Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: where to go with children? Where is the best place to relax in Bulgaria? Reviews from tourists Where to visit in Bulgaria.

17.02.2024

What to visit in Bulgaria

Main sights of Sofia: Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, in the crypt of which the Museum of Icons is located, the churches of St. George, St. Sophia and Boyanskaya. On the People's Assembly Square there is the building of the National Assembly, in front of which there is a statue of Emperor Alexander II.

119 km south of Sofia lies famous Rila Monastery, on the territory of which there is a five-story tower with the Church of the Transfiguration, church gates, the monastery library, the Khrelova Tower and the five-domed Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin.

Worth a visit also city-reserve Veliko Tarnovo with a beautiful Royal Palace, you can explore numerous caves and go rock climbing. Next door is Arbanasi village, where you can admire stone houses and explore the churches of the Nativity of Christ and the Archangel, which are considered monuments of national culture.

In Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, it is worth seeing the Roman Forum Trimontium, a theater with 3000 seats and the gate of Hissar Kapia (2nd century), as well as the Dzhumaya and Imaret mosques, the Cathedral of Constantine and Helen, the ruins of the Thracian city of Eumolpias, the amphitheater of Philip II of Macedon and three unique churches: St. Nedelya, St. Dimitar and St. Marina.

30 km from Plovid there is Bachkovo Monastery with the beautiful churches of the Archangel Michael, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the chapel of St. Nicholas, the interior of which was painted by the famous Zachary Zograf.

In the southwestern part of the Pirin Mountains stands Melnik town, famous for its wine cellars, the Melnik Pyramids rocks, the Rozhen Monastery and the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Other interesting places in Bulgaria: “the capital of laughter” Gabrovo, one of the centers of the Bulgarian Middle Ages - Shumen, one of the most ancient cities in Europe - Varna, town Bansko, in which Renaissance buildings have been preserved, as well as Belogradchik with the Roman fortress of Kale and the Belogradchiski Skali National Park.

Beach resorts in Bulgaria

The length of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is more than 370 km. The Black Sea water with its low salt concentration is ideal for swimming. There are dozens of resort towns on the Black Sea coast, sometimes called the Bulgarian Riviera. The Balkan Mountains divide the Bulgarian coastline into northern and southern. In the north, the most popular are the port city of Varna, the young and modern resort of Albena and the famous Golden Sands. In the north - Burgas, Sunny Beach, Nessebar and Sozopol. The total, cumulative length of Bulgarian beaches is about 130 km.

Despite the fact that they often talk about the dirty coastal zone, Bulgarian beaches are distinguished by fine yellowish sand, a gentle slope to the sea, a wide coastline and a safe bottom, which is optimal for swimming children. The longest beach is considered to be the beach of Sunny Beach, the widest is Albena. Algae and jellyfish, unfortunately, are some of the uninvited guests in the coastal zone. There is especially a lot of algae in the Nessebar area, and if they are removed from the sand, they can often be found in the sea.

Albena is considered the best beach for water sports. Nightlife and parties are on the beaches of Golden Sands and Sunny Beach. If resort life seems boring and uninteresting to you, then you can always settle in the city and bask in the sun, for example, on the beaches of the third largest settlement in the country, Varna.

Golden Sands (Zlatni-Pyasytsi) - one of the best resorts in Bulgaria, located on the territory of the national park of the same name, 18 km northeast of Varna, and 490 km from Sofia. The fine sandy beach area with a gentle slope into the sea stretches for 3.5 km and in some places reaches a width of up to 100 meters. The resort has about 70 hotels from 2 to 5 stars, most of which are suitable for families with small children. You can rent apartments and villas in Golden Sands. In summer, the average air temperature is about +26°C, and the water temperature is +21°C. The beach season lasts from May to the end of September. The main attractions of the resort and its surroundings: the chapel of St. John the Baptist and the two-tiered rock monastery of Aladzha (14th century) and warm mineral springs. The resort's spa hotels offer outdoor and indoor swimming pools with thermal mineral water, a variety of medical services, treatment and recovery programs.

Sunny Beach (Sunny Beach) - the largest and busiest resort on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. It is located in a beautiful bay of the same name, between the cities of Varna (90 km) and Burgas (36 km), and is part of the city (community) of Nessebar, the old part of which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. City buses run between old Nessebar and the northern part of Sunny Beach. The resort is ideal for classic beach lovers of all ages. There are cozy and comfortable guest houses and luxury hotel complexes that provide round-the-clock entertainment services for vacationers, several holiday villages and campsites, as well as more than 130 restaurants, nightlife establishments, bars and discos, as well as many specialized children's sanatoriums and playgrounds. A fine sandy beach strip about 10 km long and 30 to 100 meters wide is fenced off from the land by natural sand dunes, the most beautiful of which are located in the southern part of the coast. The average daily temperature here fluctuates in summer +26°C, and the water +23°C.

Albena- a young and modern resort on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, located on the territory of the Baltata national reserve, in a picturesque bay 30 km north of the city of Varna and 8 km south of Balchik. This resort is an ideal holiday destination for both a married couple with children and a noisy group of young people. There are more than 40 hotels from 2 to 5 stars. The fine sandy beach of Albena is located in a picturesque bay and is more than 5 kilometers long and up to 150 meters wide. The seabed and water here are quite clean, thanks to which Albena regularly receives the international Blue Flag award. Vacationers at the resort can visit the city of Balchik with the residence and beautiful botanical garden of the Romanian Queen Mary of Edinburgh, the Orthodox rock monastery of Aladzha, the fortress and caves at Cape Kaliakra, as well as the Baltata nature reserve. The nearest airport to the resort is Varna.

