Top 6 Reasons Why Your Next Trip Should be to Bulgaria

If you are still wondering where to plan your 2019 summer vacation Bulgaria should be on top of your list. Most people outside the country are not familiar with what it has to offer so here are six reasons to have one of a lifetime experience.

1. Plovdiv – European Capital of Culture for 2019

Plovdiv has been around for 8,000 years which makes it one of the oldest European cities. It offers a mixture of rich history, Roman ruins and the modern city with great nightlife. The city itself is built around 7 hills(tepes) that vary in altitude starting from 307m to 143m. They were used for the protection of the city. If you climb the tallest one you will be amazed by the gorgeous view of the city and the surrounding mountains. During the summer there are many concerts and festivals that show the liveliness of the city.

2. Delicious Food

Be prepared for food coma everywhere you go! Bulgaria cuisine has its own flavor that makes it unique compared to the neighboring countries. It is full of fresh vegetables, yogurt, and traditional drinks. To get the full Bulgarian experience in a restaurant you should order first shopska salad(combo of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and peppers, with grated sirene cheese and parsley on top) with a shot of rakia to start of the meal. There are variety of main dishes but a must is the kebapche(grilled meat). For the hot summer days you should ask for ayrian drink ( yogurt, salt, water and lots of ice).

3. Amazing Beaches

During the summer one of the best places to be is of course at the beach. The Black Sea offers numerous vacations spots that you can choose from. My personal favorite is Sozopol. It is located 440 kilometers from Sofia and it has everything for the best summer vacation and more. The Old Town of the city is built out of stones and wood which is unique for the Black Sea architecture. The roads and houses are made out of stones similar to the Romans.

4. Breathtaking Mountains

One of the many gems of Bulgaria are the villages in the mountains. They are usually located in the middle of the mountains surrounded by gigantic peaks and lakes. It is usually there where you can find the best homemade wine and the friendliest people. One of the best cities to visit is Melnik. It is the smallest city in the country, located in Pirin Mountain. It offers unique architecture and many wine tastings.

5. Rose Valey

Bulgaria is one of the biggest rose-oil producers in the world. If you happen to visit in June you must check out the festival of Roses in the town of Kazanlak that happens every year. Thousands of people from all over the world visit. Everyone is invited to wake up before sunrise and participate in the rose-picking process which includes every flower being hand picked and used for the production of the rose oil.
*Information about the festival: https://www.rosefestivalkazanlak.com/

6. Sofia

You cannot say that you have visited Bulgaria without stopping at Sofia. It is the capital and the largest city. It is also a town with 7000 years of history where in the city center you will find the ancient Thracian town called Serdika. The name comes after the Thracian tribe Serdi. It is free and open for everyone that wants to visit.