12 Best Things To Do In Bulgaria

1. The Black Sea beaches

Meet the Golden Bulgarian Riviera! Abundant in stunning beaches, Bulgaria is surely the favorite spot of any beach-lover who’s presently looking for a way out of the busy world! Besides, Bulgaria has really nice sandy beaches in general, most of which are located in its noteworthy seaside resorts. However, there are also other fine beaches resting amid the thick clusters of hotels which are actually quite secluded. The best part: you will be able to find your perfect vacation spot around here! For instance, the renowned resort of Albena is ideal for family vacations while the Golden Fish Beach, Smokini Beach and IYC- Primorsko are rather noisy and extremely popular camping destinations.

Soak up the sun: whatever you choose, just put on your sunglasses, grab a cocktail, and enjoy your holiday

The Black Sea beaches

Address: Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria

Website: The Black Sea beaches

2. Rila Monastery

Founded in the 10th-century by St. John of the Rila, a hermit, Rila Monastery is one of the best Bulgarian landmarks making any Bulgarian immensely proud. His tomb became a holy site as the building was gradually transformed into a monastic complex. The monastery was completely demolished after being engulfed in flames in the merciless fire back in the 19th-century. Gladly, it was rebuilt later on. Apart from the Hrelyu tower, the four chapels, the abbot’s room and the kitchen with the unusually large utensils, you must visit the monastery museum where Rafail’s Cross rests.

Go back in history: this magnificent piece of art took 12 years to complete, and in the end, the monk who made it lost his eyesight.

Rila Monastery

Address: Rila mountain 2643, Bulgaria (road 107)

Website: Rila Monastery

3. The Wonder Rocks

This rock phenomenon, called “The Wonderful Rocks”, may not be very popular, but it’s definitely worth seeing. Located 4 km (2.4 mi) away from the Asparuhovo village - the municipality of Dulgopol - the rocks resemble castle towers when viewed from afar. Presently, if you are within the region of Varna, you should absolutely pay a visit to this place and enjoy the magnificent combination of curiously shaped rock formations and the water of the Tsonevo Dam Lake below it.

Come by: P.S. Don’t miss taking a picture of the unique Bulgarian Wonder Rocks formation of Belogradchik! So amazing!

The Wonder Rocks

Address: Asparuhovo village, town of Belogradchik, Bulgaria

Website: The Wonder Rocks

4. Seven Rila Lakes

The Seven Lakes, located in Northwestern Rila Mountain, are among the most visited places in Bulgaria. These glacier lakes are simply extraordinary as their specific shape has given their pretty curious names. Meet the wonderful Seven Rila Lakes, namely “The Twin, The Eye, The Fish Lake, The Kidney, The Teardrop, The Trefoil and The Lower Lake”. Separeva Banya, which is a village located at the foot of the mountains, is a good starting point for an adventurous trip around here.

Explore the Seven Rila Lakes: along with the lakes, you can visit the Rila Monastery which is located nearby, alongside other magnificent locations, like Mount Malyovitsa and the Skakavitsa Waterfalls.

Seven Lakes

Address: Seven Lakes 2650, Rila Mountain, Bulgaria

Website: Seven Lakes

5. The Eyes of God, Prohodna Cave

This cave is a favorite location of many Bulgarians because of the two unique openings in its ceiling that resemble human eyes that are also called “The Eyes of God”. If it happens to rain during your visit, pay attention to the openings and how they resemble “crying eyes”. The Prohodna Cave is located near the village of Karlukovo, it’s free to visit, and always open for tourists and climbers.

Don’t miss it: keep in mind that the Prohodna Cave is amongst the most renowned landscapes that any visitor should absolutely stop by. Don’t miss your chance to explore its organic grandness!

The Eyes of God, Prohodna Cave

Address: near the village of Karlukovo, Bulgaria

6. Veliko Tarnovo: The Legendary City of the Tsars

The combination of the Tsarevets fortress, traditional Bulgarian food, the craftsman workshops in the old town, the historic Samovodska Charshia (from Turkish: market street), and the breathtaking views of the Yantra River nestled between the hills surrounding the city, makes the Bulgarian city of Veliko Tarnovo really unique. For the best experience, choose one of the many guest houses located in the old town, since the atmosphere around here is simply extraordinary.

Explore the legendary City of the Tsars: plus, it’s an ideal location for any sightseeing tour.

Veliko Tarnovo: The Legendary City of the Tsars

Address: City of the Tsars, 5000 Veliko Tarnovo , Bulgaria

Website: Veliko Tarnovo: The Legendary City of the Tsars

7. Krushuna Falls and Devetashka Cave

A little piece of paradise on Earth – that’s a suitable definition for Krushuna Falls. They are located near the Krushuna village, Lovech municipality, in Central Bulgaria, and are the biggest water cascade within country limits. With its amazing nature and atmosphere, this is the perfect place for taking a whole lot of breathtaking photos. As for the unbelievable Devetashka Cave, it was used as a filming location for “The Expendables 2” movie as it’s also located nearby. All in all, tourists often choose to visit both places in one day.

