Exploring Bulgaria: A Journey Through History, Landscapes, and Changing Seasons

Exploring Bulgaria: A Journey Through History, Landscapes, and Changing Seasons

Sofia: The Capital’s Rich History and Culture

Our journey began in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, where we took part in what has become a regular habit of ours—a free walking tour to deepen our understanding of the city’s layered history. The mix of Roman ruins, Ottoman influences, and Soviet-era remnants made Sofia a fascinating place to explore. We wandered through Rayon Sredets and Oborishte, two of the city’s most historic districts.

The Patriarchal Cathedral Saint Alexander Nevsky was an undoubted highlight, a stunning example of Neo-Byzantine architecture, with its golden domes gleaming in the sunlight. Walking through Triaditsa, we encountered the Ancient Serdica Complex, where remnants of Roman streets and buildings sit alongside modern structures, showcasing Sofia’s blend of past and present.

Must-Dos in Sofia:

Take a free walking tour to learn about Sofia’s diverse history.
Visit the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and admire its golden domes.
Explore the Roman ruins at the Ancient Serdica Complex.
Stroll through Vitosha Boulevard for cafés and local shopping.
Discover the National Palace of Culture and its surrounding park.

Rila Monastery: A Spiritual Retreat in the Mountains

Leaving Sofia, we ventured into the mountains to visit Rila Monastery, Bulgaria’s most famous spiritual landmark. Nestled in a lush valley, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of Bulgarian Renaissance architecture, with colorful frescoes and ornate wood carvings. The serenity of the monastery and its surroundings made it a truly memorable stop.

Must-Dos in Rila Monastery:

Admire the monastery’s intricate frescoes and wooden carvings.
Visit the Tower of Hrelja for panoramic views.
Walk the surrounding nature trails for a peaceful retreat.
Try mekitsi (Bulgarian fried dough) from a local vendor.
Explore the Rila National Park for hiking opportunities.

Kosharitsa: A 10-Day Stopover

In Kosharitsa, we took a break from our usual routine, staying in a comfortable accommodation for ten days. This gave us time to step away from camper life, perform a deep clean of both our Hilux and camper, and await a long-overdue freezer door delivery which, despite paying extra for express shipping, never actually arrived. However, the time off allowed us to recharge before resuming our journey.

Must-Dos in Kosharitsa:

Explore the nearby eco-trails for stunning nature walks.
Visit the local markets for fresh produce and homemade honey.
Relax at a family-run guesthouse for an authentic experience.
Take a short drive to Sunny Beach for a coastal escape.
Enjoy the rural charm and slow pace of village life.

Sunny Beach, Sozopol, and Nesebar: Bulgaria’s Coastal Gems

Visiting Sunny Beach in early October was a completely different experience from the height of summer. The crowds had disappeared, leaving behind empty, pristine beaches that were perfect for peaceful walks.

In Sozopol, we visited the Archaeological Museum, which provided fascinating insights into Bulgaria’s ancient past. The town itself, with its old wooden houses and cobbled streets, exuded charm.

Nesebar, a UNESCO-listed town, was another highlight, with its medieval churches, seaside views, and well-preserved history making it a must-visit destination.

Must-Dos on the Bulgarian Coast:

Walk the ancient streets of Nesebar’s Old Town.
Visit the Sozopol Archaeological Museum.
Enjoy fresh seafood at a coastal restaurant.
Explore the beaches of Sunny Beach in the off-season.
Take a boat tour along the Black Sea coastline.

Plovdiv: A City of Culture

Plovdiv, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, quickly became one of our favorite stops. The Old Town, with its colorful Revival-era buildings, winding streets, and ancient Roman amphitheater, was a joy to explore. Plovdiv’s vibrant arts scene and historic charm made it a must-visit destination.

Must-Dos in Plovdiv:

Explore the Roman Amphitheater, still in use today.
Wander through Kapana, the city’s creative district.
Visit the Ethnographic Museum for cultural insights.
Hike up Nebet Tepe for sunset views over the city.
Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian meal in a historic house.

Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets Fortress

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s medieval capital, was an absolute standout. The highlight here was Tsarevets Fortress, an imposing stronghold that once housed Bulgarian rulers. Exploring the ruins in the crisp winter air added to the historical weight of the experience.

Must-Dos in Veliko Tarnovo:

Walk the ancient walls of Tsarevets Fortress.
Explore Samovodska Charshia, the old market street.
Visit the Asenevtsi Monument for panoramic views.
Take a river walk along the Yantra River.
Try tarator (Bulgarian cold yogurt soup) at a local eatery.

Basarbovo Monastery and Varna: The Calm Before the Storm

Next, we visited Basarbovo Monastery, a fascinating rock-hewn religious site, before moving on to Varna, Bulgaria’s largest coastal city. However, our plans quickly changed as temperatures plummeted to -12°C, and the country issued a severe weather warning for 5-7 days. Realizing the potential risks of being stranded, we decided to return to our trusted park-up in Veliko Tarnovo and wait out the snowy conditions.

Must-Dos in Varna:

Explore the Varna Archaeological Museum.
Walk along the Sea Garden promenade.
Visit the Aladzha Monastery, carved into rock cliffs.
Discover the Stone Forest, a natural phenomenon.
Enjoy fresh seafood by the Black Sea.

The Great Escape: Leaving Bulgaria for North Macedonia

After 48 hours of heavy snow, we had a small window of opportunity when the snowy weather eased slightly. Seizing the moment, we packed up and carefully made our way out of Bulgaria, crossing into North Macedonia just in time before the next wave of snowstorms hit.

Final Thoughts: A Country of Contrasts and Surprises

Bulgaria proved to be a land of extremes—welcoming and warm in the summer, yet harsh and challenging in the depths of winter. The country's rich history and stunning landscapes made it an unforgettable destination. Whether admiring the coastal beauty of Sozopol and Nesebar, exploring the ancient ruins of Plovdiv and Tsarevets Fortress, or navigating the snow-covered roads of Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria constantly surprised us.

For fellow travelers, we highly recommend visiting Bulgaria in the warmer months (May to October) when more services are available. But no matter when you go, Bulgaria offers something special, and we will always cherish our experiences here.

To see more images of our Bulgarian travels, click here.

To see more images of our Bulgarian travels click here

Exploring Bulgaria: Must-Do Experiences and a Journey Through History, Landscapes, and Changing Seasons