Hey Bulgaria, you’re full of surprises, way much more than we expected. Every place felt different and authentic. Traveling through the country showed us how diverse Bulgaria really is and how many hidden gems are still waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we’re sharing the most beautiful cities, nature spots and must-visit places in Bulgaria.
one of europe’s best surprises
A road trip through Bulgaria is relaxed, scenic and full of surprises. The landscapes change quickly, driving distances are manageable but sometimes quite long and it’s easy to explore smaller towns and hidden spots along the way. Traveling by car or camper gives you the freedom to stop wherever you want and experience a more authentic side of the country.
Expect a mix of nature, history, and everyday life, less polished than Western Europe, but full of character. Bulgaria is the kind of place where road trips feel unfiltered and genuine, and where the best moments often happen in between destinations. Welcome to Bulgaria! ♥︎
Your Bulgarian Roadtrip probably starts here. Sofia is the capital city of Bulgaria. With over a million inhabitants, it’s the largest and most populous city in the country. It’s also the third highest capital in Europe. There is a lot to do and see here. Sofia is often starting point for many excursion tours, for example to the Rila Lakes, Belogradchick Rocks or the picturesque Rila Monastery. The easiest and fastest way to get from one point to another is definitely the metro, tram or bus. These public transports are also very cheap and easy to get to.
The best time to travel here is all year round, as it is nice and warm in summer and can snow in winter. Autumn and spring are also a nice time to visit Sofia.
The name Sofia comes from the Greek word Sophia, which means wisdom.
Rila Monastery is an Orthodox monastery in the Rila Mountains wich is over 1000 years old. It’s located in the southwest of Bulgaria on an altitude of 1140 meters. The Rila Monastery was founded in the 10th century. It’s the largest and most famous Orthodox monastic complex in Bulgaria. The best way to get to the Rila Monastery is from Sofia. There is a bus driving daily at 10:20. The journey by car is about 120 kilometers and takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are parking spaces directly in front of the monastery and they cost 5 leva for the day. Cash Only !
A few monks actually still live in the Rila Monastery.
Rila Lakes are certainly one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bulgaria. The Seven Rila Lakes are located in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains. The lakes are at an altitude of 2100 to 2500 meters. The hiking trail through the breathtaking landscape takes 3 to 4 hours along the Seven Rila Lakes and offers spectacular insights and views of Bulgaria’s beautiful nature. Probably the easiest way to get to the Seven Rila Lakes is by car. Parking costs 5 leva and the chairlift costs 25 leva per person for one way up and down. It is rather difficult to get to the lakes using public transport. In summer there is a shuttle bus operating from Sofia to the chairlift at the foot of the seven Rila Lakes. Another good way is definitely to book a tour that starts from Sofia.
It is definitely recommended to come in the morning as it gets very crowded during the day. Good shoes, enough water and sunscreen are also necessary.
Here you will find one of the best preserved fortresses in Bulgaria. Fantastic views and hiking on the Belogradchik Rocks is an incredible experience. The Belogradchick Fortress is located in the eponymous city of Belogradchick. The current fortress was completed during the Turkish rule in 1850. The city lies at an altitude of 520 meters, between the two mountain ranges of the Balkan Mountains, Veneza and Vedernik.
There are buses operating from Sofia to Belogradchik or to Vidin, but the best and easiest way to get there is by car. Admission costs 6 leva per person and parking costs 2.40 leva. The name of the city is derived from belo wich means white and grad wich means castle.
Devetashka Cave is just an impressive place in Bulgaria. The large karst cave is located about 20 km west of Letnitsa and 19 km northeast of Lovech. The cave is 2442 meters long and 60 meters high. It is one of the most beautiful caves in Bulgaria and is full of stories from the Cold War. The admission to the cave is 2 leva per person and parking is free. The best way to get there is by car, as the cave is located on Main Street 3013 and 301.
Today around 30,000 bats live in the Devetashka Cave and there were also parts filmed of "The Expendables 2".
Veliko Tarnovo, or more rarely Tirnovo, is a city in Bulgaria with 59,166 inhabitants. Tarnovo lies on the steep northern slopes of the Balkan Mountains, where the Jantra River has carved a deep, meandering gorge through the rock. You can get to Veliko Tarnovo from almost any major city in Bulgaria. For little money we recommend taking the bus and train. Cars, Taxis or Shuttles are a little faster, but also more expensive.
