6 Recommended Tourist Spots in Bulgaria | Not just yogurt!

Bulgaria is strongly associated with yogurt, but its attractions go beyond food. Not widely known, Bulgaria is also famous for its wine and roses.
The country is home to many ancient cities and historical buildings that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, offering a deep dive into Bulgaria's history and culture. In this guide, we will introduce a wide range of tourist spots, from those where you can learn and enjoy the culture, to resorts offering active experiences like skiing and horseback riding.

1. Rila Monastery (Rila)

Rila Monastery, also known as the Monastery of Rila, is the largest and most significant Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The primary way to reach the monastery is by bus from Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, with direct buses available. The travel time by bus is approximately 2.5 hours. During the tourist season, buses may fill up, so it is advisable to depart early in the morning. Many tourists also opt to take a taxi directly from their hotel to the monastery, which offers a smooth journey without worrying about seat availability or transfer times.
Additionally, the monastery offers accommodations for pilgrims. While advance reservations are difficult, there is a high chance of finding a room by visiting on the day. If the monastery is fully booked, there are hotels located outside the monastery, so you can still enjoy your visit with peace of mind.

2. Ancient City of Nessebar (Nessebar)

The ancient city of Nessebar, dating back around 3,000 years, was recognized for its historical and cultural value and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983.
Throughout its long history, Nessebar has been ruled by the ancient Greeks, the Roman Empire, and the Ottoman Empire. As the rulers changed, various churches and temples were built, offering a glimpse into the culture of Bulgaria's different eras. These well-preserved structures make the city not only a site of historical significance but also a cultural treasure. In addition to the ruins, Nessebar is located on a small peninsula on the Black Sea in eastern Bulgaria, offering stunning views of the sea and picturesque wooden buildings that create a warm, inviting atmosphere. The island is only about 2 kilometers in circumference, making it perfect for a leisurely stroll while sightseeing.

3. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Sofia)

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located in the center of Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. Its golden domes are so striking that they can be seen from a distance, making it a beautiful landmark. There is another cathedral with the same name in Tallinn, Estonia, but they are entirely different, so be aware when planning your visit. The cathedral was built to commemorate the liberation of Bulgaria from Ottoman rule by Russian Emperor Alexander II.
When visiting the cathedral, be sure to admire its magnificent exterior and interior. The stunning dome adorned with gold leaf, the various-sized bells with a diameter of up to 15 meters, marble icons and decorations, and murals painted by historic artists are all captivating sights.
One of the highlights to look for includes the marble throne of the king, the patriarchal throne, and the mosaic murals depicting Queen Eleonora, among other grand works. Don't miss the chance to explore these beautiful features.

4. Boyana Church (Sofia)

Located at the foot of Mount Vitosha on the outskirts of Sofia, the Boyana Church is a Bulgarian Orthodox church that was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979 due to its historical and artistic value. The church consists of three sanctuaries built in the 11th, 13th, and 19th centuries, and is famous for harmonizing different architectural styles from each period. When visiting, be sure to notice the distinct architectural styles of each building.
Inside the church, you can enjoy beautiful frescoes, including the famous "Last Supper," "The Virgin Mary and Christ on the Throne," "The Transfiguration of Christ," and "Christ the Almighty." However, please note that photography is generally prohibited inside the church.
The recommended way to reach Boyana Church is by taxi, which will take about 20 minutes from the center of Sofia.

5. Borovets (Borovets)

When it comes to Bulgarian ski resorts, Mount Vitosha, located just 30 minutes by car from Sofia, is famous. However, Borovets is also highly recommended for its larger size, more diverse slopes, and well-developed facilities. It takes about an hour to reach Sofia by car.
There are three main reasons to recommend Borovets Ski Resort:
1. Affordable Prices: Lift passes, meals, and accommodation are relatively inexpensive, making it budget-friendly.
2. Stunning Scenery: During the day, you can enjoy the vast, snowy nature, and in the evening, you can take in the beautiful night views of Sofia.
3. Variety of Activities: While famous as a winter ski resort, Borovets also offers hiking, trekking, and horseback riding in the summer, making it perfect for both couples and families.

6. Belogradchik Fortress (Belogradchik)

Belogradchik Fortress is located in the town of Belogradchik, in the northwestern part of Bulgaria, at the foot of the Balkan Mountains.
The most distinctive feature of this fortress is the natural rock formations (known as the Belogradchik Rocks), which are shaped by natural phenomena. Over a long period of time, nature created these rock walls, which stretch about 30 kilometers long and 7 kilometers wide. The rocks are rich in iron oxide, giving them a reddish color and making them highly prominent.
Due to their unique shapes, the rocks have been named after various figures such as "The Knight," "The Virgin Mary," "Adam and Eve," and "The Lion." When visiting the Belogradchik Fortress, be sure to pay attention to the intricate shapes of the rocks.

Summary

We have introduced six recommended tourist spots in Bulgaria, all of which are culturally, historically, and artistically significant. Bulgaria is a country full of attractions. Whether you're interested in UNESCO World Heritage sites or lesser-known locations, Bulgaria offers many fascinating places to visit. Use this guide as a reference when planning your visit, and enjoy creating wonderful memories during your trip to Bulgaria.
In addition to the six spots introduced here, Bulgaria has many more sightseeing destinations. Make sure to experience the best of Bulgaria during your travels.