Things not to miss

#01 ALEXSANDAR NEVSKI CATHEDRAL, SOFIA

The capital's most striking edifice, built in Byzantine–Muscovite style.

© Mariia Golovianko/Shutterstock

#02 RILA MONASTERY

The country's most-visited monastic foundation, with fabulous frescoes.

© Shutterstock

#03 THE OLD QUARTER, PLOVDIV

Get charmed in this nineteenth-century quarter of town, with ornate houses and Roman remains.

© Mitzo/Shutterstock

#04 MOUNT VITOSHA

Just 7km from Sofia, Mount Vitosha offers skiing in winter and hiking in summer.

© phantomlord78/Shutterstock

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#05 KOPRIVSHTITSA

Don't miss this highland village renowned for its role in the April Rising of 1876.

© Boyan Georgiev Georgiev/Shutterstock

#06 BEACH BARS, BLACK SEA COAST

Enjoy the white sand and drink at the impromptu beach bars, set up all along the coast.

Burgas © mtr/Shutterstock

#07 YOGHURT

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Must sample the delicious and smooth Bulgarian yoghurt (kiselo mlyako), one of the gastronomic highlights of the country, renowned for its health benefits.

© Nataliya Nazarova/Shutterstock

#08 BIRDWATCHING

The country is a paradise for ornithologists, particularly the areas of Srebarna, Madzharovo and the lakes around Burgas.

© Miglena Pencheva/Shutterstock

Top image © Miglena Pencheva/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Bulgaria

Find even more inspiration for Bulgaria here