Guides and travel stories from Bulgaria.
65 articles

A guide to Bulgaria's greatest monasteries after Rila: Bachkovo in the Rhodopes, Troyan in the Balkan Mountains and Rozhen near Melnik — their history, frescoes, miraculous icons and how to visit each.
A guide to the karst country around Lovech: the vast film-famous Devetashka Cave, the turquoise Krushuna Falls and the God's-eyes Prohodna Cave — three of Bulgaria's natural wonders in one day trip.
A travel guide to the Rusenski Lom valley south of Ruse: the UNESCO Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches and their medieval frescoes, the Cherven fortress, the working Basarbovo rock monastery, and how to combine all three in one day.

A travel guide to Ruse, Bulgaria's largest Danube port and 'Little Vienna': neo-Baroque architecture, Freedom Square, the Sexaginta Prista Roman fortress, and day trips to the Ivanovo rock churches, Cherven fortress and Basarbovo monastery.
A travel guide to Bulgaria's far northeast: the Danube town of Silistra with its Roman tomb and Medzhidi Tabia fortress, and the UNESCO Srebarna Nature Reserve — a pelican-filled lake and one of Europe's great birdwatching spots.

A travel guide to the Trigrad Gorge and the Devil's Throat Cave in the Western Rhodopes: the vertical marble canyon, the roaring underground waterfall, the nearby Yagodina Cave and the Eagle's Eye viewpoint.
How to visit Krushuna Falls, Bulgaria's largest travertine cascade: the eco-trail loops, entrance fee, best season for full water, photography tips and pairing it with Devetashka Cave and Prohodna.

How to visit Prohodna Cave near Karlukovo — the Eyes of God rock formation, Bulgaria's longest cave tunnel: getting there from Sofia, best light for photos, bungee jumps and pairing it with Devetashka Cave and Krushuna Falls.

Everything you need to plan a Rhodope Mountains trip: Smolyan, Pamporovo, Trigrad Gorge, Shiroka Laka, Perperikon, caves, spa towns, food, itineraries and when to go.

A travel guide to Smolyan, the highest town in Bulgaria: the Smolyan Lakes, the planetarium, the Canyon of Waterfalls, day trips to Pamporovo, Shiroka Laka and the Trigrad caves.
The best day trips from Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery, Asen's Fortress, the Rose Valley, Buzludzha, Koprivshtitsa and more — with distances and how to go.

The best day trips from Sofia: Rila Monastery, the Seven Rila Lakes, Vitosha, Koprivshtitsa, Plovdiv and more — with distances, travel times and how to go.
How to hike Botev Peak (2,376 m), the highest summit of the Balkan Mountains, from Kalofer — past Raysko Praskalo, the highest waterfall in the Balkans.

A guide to the Buzludzha Monument: what it is, how to get there, whether you can go inside, the mosaics, and the best time to visit Bulgaria's UFO landmark.
How to hike Cherni Vrah (2,290 m), the summit of Vitosha above Sofia — routes from Aleko, the lifts, difficulty, season, and Bulgaria's easiest big peak.

A guide to the Kom–Emine trail, Bulgaria's ~600 km E3 traverse of the Balkan Mountains from Kom Peak to the Black Sea: route, duration, difficulty and season.
How to hike Malyovitsa (2,729 m), the cradle of Bulgarian mountaineering in northern Rila — the route from the hut, difficulty, season, and where to stay.

The highest peak of every major Bulgarian mountain — Musala, Vihren, Botev and more, with elevations, difficulty, base towns and how to climb each.

How to climb Musala (2,925 m), the highest peak in Bulgaria and the Balkans: the Borovets gondola, the route, huts, distances, season and what to pack.
How to climb Vihren (2,914 m), Bulgaria's second-highest peak, from Bansko — the route, the fearsome Koncheto ridge, huts, season and what to pack.

Bansko ski resort guide: pistes, the gondola, lift passes, parking, family tips, après-ski, distances from Sofia and Plovdiv, and where to stay.

A guide to the Belogradchik Rocks and Fortress: how to get there, what to see, the Magura Cave, parking, family tips, distances and where to stay.

A guide to Borovets, Bulgaria's oldest ski resort: pistes, gondola, night skiing, parking, family tips, Musala hikes and where to stay.

Borovets vs Bansko vs Pamporovo compared: pistes, snow, prices, nightlife, family tips, and distances — find the best ski resort in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria in winter is more than skiing: spa towns, Christmas markets, snowy monasteries, Kukeri festivals, city breaks and hearty food — a full guide.

Bulgaria's best natural wonders: Prohodna's God's Eyes, Devetashka Cave, Krushuna Falls, the Wonderful Bridges, Devil's Throat and more — with how to visit.

A guide to Bulgarian festivals and traditions: Kukeri, Baba Marta and martenitsi, the Rose Festival, fire dancing, and the folklore calendar month by month.

A guide to Bulgarian wine and Melnik: the wine regions, Melnik's cellars and sandstone pyramids, Rozhen Monastery, tastings, distances and where to stay.

Does Bulgaria use the euro? Yes — since January 2026. What changed, the fixed rate, old lev, cards and ATMs, and what it means for travelers.
How to get around Bulgaria: Sofia Airport to the centre, intercity buses, trains, car rental, taxis and city transport — everything you need to plan.

How much does a trip to Bulgaria cost in 2026? Daily budgets, real prices, money tips, and what the switch to the euro means for travelers.

Is Bulgaria safe to visit? An honest 2026 guide to crime, scams, solo and female travel, taxis, driving, emergency numbers and practical safety tips.

