Bulgaria

You have probably never been to Bulgaria, neither have you known about the origin of the oldest golden treasure in the world! No doubt Bulgaria is one of the last places in Europe you would go, and most likely it will be by chance. But let us enlighten this mystical part of the old continent, just in case you are eager to explore this forgotten corner of Europe or simply because you are getting curious!

What makes Bulgaria attractive and exotic is the mix of cultures and landscapes that you find in such a relatively small territory – from the Black Sea Coast to the high mountain ranges of Rila and Pirin National Parks. “Some of Europe’s finest highland scenery is found in the Rila, Pirin, Balkan, Sredna Gora and Rodopi mountain ranges, whose valleys harbor the kind of bucolic villages which have all but disappeared in Western Europe.

Hiking & Paragliding in the Balkan Mountain Range
This 700-km long mountain range has given its name to the whole Balkan Peninsula. There you can enjoy a 20-day Haute Route Trek on the main ridge of the mountain which descends to one of the most popular wild Black Sea Beaches (Emine and Irakli). You can also do it by biking, but get ready – it’s going to be tough. If you prefer air rather than earth, you are in the right spot for the best paragliding in the country!

Hiking & Biking in Rhodopi Mountains – the Land of Orpheus
The magical Rhodopi Mountains are known as the Land of Orpheus, the legendary hero who played his music in the heart of the mountains. If you are looking for wildlife, vast forests, huge lakes and gourmet food for your family holidays, this is your top destination in Bulgaria. There you can enjoy kayaking and biking at Beglika Lake or hiking through the remote Central Rhodopi villages with pristine views.

Trekking & Traverses in Pirin National Park (UNESCO Heritage)
Named after the mighty Slavic God Perun – god of thunderstorms and lightning – this mountain will charm you with its jagged peaks, strenuous traverses and wild areas. Another challenge is ‘trotting’ The Little Horse, a 0.50 meter-wide marble ridge. Be prepared to saddle it if you are afraid of heights!

Bike & Wine in the Rose Valley
Definitely one of the best places in Bulgaria for cycling is the Rose Valley. There one can ride along the rose and lavender camps and enjoys the scenery of the high Balkan Mountain range. A popular experience is cycling in the morning and wine-tasting in the afternoon, recommended period: May and June. Once you are in Bulgaria don’t miss the local wines: Mavrud and Shiroka Melnishka. The second is found in the area of Melnik, a Mediterranean type of village situated among sandstone pyramid scenery.

Winter Adventures and Hot Waters
Bulgaria is a land of 500 hot springs! You will be delighted by the great variety of thermal swimming pools, SPA centers, and balneology resorts. We recommend the unbeatable combination of winter snow walks/skiing and hot waters of the Rodopi Mountains, just try it!

Cycling & Bird-watching along the Danube River
The Danube is the second longest river in Europe. Here you can combine cycling along its shorelines with visits to medieval fortresses and ancient rock churches. The highlight for all nature lovers is bird-watching in the Srebarna Nature Reserve (UNESCO World Heritage). The fabulous Danube Delta (also UNESCO) is just on the other side of the river, in Romania.

One-day Adventures on the Eco-Paths of Bulgaria
Bulgaria offers a great deal of eco-trails perfect for one-day adventures. More than 50 eco-trails around the country attract visitors with their river pools (perfect for the summer heat), pleasant glades for leisure picnics, and easy walks offering wooden bridges, rocky valleys and panoramic views. Some of the best examples are: Smolyan Waterfalls in Rodopi and Byala Reka eco-tail in Central Balkan.

Climbing and Descents in the Gorges of Bulgaria
By far the most fascinating canyon in the country is the 300-meter deep Trigrad Gorge. There you can descent into the “underworld” through “Devil’s Throat cave” just as Orpheus did in his search of Eurydice. Or you can raise your adrenaline by rappelling down to the 40-meter abyss of Haramiiska Cave. Another climbing paradise is Vratza Nature Park and its 400-meter high calcareous wall. Many find it perfect for hiking, biking and paragliding as well.

Beaches and Cycling in Strandzha Mountains & The Black Sea Coast
Just on the border with Turkey and the sandy Black Sea coast, this mountain will charm you with its wild birds and flowers. Strandzha is a seaside Nature Park with great biodiversity and many endemic plants. We recommend cycling and camping from Strandzha Black Sea coastline straight to door of Orient: Istanbul.

Snow Adventures in Bulgaria
If you have already been all around Europe on ski vacations, it is about time you visit Bulgaria in winter. You can equally enjoy ski-mountaineering in the Rila Mountains with great views or off-piste skiing and traverses in the Bansko area. Why not trying a new adventure in the heart of Rila National Park? Skakvitsa Waterfall, the 80-meter high falls freezes from December till February and provides outstanding ice-climbing. If done as a two-day trip it can be combined with a hike to the sacred Seven Rila Lakes. Prefer more relaxed holiday with winter walking and snowshoeing in pristine pine forests? Head to Rila and Rodopi Mountains.

Villages, Hospitality and Local Cuisine
Apart from the natural wonders and plentiful activities, Bulgaria is known for its people, local traditions and delicious cuisine. The Bulgarian villages will charm you with its exotic tastes and aromas. While relaxing from your exhausting day adventures in any ‘mehana’, a traditional restaurant, you can easily learn how to dance ‘horo’ (a local dance) or simply enjoy a homemade dinner. One of the best examples of local cuisine is banitza (breakfast pastry), shopska salad, gyuveche and musaka. But don’t miss tasting the boza (sweet wheat drink), tarator (yogurt cold soup), and of course, rakia (the local brandy).

Comments