About Bulgaria section is a place where you will find more information about the country that you plan to visit. With no doubt, your Bulgarian guide will tell you all these interesting facts about Bulgaria. If you are eager to read in advance some summarized information, here you will find it. All over the web, you will find tons of information about Bulgaria. Here we have tried to present the most essential. The rest you will see and feel personally on spot ;).

Geography of Bulgaria

Brief Historical Facts About Bulgaria

Civilizations in the Bulgarian Lands

UNESCO Sites in Bulgaria

Contemporary Arts and Cultural Events in Bulgaria

Festivals in Bulgaria

Nature, Flora and Fauna of Bulgaria

The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Ski Resorts in Bulgaria

Eco Routes and Outdoor Activities

Mineral SPAS Health and Beauty- the Mineral Water in Bulgaria

Wine and Culinary

Map of countries with Diplomatic Missions in Bulgaria

Geography of Bulgaria

Bulgaria Map
Bulgaria Map

Noted for its diversity, Bulgaria’s landscape ranges from mountainous peaks covered in snow to valleys and lowlands giving way to the coast of the Black Sea.

The Balkan Mountains cut across the central part of the country. The Rhodope Mountains run through southern Bulgaria along its border with Greece.

The highest point in the country, located in the Rila Mountains, is Musala Mt., at 9,594 ft. (2,925 m).

Moving on the north of the Balkan Mountains the fertile lowlands of the Danubian Plain slope gradually down to the Danube River.

The southeastern lowlands (Maritsa Basin), drained by a series of small rivers, slope to the Black Sea.

Major rivers include the Danube River, as it forms the northern border with Romania, and the Iskur, Maritsa, Struma, Tundzha and Yantra Rivers.

Map references:

Europe

Area:

total: 110,910 sq. km
land: 110,550 sq. km
water: 360 sq. km

Area – comparative:

slightly larger than Tennessee

Land boundaries:

total: 1,808 km
border countries: Greece 494 km, Macedonia 148 km, Romania 608 km, Serbia and Montenegro 318 km, Turkey 240 km

Coastline:

354 km

Maritime claims:

territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 24 nm
exclusive economic zone: 200 nm

Climate:

temperate; cold, damp winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain:

mostly mountains with lowlands in north and southeast

Elevation extremes:

lowest point: Black Sea 0 m
highest point: Mussala 2,925 m

Natural resources:

bauxite, copper, lead, zinc, coal, timber, arable land

Land use:

arable land: 40.02%
permanent crops: 1.92%
other: 58.06% (2001)

Irrigated land:

8,000 sq. km (1998 est.)

Natural hazards:

earthquakes, landslides

Environment – current issues:

air pollution from industrial emissions; rivers polluted from raw sewage, heavy metals, detergents; deforestation; forest damage from air pollution and resulting acid rain; soil contamination from heavy metals from metallurgical plants and industrial wastes

Environment – international agreements:

party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Nitrogen Oxides, Air Pollution-Persistent Organic Pollutants, Air Pollution-Sulfur 85, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protocol, Antarctic-Marine Living Resources, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Environmental Modification, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution-Sulfur 94

Geography – note:

strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia

Note: The information tabled directly above was researched by and provided by the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency

Brief Historical Facts about Bulgaria

Civilizations in the Bulgarian Lands

Varna TreasureThe lands of today`s Bulgaria are one of the centers of the ancient civilization, they represent a crossroad at which different cultures and ethnical communities meet. In the 5th – 4th millennium BC, the ancient societies were on the threshold of civilization and their cultural achievements of that time serve as evidence for how close they were to it. Varna TreasureThe Chalcolithic necropolis, found in 1972 near Varna has left on the territory of Bulgaria, a mark of the first civilization in Europe called “Varna culture”. The specialists consider the golden items found in it the oldest processed gold in the world. They show that a civilization preceding even the ancient Egyptian civilization has existed in these lands. Over the following centuries, the Thracians inhabited the lands of Bulgaria.

The Thracians

The Thracians created unique monuments of their culture. From time immemorial, the lands of this country keep the secrets of the antiquity.  The archaeologists have been looking for the famous sanctuary of Dionysus for more than hundred years now. They consider that its discovery will equal in value that of Troy and Mycenae. Unfortunately, the research has been quite limited and the only thing that we know for sure is that the Sanctuary was situated in the Rhodopes. The Rhodopes Mountain is located in Southern Bulgaria, today, 20% of its territory is part of the Greek state. The archaeological researchers over the recent years have led to an area, where shrouded in mystery is the Thracian sanctuary of Perperikon. It is a large megalith sanctuary that takes you back in time to a distant epoch of riddles and mysteries.

