Travel, Leisure and Recreation

Located between Greece and Romania, Bulgaria is an often overlooked travel destination. This is a pity, though, since there is a wealth of beautiful and interesting Bulgaria attractions.

Valley of the Thracian Kings – The valley of Kazanluk is one of the most popular Bulgaria attractions, particularly since it is the site of several burial mounds and tombs, the most famous of which is the Kazanluk Tomb. Dating back to 400 BC, the Kazanluk Tomb is known for its impressive murals. The lavishly decorated Sveshtari Tomb near Isperih is equally admirable.

Rila Monastery – Built in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is the largest and most famous monastery in Bulgaria, which is why it is one of the best Bulgaria attractions. It has also been listed as a World Heritage Site, particularly for its impressive library, beautiful frescoes, old wood carvings and its gold-plated iconostasis.

There are other magnificent monasteries in Bulgaria that serve as excellent Bulgaria attractions, such as the Assumption Bachkovo Monastery along the Chaya River, which is known for its narthex murals, and the Rozhen Monastery, which houses unique wood carvings and stained glass artwork.

Church of Saint Sophia – Bulgaria also has remarkable old churches, the most famous of which is the Church of Saint Sophia located in the capital city of Sofia. The church has a long history which includes being transformed into a mosque during the Turkish occupation and being destroyed by earthquakes in the 19th century. The Saint Trinity Church in the Komshtitza Village is worth seeing, too.

Roman Ampitheatre – Located in the city of Plovdiv, the Roman ampitheatre is not just one of the most popular Bulgaria attractions, but also a stage for numerous musical, opera and ballet performances, including the annual Verdi Festival in June. While in Plovdiv, you can also visit various art galleries, such as the Atanas Krastev House and the Philipopolis Art Gallery.

Pirin National Park – When it comes to natural attractions, Bulgaria has a lot to offer, too, such as the Pirin National Park, which is another World Heritage Site in Bulgaria. This park is the site of two nature reserves which are homes to over 3,000 species of plants and animals, many of which are endangered. Other natural attractions in Bulgaria include the Belogradchik rock formations and the Strandzha Nature park, the largest national park in Bulgaria.

Black Sea Coast – If you want to soak up the sun and the sand on the beach, you can do so at one of the seaside resorts in Bulgaria. In fact, these resorts, particularly Sunny Beach, are what most tourists come to Bulgaria for. It is just one reason to visit Bulgaria, though, since, as you just learned, there are many other awesome Bulgaria attractions you should definitely see at least once in a lifetime.

Isabella Olsen is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide, including Bulgaria, by car. To book your Bulgaria car rental, or learn more about rental cars worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.