The 8 Best Destinations In Bulgaria According To Locals

There haven’t been any official studies in search of Bulgarians’ favorite destinations in their own country, but if you judge by the crowds flocking to some attractions on the weekends, they certainly have preferences. If you prefer to travel like a local, head to some of the best destinations in Bulgaria, according to Bulgarians.

1. Belogradchik Fortress

The whole area of Belogradchik town is spectacular with its miles of peculiar rock formations known as the Belogradchik Rocks. Perched on top of one of the rock groups is the Belogradchik Fortress. The fortress is open daily from 9am to 6pm, and the ticket costs BGN 3 (US$1.5).

Belogradchik rocks, Bulgaria, +359 93 630 01

2. Rila Monastery

Monastery

Rila Monastery is the biggest monastery in the country and part of the UNESCO heritage in Bulgaria. Hundreds of people flock to the religious site founded over 1,000 years ago by the Bulgarian Saint Ivan of Rila. One of the must-sees at the monastery is the Rafail’s Cross – a wooden crucifix with more than 100 tiny Bible scenes carved into it by the monk Rafail who was almost blind when he finished it.

3. Kapana art district in Plovdiv

Kapana is the coolest place you can visit in Plovdiv for arts, culture, and craft beer. Its amazing transformation from a decaying central area with crumbling buildings and cars parked on the pavement to a thriving creative hub open for pedestrians only took a couple of years. If you are lucky, your trip will coincide with one of the arts and crafts festivals taking place in Kapana.

Kapana, Plovdiv, Bulgaria

5. The old capital of Veliko Tarnovo

Veliko Tarnovo is one of the most beautiful historical cities you can visit in Bulgaria with its fortress from the Second Bulgarian Empire era towering on a hill above the streets. Stroll along the old craftsmen street Samovodska Chrashia, sip coffee brewed on hot sand and shop for some of the best artistic souvenirs you will find in the country.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

6. Iskar River Gorge

Iskar River Gorge in spring | © Ivo Ivov/Flickr

7. Nessebar's old town

This is a shared love between locals and foreigners, who all find Nessebar stretching on a tiny peninsula into the Black Sea, a charming summer destination. Whether you are a history buff and want to see all the ancient churches, or you simply enjoy old wooden houses that smell like centuries gone by, you will fall in love with this historical town.

Nessebar, Bulgaria

8. Prohodna Cave

This cave, just 90 minutes’ drive from Sofia, is nicknamed the ‘eyes of God’ because of the peculiar shape of the two openings in its ceiling resembling a mighty power looking down on the tiny visitors. The whole area is full of eco-trails and amazing rocks that will fill a whole day of exploring.

Prohodna Cave, Bulgaria

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