Bulgaria

 

 

 

 

D espite the construction boom that is transforming the country, Bulgaria continues to remains an enigmatic country and a land of adventure.

The main attractions for many European travelers are the superb beaches along the country’s sunny Black Sea coast and the ski resorts further inland. Both are much more popular than the capital city of Sofia to the west which, although historically significant, still retains much of the drab, Communist-era architecture from years ago.

In between the Black Sea Coast and the capital, however, you’ll encounter many places where you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Mid-country, women still hand-till the fields, their heads crowned with old, patterned headscarves. Men drive horse-drawn carts piled high with hay along the roads and the village blacksmith still plies his trade just as his ancestors did for centuries.

Visit Plovdiv, with its well-preserved (and still used) Roman amphitheater and view the spectacular murals at the monasteries at Rila and Bachkovo. At Koprivshtitsa, one of the country’s most attractive towns, see colorful National Revival houses.

In some off-the-beaten track areas little, if any, English is spoken, but almost everyone will try to help you along your way.

Top Experiences

Plovdiv – an architectural reserve
Koprivshtitsa – attractive and colorful
Rila and Bachkovo Monasteries – spectacular murals
Sofia – a Roman, medieval, Ottoman, and Communist heritage

Good to Know

Bulgaria’s Holiest Site
Rila Monastery is one of the most notable examples of National Revival architecture in Bulgaria.

Transportation

Sofia Airport is served by flights from other European capitals but not from the USA. Train travel is good, although sometimes slow. Bus service on comfortable, air-conditioned buses, connects most towns although reservations are advisable. Travel via private car is good on the main routes but roads are poor in many villages.

Hotels

As the country’s tourism infrastructure grows, so does the availability of hotels. Options range from budget to five-star in Sofia and the Black Sea resorts, and occasionally rooms can be had in monasteries in the more isolated areas of the country.

Food

As with hotel options, as the infrastructure grows, so does the dining options available to travelers. Restaurants range from those serving traditional Bulgarian to more upscale establishment offering international cuisine.

Quality of Medical Care (Good/Fair/Poor)

Good