Aheloy- a quiet and peaceful place in south-eastern Bulgaria, just 7 km. from the city of Nessebar and the resort of Sunny Beach. Thanks to its location, Aheloy is becoming an increasingly attractive place for tourism development. Currently, several hotels, restaurants, day and night bars are open in the village. There are long sandy beaches and a favorable climate, orchards and vineyards. The village is located in an ecologically clean, quiet and peaceful area and offers excellent fishing opportunities, because the Aheloy River flows nearby. Direct communication connects the village with Burgas (29 km) and the airport through regular buses, minibuses and minibuses.

Ahtopol is the southernmost city on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, located 85 km. from Burgas, 16 km. Tsarevo and 14 km. from the border with Turkey. Ahtopol is a resort of local importance; it has just over 1,400 inhabitants. There are not many hotels here; accommodation is mainly offered in the private sector. The resort is an excellent place for a quiet family holiday.

Byala- a resort town in Bulgaria, located 60 km. from Varna and 70 km. from Burgas. Byala is a wonderful combination of beaches with golden sand and green areas that amaze with their beauty. This area has the cleanest seas, because... There are no industrial zones nearby. Numerous holiday homes and hotels have become an excellent place for summer holidays and tourism. A small seaport for yachts and small boats opens up opportunities for yacht tourism. The city's infrastructure is well developed, regular bus lines to neighboring cities and resorts, many new hotels, restaurants, bars, discos and cafes.

Nessebar located on a rocky peninsula 37 km. from the city of Burgas and 3 km. from the Sunny Beach resort. This is one of the oldest cities in Europe, in whose memory material evidence of the spiritual culture of different eras and peoples is preserved to this day. Nessebar beach is considered one of the best. Fine, golden sand covers a large spit between Nessebar and the town of Ravda. Directly off the coast you can see beautiful dunes. There are many private hotels and apartments in Nessebar, the owners of which try to create a special comfort for their guests.

Elenite- a modern resort located 10 km from Sunny Beach at the foot of the Stara Planina, 40 km from Burgas. The resort complex is designed as a beautiful green park containing luxury bungalows, villas and hotels. The resort has its own beach, its beach strip is about 2 km. There are bars, restaurants, shops and a disco, tennis courts and bicycle rental for those wishing to take a walk and explore the surrounding area.

Lozenets- the resort village is located in the southern part of the Black Sea coast, 60 km. from Burgas, between the cities of Primorsko and Tsarevo. Lozenets is a favorite holiday destination for people who know the Bulgarian Black Sea coast well. The place is cozy and pleasant for a family holiday; there are many small and inexpensive hotels. And although the atmosphere at the resort is calm, there is no shortage of entertainment here.

Review is a small, attractive resort town for families and youth, located 65 km south of Varna. Stretching along the coast of the picturesque area, Obzor offers magnificent views of the sea on one side, and the mountains on the other. This is one of the most environmentally friendly resort places in Bulgaria. Here you will be offered a variety of accommodation conditions - family villas, private boarding houses, small cozy cottages and newly built family-type hotels.

Pomorie located on a narrow rocky peninsula, 20 km from Burgas and 18 km from Sunny Beach. Thanks to its unique nature and favorable climate, the resort is an excellent place for recreation and rehabilitation. The Pomorie Bay is suitable for a variety of marine sports - yachting, sailing, fishing, etc. In recent years, the development of spa tourism has turned Pomorie into a balneological resort. Regular bus services are available to neighboring cities and resorts. There are many restaurants, bars, discos and shops. Water attractions: scooters, jets, fishing, beach volleyball, tennis. This quiet corner of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is especially suitable for family holidays.

Primorsko is located 52 km south of Burgas and 442 km southeast of Sofia. The resort is located between Stomoplo and Devil's Bay bays. Primorsko is famous for the longest 10 km sandy beach, where there are more than 80 holiday homes, hotels, campsites and hotel complexes. Primorsko has all the conditions for active recreation: tennis courts, a stadium for football and athletics, basketball, volleyball and handball courts, a fitness room, table tennis, a swimming pool. Buses run every hour to neighboring towns and resorts.

Ravda- the small resort village of Ravda is located 5 km from the city of Nessebar and Sunny Beach and 28 km north of Burgas. Here is an ecologically clean beach with fine golden sand, the sand dunes of Ravda stretch along the coast of the city of Nessebar, which can be reached on foot from Ravda along the beach. Near the village there are vineyards and orchards. More often young people and students come to Ravda to relax. There are many camps for children and youth, holiday homes and private apartments. The resort conditions are also suitable for family holidays. Buses and minibuses, as well as taxis, run from Ravda to Burgas, Nessebar and Sunny Beach according to schedule.

Riviera- a recreation club located 17 km north of Varna, in close proximity to the Golden Sands resort complex. Silence and tranquility, a magnificent park with rare plants, quiet bays with fine sand create an atmosphere of comfort and impeccable luxury in the five hotels of the complex. Today, the former government residence is one of the most fashionable resorts in Bulgaria offering 490 rooms and apartments with 1000 beds in 5 hotels of different categories.

St. Constantine and Helena- a resort located 8 km north of Varna in a beautiful green park with an abundance of mineral springs. A characteristic feature of the resort is its rugged coastline, which consists of an alternation of picturesque coves, golden sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The beach strip of the resort is not wide - on average 50-80 m, but very well equipped. The range of hotels is very wide - from chic modern 4* and 5* to affordable 3*, from standard 2* to I* youth hotels.

