Discover Bulgaria: Europe’s Hidden Gem

Bulgaria stands out as a remarkable destination for travelers interested in exploring Europe in 2025. With its mix of ancient sites, lively cities, breathtaking scenery, and welcoming communities, the country appeals to a wide range of visitors. Its attractions often come at a lower cost compared to many other European locations, making it both accessible and intriguing.

From the popular beaches along the Black Sea to the lesser-known mountain towns, Bulgaria offers much more than the usual tourist spots. Cities like Plovdiv and Veliko Tarnovo are filled with history and culture, while the surrounding natural areas invite exploration. With several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a landscape dotted with national parks and hidden waterfalls, Bulgaria provides unique experiences for those eager to discover both its heritage and its untouched beauty.

A Cultural and Natural Treasure Trove

Bulgaria’s landscape is a rich blend of culture, history, and nature. Ancient Thracian tombs and Roman ruins can still be found across the country, especially in places like Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. In Plovdiv, visitors often walk through Roman amphitheaters and admire the detailed mosaics.

The country is home to many sites shaped by centuries of different civilizations. The Rila Monastery stands in the Rila Mountains, surrounded by deep forests. Built in the Middle Ages, this religious site features colorful frescoes and peaceful courtyards, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike. To the south, the Pirin Mountains hold the Pirin National Park, where clear lakes, ancient forests, and rare wildlife fill the valleys and slopes.

Nature lovers are drawn to the Rhodope Mountains, known for their scenic beauty and traditional villages. Hiking trails wind through forests and past waterfalls. In the Rila Mountain range, the Seven Rila Lakes are a major highlight. Each lake has its own name and shape, and together they make a popular destination for both hikers and photographers.

Significant cultural events also take place in towns like Koprivshtitsa. This mountain town is famous for its well-preserved houses and its role in Bulgarian history. Artisans here still use old methods to make crafts, and the streets fill with music and dance during local festivals.

Festivals of Colors, Sounds, and Culture

Bulgaria’s calendar is filled with vibrant festivals that showcase its music, food, art, and customs. In Sofia, the A to Jazz event sets the summer mood every July in South Park II. Jazz fans gather under the sun to enjoy performances ranging from classic jazz to funk and fusion. The festival gives space to both international musicians and local talent, often blending Balkan rhythms with modern jazz.

In the village of Koprivshtitsa, visitors in August find the National Festival of Bulgarian Folklore. Thousands of participants arrive in colorful traditional clothes, filling the mountain landscape with folk songs and dances. Handcrafted items and regional dishes are sold at market stalls.

The Varusha South Festival brings something special to Veliko Tarnovo. Streets come alive with live bands and open-air art displays. People can try hands-on art workshops and join interactive performances. Local chefs also offer tastings of traditional dishes, letting everyone experience Bulgarian food in creative ways.

At the Green Cheese Festival, guests can taste rare green-mold cheese made only in Cherni Vit. In Kurtovo Konare, local produce—like sweet peppers and tomatoes—take the spotlight, with friendly cooking competitions and food tastings. The Bulgarian Plum Festival welcomes visitors in Troyan to enjoy folk music, browse crafts, and try the region’s famous fruit brandy.

One of the most colorful winter traditions appears in Pernik at the Surva Festival. Here, dancers called Kukeri wear masks and costumes, moving through streets to scare away bad spirits and bring good luck. The event draws crowds from across the country, highlighting the power of ritual and celebration in Bulgarian life.

Explore the Danube and the Northwest

Travelers can experience the quieter side of northern Bulgaria by exploring the areas along the Danube River and throughout the northwest. Opportunities for outdoor recreation include hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and kayaking. The Dunav Ultra cycling route, stretching 740 kilometers to the Black Sea, is one of the highlights for cyclists eager to see both nature and riverside communities.

Nature lovers may enjoy hikes in the Vratsa Balkan Nature Park, known for its dramatic limestone formations and marked trails. Open Vratsa is a valuable resource for finding information about local walking tours and natural sites.

Belogradchik offers hot air balloon flights over its famous red rock cliffs, providing views of the landscape and the Danube plains. For those interested in cultural exploration, Chiprovtsi stands out with its tradition of handmade rugs, recognized by UNESCO, and has local beer-tasting opportunities.

The region’s museums and historical sites offer insight into Bulgaria’s complicated past. The Vratsa Regional Museum’s Treasure Hall displays a notable Thracian gold collection, and guided tours at Belene present stories from Bulgaria’s Soviet era between 1944 and 1989.

Along the Danube, the Svishtov Kayak Club organizes memorable river tours. These guided excursions explore peaceful inlets rich with birds and other wildlife. Boat rides from Nikopol add a different perspective, showing the river’s natural charm and historical sites.

Birdwatchers will appreciate the Kalimok–Brushlen Protected Area and the open skies above Ruse, where rare species can be spotted.

Support Provided by the America for Bulgaria Foundation

The America for Bulgaria Foundation plays an important role in promoting Bulgaria’s cultural and natural sites. Since 2009, it has given funding for projects that help restore landmarks such as the Bishop’s Basilica of Philippopolis and the Small Basilica in Plovdiv.

Some key activities supported by the foundation include:

• Cycling and hiking trails
• Kayaking and climbing routes
• Birdwatching locations
• Food and wine tasting experiences

Many of these projects take place in Northwestern Bulgaria and along the Danube region, helping to expand tourism and preserve cultural heritage.

Reasons to Plan Your Trip Soon

Bulgaria is gaining attention for its charm, value, and friendly vibe. Its culture is still genuine, and local traditions remain strong. Prices are still low, but things are changing as more people discover the country. Easy access with direct flights to Sofia, Plovdiv, or Varna adds to the appeal. Now is a good time to see Bulgaria before it becomes more crowded or expensive.