“Why are you traveling to Bulgaria? Where in the world is it? Are they known for…anything?”
These are the types of questions I hear whenever my next travel destination comes up. The truth is, I’m not 100% sure about any of these. Like many of the Balkan countries, Bulgaria represents a big question mark for most Westerners – myself included.
So, what exactly convinced me that Bulgaria needs to be my next destination? What exciting experiences will you be joining me on over the next few weeks?
Bulgaria is dripping in ancient history
Throughout Eastern Europe, human activity is traced back all the way to the Paleolithic era. What makes Bulgaria significant is its strategic positioning. With both Greece and Turkey directly to the south, it’s acted as a gateway to numerous historic empires, all of which have left behind a mixture of cultural artifacts and influences.
Especially exciting though is that many of these ancient artifacts are still intact and viewable. In Bulgaria’s capital, a large portion of the ancient city of Serdica was recently discovered while excavating a new subway station. In the center of the country is the city of Plovdiv, considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In the southern mountains sits the Rila Monastery, a cultural symbol of the Bulgarian Renaissance which has experienced uninterrupted history from the Middle Ages.
Best of all, this just scratches the surface. Part of my excitement with traveling to Bulgaria is that I don’t always know what historically significant element I’ll run into next.
Bulgaria’s coastline is built for relaxation
If you’re traveling to Bulgaria in the summertime, it’s just assumed that at some point you will be visiting the Black Sea coastline. Maybe it’s because over a third of the coastline is made up of sandy golden beaches. Or that many of the settlements and villages date all the way back to the 7th century. Either way, it sure does sound like there will be plenty to explore!
Starting from Varna in the north, I’ll slowly be working my way down through Bulgaria’s 5 main coastal destinations to see what makes each unique. Of course, as exciting as each of these are, I still need to figure out the best ways of traveling between these Bulgarian beach towns. Luckily, I’ve got plenty of options there, but a bit more on that below.
Will the Bulgarian Black Sea coast live up to the hype and be worth spending valuable vacation time exploring? I sure hope so!
Bulgaria has a background in winemaking
I know just about nothing of Bulgarian wine, despite the fact that it’s been produced here for over 3,000 years. In fact, before the fall of Communism in the 1980’s, Bulgaria was one of the world’s largest wine producers. So they must be doing something right.
Being based only a quick drive from California’s wine country, I know my way around a good glass of vino. That’s why I’m super excited that I’ll be spending some time in the small town of Melnik, located within the Struma River Valley wine region.
What’s better than lazy days spent sampling individual restaurant and guest houses’ own personal wine, poured directly from the barrel?
Bulgaria has a wide transportation network
If you’ve read my Myanmar Land, Air & Sea guide or even this very blog’s Welcome page, you know how much of a transportation planning geek I am. And, while my inner masochist will always enjoy the challenge that something like developing infrastructure brings, I’ll never turn away a solid transit network like Bulgaria’s. Between the train, bus, and taxi, you can get just about anywhere in the country.
You can bet that I will be all over every aspect of this. Not speaking Bulgarian or knowing the Cyrillic alphabet may present a few challenges, but that’s always part of the fun!
Bulgaria is one of the cheapest countries in Europe
Bulgaria hasn’t been the most economically stable place over the last century. Between losing a series of brutal wars and being allied with the former Soviet Union, the country had fallen on some hard times. Within the last 15-years however, there’s been quite a bit of positive forward momentum. Now a part of both the EU and NATO, Bulgaria is seeing an influx of new business and stability, along with rapidly growing tourism.
This looks to be offering up what I hope will be a bit of a sweet spot, in that prices and general perceptions are still playing catch-up.
Will all of this excitement around traveling to Bulgaria come to fruition?
Only time will tell, but I can’t wait to find out and share everything with you all over the next few weeks!
It’s all great, just one tiny mistake- we were never a part of the Soviet Union.
Thanks so much for pointing this out! Updated to more accurately reflect this relationship.
I hope you have a great time in Bulgaria, it’s really a place worth visiting! 🙂
Thanks & totally agree!
I hope you have a great time in Bulgaria, it’s really a place worth visiting! 🙂
Thanks so much for pointing this out! Updated to more accurately reflect this relationshi
I hope you have a great time in Bulgaria, it’s really a place worth visiting!
Nice suggestions, but I would like to suggest the local taste in your chart.
Nice suggestions, but I would like to suggest the local taste in your chart.
Nice suggestions, but I would like to suggest the local taste in your chart.
Julian, Bulgaria sounds like an intriguing mix of history, relaxation, and adventure! Your enthusiasm for exploring its ancient artifacts and coastlines is infectious. I’m eager to follow along and discover the hidden gems you uncover on your journey through this captivating country!
I hope you have a great time in Bulgaria. Your enthusiasm for exploring its ancient artifacts and coastlines is infectious. it’s really a place worth visiting.
“Your enthusiasm for traveling to Bulgaria is truly infectious! I’ve been an avid reader of your blog for some time now, and I always appreciate how you effortlessly blend personal experiences with informative insights about each destination. Your passion for exploring new cultures and places shines through in every post, and it’s clear that you have a knack for capturing the essence of travel in such a relatable way. I can’t wait to read about your adventures in Bulgaria and discover more about this beautiful country through your eyes. Keep up the fantastic work!