Saint Vlas- a small resort village (3000 inhabitants) on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. The young and rapidly developing resort is located 5 km north of the largest Black Sea resort in Bulgaria - Sunny Beach and 9 km from the ancient town of Nessebar. The resort has three beaches with a total length of 1.5 km. St. Vlas combines clean sea and mountain air, thereby creating favorable conditions for the successful treatment of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, musculoskeletal system, etc. A calm and cozy atmosphere, high-quality and sensitive service - all this is typical for the resort of St. Vlas, and prices in restaurants, cafes, shops will pleasantly surprise you.

Sozopol located 35 km. south of Burgas, near the resort of Duni on a small picturesque peninsula and is divided into two parts. The old and new parts of Sozopol are separated by a green park. Nowadays Sozopol is a popular seaside resort, famous for its sandy beaches, 19th-century stone and wooden houses and romantic harbor and coastline.

Bulgaria is rightly considered one of the best countries in Europe for an inexpensive and high-quality holiday. But in addition to a beach holiday by the sea and skiing, many people want to see the sights.

There are a lot of interesting places in Bulgaria that are worth seeing, but most of them are not on the coast, but quite far from it. However, even close to the seaside resorts there is a lot that is worth seeing. You can go on excursions almost everywhere, but in my opinion it’s better to rent a car and visit the sights on your own.

What to see in Bulgaria?

Nessebar

The oldest city in Europe is located on a small peninsula and is an absolutely amazing place that is a must see if you find yourself in Bulgaria. In Nessebar, among the ancient churches, a huge number of various festivals are held.

Sozopol

The city of Sozopol, also located on the peninsula, is the younger brother of Nessebar, almost a twin brother, but somewhat smaller. In this picturesque place, you must see the semi-underground Church of the Holy Virgin and have lunch at the local fish restaurant. And also visit the Apollonia Arts Festival.

Ravadinovo Castle

2 kilometers from Sozopol there is a castle under construction for more than 20 years, which is already being called a masterpiece. The castle managed to turn into a famous tourist attraction. A hotel should open here in the future, but a restaurant, wine cellar and chapel have already opened. There are also crowds of peacocks roaming around here, and sturgeons swimming in the fountain.

Ropotamo Nature Reserve

South of Sozopol there is a nature reserve of the Ropotamo River, which is called the Bulgarian Amazon. You can sail along the river on a tourist boat to see the blooming of water lilies and simply the beautiful virgin nature of these places. There is a unique rock formation here - the Lion's Head.

Beglik-Tash

The Bulgarian Stonehenge Beglik-Tash is also located near Sozopol. This unique ancient monument, discovered quite recently, is still poorly understood. This is a place for lovers of mysticism and places of power, of which there are many in Bulgaria.

Burgas

The city of Burgas is by no means crowded with attractions, but it is worth visiting for the sand sculpture festival, as well as for shopping purposes. Yes, yes, there is decent and inexpensive shopping in Bulgaria!

Burgas has several interesting museums, an opera house, a couple of churches and a peacock farm.

Saint Vlas resort and Dinevi yacht marina

The aristocratic Bulgarian resort of St. Vlas is often compared to the famous French Saint Tropez. The combination of sea and mountain air makes it a unique climatic resort, and the ultra-modern yacht marina with the new St. Blaise Cathedral is one of the most beautiful places on the Bulgarian coast.

Pomorie

The resort town of Pomorie is located on a highly elongated peninsula. The Monastery of St. George and the Thracian Tomb are located here. You can try spa treatments with mud from the bottom of Lake Pomorie. The historical center of the city, unfortunately, completely burned down 100 years ago.

Varna

The sea capital of Bulgaria is a large and interesting city with an aquarium and a dolphinarium. Not so far from Varna are the rock monastery of Aladzha and the miraculous statue of a horseman in Shumen. Lovers of mineral springs will love the thermal baths of the resort of St. Constantine and Helena near Varna.

Cape Kaliakra

The rocky cape jutting far into the sea is called the nose of Bulgaria and one of the most picturesque places in the country. It is always full of dolphins and tourists.

Broken stones

A mystical reserve with stone pillars of natural origin attracts tourists with its interesting legend and strange energy. Strange things sometimes happen here. Some people are comfortable here, while others are trying to leave quickly...

Balchik

The elegant summer palace of the Romanian Queen Maria, called “The Quiet Nest,” is surrounded by magnificent gardens, famous for its unique collection of roses and exotic plants.

Veliko Tarnovo

The ancient capital of Bulgaria is a must see and breathe its extraordinary air. And in the evening, a luxurious light show takes place on Mount Tsarevets. The surroundings of Veliko Tarnovo offer stunning nature and several magnificent ecological routes.

Arbanasi

The well-kept village of Arbanasi is famous for its ancient houses of wealthy merchants and monasteries with miraculous icons. And also stunning nature and panoramic views of Veliko Tarnovo.

Arbanasi is called one of the main attractions of Bulgaria.

Ethnographic reserve Etar

The open-air museum is one of the most visited tourist places in Bulgaria. Among the ancient buildings, a unique collection of water-powered mechanisms is exhibited.

Sokolsky Monastery

The convent houses a unique miraculous icon in a very beautiful church. The monastery is located on a mountain and amazes visitors with the surrounding landscapes.

Valley of Roses

The Bulgarian Rose Valley is one of the symbols of the country and a magically beautiful place where a unique oilseed variety of roses grows. But it is worth remembering that oil roses bloom for only a short time - at the end of May and at the beginning of June.

