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Guides and travel stories from Bulgaria.

65 articles

Bulgaria's Monasteries Beyond Rila: Bachkovo, Troyan & Rozhen
Culture & History

Bulgaria's Monasteries Beyond Rila: Bachkovo, Troyan & Rozhen

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.

16 July 20264 min read
Devetashka Cave & the Lovech Karst: Bulgaria's Cave Country
Nature & Landmarks

Devetashka Cave & the Lovech Karst: Bulgaria's Cave Country

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.

16 July 20264 min read
Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & the Rusenski Lom Valley (UNESCO)
Culture & HistoryNature & Landmarks

Ivanovo Rock-Hewn Churches & the Rusenski Lom Valley (UNESCO)

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.

16 July 20266 min read
Ruse: Bulgaria's 'Little Vienna' on the Danube
Cities & TownsCulture & History

Ruse: Bulgaria's 'Little Vienna' on the Danube

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.

16 July 20266 min read
Silistra & Srebarna: Bulgaria's Quiet Danube Corner
Cities & TownsNature & Landmarks

Silistra & Srebarna: Bulgaria's Quiet Danube Corner

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.

16 July 20263 min read
Trigrad Gorge & the Devil's Throat Cave: The Wild Western Rhodopes
Nature & Landmarks

Trigrad Gorge & the Devil's Throat Cave: The Wild Western Rhodopes

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.

16 July 20264 min read
Krushuna Falls: Bulgaria's Turquoise Cascades
Nature & Landmarks

Krushuna Falls: Bulgaria's Turquoise Cascades

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.

14 July 20265 min read
Prohodna Cave: Bulgaria's "God's Eyes"
Nature & Landmarks

Prohodna Cave: Bulgaria's "God's Eyes"

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.

14 July 20265 min read
The Rhodopes: A Complete Travel Guide to Bulgaria's Mystical Mountains
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

The Rhodopes: A Complete Travel Guide to Bulgaria's Mystical Mountains

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.

14 July 202611 min read
Smolyan: Gateway to the Rhodopes — Bulgaria's Highest Town
Cities & TownsNature & Landmarks

Smolyan: Gateway to the Rhodopes — Bulgaria's Highest Town

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.

14 July 20266 min read
Best Day Trips from Plovdiv: 8 Trips into Central Bulgaria
Itineraries & Road TripsCities & Towns

Best Day Trips from Plovdiv: 8 Trips into Central Bulgaria

The best day trips from Plovdiv: Bachkovo Monastery, Asen's Fortress, the Rose Valley, Buzludzha, Koprivshtitsa and more — with distances and how to go.

8 July 20264 min read
Best Day Trips from Sofia: 9 Great Escapes
Itineraries & Road TripsCities & Towns

Best Day Trips from Sofia: 9 Great Escapes

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.

8 July 20264 min read
Botev Peak & Raysko Praskalo: Hiking the Central Balkan
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

Botev Peak & Raysko Praskalo: Hiking the Central Balkan

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.

8 July 20265 min read
Buzludzha: Bulgaria's Abandoned Communist 'UFO' Monument
Culture & History

Buzludzha: Bulgaria's Abandoned Communist 'UFO' Monument

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.

8 July 20264 min read
Cherni Vrah: Hiking Vitosha's Summit from Sofia
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

Cherni Vrah: Hiking Vitosha's Summit from Sofia

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.

8 July 20264 min read
The Kom–Emine Trail: Bulgaria's Great Balkan Traverse
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

The Kom–Emine Trail: Bulgaria's Great Balkan Traverse

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.

8 July 20264 min read
Malyovitsa: Rila's Most Iconic Day Hike
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

Malyovitsa: Rila's Most Iconic Day Hike

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.

8 July 20264 min read
The 7 Highest Peaks of Bulgaria: A Summit-by-Summit Guide
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

The 7 Highest Peaks of Bulgaria: A Summit-by-Summit Guide

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

7 July 20266 min read
Climbing Musala: Bulgaria's & the Balkans' Highest Peak
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

Climbing Musala: Bulgaria's & the Balkans' Highest Peak

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.

7 July 20265 min read
Vihren & Koncheto: Hiking Pirin's Marble Summit
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

Vihren & Koncheto: Hiking Pirin's Marble Summit

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.

7 July 20265 min read
Bansko Ski Resort: The Complete Guide
Ski & Winter

Bansko Ski Resort: The Complete Guide

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

4 July 20266 min read
Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress: NW Bulgaria's Wonder
Nature & LandmarksCulture & History

Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress: NW Bulgaria's Wonder

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.

