Bulgaria holidays
Can one of Europe's oldest countries really be a best-kept secret? It's a good question to ask yourself on a holiday to Bulgaria, where ancient ruins and grand cathedrals meet snow-capped mountains and the lazy shores of the Black Sea. You'll find it all here, from crumbling monuments and luxury ski resorts to a booming wine scene. What you won't find: hordes of tourists driving up the prices.
Top destinations in Bulgaria
Sofia
Many overlook Bulgaria’s understated capital in favour of more illustrious European cities, but Sofia has a quiet beauty to rival its glossier cousins.
Burgas
On the shores of the Black Sea, this underrated Bulgarian city packs in golden beaches, charming waterfront parks and plenty of fresh seafood feasts.
Varna
Glistening sandy shorelines await in Varna. And with its thermal springs, Roman ruins and Ottoman-inspired architecture, this Bulgarian charmer offers more than just great beach days.
Bulgaria: fast facts
Language
Bulgarian
Currency
Bulgarian lev (лв)
Time zone
UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)
Bulgaria holiday highlights
See ancient ruins
Seeking out the remnants of ancient civilisations is one of the main things to do in Bulgaria. Head to Sveshtari to visit a circa 300 BC burial chamber with statues and murals. See prehistoric artefacts at Sofia’s Serdika II Metro Station, unearthed during construction. And explore what remains of a stadium that once held 7,000 cheering Romans right in the middle of Plovdiv.
Hit the slopes
Bulgaria is Europe’s not-so-well-kept ski secret for snowbirds who love the grandeur of a European winter holiday without the sky-high price tags. The town of Bansko, located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, is the country’s heavy hitter when it comes to ski slopes. Its namesake resort boasts 75 kilometres of ski runs, 14 lifts and some pristine powder.
Soak up the culture
Bulgaria’s cultural traditions have survived centuries, including 45 years of communist rule. In winter, attend festivals featuring the Kukeri ritual, in which participants don masks and striking costumes made of animal fur to drive out evil spirits. And keep your eye out for intricate wood carvings, weavings and embroidery, all Bulgarian specialities found in artisan markets.
Things to do in Bulgaria
Top attractions
Stunning frescoes and soaring arches await at the ancient Rila Monastery. Don’t skip the fascinating museum, which houses artefacts like illuminated manuscripts. Head to Plovdiv to tour the Stadium of Philippopolis, built by the Romans in the second century. And head for Pirin National Park, where breathtaking mountain trails offer some of Bulgaria’s most unforgettable hiking and scenery.
Beaches
The 380 kilometres of gorgeous coastline along the Black Sea is home to the best beaches in Bulgaria. Party it up at Sunny Beach, where beachgoers hit the many nearby nightclubs after the sun goes down. Or check out pristine Bolata Beach, ringed in picturesque cliffs as part of the Kaliakra nature reserve.
Nature
Carpeted in dense forest and bordered by the Black Sea, Bulgaria’s landscape offers diverse experiences. Explore alpine meadows and caves in mountainous Pirin National Park. Hike the Seven Rila Lakes for breathtaking views of the pristine pools. And visit the semi-arid Pobiti Kamani Natural Monument to see a ‘stone forest’ of sandstone columns.
Culture and museums
The best museums in Bulgaria lean into the country’s rich history, such as the immersive Etar Open Air Museum, which recreates pre-industrial village life. One of the country’s top cultural attractions is the medieval Rila Monastery, an architectural feat decorated in stripes and murals. For something newer, visit the Kapana creative district in Plovdiv, which hums with galleries and art happenings.
Cuisine
Bulgarian cuisine is heavily influenced by neighbours Turkey and Greece. Don’t miss popular dishes like ‘banitsa’, a flakey cheese pastry. Grilled meats and ingredients like feta, olives and yoghurt are big here. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in Bulgaria in Sofia and Plovdiv and along the coast. Journey inland to the Thracian Valley to sample wine at some of Europe’s oldest vineyards.
Family friendly
Watch as your little ones explore space and scale mountains at Muzeiko in Sofia. This science museum boasts interactive exhibits like a model spaceship, plus a huge climbing wall. Bulgarian cities feature expansive parks. Check out the Tsar Simeon Garden in Plovdiv, where families can picnic and visit the playground. Or head to Nessebar in the summer to enjoy sandy beaches and a sprawling water park.
Find the best time to visit Bulgaria
Weather in Bulgaria
March – May: Spring enjoys mild weather that’s perfect for exploring Bulgaria’s national parks. But prepare for larger crowds and higher prices. Also, expect many businesses to close for around three days over Easter.
June – October: The country’s interior experiences hot, humid summers, but temperatures are often cooler on the coast. This is the time of year when people flock to Bulgaria’s beaches. The season also pulses with cultural celebrations, like the Rose Festival in Kazanlâk.
November – February: Winters are cold across the country, with snow in the mountains and a damp chill along the coast. Bansko and other ski resorts buzz with snowbirds, while budget travellers find deals and festive markets in cities.
Events in Bulgaria
Rose Festival (June): Every summer, the valley town of Kazanlâk comes alive in shades of pink as the roses bloom. The festival celebrates the flower with harvest demonstrations, folk dancing and plenty of rose-inspired treats, from fragrant soaps to local wines.
Festival of the National Costume (August): In Zheravna, technology is set aside, and everyone wears historic dress to celebrate Bulgaria’s traditions. The festivities wrap up with folk music and a lively dance around a roaring bonfire.
Wake Up Festival (August): For three days, the Black Sea village of Varvara comes alive with beats as crowds gather to dance to Bulgarian electronic artists. Camp for free in the ‘Happy Forest’, a wooded area set up by organisers near the festival grounds.
Know before you go
Getting around Bulgaria
Public transportation
Buses: The largest bus operator is Union Ivkoni, and buses are often the best way to travel between cities and towns. Tickets are inexpensive and can be booked in advance online. Other reputable companies include Karat-S and ETAP.
Trains: Bulgarian State Railways (BDZ) offers an affordable way to get around, but trains can be slow. Opt for express or fast trains when possible. Sleeper cars are available on some longer routes, including overnight journeys.
Boats: Seasonal ferries and water taxis connect Black Sea destinations like Sunny Beach, Nessebar and Sozopol, mostly during the summer months.
Domestic flights
Domestic flights make it easy to hop from Sofia to the Black Sea. Bulgaria Air offers affordable flights that reach the coast in about an hour. Daily flights to Varna run year-round, while flights to Burgas operate from June to September and are less frequent.
Driving
Some travellers may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to hire a car in Bulgaria, which you can apply for online before your trip. Road conditions vary greatly, depending on where you travel. Major highways are generally well maintained, but roads in towns and villages often have potholes.