Shipka

Fans of memorable historical places should visit the heroic Shipka Pass and honor the memory of those who died in the battles for the liberation of Bulgaria from the Turkish yoke, as well as look at the nearby crumbling communist palace on Mount Buzludzha.

Blue rocks

The blue color of the rocks is given by the mineral contained in the rock. Here you need to ride a cable car from an altitude of 1000 meters to 350 above sea level.

Zheravna

The colorful village not far from the Blue Rocks is known for its luxurious surrounding nature and wooden architecture from the Bulgarian National Revival era, as well as numerous folk crafts.

Ivanovo rock monastery

The unique monastery, protected by UNESCO, is located near the border with Romania. In the rock temples, frescoes of rare beauty have been preserved, which have already been damaged by tourists.

Kilifarevo Monastery

A small quiet monastery, a real Holy monastery, which tourists rarely visit. Guests are welcome at the monastery; you can spend the night there.

Lovech

The city is famous for lilacs, an ancient fortress and a covered wooden bridge similar to. Very close by is the Syeva Dupka cave with a stone waterfall.

Krushuna waterfalls

The picturesque cascading waterfalls are mini-similar to the famous Plitvice Falls in Croatia. There is also a mineral water swimming pool in the park area.

Devetashka Cave

The unique cave with holes in the ceiling is one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the world. The huge hall with an area of 2400 square meters with a river flowing through it is simply amazing. An absolutely cosmic spectacle!

Rila Monastery

The Rila Monastery is one of the most holy places in Bulgaria, it is called the soul of the country. It’s better to come here on your own to leisurely explore the monastery itself and the beautiful mountain surroundings.

Cave Bacho Kiro

The most visited cave in Europe is famous for its beautiful halls with stalactites. The cave has served as a refuge for people since ancient times. A more interesting route is one that can only be followed with a guided tour.

Dryanovsky Monastery

Dryanovsky Monastery is located near Gabrovo. There are always crowds of tourists and pilgrims here. Around the monastery there are beautiful places with caves and waterfalls along which ecological routes are laid.

Basarbovsky rock monastery

Basarbovo Monastery is the only functioning rock monastery in Bulgaria. The monastery was empty for a long time, but was revived before the Second World War. The place is very quiet and Holy. Tourists are allowed entry only in appropriate clothing.

Sofia

The capital of Bulgaria is not very popular with tourists, but it is worth a visit to see temples of different times and different religions in the city center. Not far from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, you can visit the Magura Cave and the picturesque village of Koprivshtitsa.

Plovdiv

One of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria is famous for its Roman amphitheater and painted houses, as well as the monument to Alyosha, the Russian liberator warrior.

Bansko

The ancient city has now turned into a fashionable ski resort, but has fully retained the ancient atmosphere in the historical center. Bansko is loved by tourists all year round.

Folklore evenings with dancing on coals

All along the coast in the summer, fun tourist events are held with an abundance of local foods and drinks, where nestinars dance barefoot on the coals. On the coast of Bulgaria, among hotels, restaurants and discos, it is difficult to feel the spirit of the ancient country, but travel companies make every effort to introduce tourists to the traditions.

If you set aside at least a couple of days from your vacation and travel into the interior of the country on your own or with excursions offered at all corners, then the true beauties of Bulgaria will be revealed to you!

Very interesting cities in the central part of Bulgaria are: Haskovo with the world's largest statue of the Virgin Mary, and Perperikon, which is called the Bulgarian Petra. Closer to the border with Greece is the ancient Zlatovgrad and the smallest city in Europe Melnik. Rupite is a town in the mountains where the seer Vanga lived, and today it is flooded with tourists.

There are places of amazing beauty in the Bulgarian mountains. These are primarily the Rila Lakes, Peipus Rocks, and the Devil's Throat Cave. In one of the lakes in Bulgaria, Rabishsky, according to rumors there is a monster, a close relative of the Loch Ness. There are a lot of ancient picturesque bridges throughout Bulgaria, each of which has its own legend.

Bulgaria has the largest number of mineral springs per unit area in Europe. Tourists like Velingrad and Hisarya with their luxurious SPA hotels.

In my opinion, Bulgaria is still greatly underestimated by tourists. Everyone who has visited not only its sandy beaches has a completely different impression of the beautiful and ancient country

Bulgaria is a country for those tourists who decide to combine quality holidays at a reasonable price.

The slopes of the Bansko and Pamporovo mountains attract skiers in winter, while the beaches of the Black Sea attract crowds of tourists in the summer months. Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria, but it is not the most beautiful city. Bulgaria is famous for its Black Sea coastline, which is lined with sandy beaches dotted with hotels, fishing villages and historical monuments. Tourists flock to the most famous resorts - Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, but in fact, the city beaches in Varna and Burgas are just as good. (pictured: Rila Lakes)

Rila Monastery

Rila Monastery is known as the Jerusalem of Bulgaria. This picturesque monastery in the forested mountains south of Sofia is definitely worth a visit. It received its name in honor of St. Ivan Rilsky, a hermit from the 10th century who lived in a cave nearby. The monastery has been built, burned, and rebuilt over the centuries, with the latest construction dating back to 1800. Entering the courtyard, you will be stunned by the perfect harmony of the church with its graceful arches, sculptures, tiled roofs and domes. At some distance from the monastery there are the peaks of the Rila Mountains, giving everything around a feeling of calm.