4 July 20263 min read
Borovets Ski & Mountain Guide
Ski & WinterMountains & Hiking

Borovets Ski & Mountain Guide

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

4 July 20263 min read
Borovets vs Bansko vs Pamporovo: Which Ski Resort?
Ski & Winter

Borovets vs Bansko vs Pamporovo: Which Ski Resort?

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

4 July 20265 min read
Bulgaria in Winter: Things to Do Beyond Skiing
Ski & Winter

Bulgaria in Winter: Things to Do Beyond Skiing

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

4 July 20263 min read
Bulgaria's Natural Wonders: Caves, Waterfalls & Rocks
Nature & Landmarks

Bulgaria's Natural Wonders: Caves, Waterfalls & Rocks

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.

4 July 20263 min read
Bulgarian Festivals & Traditions: Kukeri & Baba Marta
Culture & History

Bulgarian Festivals & Traditions: Kukeri & Baba Marta

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

4 July 20263 min read
Bulgarian Wine & Melnik: A Wine-Country Guide
Culture & History

Bulgarian Wine & Melnik: A Wine-Country Guide

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

4 July 20264 min read
The Euro in Bulgaria: What Travelers Need to Know (2026)
Travel Tips

The Euro in Bulgaria: What Travelers Need to Know (2026)

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.

4 July 20262 min read
Getting Around Bulgaria: Airport, Trains, Buses & Car Rental
Travel Tips

Getting Around Bulgaria: Airport, Trains, Buses & Car Rental

How to get around Bulgaria: Sofia Airport to the centre, intercity buses, trains, car rental, taxis and city transport — everything you need to plan.

4 July 20264 min read
How Much Does a Trip to Bulgaria Cost? (2026 Budget Guide)
Travel Tips

How Much Does a Trip to Bulgaria Cost? (2026 Budget Guide)

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.

4 July 20266 min read
Is Bulgaria Safe for Tourists? (Honest 2026 Guide)
Travel Tips

Is Bulgaria Safe for Tourists? (Honest 2026 Guide)

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

4 July 20263 min read
Nessebar: A Guide to Bulgaria's UNESCO Old Town
Cities & TownsCulture & History

Nessebar: A Guide to Bulgaria's UNESCO Old Town

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

4 July 20263 min read
One Week in Bulgaria: The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary
Itineraries & Road Trips

One Week in Bulgaria: The Perfect 7-Day Itinerary

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

4 July 20264 min read
Rila Monastery: The Complete Day-Trip Guide from Sofia
Culture & HistoryItineraries & Road Trips

Rila Monastery: The Complete Day-Trip Guide from Sofia

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.

4 July 20268 min read
Hiking the Seven Rila Lakes: Trail, Lift & Best Time
Mountains & HikingNature & Landmarks

Hiking the Seven Rila Lakes: Trail, Lift & Best Time

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

4 July 20267 min read
Sozopol: Old Town, Beaches & Apollonia Festival
Cities & TownsBeaches & Coast

Sozopol: Old Town, Beaches & Apollonia Festival

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

4 July 20263 min read
Spa & Thermal Springs in Bulgaria (Velingrad, Hisarya, Devin)
Nature & Landmarks

Spa & Thermal Springs in Bulgaria (Velingrad, Hisarya, Devin)

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.

4 July 20263 min read
10 Days in Bulgaria: The Grand Tour Itinerary
Itineraries & Road Trips

10 Days in Bulgaria: The Grand Tour Itinerary

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.

4 July 20263 min read
Vitosha Mountain: Sofia's Backyard Escape
Mountains & Hiking

Vitosha Mountain: Sofia's Backyard Escape

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.

4 July 20264 min read
Top 5 Blue Flag Beaches in Bulgaria for 2026
Beaches & Coast

Top 5 Blue Flag Beaches in Bulgaria for 2026

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

30 June 20266 min read
The Bulgarian National Revival Trail: 4-Day Route | Mestala
Culture & HistoryItineraries & Road Trips

The Bulgarian National Revival Trail: 4-Day Route | Mestala

Plan an unforgettable road trip along the Bulgarian National Revival Trail. Discover the history of Koprivshtitsa, Panagyurishte, Karlovo, and Kalofer with our travel guide.

29 June 20263 min read
Kalofer, Bulgaria: Things to Do, Family Tips & Best Time to Visit
Cities & Towns

Kalofer, Bulgaria: Things to Do, Family Tips & Best Time to Visit

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.

