The Best Day Trips From Sofia Bulgaria

Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, is the perfect base to explore the surroundings by embarking on day trips. From nature walks to mountain hikes, monasteries and historical villages, here’s a list of the best places to visit around Sofia.

1. Rila Monastery

Monastery

Rila Monastery is the biggest monastery in Bulgaria and is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The monastery is dedicated to the most cherished Bulgarian saint, Ivan of Rila, who also founded it more than 1,000 years ago. It is one of the major attractions in the country and famous for its beautiful ornamented decorations.

Once you have visited the monastery, try a mekitsa, a local pastry treat sold at the monastery that has gained a legendary status. It’s similar to a doughnut, covered in powdered sugar – a jar of buffalo yogurt is its perfect companion. The monastery is not located in a town or village, so you will need to take a private tour or rent a car to get there.