The Thracian Treasures

The uniquely crafted items serve as evidence for the material and spiritual achievements of these ancient people. Considering their unique and exquisite workmanship the Valchitran, Panaguyrishte and Rogozen Treasures, one cannot but think of them as a symbol of the wealth of the Thracian kings who ruled as early as 3000 years before the Trojan War.

The Valchitran treasure is the largest golden treasure known to the Bulgarian archaeology. It consists of 13 golden vessels with a total weight of 12.5 kg. These precisely crafted items, used in the spiritual rituals of the Thracian kings, raise many questions, the answers of which allow us to feel the remote past in a unique way.

A very important source for the study of the Thracians and their way of living and relations with the Hellenic culture is the Panagyurishte golden treasure. It represents a golden set of dishes decorated with multiple ornaments, probably used for feasts and spiritual sacraments. Another proof for the increased cultural exchange between the Thracian tribes and the ancient Greeks back in those days are the 165 items of the Rogozen treasure.

Sites Protected by UNESCO in Bulgaria

Seven cultural and two Natural objects, located in Bulgaria are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Bulgaria UNESCO TOURSThe Madara Rider

It is a bas-relief carved in the rocks, is an archaeological monument. The triumphing ruler hewn out on it, is a symbol of the power of the First Bulgarian State. The composition, symbolizing victory over the enemy, reminds of the triumphal scenes and is in line with the ancient artistic traditions. The Madara Rider was included in the List of UNESCO in 1983. You can see some of our tours including the Madara Rider here: Bulgraia Tours

The Thracian tomb of Kazanlak

It is a round-domed brickwork tomb, a part of a large necropolis, situated in the town of Kazanlak. The tomb owes its worldwide popularity to its unique mural paintings covering the corridors and the domed premises. These are some of the best-preserved frescoes of the Early-Hellenic epoch.

Bulgaria Tour Sveshtari UNESCOThe Thracian Tomb of Sveshtary

About 2300 years ago, a Thracian ruler built his eternal home while he was still alive. His slaves constructed a huge stone tomb for him. While the interior was still in decoration with paintings and sculptures, the ruler died. The family laid him in the tomb together with all the precious gifts and closed the tomb. A tumulus as high as a 4 story building was raised above it. In 1982, archaeologists dug up the mound and found a unique synergy of sculpture, painting and architecture. The Thracian Tomb of Sveshtary was included in the list of UNESCO in 1983.

We strongly recommend you take a look at our Bulgaria Tour – Nature, History and Villages including the Thracian Tomb of Sveshtary.

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Ivanovo

It is a religious complex, dated back to the 12th century. It owes its intransient importance to its beautiful and well-preserved frescoes. The Rock-Hewn Church of Ivanovo was included in the list of UNESCO in 1983. Most of our tours include this site. It is located near Ruse, close to the border with Romania. All our combined Bulgaria and Romania Tours include this site. You can check our Bulgaria Tour – Hiking and Treasures as well.

The Boyana Church

The Boyana church is one of the best and completely preserved symbols of the East European Mediaeval art. Its mural paintings differ from all the other frescoes in the Christian world. Here you can see our Tour of Sofia including the Boyana church.

Rila Monastery Guided Tour from SofiaThe Rila Monastery

The cloister is a real mediaeval place of spirituality and glory. At the same time is a symbol of solitude. The church of the monastery has unique frescoes, icons, wood-works and the biggest iconostasis in Bulgaria. The Rila monastery is one of the must-visit sites of Bulgaria. You can see our Tour to the Rila monastery for more details.

The Old town of Nessebar

It is one of the oldest towns in Europe that received recognition by UNESCO. Its first name was Messemvria. Over the entire period of the Antiquity, the Roman and the subsequent Byzantine reign, the town was developing and accumulating wealth. This wealth transpires even today, despite the dark centuries the town had to undergo.

The natural properties of Bulgaria on the UNESCO World Heritage list are the Pirin National Park and Srebarna Nature Reserve.

Contemporary Arts and Cultural Events

The dynamics of modern life influences modern Bulgarian culture too.

Bulgarian towns become stages for different cultural events.  The locals and the guests can attend exhibitions, concerts, theatre plays, opera and ballet spectacles and film shows.

Every month there are exhibitions of artists, working in the field of painting, black and white drawing, sculpture, decorative arts, modern art design etc. In the numerous galleries of Sofia City, Plovdiv, Varna, Bourgas, Ruse, Stara Zagora and other big cities.

