From Roman ruins to warren-like medieval towns and breathtaking Orthodox churches, Bulgaria echoes with history waiting to be discovered. Soaring mountains and hilltop fortresses look down on golden, sandy beaches, lapped by the Black Sea, and crystal-clear lakes are edged by ancient forests. Bulgaria offers an exceptionally diverse landscape, all underpinned by rich cultural history and a sense of wild romance.
Capital city
Sofia
Currency
Bulgarian lev (BGN) – while Bulgaria is an EU member state, it hasn’t adopted the euro.
Cuisine
A melting pot of time-honoured tradition and modern flair. Start your day with warm banitsa, flaky savoury pasties. For lunch, try sarmi (stuffed cabbage or vine leaves) or kavarma (a slow-cooked stew served in a clay pot.) Bulgarian reds will never disappoint – look for Mavrud and Melnik grape varieties.
Tipping etiquette
A tip of around 10% of the bill is generally expected when dining. For taxi rides, rounding up to the nearest lev or adding a small amount is common.
Saying hello
To say “good morning”, try “dobro utro,” For good evening, it’s “dobro wecher.”
For great weather, nature in full bloom, city sightseeing and cultural events, visit Bulgaria from mid spring through to early summer. The beaches are stunning in July and August but to dodge the summer crowds, travel in September and October, when you’ll find beautiful autumnal vistas, wine festivals and stunning hiking trails in the mountains. As December arrives, it’s time for affordable skiing and charming Christmas markets.
Charter a hot air balloon from Kazanlak, a magical way to take in the Rose Valley, where Damask Roses are grown for their scented oil.