Sozopol

One of the oldest cities on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. Sozopol is now popular as a fishing village and seaside resort. Situated 35 kilometers south of Burgas, Sozopol was known in the 6th century BC as Apollonia, in conjunction with a temple dedicated to Apollo. The town is small enough that you can stroll along the waterfront, watch the day's catch being unloaded, or stroll through the old town with its wooden houses that have been in need of renovation for a very long time. And here you can always sunbathe on the rocks along the shore.

Plovdiv

Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria, which was founded about 6,000 years ago. In the old town you'll see towers with elements from different eras, including a surprisingly well-preserved Roman amphitheater. Plovdiv is widely known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style, with colorful houses displaying the unique characteristics of the National Revival on every corner. It's worth walking through the hills and visiting the many galleries and museums.

Belogradchik Fortress

A collection of man-made building structures set against a stunning backdrop of exposed rock formations. The combination is so unique and picturesque that it seems to come straight out of a Walt Disney fairy tale. Even more striking are the Belogradchik rocks surrounding the area, which have become a unique natural phenomenon. These strangely shaped stone sculptures, almost 30 km long and 6-7 km wide, were once used by the Romans to strengthen the Belogradchik fortress.

Koprivshtitsa

Walking through the narrow streets of the village of Koprivshtitsa, you can imagine that you are in 1876, when the Bulgarians valiantly fought against the repressive rulers of the Ottoman Empire. This is truly a museum city. Inside the colorful houses you can get acquainted with the work of representatives of the Bulgarian National Revival architecture of the 19th century. The village is full of monuments and museums, where ethnographic treasures, ancient weapons and agricultural implements, national costumes, works of art and jewelry have found their place.

Nessebar

This city, located on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, is often referred to as the pearl of the Black Sea. The city of Nessebar was founded as a Thracian settlement known as Messembria, dating back to the first millennium BC. Today, walking along its cobblestone streets, you can see the remains of about four dozen stone churches built in the 5th century. The city is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Veliko Tarnovo

The city of Veliko Tarnovo is located in the central part of Bulgaria and attracts many tourists. The reconstructed Tsarevets fortress bears no resemblance to the medieval palaces of the Bulgarian kings, who once ruled from a hilltop until they were defeated in 1393. Nevertheless, passing through the gates of this picturesque fortress, one can feel the former greatness and power of Bulgaria.

Tsarevets Fortress

Melnik

The town of Melnik is famous for two reasons. Firstly, it is the smallest city in Bulgaria, its population is only 390 people. Secondly, Melnik is home to some of the best wineries in the country. It only takes a minute to walk down the main street, but you'll spend hours in a local tavern where the rich red wines will turn your head. If you manage to get up after tasting, be sure to visit the Rozhen Monastery.

Seven Rila Lakes

One of the main attractions of Bulgaria is a group of glacial lakes located high in the Rila Mountains. The best time to visit the lakes is the summer months, as even in June the lakes can be frozen. The lakes are located one above the other, in a mountain valley, connected by streams and waterfalls. Legends say that the lakes were formed due to the tears of a giant woman who mourned her lover.

Valley of Roses

Bulgaria is the land of roses! The Valley of Roses is a 30-kilometer-long flower field located between Stara Planina and Sredna Gora. In Kazanlak, the capital of the Rose Valley, there is a rose museum and a Thracian tomb. This place should definitely be included in your trip to Bulgaria!

Which resorts in Bulgaria do tourists go on holiday in the summer and why? We figure out where and when is the best time for different categories of people to vacation in the country.

According to reviews, in Bulgaria you can have a good rest in Balchik- many tourists go there. This is a small, calm town where the roofs of the houses are decorated with red tiles and the smell of roses is in the air. Some of the local beaches are sandy, some are rocky. The main decoration of the city is the royal residence and botanical garden. This place is well suited for a secluded and romantic getaway.

Where to stay on your trip? Search for hotels and hostels on the Roomguru search engine, it will select the most profitable options among many booking systems. We recommend looking for private housing in Bulgaria on Airbnb - there you will find many interesting options from the owners.

Where can you relax inexpensively in Bulgaria in 2019?

According to tourist reviews for 2018, high prices in Albena, Sunny Beach and Golden Sands. The most prestigious is in the Riviera, located near Varna among a huge ancient park. Once it was a place for the country's leading elite, and now it is an elite resort with excellent opportunities for family holidays. It is believed that the best place to vacation in Bulgaria is there, but the prices are steep.

TO budget resorts These include small seaside towns, where there are many 2-3* hotels and there is the possibility of accommodation in the private sector. Locals living in cottages often rent out the upper floors of their houses. You can save money by staying in Nessebar, Balchik, Kranevo, Sveti Vlas and Ravda; reasonable prices for accommodation in Pomorie and Tsarevo.

Did you know that trips to Bulgaria can be purchased from only 20 thousand rubles (for example, a 7-night tour for two from Moscow)? And during promotional periods it’s even cheaper! The tour price includes: flights, accommodation, transfer, insurance and meals of your choice. Last minute tours You can search for the best prices on the services and - they compare offers from 120 tour operators and are therefore able to find the best option. You can buy a ticket online, which is very convenient.

Cultural and excursion holidays

In general, the climate of Bulgaria allows you to travel around the country at any time of the year, but May, June, September and October are the most favorable months. Tourists love to visit the Rila Lakes and the monastery, the Hammered Stones, the ancient Roman baths and temples of Varna, the museums of Sofia, the temple at Cape Kaliakra, ancient buildings and ancient buildings of Nessebar and Sozopol.

Where is the best place to vacation in Bulgaria with children in 2019?