Veliko Tarnovo is the former capital of Bulagria.
A very special place in Bulgaria is definitely Veleka Beach, wich is one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. A unique combination of beach and river awaits you there. Veleka Beach is approximately 80 kilometers away from Burgas and 15 minutes from the Turkish border. It is located to the north of the village of Sinemorets. The only way to get there is probably by car. There is a parking area close to the beach wich is for free.
This beach is popular for windsurfing or kiting
Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria with around 350,000 inhabitants and is located in the Bulgarian part of the historical region of Thrace. The city was built on seven hills with the historic old town located on the three hills. It’s a main attraction for visitors from all over the world. There is a very well-preserved Roman Theater and a large Vasilica. Plovdiv was one of the European Capitals of Culture 2019. Plovdiv is very easy to reach. Either you fly directly to Plovdiv or you land in Sofia and take the car, bus, train, taxi or shuttle to Plovdiv. In Plovdiv itself, the best and cheapest way to get around is by bus. A one-way ticket costs 1 leva, which is about 0.50 euro.
The small town of Sozopol is one of the oldest towns on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Sozopol was founded in the 6th century BC. Here you will find a lot of history and historic buildings from ancient times. But also because of its beautiful coast and beaches, this place is one of the most famous in the country. The best way to get to Sozopol from Burgas is by bus or car, which takes about half an hour.
Enjoy traditional food with beautiful views at the Mercuri Restaurant
Prohodna Cave is also known as God’s Eyes. It’s located near the village of Karlukovo and is one of the most easily accessible caves in Bulgaria. Many tourists come to the cave to climb or take photos.
The cave is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes away from Sofia. It is best reached by car as it is very remote. Admission to the cave is free and so is parking.
The name Prohodna means translated “passable”.
Bolata Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches in Bulgaria. It’s a marvelous bay with clear water. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe. You can only reach the beach by car. There is no public transport there. From Varna it’s about 75 kilometers by car and it takes about 1 hour.
Varna is a port city on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It’s one of the most popular travel destinations in the country. Every year countless tourists come to the third largest city in Bulgaria. Varna is also very well known due to its proximity to the coastal resort on Golden Sands. Varna is also home to the country’s third largest airport. The easiest way to reach Varna is by plane. The airport is about 10 kilometers away and is easy to reach. There are also several train connections from Sofia, Plovdiv or Burgas which are also very cheap.
The oldest gold treasure in the world was found in Bulgaria and is kept in the city's Archaeological Museum.
In the heart of Bulgaria you can find one of the most stunning buildings in the country. The Buzludzha Monument is located directly on the Shipka summit. The monument is built at 1440 meters in the Balkan Mountains. Buzludzha Monument is a 70 meter high monument to the Bulgarian Communist Party. Construction began on the 23th of January in 1974 and lasted until 1981 and was closed again in 1989.
The construction costs were 14 Million leva ≈ 7.100.000€
Silistar Beach is not far away from Veleka Beach. Silistar is one of the last beaches before the Turkish Border. The beach is located 7 kilometers from the village of Sinemorets. It is also one of the most famous and beautiful beaches in all over Bulgaria. The beach can also only be reached by car. You can also take a bus from Burgas to the village of Sinemorets and then a taxi from there but the best option is definitely from Burgas by rental car.
Burgas is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria with around 200,000 inhabitants. It’s located on the Black Sea coast and has the largest port and second largest airport in the country. There is a lot to discover in Burgas. There is also a beautiful beach with a long pier. It is worth taking a boat trip to the island of Sveta Anastasia because it is the only surviving medieval island monastery in the Black Sea.
Since Burgas has one of the largest airports in the country, it is very easy and sometimes very cheap to get to Bulgaria from other countries. Burgas can be explored wonderfully on foot. The beach is also right next to the city. But many places around can be easily reached using public transport for little money.
The Lake Atanasovsko is a salt coastal lake north of Burgas. The water constantly changes colors and has a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Shipka Memorial Church is located near the town of Shipka and is a gorgeous Bulgarian Orthodox church. It’s one of the most impressive churches in the whole country of Bulgaria. Built in 1902 in the architectural style of Russian churches of the 17th century. The Shipka Memorial Church is located in the middle of Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo.
The best way to reach the place is by car. You can also take the train or bus to Kazanlak and from there continue to the church. Admission is free and there is a small parking lot right in front of the Shipka Memorial Church.
