Discover Tailor-Made Bulgaria Vacations

During June to August, Bulgaria’s seaside comes alive. Varna, often called the Sea Capital, transforms into a bustling hub of sunseekers, with its wide beaches, lively nightlife, and a seafront promenade perfect for evening strolls. Just outside the city, Pobiti Kamani, the Stone Forest, reveals a landscape of unusual rock formations and caves. Further south, Burgas charms with its laid-back atmosphere, spacious beaches, and the green expanses of the Sea Garden, where locals and visitors gather for quiet walks, family outings, and cultural events.

When the heat eases, September offers warm days with fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to explore. Spring is gentle, with blossoms and milder temperatures around 15–20°C, while winter belongs to the mountains. Ski resorts like Borovets and the slopes of Mount Vitosha promise powdery runs and alpine scenery, with hiking and biking trails welcoming adventurers once the snow melts.

Travelling across Bulgaria is straightforward, with good connections by air, rail, and bus, linking Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas to the country’s diverse landscapes. Whether you’re chasing coastal sunsets, mountain trails, or the buzz of city life, Bulgaria’s shifting seasons create a destination that rewards visitors time and again.

The country’s cultural roots stretch back to ancient times when Greeks, Macedonians, and later the Romans shaped its early history. Bulgarian Empires flourished until the Ottomans arrived in the 14th century, leaving a deep imprint that lasted for more than 500 years. Independence came in 1878, followed by turbulent decades shaped by wars, alliances, and the shadow of communism. The coup of 1989 marked a turning point, and Bulgaria emerged into modern Europe, joining NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007.

Religion and identity play an important role here. The Bulgarian Orthodox Church remains central, with Islam, Catholicism, Protestantism, and Judaism also part of the spiritual fabric. While the 20th century saw assimilation policies that harmed minority groups, today the country embraces its diversity, reflected in its languages, music, and storytelling.

Folklore is perhaps the most enduring thread. Elders pass down tales of magical beings hidden in forests and mountains, stories that echo themes of joy and sorrow common across Slavic cultures. These myths, often centred on village life and the surrounding nature, continue to inspire festivals, rituals, and music. To step into Bulgaria is to encounter not just its history but a living tradition where myth and memory blend seamlessly into everyday life.

The iconic Shopska salad is a national favourite, mixing tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and parsley, topped with grated brine cheese and finished with sunflower or olive oil. Banitsa, a flaky filo pastry stuffed with cheese, spinach, or meat, is a much-loved breakfast, while tarator, a chilled cucumber and yogurt soup with dill and walnuts, offers a refreshing summer dish. Rich and warming, kavarma brings together pork or veal with mushrooms and onions, baked in individual pots, while sarma, cabbage or vine leaves wrapped around spiced meat, remains a staple of Bulgarian home cooking. For festive occasions, cheverme, a whole lamb roasted slowly outdoors, brings communities together.

Spices play a subtle yet essential role, especially sharena sol, a traditional mix of paprika, thyme, cumin, basil, fenugreek, and summer savory that adds a gentle aroma to everyday dishes. Yogurt, known locally as kiselo mlyako, is a cornerstone of Bulgarian food culture, celebrated for its flavour and health benefits.

Equally significant is Bulgaria’s ancient winemaking tradition, dating back 4,000 years to the Thracians. The Thracian and Struma Valleys produce distinctive wines from indigenous grapes such as Mavrud, Gamza, and Red Misket. Though not widely exported, these wines are gaining global recognition, offering a perfect pairing with the rich, varied flavours of Bulgarian cuisine.

Plovdiv, Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, rests on seven hills and brims with charm. Its 19th-century mansions now house galleries and museums, while beneath the city lies a Roman amphitheatre from the 2nd century. Today, it hosts concerts and performances, its acoustics amplifying voices such as the famed Bulgarian State Television Female Choir in an unforgettable setting.

In Sofia, the Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral stands as a symbol of liberation and faith. One of the world’s largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals, it commemorates the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died freeing Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Its scale is awe-inspiring, with 53 bells, Italian marble, and murals creating an atmosphere of solemn grandeur.

Further north, Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital, offers cobbled streets and fortress walls that transport visitors to the 12th century. Tsarevets Fortress dominates the skyline, with remnants of royal palaces, churches, and even an execution rock etched into its storied past. For natural splendour, the Belogradchik Rocks, towering sandstone and limestone formations sculpted over millions of years, rise from the Balkan Mountains like sentinels of stone.

Travellers will also find Bulgaria refreshingly affordable, with farm-fresh vegetables, flavourful dairy, and simple grilled meats forming the heart of its cuisine. The Bulgarian Lev remains the national currency, tipping around 10% is standard, and the minimum drinking age is 18. Whether exploring historic treasures or savouring local traditions, Bulgaria rewards visitors with experiences well beyond expectations.