After years of talking about it, Bulgaria adopted the EURO on 1 January 2026, officially saying goodbye to the Bulgarian lev. For visitors arriving in Bulgaria now, there’s nothing that will seem unusual about it. Prices are in euros, ATMs dispense euros and you can use the same currency you would in many other European…
Driving is one of the best ways to explore Bulgaria. Some of our favourite places are outside the major cities, and having a car gives you the freedom to visit monasteries, wineries, mountain villages and smaller towns that aren’t always particularly easy to reach by public transport. I’ve been driving in Bulgaria for many years…
Over the years I’ve used the Sofia Metro many times and I think it’s one of the easiest ways to get around the city. It’s clean, efficient and inexpensive, and once you understand how the lines and tickets work, it’s very straightforward. The centre of Sofia is very walkable but the metro is particularly useful…
Some places are all about ticking off attractions. Melnik isn’t one of them. Bulgaria’s smallest town is somewhere to slow down, order another glass of wine and simply soak up the atmosphere. Surrounded by dramatic sandstone cliffs and famous for its centuries-old winemaking tradition, Melnik feels unlike anywhere else in the country. Whether you’re planning…
Hidden within a spectacular limestone gorge just outside the town of Dryanovo, this beautiful corner of central Bulgaria combines history, nature, walking trails and one of Bulgaria’s most famous caves. A Monastery Surrounded by Nature The first thing that strikes you about Dryanovo Monastery is its setting. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs, woodland and the peaceful…
Nestled in the Sredna Gora Mountains around two hours from Sofia, this beautifully preserved historic town is one of Bulgaria’s greatest treasures. With its colourful National Revival houses, cobbled streets and fascinating museums, it’s easy to understand why Koprivshtitsa has been protected as an architectural and historical reserve for decades. Whether you’re interested in history,…
If there’s one place I recommend every visitor to Bulgaria sees at least once, it’s Rila Monastery. Located within the beautiful Rila Mountains, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is far more than just a monastery. It’s one of Bulgaria’s greatest cultural treasures and somewhere that leaves a lasting impression whether you’re interested in history, architecture, photography…
If you’re spending a few days in Sofia and want to discover somewhere that combines history, art and culture, Boyana Church is one of the city’s most remarkable places to visit. Hidden away at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, this small medieval church may look modest from the outside, but inside you’ll find some of the most important…
When I told people I was catching the overnight sleeper train from Sofia to Burgas, I received a few raised eyebrows. But after experiencing a major health issue last year, which meant driving wasn’t an option for me, the train seemed like the perfect alternative. I booked my ticket online through the BDZ website, which…
Tucked away beneath the forests of Vitosha Mountain, just a few minutes from the centre of Sofia, Dragalevtsi Monastery is one of those places that’s easy to miss, but well worth discovering. While many visitors head straight for the mountain, this peaceful monastery offers a wonderful opportunity to step away from the city and experience a quieter side…
If you’re visiting Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, there is one place I recommend adding to your itinerary. The Botanical Garden and Palace in Balchik combine beautiful gardens, fascinating history and spectacular sea views. Located around 45 minutes north of Varna, it’s the perfect day trip if you’re staying along the coast. A Palace Built for a Queen…
Every year on 1st July, thousands of people across Bulgaria gather on beaches, clifftops and hilltops to watch the first sunrise of the month. Known simply as July Morning, it’s one of Bulgaria’s most unique and much-loved traditions. Unlike many celebrations, there are no official ceremonies or fireworks. Instead, people come together with friends, music and a…
If you’re looking for a town that perfectly captures the spirit of Bulgaria’s National Revival, Tryavna is somewhere you shouldn’t miss. Nestled in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, this wonderfully preserved historic town is famous for its traditional architecture, colourful craft workshops and centuries-old artistic traditions. It’s the sort of place where it’s easy to…
One of the things I love most about exploring Bulgaria’s wineries is that every estate has its own personality. Uva Nestum impressed me from the moment we arrived. Set just outside Gotse Delchev, surrounded by vineyards and with spectacular mountain views in every direction, I was expecting a pleasant winery hotel. What I wasn’t expecting…
If you’re exploring Bulgaria’s wineries and looking for somewhere that combines excellent wine, beautiful scenery and a relaxing countryside escape, Zaara Estate should be high on your list. Perched on a hill above the village of Glavan in the beautiful Sakar region, this family-owned winery offers far more than a traditional wine tasting. It’s a destination where…
Located in the picturesque village of Ustina, just a short drive from Plovdiv, Villa Yustina combines a welcoming boutique winery with comfortable accommodation, beautiful gardens and some of our favourite Bulgarian wines. It’s a wonderfully peaceful place to slow down, enjoy the scenery and discover why this region has become one of Bulgaria’s leading wine…
Nestled in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, this beautifully preserved village is one of Bulgaria’s most charming architectural and folklore reserves. With its stone bridges, winding river, traditional Rhodope houses and peaceful mountain setting, it’s somewhere that feels wonderfully untouched by time. If you’re exploring the Rhodopes, it’s a place that’s well worth adding…
The Seven Rila Lakes is one of the most incredible places I’ve ever visited. Located high in the Rila Mountains, the Seven Rila Lakes are one of Bulgaria’s most iconic natural attractions and one of the country’s most rewarding day trips from Sofia. Crystal-clear glacial lakes, spectacular mountain scenery and well-marked hiking trails combine to create an…
As a wine enthusiast, it’s something of a miracle that it took me so long to visit a Bulgarian winery. I’ve enjoyed Bulgarian wines for many years and always wanted to explore some of the country’s excellent wine regions, but somehow never quite got around to it. That all changed when friends gave us a…
Every now and then you discover somewhere so unique that you almost hesitate to tell other people about it. Omaya Eco Village is one of those places. Hidden away in the forest near Gotse Delchev, Omaya is unlike anywhere else we’ve stayed in Bulgaria. It’s peaceful, beautifully designed and secluded, the kind of place where you switch…
There are some places in Bulgaria that leave a lasting impression long after you’ve visited. Prohodna Cave, better known as the God’s Eyes Cave, is definitely one of them. Located near the village of Karlukovo, around an hour and a half’s drive from Sofia, this remarkable natural cave is one of Bulgaria’s most recognisable landmarks. The…
Carved high into a limestone cliff in north-eastern Bulgaria, this remarkable 8th-century rock relief is unlike anything else in Europe. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Madara Rider has become one of Bulgaria’s national symbols and offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the country’s earliest history. Located just outside the village of Madara, around…
Many people are surprised to discover just how good golf in Bulgaria has become. With championship courses designed by internationally renowned architects, spa resorts and spectacular scenery ranging from mountain landscapes to dramatic Black Sea cliffs, Bulgaria has quietly established itself as one of Europe’s most exciting golf destinations. Whether you’re planning a dedicated golf…