The bell tower has a total height of 53 meters and has 17 bells. The largest bell weighs 12 tons.
Nesebar, with its important buildings and its unique location, has been included to the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage. The city is located on the north side of the Bay of Burgas on a small rocky peninsula. Its kilometer-long sandy beaches are undoubtedly one of the most popular seaside resorts in Bulgaria. Nesebar is very easy to reach thanks to its central location. It is closer to Burgas, but it’s not very far from Varna either. Several buses run to Nesebar and back every day. A visit here is highly recommended.
At over 3,200 years old, Nesebar is one of the oldest places in Europe.
Melnik Earth Pyramids are rock formations, also known as Hoodoos. They are one of the wonders of Bulgaria, located in the south of Pirin National Park Mountain, near the village of Rozhen. Surrounded by flowering vegetation this place is unreal and just worth a visit. There are also other Pyramids next to the village of Stob in the western Rila National Park. To get to the Melnik Earth Pyramids you have to drive to the Rozhen Monastery. There you can find a larger parking lot. From there you follow the Melnik Rozhen Trail which is an easy path that takes about 10 minutes and leads to a viewpoint with a beautiful view of the sandstone pyramids.
Etar Open Air Museum shows everyday Bulgarian life, culture and old traditional craftsmanship, as well as Bulgarian architecture from around 300 to 150 years ago. It is open daily, throughout the year, without days off. Probably the easiest way to get there is by car. You can also take the bus or train from Veliko Tarnovo. Both public transport options do not go directly to Etar. The bus goes to Gabrovo and the train to Plachkovtsi. From there you have to take a taxi. Admission to the open air museum is 10 leva per person and parking costs 3 leva.
Get yourself an absolutely delicious apple strudel in the small artisan bakery and a Turkish coffee in the cafe.
Vaya Beach is rightly one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. It is located on the Black Sea in the middle of the two large cities of Varna and Burgas. Vaya Beach is somewhat hidden south of Obzor. The bay is still considered an insider tip for a natural beach. There is a bus from Burgas to Banya, which is about 6 kilometers from Vaya Beach. Probably the best option is to go there by car. At the northern tip of the beach is the Vaya Beach Resort, which is a beautiful, quiet resort for a nice vacation
Koprivshtitsa is a charming small town in Bulgaria. The place is known for there houses from the Bulgarian Revival period. Koprivshtitsa is located about 110 kilometers east of the capital Sofia. Since 1965, the Bulgarian National Folklore Festival has been held in Koprivshtitsa every five years. There are several connections to and from Koprivshtitsa. From Sofia or Plovdiv you can travel by train or bus. The train goes to the train station wich is around 9 kilometers away. After that you have to take a taxi or bus.
The bus goes directly to the town of Koprivshtitsa.
The name Koprivshtitsa translates as stinging nettle, as they grow in abundance in the region.
Krushuna Falls are a series of waterfalls and a magical place in the north of the country. They are located near the town of the same name, Krushuna, and 35 kilometers from the city of Lovech. They are famous, among other things, for their picturesque landscape and consist of many travertines. Unfortunately there is no public transport to this place. The only way to get there is by car. Admission costs 5 leva per person.
The Monument Arch of Freedom is located in the Beklemeto area of the Balkans. The Monument is a 35 meter high concrete structure. Located at approximately 1600 meters, it’s on the top of the mountain and from up there you have a breathtaking view over the Balkan mountains. You can only get there by car. The nearest larger towns are Karlovo and Troyan. From Lovech it’s about 60 kilometers and you just have to follow the road 35 south.
Basarbovo Monastery, also known as Rock Monastery, is a Bulgarian Orthodox cave monastery 12 kilometers away from the city of Ruse at the Romanian boarder in the north of Bulgaria. It has the same name as the nearby village of Basarbovo and is actually a rock monastery at a height of 35 meters.
The best way to get there is by car. If you book a guided tour or dock with the Danube cruise ship, shuttle buses go to the monastery.
Admission costs 4 leva (around 2€) per person.
Ruse is a city located at the Danube River. It’s the fifth largest city in Bulgaria and lies directly on the border to Romania. Ruse has good transport connections to various cities. It is very easy to reach by bus and train. The distance from Ruse to Bucharest is 80 kilometers and to Sofia it is 310 kilometers.
