Renowned for being the home of Greek, Roman, Turkish and Byzantine architectural styles, Bulgaria is an enigmatic country. The long coastline, exotic beaches, beautiful bays, impressive museums, churches, galleries, opera houses, splendid mountains, etc draw tourists across the globe to the country. Known for its opulent folklore traditions, dance, music and rituals, Bulgaria is an exciting vacation destination. The towns and villages of Bulgaria offer more than a peek into the Bulgarian hospitality and spirit.

Must see

The Madara National Historical and Archaeological Reserve is a prominent attraction of Bulgaria. The reserve comprises an interesting rock chapel, a fort atop the mountain and a cave's open-air wall. The most renowned monastery in Bulgaria, the Rila monastery is situated in a lush green valley. Magnificent murals are housed in the Nativity church.

Rozhen Monastery is located atop a hill and was built in the year 1217. It was renovated in the eighteenth century. The engravings in the wood and the murals in the church are exquisite to look at. Shipka pass is historically significant for being the scene of the Russian-Turkish battle. The Pass is well known for Mt. Stoletov and the Freedom Monument.

Tsarevets Fortress housed the tsars of Bulgaria, during Veliko Tarnovo's regime. It was the national capital, then. The triangular walls of the fortress are home to around eighteen churches and 400 houses that were built around 5th and 12th centuries. The limestone rocks in the Pirin National Park, the seven lakes in the Rila National Park, the Raiskoto Praskalo Waterfall and the Bailusheva forests are other major highlights of Bulgaria. Apart from these, the Bulgarian attractions include Chiprovtsi mountain town, the valley of the Thracian kings, pamporova, Balkan, Nevski Memorial church, Khrelio's tower, et al.

Must Do

The long coastline of Bulgaria offers a perfect venue for a refreshing swim. Tourists can also visit the historical city of Varna, port city of Bourgas, picturesque city of Albena, etc. Quaint Bansko can be perfect for skiing and visitors can hike along the way marked routes. Vratsa, Tarnovo, Trojan, Veliko and Maliovitza areas are ideal for an exciting mountaineering and climbing experience. Visitors can also try a hand at horse riding and mountain biking. The mineral water spas of Bulgaria are famous for their curative properties. Tourists can unwind and relax in the spas. The Pirin Pee festival is a great festival that can be witnessed, during a visit to Bulgaria.

Must taste

Bulgarian cuisine is widely known for the Turkish and Greek influences. The cuisine includes an array of dairy products, rich salads, wide variety of wines, alcoholic drinks and hot and cold soup. National specialties include 'Tarator' (cold soup made using walnuts, yoghurt and cucumber), shopska salata (salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, white cheese and peppers), Surmi (meat stuffed in cabbage leaves), Kebapche (minced meat rolls), Banista (white cheese stuffed pastry) and Kavarma (made from veal, pork, onions and mushrooms).

Must indulge

The nightlife in Bulgaria is exciting with the indigenous 'chalga' music. The nightclubs and bars at Sofia, Plovdiv, Bourgas and many other resorts play different styles of music. The tourists who love classical concerts and operas can visit local orchestras and opera houses.

Must shop

Anybody visiting Bulgaria can grab handicrafts, wines, shoes, spirits, confectionary and clothes made in the country. Sofia is the ideal place for compulsive shoppers. Tourists can own clothing and electrical goods from the busy streets of Graf Ignatiev and Ulitsa Pirotska.

Facts

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