Where to go and what to do in Bulgaria.

If you are choosing which European (or, maybe, Mediterranean) country to visit for the next summer holidays, when do you think of Bulgaria? It may be less hyped than France, Italy, or Egypt, but it has lots of pros, being an interesting tourist place but not an overcrowded one. To spend holidays in Bulgaria is a better idea than it seems.
The Perfect Climate for Having Rest
Though Bulgaria is not usually considered among the first options for vacation on the beach, it deserves better than that. Its beaches are kept in order by local authorities, with fine sand, clean water, and anything you might need.
As we have said, the climate is hot enough to enjoy water and sand like we always do on beaches, and not too hot to turn pleasure to torture. The average air temperature in the summertime is 80-90ºF, that of water being 75-80ºF. So said, it’s the Goldilocks zone for quality vacation.
Incredible Food
Bulgarian cuisine is not completely ignored in the world, but it deserves more. It incorporates elements of its neighbor cuisines – Greek, Turkish, Hungarian, and others. If you don’t like pepper, though, you should warn about it each time you visit somebody or make an order at a restaurant. Classical Bulgarian food is very, very spicy. You should be just as cautious if you don’t like it fat and salty: Bulgarians adore meat and milk products. If you don’t like fat in your plate, opt for vegetable dishes, especially those with eggplants and bell peppers.
To maximize your number of impressions per minute, order meze. It’s a set of various small dishes, usually as chasers with rakia or other drinks, but of much interest without it as well.
Historical Places
Though Bulgaria has received less attention from reviewers than its neighbors like Greece or Romania, there is a lot to see there. Roman fortresses, Thracian monuments, old Orthodox Christian churches and monasteries, Byzantine towns, Osman mosques and houses, and modern cities. For example, you may visit Nesebar, a town that’s been developing through various eras, to see it evolve.
And no wonder: Bulgaria has been changing its status through centuries, being on time an important ally, another a dangerous enemy or rival to Byzantium, Osman Empire, Greece, Romania, Germany, and so on. Bulgars were always open to foreign influences, from religion to cuisine and technology, but always eager to rule their life themselves. That’s the national trace, so we proceed to…
Friendly People
Bulgarian hospitality is well known; if you suddenly make friends among locals, they will guide you through, invite you to places, tell you tons about local history (it’s worth that!), customs, even anecdotes. English is not as widely spoken in Eastern European countries as it is in Western, though in the recreation industry it’s hard to find a non-speaker. Just accept the fact that Bulgarians shake their heads to say “yes” and nod to say “no” and use this manner as a gentle icebreaker.
Beauty of Nature
We have already mentioned beaches on the Black Sea, but there is way more to Bulgarian nature. There are mountains high and cold enough for ski resorts, mountain lakes, spectacular waterfalls, flower fields… And there are about a dozen national parks, each worth visiting for seeing Balkan nature in all its greatness.
Dobre Doshli!
So, now you know the Bulgarian for “welcome”! If you are still making up your mind, let’s discuss it in comments. Ask or share your experience of service level, prices, places to visit, and so on. Or you can share it on Facebook or Twitter to get your friends to talk about the idea of spending summer holidays 2021 in Bulgaria.
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About the Author: Other Voices
Other Voices has written 1187 posts on Vagabond Journey. Contact the author.
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