A guide to Nessebar old town: how to get there, the ancient churches, parking, family tips, beaches nearby, distances and where to stay.

A perfect 7-day Bulgaria itinerary: Sofia, Rila Monastery, Plovdiv, Veliko Tarnovo and the Black Sea — with routes, travel tips and where to stay.

Plan a day trip to Rila Monastery from Sofia: driving distances, parking, how long to spend, family tips, what to see, and where to stay overnight.

A complete guide to hiking the Seven Rila Lakes: the trailhead, chairlift, loop trail, parking, family tips, distances from Sofia, and where to stay.

A guide to Sozopol: the ancient old town, best beaches, the Apollonia arts festival, parking, family tips, distances and where to stay.

A guide to Bulgaria's spa and thermal springs: Velingrad, Hisarya, Devin, Sapareva Banya and more — health benefits, what to expect and where to stay.

A 10-day Bulgaria itinerary: Sofia, Rila, Plovdiv, the Rose Valley, Veliko Tarnovo and the Black Sea — the perfect grand tour with routes and tips.
A guide to Vitosha, Sofia's mountain: how to get there, hiking to Cherni Vrah, the Golden Bridges, lifts, parking, family tips, skiing and what to expect.

Official 2026 list! Discover the top 5 Blue Flag beaches in Bulgaria. A detailed travel guide with directions, parking info, amenities, and entertainment.

Plan an unforgettable road trip along the Bulgarian National Revival Trail. Discover the history of Koprivshtitsa, Panagyurishte, Karlovo, and Kalofer with our travel guide.
Planning a trip to Kalofer? Discover the birthplace of Hristo Botev — museums, the famous monastery, family-friendly tips, parking, and the best time to go.
Planning a trip to Karlovo? Explore our ultimate travel guide featuring the Vasil Levski Museum, Suchurum Waterfall, parking tips, and family activities.
Discover the best sights in Panagyurishte. A practical travel guide featuring the famous Thracian Gold Treasure, museums, parking tips, and family activities.

Plan your weekend getaway to Koprivshtitsa. Discover the best house-museums, the Kalachev Bridge, driving distances, and where to stay for an authentic experience.

Plan your trip to Kazanlak and the Rose Valley. Discover the flexible dates for the Rose Festival, the unique Rose Museum, Mount Shipka, and Buzludzha.

Explore the Valley of the Thracian Kings in Kazanlak: Discover the UNESCO Kazanlak Tomb, Golyama Kosmatka, the sunken city of Seuthopolis, and ancient gold treasures.

Looking for travel ideas? Discover the 15 most beautiful and iconic landmarks in Bulgaria—from the Rila Lakes to Plovdiv Old Town and Belogradchik.

Planning a day trip from Varna? Discover the best itineraries: Balchik Palace, Cape Kaliakra, Aladzha Monastery, the Madara Rider, Pliska, and Pobiti Kamani.

A comprehensive travel guide to Bulgaria's weather and seasons. Discover the best time for beach vacations, skiing in Bansko, wine tours, or hiking high mountain peaks.

Planning a coastal road trip? Discover the complete route from Durankulak to Rezovo: Tyulenovo, Kaliakra, Nessebar, Sozopol, and the spectacular Veleka mouth.

A detailed comparison of Golden Sands and Sunny Beach: beaches, nightlife, day trips, parking tips, and transportation options.

Looking for off-the-beaten-path destinations? Discover the 10 most magical hidden gems in Bulgaria—from the Womb Cave and Prohodna to Emen Canyon and Kosti.

A comparison of Sofia and Plovdiv: atmosphere, historic landmarks, restaurants, the Kapana district, nightlife, and practical travel tips.

Planning a weekend in Veliko Tarnovo? Discover the top sights: Tsarevets, panoramic view restaurants, Samovodska Charshiya, Arbanasi, and Mini Bulgaria park.

Planning a weekend in Plovdiv? Discover the best 2-day itinerary: from Kapana and the Old Town to the Singing Fountains, plus driving and parking tips.

The perfect 3-day weekend itinerary for Sofia — from St. Alexander Nevsky and Roman Serdica to Vitosha Mountain and Boyana Church. Plus parking and family tips.

Can't decide between Varna and Burgas? Compare top beaches, family travel tips, sights, and parking in our ultimate Bulgarian Black Sea guide. Read more!

Discover the wildest, most beautiful beaches south of Burgas — from Perla Bay and Atliman to the mouth of the Veleka River and Silistar. A guide from Mestala.

What to see north of Burgas? The family beaches of Pomorie and Aheloy, the UNESCO magic of Nessebar, the kilometers of golden sand at Sunny Beach, and the luxury of Sveti Vlas.

Looking for the best beaches around Burgas? Explore the city beaches, family-safe spots like Kraimorie and Sarafovo, the healing mud at the Saltworks, and the legendary Gradina and Zlatna Ribka campsites.

Planning a weekend in Burgas? Our guide covers the Sea Garden and the Bridge, St. Anastasia Island, the Atanasovsko saltworks, sunset over Lake Vaya, plus Blue and Green Zone parking tips.

Planning a beach holiday in Varna? Discover the best city beaches and coastal gems nearby—Golden Sands, St. St. Constantine and Helena, Shkorpilovtsi, Sunny Day, Riviera, and Kabakum. Practical parking and transport tips.

Planning a weekend in Varna? Our 2-day itinerary covers the Sea Garden, Roman Thermae, Pobiti Kamani, and the best beachfront bars.