Lovech is a gorgeous town with about 35,000 inhabitants on both banks of the Osam River in central Bulgaria, but in the northern part of the country. There are several attractions around Lovech and there is a lot to discover, including the Devetashka Cave, Krushuna Falls, Glozhene Monastery and many more. One of the most famous sights in Lovech is definitely the old wooden bridge, where are several shops. Lovech also has good connections. You can travel by bus or train, but with several changes. But as always the best way to get around in Bulgaria, is definitely by car.
Shiroka Laka is located in the south of Bulgaria. The village is located in the Rhodope Mountains, about 13 km from Pamporovo and about 24 km northwest of Smolyan. The village was founded in the 17th century and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bulgaria. You can take public transport from Sofia or Plovdiv. However, these do not go directly to Shiroka Laka, you have to take a taxi for the rest of the way.
Melnik is the smallest city in Bulgaria and also very famous for the dark red Melnik wine, which is grown in the area. The Melnik River flows through Melnik and many visitors come to this enchanting place because of the sandstone pyramids, which are a breathtaking natural spectacle. It’s not possible to get to Melnik directly by public transport. You always have to change at least once. The best way to reach the place is by car. There are several parking options on site. From Sofia it takes just over two hours by car.
See me Beach or better known as Shkorpilovci Beach, is a is a wonderfully long sandy beach on the Black Sea. There is a long pier, a great bar and restaurants over there. This place definitely has that Tulum vibe. There are several holiday apartments and hotels around. The best way to get there is by car. Here are also several good parking spaces. It can get very crowded there in summer.
You will have some great options and several ways to travel through Bulgaria, depending on how flexible you want to be and which places you plan to visit.
Our road trip tip: Take your time and don’t rush! Bulgaria is full of hidden gems, charming villages, stunning mountain views and quiet beaches and the best experiences often happen when you stop spontaneously along the way. Make sure to try local food, maybe chat with locals and enjoy the flexibility that comes with exploring by car.
For us, Bulgaria is perfect for a road trip by car. The easiest way to rent a car is directly at the airports in Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, or Burgas. Prices are fair compared to many other European countries, and fuel costs are also relatively low.
We found driving itself to be straightforward and quite relaxed, even in the cities. The main roads between the larger cities are well-maintained, while in rural areas it can get a bit bumpier, but the scenery is all the more beautiful for it.
Parking was usually not a problem; in cities there are parking zones or parking garages, and outside of cities there are often free parking spaces.
The distances within the country are manageable but can sometimes be time-consuming, although you can easily reach several places in one day. A car simply offers the most flexibility, allowing you to stop spontaneously whenever something looks interesting.
Buses in Bulgaria are an affordable and reliable way to reach many of the country’s most beautiful cities. We found the bus network surprisingly well-developed, especially between larger cities like Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. However, we never actually used a bus in Bulgaria, as we traveled by car. But generally speaking, buses are perfectly adequate for classic city trips. If you’re heading to remote natural spots or hidden gems, though, buses offer some limitations and less flexibility.
Main Bus Providers in Bulgaria:
Our tip💡
You can buy tickets either directly at the bus station, via the providers’ websites, or through online platforms and apps. For popular routes, especially in summer, it’s worth booking in advance. Bus tickets are relatively inexpensive.
Train travel in Bulgaria is relaxing and often offers stunning scenery, especially on routes through mountains or open landscapes. The major cities are well connected, although trains are generally slower than buses or cars. For us, the train is an interesting alternative option if you have time and want to enjoy the journey itself.
If you decide to travel by train, you should be aware that while Bulgaria has a train network covering many main routes, it isn’t as extensive or rapidly developed as in many Western European countries.
There are express and faster Intercity trains on main routes such as Sofia-Plovdiv, Sofia-Varna and Sofia-Burgas.
Tickets can be purchased online, at the train station, or via the BDŽ website and Sofia’s main train station is centrally located.
There are also international connections, such as the Istanbul-Sofia Express, which allows you to travel across borders by train, although these journeys take longer.
We traveled in Bulgaria in September and found it to be the ideal time to visit. The temperatures were pleasantly warm, but no longer oppressive; the summer crowds had largely disappeared, especially in popular places like Rila, Belogradchik, and Sofia, and both cities and nature were easy to explore. September was perfect for us, especially for road trips, sightseeing, and short hikes.
Spring brings mild weather, beautiful blooming landscapes, and fewer visitors, especially in busy places. It’s an ideal time to travel to cities, nature spots, and for early excursions into the mountains, even if it can still be a bit chilly in the evenings.
