Travel destination Bulgaria
Bulgaria: A Land of Surprises
I would plan a little more time for Bulgaria! The landscape is so diverse that you could easily travel through Bulgaria for several weeks. Here is a brief overview:
Bulgaria is a country in Southeast Europe that borders the Black Sea, Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. It has an area of approximately 111,000 square kilometers and a population of about 6.5 million people. The capital and largest city is Sofia, located in the west of the country. Other important cities include Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. Bulgaria has been a member of NATO since 2004 and the European Union since 2007.
Bulgaria possesses a rich and diverse natural environment characterized by mountains, plains, rivers, lakes, and coasts. The Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina) divide the country into two parts: the northern section, which belongs to the Danube Plain, and the southern section, which belongs to Thrace, Macedonia, and the Upper Thracian Plain.
Landscape in Bulgaria
The highest mountains are the Rila Mountains with Musala (2,925 m), the highest peak in the Balkan Peninsula, and the Pirin Mountains with Vihren (2,914 m).
The longest rivers are the Danube, which forms the border with Romania, the Maritsa, which forms the border with Greece, and the Struma, which flows through the southwest of the country.
The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is approximately 380 km long and features many sandy beaches, bays, and cliffs.
History of Bulgaria
Bulgaria has a long and eventful history, dating back to antiquity. The territory was inhabited by various peoples, such as the Thracians, the Persians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Goths, the Slavs, and the Bulgarians. The Bulgarians were a Turkic people who migrated to the Balkan Peninsula in the 7th century and mixed with the Slavs.
They founded the First Bulgarian Empire, which experienced its golden age in the 9th and 10th centuries and developed into the center of Slavic culture and script. The Second Bulgarian Empire emerged in the 12th century and reached its peak in the 13th and 14th centuries, before being conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Ottoman rule lasted until the 19th century, when the Bulgarians liberated themselves after a long struggle for freedom and founded the Third Bulgarian Empire. In the 20th century, Bulgaria was involved in both World Wars and became a Communist state under Soviet influence after the Second World War. The Communist era ended in 1989 with a peaceful revolution, and Bulgaria began a democratic and market-economy transformation.
Culture of Bulgaria
Bulgaria possesses a rich and diverse culture, shaped by various influences. The Bulgarian language belongs to the South Slavic language group and uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which was invented in the 9th century by the Bulgarian scholars Cyril and Methodius.
Bulgarian literature has produced many famous authors, such as Ivan Vazov, Hristo Botev, Elias Canetti, Yordan Yovkov, and Georgi Gospodinov. Bulgarian music is known for its folk songs, which are often sung polyphonically (in multiple parts) and have a characteristic rhythm.
Bulgarian art encompasses various styles and periods, including Thracian art, Byzantine art, the Bulgarian Revival, National Romanticism, and Modernism.
Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture of Oriental, Mediterranean, and Slavic influences, and is characterized by the use of vegetables, cheese, yogurt, meat, and spices. Typical dishes include Shopska salad, Banitsa, Musaka, Kebapcheta, and Tarator.
Best time to visit Bulgaria
The best time to visit Bulgaria depends on what you expect from your holiday.
Beach Holiday:
-
May to October: During these months, temperatures on the Black Sea coast average between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius. The water is warm enough for swimming, and there are plenty of hours of sunshine.
-
June to August: This is the high season in Bulgaria. Prices are higher, but there are also more events and activities.
-
September and October: The peak season is over, but the weather is still pleasant. Prices are lower and there are fewer tourists.
Hiking and Active Holidays:
-
May to June and September to October: During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant for hiking and other outdoor activities.
-
July and August: Temperatures can rise very high in the inland regions, making hiking and other activities more strenuous.
Winter Holiday:
-
December to March: The Bulgarian mountains offer excellent opportunities for skiing and snowboarding.
-
Christmas and New Year: Bulgaria is a popular destination for winter holidays, especially over Christmas and New Year. Prices are higher during this time, but there is also a festive atmosphere.
Further Information:
The climate in Bulgaria is continental with warm summers and cold winters. In the coastal regions, the climate is milder, with warm summers and mild winters.
The best time to travel to Bulgaria therefore depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are planning a beach holiday, the months from May to October are ideal. If you want to hike or do other outdoor activities, May to June and September to October are the best months. And if you are planning a winter holiday, you should consider the months from December to March.
Crime in Bulgaria
The overall crime rate in Bulgaria is higher than in many other European countries. You should be especially vigilant in tourist areas and large cities. With a few simple precautions, you can safely enjoy your trip to Bulgaria. Find more information HERE!
Conclusion: Bulgaria as a Travel Destination
Bulgaria is a jewel in the Balkans, captivating both culture enthusiasts and nature lovers. Historic cities like Sofia and Plovdiv tell tales of a vibrant past, while the picturesque coastal resorts along the Black Sea invite visitors to relax. The breathtaking nature, from the majestic mountains to the fertile valleys, offers countless opportunities for outdoor activities. And last but not least, the warm hospitality of the Bulgarians makes every visit unforgettable.
Who is Bulgaria suitable for:
-
For Culture Enthusiasts: Bulgaria is a true treasure trove for history buffs. Ancient ruins, medieval monasteries, and Ottoman mosques bear witness to the country's rich past.
-
For Nature Lovers: Bulgaria is a paradise for nature lovers. The Rila and Pirin mountains offer breathtaking hiking trails and ski resorts, while the Black Sea coast invites you to relax on its long, sandy beaches.
-
For Budget Travelers: Bulgaria is an affordable travel destination, offering a great balance between quality and price.
That was a quick overview! If you are looking for specific travel destinations in Bulgaria, please check further down in this article. I have described some destinations in Bulgaria in detail there.
Here you can find my YouTube channel:
Here you can find activities in Bulgaria:
Destinations Bulgaria
Destinations found:
8
