Travel Guide to Romania & Bulgaria

First and foremost, Bulgaria seems to attract nature enthusiasts. Home of lengthy, white-sand beaches lining the resort-dotted Black Sea Coast, other natural attractions include an interior of wooded and mountainous landscapes, inhabited by scarce forms of wildlife and otherwise best explored via hiking or often even horseback riding. Other reasons to visit Bulgaria include towns and cities featuring national revival architecture, colorful and countrywide religious attractions, fascinating archeological sites and pastoral villages characterized by centuries-old folklore, as well as elderly women wearing distinct clothing (especially the headscarves) and elderly men riding on donkeys.

Indeed, Bulgaria is a bit more traditional than most other post-communist European states and is integrating with the West at a slower pace. Nevertheless, the country is showing signs of growth and modernization, despite struggles with corruption, with overhauling its weak judiciary system and with land overdevelopment and interrelated environmental damage. In any case, visitors usually do not concern themselves with Bulgaria’s national and European Union-related political affairs. Rather, tourists seem to enjoy the simplicity, hospitality—and, of course, delicious gastronomy—this Southeastern European nation has a great deal to offer. Although known primarily for its beaches, most of Bulgaria remains ‘off the beaten path,’ a path that serves as a showcase of Balkan lifestyle, a path that is waiting for you to explore.