Thanks,
John smith
Your excitement for exploring Bulgaria is truly captivating! Your post beautifully highlights the rich history, stunning coastline, and fascinating cultural aspects of the country. It’s clear that you have a genuine curiosity and passion for discovering new places, and your insights into Bulgaria’s ancient history and modern developments are incredibly engaging. I’m especially intrigued by the blend of historical artifacts and the inviting Black Sea coastline. Your adventure sounds absolutely amazing, and I can’t wait to hear more about your experiences. Keep up the fantastic storytelling!
such a nice blog . thank for sharing your experience with us . thank you .
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It’s such a nice blog. Thanks for sharing your experienceexperience with us.
It’s such a nice blog. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
This article has really piqued my interest in Bulgaria! The blend of ancient history, beautiful coastline, and rich winemaking tradition sounds absolutely fascinating. I had no idea Bulgaria had so much to offer. Your excitement is contagious, and I can’t wait to explore this hidden gem myself. Thanks for sharing your insights and experiences!
Thank you for pointing this out! Updated to more accurately represent this relationship.
This article has really piqued my interest in Bulgaria! The blend of ancient history, beautiful coastline, and rich winemaking tradition sounds absolutely fascinating.
It is nice blog. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Travel in a place full of natural beauty is very interesting
Nice suggestions, but I would like to suggest the local taste in your chart.
Nice Post, I found it really amazing, Keep Sharing.
Nice Post, I found it really amazing, Keep Sharing.
Nice Post, I found it really amazing, Keep Sharing.
Most people dream about traveling but life challenges and other factors means they never start. Your blog should be an inspiration for many who dream.
so nice and attractive tourist place.
“Such a beautiful and appealing tourist destination!”
It is a stunning destination for tourism with scenic views filled with natural beauty.
Bulgaria sounds like a hidden gem waiting to be explored! With its rich history, stunning coastline, winemaking tradition, and affordability, it seems like the perfect mix of culture, relaxation, and adventure. Can’t wait to see what surprises this fascinating country has in store!
Absolutely! Your excitement for traveling to Bulgaria is infectious, and it’s clear that this destination has so much to offer. From its rich ancient history and stunning Black Sea coastline to its vibrant winemaking culture and well-connected transportation network, Bulgaria seems like a hidden gem waiting to be explored.
Food often becomes a highlight of travel, offering a direct link to the culture and traditions of a place. Sampling local dishes, whether it’s sushi in Japan, tacos in Mexico, or paella in Spain, allows travelers to engage with a destination in an intimate way. Through food, one can taste centuries of tradition and cultural exchange, often crafted with love and local ingredients that are unfamiliar yet delightful. These culinary experiences can be transformative, reshaping one’s palate and appreciation for flavor. Food becomes a universal language, bridging cultural divides and creating shared experiences that transcend linguistic barriers. Each meal is an invitation to connect with the soul of a place, offering a taste of the community’s daily life.
Nice post And nice place.
Your enthusiasm for exploring its ancient artifacts and coastlines is infectious. I’m eager to follow along and discover the hidden gems you uncover on your journey through this captivating country!
If you want to keep your heart happy, then travel the whole world, then it will be very good. Troubleshoot, going to new places has a different feeling.
very insightful post, thanks for sharing.
“Exploring new destinations just got easier! Your tips and support are a game changer for any traveler. Keep it up!”
I LOVE YOUR BLOG.
The blend of ancient history, beautiful coastline, and rich winemaking tradition sounds absolutely fascinating. I had no idea Bulgaria had so much to offer.
I loved reading about your excitement for Bulgaria! It’s always inspiring to see someone so passionate about exploring new places, and your enthusiasm for the culture, history, and landscapes is contagious. Bulgaria definitely seems like an underrated gem, and I can’t wait to hear more about your adventures there. What’s the first thing you’re planning to do when you arrive?
Your blog is very informative to those who are anxious to go for travel to Bulgaria. It helped me a lot. You just made it easier for me.
Thanks for this information.
Bulgaria’s rich history, unique blend of cultures, and stunning landscapes make it a hidden gem. Exploring Plovdiv and ancient sites sounds like an adventure filled with discovery and inspiration!
The intrigue surrounding Bulgaria as a travel destination is well captured here. As a hidden gem in the Balkans, it offers mystery and excitement. I’m curious to see what unique experiences await and what will make Bulgaria stand out as a must-visit place. Can’t wait to follow along on this journey!
“Your blog was a delight to read! Thoughtful, engaging, and beautifully written—thank you for sharing your insights!”
Bulgaria sounds like an absolute treasure chest of history and beauty! 🏺✨ I mean, excavating an ancient city while digging for a subway? That’s the kind of stuff you only see in the movies! I can already picture walking through Serdica, feeling like I’ve stepped right into the past, with every step uncovering stories that have been tucked away for centuries. And Plovdiv? That’s like living inside a time machine! The idea of wandering through one of the world’s oldest cities, where the past and present are practically high-fiving each other, is just mind-blowing. 🕰️
Your blog was a delight to read! Very informative, engaging, and beautifully written—
Thanks a lot for such nice words you shared about your trips.
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Thanks
Your blog was a delight to read! Very informative, engaging, and beautifully written—
Thanks a lot for such nice words you shared about your trips.
By the way, Don’t forget to visit Bangladesh, a liitle but joyful country of Asia.
To know more about explore Bangladesh, Guide or Tour plan, feel free to contact
Thanks
Your article introduces Bulgaria as an intriguing and mysterious travel destination, especially for Westerners unfamiliar with the Balkans. It highlights your curiosity and excitement about exploring the country, inviting readers to join you on your journey.
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