It is comfortable to relax anywhere in Bulgaria with children. You can have an expensive, comfortable and fun time in Golden Sands, Albena and Sunny Beach. There is a good bottom and wide beaches. In the Sunny Beach resort there is a bay with shallow water, where the water warms up well and is suitable for children. Lots of children's entertainment: playgrounds, attractions, slides, water parks.

Near Sunny Beach (5 km away) are the quieter resorts of St. Vlas and Ravda. Ravda is a developing resort, with good opportunities for sports and children's entertainment. Saint Vlas is suitable for those who want to improve their lungs - the air is enriched with iodine vapor and phytoncides of coniferous forests. According to reviews, you can have a good rest with children in Bulgaria in the villages of Elenite and Kranevo - they are suitable for those who prefer a calm and comfortable family holiday.

You can go on an excursion with older children to Nessebar or Sozopol. Sofia has an extreme amusement park and a zoo, and not far from Varna is the country's largest family theme park, Happy Land.

Resorts for young people

The most party and noisy resort in the country is Sunny Beach. No less vibrant nightlife in Golden Sands. Both resorts have good entertainment and ample opportunities for active pastime: water parks, centers for surfing, rowing and water skiing.

According to reviews, you can have a great holiday in Bulgaria in the village of Ravda. It has good facilities for sports and excellent beaches, while the holiday itself will cost much less. Economical youth holiday in the southern resort of Kiten - there are campsites and many inexpensive hotels.

Not far from Sozopol there is Zolotaya Rybka beach, popular among surfers, and Smokini beach, which is popular with nudists and informals. Both beaches have cafes, umbrellas and sun loungers. You can stay at campsites nearby.

Resorts for seniors

St. Constantine and Helena is a respectable resort a few kilometers from Varna. Good hotels, green parks, thermal and hydrogen sulfide springs, balneological treatment center.

Balchik, Nessebar and Sozopol also offer a relaxing holiday. It is quiet here, compared to the crowded Sunny Beach or Golden Sands, there is a rich excursion program, and prices in local cafes are affordable. If you are interested in a passive beach holiday, then you should go to Pomorie.

Sunny Beach consists exclusively of hotels, residential resort complexes and tourist entertainment centers. The local population comes here only to work. Wide beaches with clean fine sand are the pride of the resort. In some places the width of the beach reaches 80 meters.

WHERE TO GO - SUNNY BEACH

The resort's embankment is a place of evening pilgrimage for tourists. The epicenter of fun and entertainment is the “crazy mile” in the central part of the resort. Here, on the right and left, there is a continuous wall of bars, restaurants and retail outlets. Music is playing loudly. It is here that the pulse of the resort beats in the evening.

WHERE TO GO - SUNNY BEACH

Sunny Beach in summer is a resort that never sleeps. You can come here at any time. Nightclubs, bars, and discos are open almost all night. Only from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m. does the resort take a break, giving you the opportunity to get yourself in order. And with the first rays of sunshine, the resort begins to offer its services again.

WHERE TO GO - SUNNY BEACH

The resort offers tourists a wide variety of entertainment. Most of them are located on the beach and promenade. These are banana boats, catamarans, windsurfing, parachute flights, jet skis, children's playgrounds, attractions, inflatable slides, and a train. Water parks are open.

WHAT TO SEE - NESSEBAR

Nessebar is the pearl of the Bulgarian coast. The ancient name is Nessebriya, and its history goes back more than 2000 years. Since 1944, Nessebar has become a museum city, and since 1983 it has become part of the UNESCO world heritage. The main treasure is its partially preserved 40 churches and architecture from the Middle Ages.

WHAT TO SEE - SOZOPOL

Sozopol is one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria. Founded in 610 BC by the Greeks and was named "Apolonia Pontica" - in honor of Apollo. Today Sozopol is a popular beach resort, famous for its architectural reserve in the old part of the city. Not far from Sozopl there is an archaeological museum.

WHERE TO GO - VARNA

Varna is the third most populous city in Bulgaria, a major cultural center and an important transport hub of the country. Sights: Seaside Park, Dolphinarium, Marine Aquarium, Assumption Cathedral, Roman Terme, Necropolis, Archaeological Museum, Planetarium, Aladzha Monastery

WHERE TO GO - Istanbul

If you get tired of a beach holiday, or the weather lets you down, then you can think about excursions. All hotels and resort complexes offer them. One of the most popular destinations is an excursion to Istanbul for 1 or 2 days. Just make sure in advance that your visa is double-entry.

Excursions

There are many interesting places in Bulgaria that you can visit while on vacation.
You can travel independently in a rented car, or you can use the services of a tour desk.
If you are planning to rent a car, please note that traveling outside of Bulgaria in a rented car is strictly prohibited!

Where and how can I book excursions?
You can independently book excursions at any travel agency on the coast, or at the office of the management company of the complex where you live, or our representative in Bulgaria can help you with the order.
Below is a list of popular excursions.

Bus tour to Istanbul

Excursions to Istanbul for 1 or 2 days are very popular among vacationers. This is a great opportunity to visit 2 countries in one vacation.
Attention! To travel to Istanbul you must have a double-entry visa!

