Located in the northern hemisphere, Bulgaria has a typical continental climate marked by long hot summers and biting cold winters. Taking advantage of its reliably sunny days, tourists flock in this underrated Balkan powerhouse during the months of June until late of August to explore its limitless natural beauty, colorful history, and unique photogenic gems that will surely bring life to your Instagram feed. Pack your bags with snacks and drinks, wear your most comfy shoes, and prepare to get sweaty with glee as you discover this list of the best things to do over the summer holidays in Bulgaria, that you should include in your itinerary.
1. Tour Plovdiv and go wine tasting in Thracia Valley (from USD 121.0)
Stroll around the neighboring city of Sofia and discover a deeper part of the history of Bulgaria while setting your foot on the grounds of The Roman theatre of Plovdiv that is considered to be one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theatres. While in the second biggest city in Bulgaria, don’t forget to drop by in Villa Yustina Winery and take time to surprise your palate trying out some fine wines that are produced only in the country. Make sure to buy a bottle of red or sparkling wine to carry back to your hotel or include it in your luggage to take back home as a souvenir.
Plovdiv and Thracia Valley with Wine Tasting
Duration: 10 hours
2. Race at the Varna Karting Track
Visit just off the Burgas and Varna road and enjoy the day with family or friends in the largest racetrack in Bulgaria, offering an amazing experience for both new and regular drivers. Feel the thrill as you control your speed while racing with some of the best karts on their great track or enjoy quality time with your little ones for you can choose to have a double kart perfect for the both of you. Make use of their unique software system to see your lap times live, and recall all your sessions on your phone to compare your results with other drivers.
Varna Karting Track
Address: Varna 9000, Bulgaria
Website: Varna Karting Track
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sun: 10am - 11pm
Price: 18 BGN (10.5 USD)
3. Discover Devil’s Throat Cave, an exquisite geological wonder
Prepare for the possibility of embarking on a real journey of discovery while exploring this mysterious and awe-inspiring underground kingdom located in Western Rhodopes, known as The Devil’s Throat Cave. Hear about the legends as you move to the far side of the cave and marvel at the sight of a gorge, a mystical waterfall, and enormous caverns, while the muffled roar of waters and a little natural lighting tries to captivate your imagination. Entry into the caves is only allowed with a tour guide, and slippery floors are a high concern so make sure to prepare for both to fully enjoy this nature’s wonder.
The Devil’s Throat Cave
Address: 197 Yagodina, 4825 Bulgaria
Website: The Devil’s Throat Cave
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 3 BGN (1.75 USD)
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4. Enjoy a four-hour boat trip (from USD 87.0)
Go aboard a boat and explore Nessebar, which is often called the Pearl of the Black Sea, while admiring the panoramic views of the coastlines and listening to the guided commentary about the flora and fauna of the area. Stop for swimming, fishing, and achieving your tan lines while enjoying a barbeque and drinks after cruising through several area bays and knowing their history and legends. Take the south side of the peninsula so you can get more dolphin watching time, or if you’re lucky enough, a swim with dolphins in crystal clear waters is possible, making it even more enjoyable and romantic as you travel together with your loved one.
Nessebar Half-Day Boat Trip with Fishing, Lunch and Drinks
Duration: 4 hours
5. Try a gourmet tour in Varna (from USD 129.04)
Explore the Bulgarian history and find the hidden treasures of the city as you visit its summer capital, Varna, located next to the coastal resorts of Golden Sands. Get to know the culinary side of Bulgaria and have a Varna gourmet tour that should include wine tasting. Get to try out local snacks and delicacies. A great choice for a Bulgarian seaside destination, it is no doubt that it’s the best option when it comes to some days of fun in the sun and at the same time, it is quite easy to get to anywhere around Sofia, Ruse, and Burgas.
Varna Gourmet Tour including Wine Tasting
Duration: 4.0 hour
6. Visit a religious and cultural heritage site (from USD 49.0)
Make your way to this stunning eye candy, both from the outside and inside, considered as the most important Orthodox church in Bulgaria created to honor the Russian soldiers who died fighting for the liberation of the country. Surround yourself by its serene ambiance while admiring its artwork pieces made in sublime Neo-Byzantine architectural style visible up from the ceiling and down to the walls covered with gold. Whatever your religion may be, try to experience this great edifice by attending a mass and partaking of the Orthodox liturgy as you listen to the magnificent choir in full voice.
Sofia 8-Hour City Tour from Plovdiv
7. Visit the beautiful cape at the Black Sea Coast (from USD 156.0)
Experience cape Kaliakra along the spectacular Black Sea Coast and marvel at the fantastic vistas while admiring the beauty of this fortress that was successively used by Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgarians. Combining wonders of nature and ancient history, find a seat in any of the lovely restaurants near the cape or look for a place to get some quiet contemplation while admiring the stunning views especially during sunset. After posing on some good spots for your Instagram feed, don’t forget to drop by the small museum to learn more about the history of this site or visit the stalls for souvenirs.
Varna-Aladzha Monastery-Balchik-Kaliakra Cape Tour
8. Go on a Strandzha Mountains safari and boat trip (from USD 71.66)
Discover a yet unexplored nook of Bulgaria and experience an amazing adventure surrounded by untouched nature and impressive landscapes with traces of ancient culture including mystical stone temples. Take the opportunity to visit the beautiful little village in the heart of the Strandzha Mountains, which has maintained its authentic atmosphere over the many decades despite the urbanization of the neighboring cities. Wrap your day by taking a boat trip along the River Ropotamo and feast your eyes on the beautiful and diversified flora and fauna that is very unique within the Balkans due to the location of the mountain.
From Sunny Beach: Strandzha Mountains Safari & Boat Trip
Duration: 9 hour
9. Explore a sacred archaeological highlight (from USD 95.0)
Feel the spirit of the God of Sun and the ancient Thracian culture as you visit the archaic city of Perperikon, located in the eastern Rhodope Mountain. Wander around the ruins and be amazed by how far ahead our ancestors were as you listen to the knowledgeable tour guides explain the importance of this fortification in the lives of the people some thousands of years ago. Make sure to go there early in the morning for you have to hike up quite a bit and it can get very hot, with no shadow to protect you from the scorching heat of the sun.
The Thracian God of Sun - Private Day Tour
Duration: 8 hours
10. Make a splash in Action Aqua Park (from USD 17.0)
Get the golden tan lines you wish to achieve and have a fun-filled family day in Bulgaria’s first waterpark, located in Sunny Beach ideal for kids and the young at heart. Complete your summer escape and dive in to swim in one of many pools or splash around in the wave pools after successfully overcoming the adrenaline-pumping ride on extreme water slides. If you can’t keep up with your kids and want to spare the action, cool down and relax in the hydromassage pool or simply enjoy sunbathing on a lounge chair after taking a fun family cruise along the lazy river.
Action Aqua Park Entrance Ticket
A Balkan escape like no other
Apply some sunscreen and prepare your camera for days of fun under the heat of the sun, packed with a colorful history and sublime tourist spots. Make sure to update your itinerary and include one, if not all of these things to do over the summer holidays in Bulgaria.
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