Summer in Bulgaria can be very hot, especially inland. This time of year is generally perfect for the Black Sea coast and beach resorts, but cities can get very hot and crowded. Natural spots offer the best respite from the heat.
Autumn was our favorite time of year, and also the time when we did our Bulgaria road trip. Pleasant temperatures, beautiful colors in nature, and significantly fewer tourists make these months ideal for tours and longer stays.
In winter it gets cold, especially in the mountains. This time of year is better suited for skiing and winter landscapes, particularly around Bansko, Pamporovo, or Borovets. Winter is less suitable for traditional sightseeing or road trips.
Our tip: If you want great weather without the crowds, September and early October are hard to beat.
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Bulgaria offers a surprising range of great places to stay, from lively cities and coastal resorts to charming mountain towns and quiet villages. During our trip we found that choosing the right base makes a big difference in how much you enjoy your days. They are generally very easy to find, and there are some great accommodations around Bulgaria.
Sofia – The Urban Hub 🏙️
Plovdiv – Culture & History 🏛️
Coastal Towns – Varna & Burgas 🌊
Mountain Towns – Bansko & Villages ⛰️
Small Towns & Countryside Stays 🌿
Book ahead for summer (June-August): Especially on Goldcoast and coast in general.
Central locations save time: Staying near train or bus stations helps when exploring multiple places.
Mix it up: Combine a city stay with a few days by the coast or mountains to get the full Bulgaria experience.
The official currency in Bulgaria is now the euro (€), previously it was the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). During our trip, we mostly paid by card in cities, restaurants, and hotels without any problems. That said, we always carried some cash, especially for smaller cafes, markets, or rural areas where card payments aren’t always accepted. But since 01.01.2025, the euro has been in use, so you don’t need to exchange anything if you’re coming from an EU country.
We felt very safe and welcomed while traveling through Bulgaria, both in larger cities and in more remote regions. Like anywhere, it’s smart to keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places or public transport, but overall Bulgaria felt relaxed and welcoming.
ATMs are easy to find in cities and tourist areas. In smaller towns and villages, they can be less frequent, so we usually withdrew some cash in advance. Since Bulgaria uses the Euro, you don’t need to convert any currency and therefore there are no hidden costs.
Tip: If you are from an EU country or a country that uses the Euro, always pay in the local currency, Euros.
Internet coverage in Bulgaria pleasantly surprised us. In cities and towns, mobile data was fast and reliable. In mountainous or rural areas, the signal could occasionally drop, but overall it was still usable. We didn’t need to buy a SIM card, as Bulgaria allows roaming in most contracts. If you’re coming from a country outside of Europe, we recommend an eSIM.
Bulgarian is the official language and uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which can take a moment to get used to. In tourist areas, hotels and restaurants, many people speak English, especially younger Bulgarians. Learning a few basics like “Blagodarya” (thank you) or “Zdravey” (hello) is always appreciated.
Bulgarian food is hearty, fresh and full of flavor. We loved trying local dishes like Banitsa, Shopska salad, grilled meats and traditional stews. Portions are often generous and prices very reasonable. Tap water is generally safe in cities, but we usually stuck to bottled water just to be on the safe side.
If you’re planning to drive, renting a car is a great idea. Roads between major cities are mostly in good condition, while smaller roads can be rougher but scenic. Fuel prices are affordable and driving gives you the freedom to explore hidden places that are hard to reach otherwise.
Bulgaria is one of the most affordable destinations in Europe. Accommodation, food and transportation are generally budget-friendly, even in popular spots. We found it easy to travel comfortably without spending too much.
Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 5–10% is common if you’re happy with the service. For taxis or cafés, rounding up is usually enough. But don’t be too stingy!
A LOVE LETTER TO BULGARIA
Bulgaria truly left a lasting impression on us and we really liked it. The mix of historic cities, untouched nature and relaxed coastal towns makes the country incredibly diverse, yet easy to explore. What we loved most was how authentic everything felt, from small family-run restaurants to quiet places that don’t feel overrun by tourism.
Every destination had its own character and charm, and traveling through Bulgaria showed us how much there is still to discover and explore. If you’re looking for beautiful places, genuine experiences and a destination that still feels a bit like a hidden gem, Bulgaria is absolutely worth adding to your travel list.