“Treasures of the East” – Istanbul, 2-day excursion 179 BGN adults / 89 children
1 day:
Departure early in the morning; arrival in Istanbul for lunch; lunch at a restaurant in the central part of the city; city tour with a visit to the main attractions of Istanbul: the Blue Mosque “Sultan Ahmet”, the Byzantine Hippodrome, monuments of different historical periods; Sultan's Palace “Top Kapi”.
Overnight;
-Additional excursion: “Istanbul at night” – dinner and entertainment program;
Day 2:
Breakfast; free time;
-Additional excursion: “Asian Shore” – a romantic walk on a tourist ship along the Bosphorus, visit to the Sultan’s summer residence “Beylarbeyye” on the Asian Shore;
free time in “Kapali Charshi” - an indoor oriental bazaar with more than 3,000 shops;
dinner;

-accommodation in a 3* hotel;
-1 half board (lunch, breakfast);
-City Tour;
- guide service.
Note:
-The price does not include the cost of a Turkish visa.
-Additional excursions and entrance fees to museums and attractions are paid on the spot, if desired.
-Accommodation in 2 or 3 bed rooms.

“A city on two continents” – Istanbul, 2-day excursion 179 BGN adults / 89 children
1 day:
Departure early in the morning; arrival in Istanbul for lunch; lunch at a restaurant in the central part of the city; city tour with a visit to the main attractions of Istanbul: the Blue Mosque “Sultan Ahmet”, the Byzantine Hippodrome; sightseeing tour by bus around the city with a visit to the Asian part;
overnight;
- Optional excursion: “Istanbul at Night” – dinner and entertainment;
Day 2:
Breakfast; free time;
- Optional excursion: “Asian Coast” – a romantic trip on a tourist ship along the Bosphorus, visiting underground cisterns known as the “Underground Palace”; free time in “Kapali Charshi” - an indoor oriental bazaar with more than 3,000 shops;
dinner;
After lunch, visit the Forum Istanbul shopping center (more than 280 brands), as well as a visit to the Turkuazu Aquarium - the third largest in the world.
Return - late in the evening.

- accommodation in a 3* hotel;
- 1 half board - lunch, breakfast;
- City Tour;
- guide service.
Note:
- The price does not include the cost of a Turkish visa.
- Additional excursions and entrance fees to museums and attractions are paid on the spot, if desired.
- Accommodation in 2 or 3 bed rooms

Istanbul, 1 day 109 BGN adults/ 54 children
Departure early in the morning; arrival in Istanbul; free time; for those who wish - the opportunity to join an additional excursion program;
-Optional excursion: “Classical Tour” – lunch and city tour with a visit to the Blue Mosque “Sultan Ahmed”, the most visited and most famous mosque in the city and the Byzantine Hippodrome
-Optional excursion: “Coast of Asia” - an exciting journey on a pleasure boat along the Bosphorus past Ottoman palaces, ancient wooden houses and modern residential areas;
free time in “Kapali Charshi” - an indoor oriental bazaar with more than 3,000 shops;
Return - late in the evening.
-transport – bus with air conditioning;
- guide service.
Note:
-The price does not include the cost of a Turkish visa
-Additional excursions and entrance fees to museums are paid on the spot, if desired

Sofia – Rila Monastery, 2-day excursion 189 BGN adults/ 94 children
1 day:
Departure early in the morning; in Plovdiv – walking tour of the Old Town with a visit to the Church of “St. Konstantin and Elena”;
dinner;
free time in the central part of the city;
departure to Sofia;
Sofia – walking sightseeing tour, visiting the main attractions of the capital - the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the People's Assembly, the Russian Church of St. Nicholas”, Summer Palace, churches “St. Petka”, “St. George’ and “St. A week";
free time; dinner and overnight in Sofia;
Day 2:
Breakfast; departure to the Rila Monastery - the largest and most beautiful in the country, preserving the memory of the Bulgarian Renaissance; sightseeing and free time; dinner;
departure to Borovets
Borovets – free time;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- accommodation in a 3* hotel;
- full board - lunch, dinner, breakfast
- entrance fees for visits;
- guide service.
Note:
- Accommodation in 2 or 3 bed rooms.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

“Bulgarian strongholds” – Veliko Tarnovo and Arbanasi, 1 day 89 BGN adults/ 44 children
Departure early in the morning; panoramic road through the Stara Planina mountains; arrival in the city of Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria;
Veliko Tarnovo – visit to the Samovodskaya Charshia with the opportunity to watch the work of artisans;
free time for lunch;
visiting the historical hill “Tsarevets” - a walk along the medieval fortress walls and palaces, witnesses to the greatness of the old Bulgarian capital;
visit to the architectural reserve of Arbanasi - a walk through the village and a visit to the “Konstantsalieva” house, dating back to the 17th century and which has become an ethnographic museum;
visit to the monastery “St. Mother of God”, founded during the Second Bulgarian State and preserving the miraculous icon of the Mother of God;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- entrance fees;
- guide service
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

“Valley of Roses and Kings of Thrace” – Kazanlak, 1 day 99 BGN adults/ 49 children
Departure early in the morning; Kazanlak – visit to the Thracian tomb on the Tyulbeto hill, dating back to the 3rd-4th centuries BC;
visit to the ethnographic complex and rose brewery - tasting of essential oils, opportunity to observe the production process with an authentic apparatus for distilling rose oil;
dinner;
visiting the temple-monument in the village. Shipka and the monument on top of Stoletov; a visit to the open-air ethnographic complex “Etar” with the opportunity to watch the work of artisans;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- dinner;
- entrance fees;
- guide service.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

“Bulgarian Rome and the Vatican” – Plovdiv and Bachkovo, 1 day 79 BGN adults/ 39 children
Departure early in the morning; trip inland to Plovdiv;
A walking tour along the cobblestone streets of the Old Town in Plovdiv with a visit to the Church of “St. Konstantin and Elena”;
free time in the central part of the city for lunch;
visit to the Bachkovo Monastery - the second largest monastery and spiritual center in Bulgaria with more than 10 centuries of traditions;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- entrance fees;
- guide service
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