Explore it: feel like you’re in the movies thanks to the exceptional Krushuna Falls and Devetashka Cave! Enjoy them!

Krushuna Falls and Devetashka Cave

Address: 7 km (4 miles) from Letnitsa and 15 km (9 miles) northeast of Lovetch, Bulgaria

Website: Krushuna Falls and Devetashka Cave

8. Devil's Bridge, Ardino

The so-called Devil’s Bridge, or “Dyavolski most” in Bulgarian, rests near the town of Ardino, in the Rhodope Mountains. According to a specific legend, the bridge was rebuilt many times since Arda River simply kept destroying it. One day, the devil himself showed up and told the executive builder his conditions for the bridge to remain undamaged; the bridge had to display the devil’s silhouette without fully revealing it, and the image had to be tangible and non-material at the same time. How crazy?!

Legends: believe it or not, the Devil’s Bridge has been there for more than 500 years now. How curious, right?

Devil's Bridge, Ardino

Address: about 5 km (3 miles) from the village of Galabovo, Ardino, the Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria

9. Cape Kaliakra, Balgarevo

The wonderful village of Balgarevo is located in the Kavarna Municipality as it’s no more than 12 km (7 miles) east of the town of Kavarna, aka the Rock Capital of Bulgaria. Its clear beach line, quietness, organic atmosphere, and tranquility make it the ideal place for a summer family vacation. In the “Morsko konche” restaurant, being the locals’ favorite, any tourist can enjoy tasty dishes at decent prices. If you’re more into history and culture, you should definitely visit the Ongal History Museum, which is located at the very exit of Balgarevo when traveling towards Kaliakra cape.

Explore Cape Kaliakra: come around and don’t miss this lovely experience! You’ll love it!

Cape Kaliakra – Balgarevo

Address: village of Balgarevo, 12 km (7 miles) east of the town of Kavarna, Bulgaria

Website: Cape Kaliakra

10. The splendid town of Belogradchik

Meet the renowned and awe-inspiring Belogradchik fortress, which is also famous as “Kaleto”. Believe it or not, it’s the town’s main historical tourist attraction and an extremely significant site in Bulgaria. Additionally, the Wonder Rocks are simply another phenomenal group of unique rock formations perching up on the western slope of the Balkan Mountains. The Magura Cave, which is one of the largest caves in Bulgaria, is located 20 km (12 miles) north of Belogradchik, near the Rabisha village as well.

Explore the lovely town: the cave is totally worth visiting due to its thousand-year-old cave paintings and the size of the stalagmites and stalactites.

Belogradchik

Address: 3900 Belogradchik, Bulgaria

Facebook: Belogradchik

11. Varna

There’s a whole lot of things to see and engage in once you arrive in Varna, aka the Sea Capital of Bulgaria. North of Varna, you can find a cluster of seaside resorts, each filled with brilliant sandy beaches: Golden Sands, St. Constantine and Helena, Riviera, Sunny Day Complex, and the Albena resort. As for your sightseeing tour around here, you can totally stop by the famous rock monastery named Aladja Manastir alongside the unique attraction Pobiti Kamani (The Stone Forest) as well.

Enjoy your tour: on your way back, don’t miss the chance to explore Balchik Botanical Garden and Palace, or Kaliakra Cape resting on the Black Sea coast.

Read our article for the best places to stay in Varna.

Varna

Address: 9000 Varna, Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria

12. Plovdiv

Indeed, there’s an abundance of major cultural tourist attractions and spots to explore in “The City of the Seven Hills”. Once called Philippopolis, the city is famous for its ancient Roman theatre, the Roman Odeon, the Roman aqueduct, the Roman Stadium, the archaeological complex Eirene, alongside the historical city’s remains being so greatly preserved. Plovdiv hosts various cultural events, fairs, and theatrical festivals year-round. For example, The “Kapana” (The Trap) district, which is below the Old Town, is a great gathering spot for young people, as it’s quite famous for its arty shops, bars, and trendy cafes.

Come around: don’t miss the opportunity to get to know more about the authenticity of this place! Enjoy it!

Read our article to learn more about the best things to do in Plovdiv.

Plovdiv

Address: 4000, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Fall in love with Bulgaria's best spots!

As you can see for yourself, Bulgaria is truly a wonderful place where you could experience such a unique adventure, filled with great memories of its most significant landmarks and landscapes. From the Eyes of the God to Devil’s Bridge, Bulgaria is surely a phenomenal spot desired by every adventurer!