in Bulgaria – Pobiti Kamani rock phenomenon<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

One of the perfect day trips from Varna<\/a> \u2013 the sea capital of Bulgaria, you can visit another impressive natural site – the\u00a0Stone Desert phenomenon \/Pobiti Kamani\/. The desert consists of sand dunes and several groups of natural rock\u00a0columns<\/strong>\u00a0that are between 5 and 7 meters high. A place to remember…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"stone-forest-bulgaria\"<\/p>\n

13. Overlook Provadia from the Ovech Fortress<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Ovech Fortress is located near Provadia, a few hours away from Varna, Northern Bulgaria. The fortress is overlooking the whole town and its green surroundings which makes the view from above just spectacular.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ovech<\/p>\n

14. The unique Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo<\/a> is a complex,\u00a0composed of churches, chapels and monk cells, cut into the rock during the 13-14 centuries.\u00a0The most preserved<\/strong> and famous church<\/strong> in the complex, and the only one open for visits, is \u201cSaint Merry\u201d. <\/strong>The complex is part of UNESCO’s world heritage list.\u00a0<\/span>Other interesting sites nearby are Cherven Fortress and Besarbovski Monastery. The town of Rousse is also close and worthwhile.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"rock-hewn_churches_ivanovo_bulgaria_unesco\"<\/p>\n

15. Baba Vida – the only fully preserved medieval fortress in Bulgaria<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Baba Vida Fortress<\/a> is the symbol of Vidin – a frequently overlooked town in Northern Bulgaria. The current fortifications are built on top of a Roman fortress during the 10th century. It has never been conquered by an enemy army. Baba Vida rises proudly next to Danube river<\/strong> and is often is often the first thing that impresses visitors of the town\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"baba-vida-fortress-bulgaria\"<\/p>\n

16. Watch through the Eyes of God in Prohodna Cave<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Prohodna Cave<\/a> is one of my favourite natural phenomenons in Bulgaria. It is famous with the\u00a0two big eye-shaped holes in the ceiling<\/strong> and, hence, it is also known as The\u00a0Eyes of God. <\/span>Prohodna is located just 2 hours away from Bulgaria’s capital, near Karlukovo, so it is a perfect choice for a day trip from Sofia<\/a>. Unfortunately, it is only reachable by car.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Prohodna-cave-the-eyes-of-god\"<\/p>\n

17. Tryavna<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Tryavna<\/a> is a small town, situated in Central Bulgaria. I highly recommend it, if you plan to visit the country and want to see a traditional village that has managed to preserve the typical Revival architecture and spirit.<\/strong>\u00a0It\u2019s impossible not to fall in love with this lovely and picturesque town…<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Tryavna<\/p>\n

Photo: Andrey Andreev Photography<\/a><\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

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18. Witness <\/strong>\u0430 <\/strong>traditional bare foot fire dance ritual \u2013 Nestinarstvo<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

The ritual Nestinarstvo is famous for the\u00a0unique barefoot dances on fire<\/strong> performed by Nestinari. The ritual takes place\u00a0on 3th of June, the day of Sts. Constantine and Helen, in Bulgare village. Nestinarstvo\u00a0is a unique mixture of\u00a0Eastern Orthodox\u00a0beliefs and older pagan traditions from the Strandzha Mountains. Definitely a must-see…<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Nestinari\"<\/p>\n

19. Hike the Urdini Lakes in Rila<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Rila is the highest mountain on the Balkans with its Musala peak (2925 m). A wonderful day trip from Sofia led us to the less famous but still as\u00a0beautiful Urdini lakes.<\/strong>\u00a0The hike took us around 9 hours and, again, with those views every step was worth it…\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Hiking<\/p>\n

20. Buzludzha monument – the abandoned\u00a0symbol of Communism in Bulgaria<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

The Buzludzha monument<\/a> is a massive abandoned building on a peak in Central Balkan Mountain in Bulgaria. It was officially opened in August 1981 and became the headquarter of the Communist Party in Bulgaria until the fall of the regime. Today,\u00a0it is closed for the public and is slowly destroyed.<\/strong> Nevertheless, it is\u00a0still a place worth visiting.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"day-trip-from-sofia-to-buzludzha4\"<\/p>\n

From the outside it looks like an UFO. Inside the Buzludzha monument you can see beautiful and colorful mosaic arts\u00a0that are also slowly destroyed along with the whole building…<\/span><\/p>\n

\"day-trip-from-sofia-to-buzludzha\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

21. Surva \u2013 Kukeri Festival in Pernik<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Every January, Pernik erupts in fur, bells, and fire during the Surva Kukeri Festival<\/a>, Bulgaria\u2019s largest and most raucous masquerade celebration. Thousands of masked kukeri parade through the streets, shaking heavy copper bells to chase away evil spirits in a spectacle that blends ancient pagan ritual with pure Balkan energy. <\/span><\/p>\n

Costumes of beastly faces, bright embroidery, and towering headdresses turn the town into a living myth. If you want to witness Bulgarian folklore at its rawest and most powerful, Surva is the place to be.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Do you already have a top place to visit in Bulgaria? <\/span><\/strong>Share in the comments.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Bulgaria already has so\u00a0many beautiful places\u00a0travellers know about and want to definitely\u00a0visit, such as Rila Monastery, 7 Rila Lakes, Plovdiv\u2019s Old Town… And even though they are popular tourist attractions, they are all worthwhile.\u00a0 But this time, I want to share with you\u00a0some less-known and […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5416,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[276,1,88,311],"tags":[609,555],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/asens-fortress-bulgaria.jpg?fit=960%2C609&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5383"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5383"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5383\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11112,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5383\/revisions\/11112"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5416"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5383"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5383"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/travellingbuzz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5383"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}