Bulgaria!

Bulgaria, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich history, is a captivating country to explore. Having spent many happy weeks traveling throughout the country, we’ve curated a selection of our favourite spots for those venturing here for the first time and are up for exploring!

Plovdiv

Maggie’s hometown! Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Plovdiv boasts a storied past that spans over eight millennia, with traces of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Bulgarian influences interwoven into its urban fabric. Beyond its historical allure, Plovdiv pulses with a contemporary energy, evident in its bustling markets, lively arts scene and dynamic culinary offerings. It was also the European Capital of Culture 2019. Make sure you visit Mat’s favourite bar in the Kapana district – котка и мишка (Cat and Mouse)

Rila Monastery

Nestled in Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains, the Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its stunning frescoes and spiritual significance. Embraced by lush forests and commanding peaks, this timeless sanctuary invites visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of its sacred grounds and experience the enduring legacy of Bulgaria’s religious heritage.

Seven Rila Lakes

Also in the Rila Mountain range is a fantastic hike through the seven Rila Lakes. This trail presents hikers with incredible views of crystal-clear glacial lakes, lush alpine meadows, and rugged peaks. We managed to get lost twice during our first time here!

Devil’s Throat Cave

Devil’s Throat Cave, located in the Bulgaria’s oldest mountain range, the Rhodope Mountains, is a natural wonder shrouded in myth and mystery. According to folklore, Orpheus, the legendary musician and poet of Greek mythology, ventured into the depths of this cave in search of his beloved Eurydice, whose soul had descended into the underworld. It’s said that the haunting melodies of Orpheus’s lyre echoed through the cavern. Trigrad is the closest village to the caves.