29 June 20268 min read
Karlovo Travel Guide: Sights, Nature & Practical Tips
Cities & Towns

Karlovo Travel Guide: Sights, Nature & Practical Tips

Planning a trip to Karlovo? Explore our ultimate travel guide featuring the Vasil Levski Museum, Suchurum Waterfall, parking tips, and family activities.

29 June 20265 min read
Panagyurishte Travel Guide: Sights, Gold & History
Cities & TownsCulture & History

Panagyurishte Travel Guide: Sights, Gold & History

Discover the best sights in Panagyurishte. A practical travel guide featuring the famous Thracian Gold Treasure, museums, parking tips, and family activities.

29 June 20264 min read
Koprivshtitsa: A Guide to Bulgaria's Museum Town
Cities & TownsCulture & History

Koprivshtitsa: A Guide to Bulgaria's Museum Town

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

25 June 20266 min read
Kazanlak & the Rose Valley: Bulgarian Rose Festival Guide
Cities & TownsCulture & History

Kazanlak & the Rose Valley: Bulgarian Rose Festival Guide

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.

23 June 20267 min read
The Valley of the Thracian Kings: Ancient Travel Guide
Culture & History

The Valley of the Thracian Kings: Ancient Travel Guide

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.

21 June 20266 min read
15 Incredible Places in Bulgaria You Must Visit
Itineraries & Road TripsNature & Landmarks

15 Incredible Places in Bulgaria You Must Visit

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

19 June 20266 min read
The Best Day Trips from Varna: Top Destinations Nearby
Itineraries & Road TripsCities & Towns

The Best Day Trips from Varna: Top Destinations Nearby

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

19 June 20266 min read
Best Time to Visit Bulgaria: A Complete Season Guide
Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Bulgaria: A Complete Season Guide

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.

19 June 20266 min read
The Ultimate Bulgarian Black Sea Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Beaches & CoastItineraries & Road Trips

The Ultimate Bulgarian Black Sea Coast Road Trip Itinerary

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

19 June 20267 min read
Golden Sands vs Sunny Beach: Which Resort to Choose?
Beaches & Coast

Golden Sands vs Sunny Beach: Which Resort to Choose?

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

19 June 20267 min read
10 Hidden Places in Bulgaria Most Tourists Miss
Nature & Landmarks

10 Hidden Places in Bulgaria Most Tourists Miss

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.

19 June 20266 min read
Sofia vs Plovdiv: Which City to Visit?
Cities & Towns

Sofia vs Plovdiv: Which City to Visit?

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

19 June 20266 min read
48 Hours in Veliko Tarnovo: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in the City of Tsars
Cities & TownsItineraries & Road Trips

48 Hours in Veliko Tarnovo: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in the City of Tsars

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

8 June 20266 min read
48 Hours in Plovdiv: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Europe's Oldest Living City
Cities & TownsItineraries & Road Trips

48 Hours in Plovdiv: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary in Europe's Oldest Living City

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.

7 June 20266 min read
72 Hours in Sofia: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Cities & TownsItineraries & Road Trips

72 Hours in Sofia: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

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.

6 June 20267 min read
Varna vs. Burgas: Which Black Sea City is Right for You?
Cities & Towns

Varna vs. Burgas: Which Black Sea City is Right for You?

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!

5 June 20267 min read
Southern Black Sea Beaches: From Primorsko to Sinemorets
Beaches & Coast

Southern Black Sea Beaches: From Primorsko to Sinemorets

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.

4 June 20266 min read
North of Burgas: Luxury, Entertainment, and Family-Friendly Beaches
Beaches & Coast

North of Burgas: Luxury, Entertainment, and Family-Friendly Beaches

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.

3 June 20265 min read
Where to Go to the Beach Around Burgas: From Urban Glamour to Nearby Campsites
Beaches & Coast

Where to Go to the Beach Around Burgas: From Urban Glamour to Nearby Campsites

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.

1 June 20267 min read
A Weekend in Burgas: Our Seaside Fairytale, Worth Visiting Anytime
Cities & TownsItineraries & Road Trips

A Weekend in Burgas: Our Seaside Fairytale, Worth Visiting Anytime

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.

31 May 20266 min read
Best Beaches in Varna and the Region: A Guide for Families & Drivers
Beaches & Coast

Best Beaches in Varna and the Region: A Guide for Families & Drivers

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.

23 May 20269 min read
Weekend in Varna: 2-Day Itinerary, Sights & Parking Guide
Cities & TownsItineraries & Road Trips

Weekend in Varna: 2-Day Itinerary, Sights & Parking Guide

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

20 May 20267 min read