“Blue Rocks” – Zheravna, full day excursion 76 BGN adults / 38 children
Departure in the morning; road through a picturesque area along the slopes of the Stara Planina;
visit to Zheravna, which has preserved many architectural ensembles of the 18-19 centuries - a walking tour and a visit to the Church of St. Nicholas and the icon collection;
departure to Sliven;
for those who wish, the opportunity to visit the Blue Rocks nature reserve using the cable car;
dinner;
Sliven – free time;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- entrance fees;
- dinner;
- guide service.
Note:
- Cable car - optional, for an additional fee.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

“Bulgarian Riviera” – Varna and Aladzha, full day excursion 63 BGN adults/ 31 children
Departure in the morning; a picturesque road along the Northern Black Sea coast;
visit to the rock monastery “Aladzha” (13th century), carved into 40-meter cliffs;
departure to Varna - the sea capital of Bulgaria;
dinner;
free time in Varna; Possibility of visiting the dolphinarium (13 BGN)
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- dinner;
- entrance fees;
- guide service.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

Varna – shopping, full day excursion 42 BGN adults/ 21 children
Departure in the morning;
free time in the central part of Varna - the largest Bulgarian Black Sea city
Return late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- guide service
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

“Pearl of the Black Sea coast” – Varna, Aladzha and Balchik, 1 day 79 BGN adults/ 39 children
Departure in the morning;
a trip along a picturesque road along the slopes of Stara Planina;
visit to the rock monastery “Aladzha” – (13th century)
Balchik – lunch and visit to the botanical garden, visit to the summer residence of the Romanian Queen Mary (“Quiet Nest”);
short free time in Varna;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- dinner;
- entrance fees;
- guide service
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

“South Coast” – Sozopol and Ropotamo, full day excursion 69 BGN adults/ 34 children
Departure in the morning;
trip around the Southern Black Sea coast;
a motorboat ride to the mouth of the Ropotamo River – a nature reserve;
departure to Sozopol; walking tour through the streets of the Ancient Town, visiting the church “St. Mother of God” – 18-19 centuries. with a beautiful carved iconostasis;
free time; dinner;
departure to Burgas - the fourth largest city in Bulgaria; free time;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- dinner;
- boat ride;
- entrance fees;
- guide service.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

Burgas – shopping, half-day excursion 22 BGN adults/ 11 children
Departure in the morning; departure to Burgas - the capital of the Southern Black Sea coast;
free time in the central part of the city, shopping center “Burgas Plaza”;
Return after lunch.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- guide service
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

Jeep safari “Discovery of Strandja”, full day excursion 89 BGN adults / 62 BGN children
Departure in the morning;
ride in modern 4WD SUVs with professional drivers on difficult mountain roads; the route follows picturesque forest roads in the Strandzha Mountain Natural Park;
visiting historical and natural attractions - waterfalls and caves;
visit to the authentic Strandzha village of Bryshlyan - an architectural and historical reserve;
beach and picnic in a beautiful mountainous area on the banks of the virgin Veleka River;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – jeep, professional
chauffeur;
- lunch, drinks and snacks;
- entrance fees;
- guide service.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

"See Bulgaria!", half-day excursion 55 BGN adults/ 27 children
Departure in the morning; a trip inland to visit several villages; stay in a typical Bulgarian house - treating yourself to homemade snacks and talking with the owners; a short visit to a functioning rural church and rural school; walk through the streets of the village and ride on a cart; cooking lessons using traditional Bulgarian recipes; tasting of dishes and drinks from Bulgarian cuisine;
Return - after lunch.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- food and drinks;
- entrance fees;
- riding on carts;
- guide service;
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

Nessebar – panorama, half-day excursion 25 BGN adults/ 12 children
Departure after lunch; sightseeing tour of Sunny Beach; walking tour of the “Old Town” of Nessebar - one of the oldest settlements in the country, part of the world cultural heritage under the auspices of UNESCO; free time;
Return - late in the evening.

- guide service
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

Sunny Beach at night, evening event 65 BGN adults/ 32 children
Departure after lunch; sightseeing tour of Sunny Beach; walking tour through the streets of Old Nessebar; free time; dinner and entertainment in a themed restaurant.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- dinner and program;
- guide service.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

Tasting, half-day excursion 49 BGN adults/ 24 children
Departure after lunch; visit to the monastery “St. Georgi” in the city of Pomorie; visit to a wine cellar; tasting of local white and red wines; dinner at a themed restaurant;
return - late in the evening.
- transport – air-conditioned bus;
- wine tasting, dinner and drinks;
- entrance fees for visits;
- guide service.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

Picnic on a yacht, full day excursion 65 BGN adults/ 32 children
Departure in the morning by bus to the port of Nessebar; sightseeing cruise on a yacht in Sunny Beach Bay; opportunity for fishing and swimming in the sea; picnic - lunch - food and drinks in unlimited quantities;
Return - late in the evening.
- transport – bus transfer;
- sailing on a yacht - 4 hours;
- lunch and drinks.
Note:
- Yacht for 20 or 35 people.
- The afternoon program includes dinner.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.

Sunset – on a yacht, in the evening 47 BGN adults / 33 children
Departure in the evening by bus to the port of Nessebar; romantic cruise on a yacht in Sunny Beach Bay; champagne and nuts;
Return in the evening
- transport – bus transfer;
- sailing on a yacht - 2 hours;
- champagne and nuts.
Note:
- Yacht for 20 or 35 people.
Check the excursion program and its cost on site.