Every season there are new performances on the opera and theatre stages, attracting a growing number of spectators. Bulgarian renowned opera stars take part in gala-concerts and spectacles; some of them have started their celebrity careers on the stage of the Opera of Sofia. Some of them are Anna Tomova-Sintova, Rayna Kabaivanska, Alexandrina Milcheva, Nikola Guyzelev, Stoyan Popov, Dimitar Petkov, Kaliudi Kaliudov and many others. The musical art of Bulgaria offers lovers of music a unique style. One of the big names of modern Bulgarian music is that of Teodosii Spasov. The virtuoso player of the wooden flute has developed his own, unique style. The International Festivals Varna Summer, Apolonia, Sofia Music Weeks, Bansko Jazz fest, Sofia Film Fest, Kinomania, etc. provide the scene for the multiple art talents.

The Bulgarian Folklore Music

Vanya Moneva ChoirThe Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices creates a new dimension of sounds, a heavenly melody incomparable to anything else you might have ever heard. The authentic folklore songs sung by the vocal ensemble never let the listeners stay indifferent. Every year the country turns into a stage of international cultural performances. “The Vanya Moneva” choir celebrated its 25th-anniversary last year. “The choir has been constantly developing and enriching its repertoire, reaching to a broader genre spectrum,” Vanya Moneva says. “Twenty-five years are enough to show that you deserve your place on the scene and that you meet the trust of the audience. We have a wide variety of styles and voices – soft and tender, ‘sharp’, wide. All this is gathered in a nice bouquet that is the face of our choir.”

Festivals in Bulgaria

The Rose Festival in Kazanlak

The Rose Festival in Kazanlak takes place during the first weekend of June. The culmination of the festivities is on Sunday when the visitors enjoy the parade organized by the Kazanlak Municipality.

The Rose Festival in Karlovo

The Rose Festival in Karlovo takes places during the last weekend of May in the town of Karlovo.

The Festival of the Costumes in the village of Zheravna

The Festival of the Costumes in the village of Zheravna takes place in mid-August. According to the rules, all participants must be dressed in authentic folk costumes. Also allowed are clothing from the early 20th century, old military uniforms, as well as traditional ones of other countries. Cameras are not allowed ;))).

The Koprivshtitsa International Folklore Festival

The traditional festival, presenting Bulgarian folklore from all parts of the country takes place once in five years. The last festival brought together more than 12,000 singers, dancers and storytellers in the meadows in Voivodinets locality.

In 2016, the festival was included the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

The Nestinarstvo Festival (Fire Dancing or Dancing on Hot Coals)

The Fire Dancing is a unique fiery ritual practiced in villages in southeastern Bulgaria, not far to the Black Sea coast. The performers dance barefoot on hot coals. The festival is organized around May 21, when in Bulgaria we celebrate the St. Constantine and Helena day.

The Festival of the Cherry in Kuystendil

The Festival of the Cherry takes place every year in the town of Kyustendil. It takes place in the last weekend of June. Kyustendil is the region where the locals produce the best-quality cherries in Bulgaria and the visitors are impatient to see well-ripen cherries. They are regarded as heralds of summer and the gate that leads to fertility in the whole Kyustendil region.

The Surva Festival in the town of Pernik

The Surva Festival is held in the town of Pernik. It is the biggest event of this type not only in Bulgaria but also on the Balkan Peninsula. It promotes variations of ancient Bulgarian customs that are still alive today. For two whole days, groups from the country and abroad will show you their unique traditions, masks and costumes.

The International Bagpipe Festival in the village of Gela

The International Bagpipe Festival in the village of Gela is held each year in the beginning of August. The green fields and vast pastures around the village of Gela gather thousands of people who take part in this festival of Bulgarian music and traditions. Participants enjoy the magnetism and the magnificence of the sound of the Bulgarian Bagpipe.

The Festival of the Yougurt in the town of Razgrad

Every summer in July, the Bulgarian town of Razgrad becomes a center of the unique Yoghurt Festival. The organizers combine it with the Festival of Old Bulgarian traditions and Authentic Bulgarian Folklore.
Famous Bulgarian yoghurt companies offer their production at the festival. One can find here a lot of homemade yoghurt. Visitors have the chance to taste the special Bulgarian yoghurt and try different dishes based on it. Traditionally every year at the Bulgarian Yoghurt Festival there is The Best Homemade Yoghurt competition.

The Rozhen Festival (Rozhen National Folklore Fair)

The Rozhen National Folklore Festival is one of the biggest folklore fairs in Bulgaria held every year on the meadows of the Rozhen area in the Rhodope Mountains.
The fair’s goal is to popularize the Bulgarian folk dance and song art. It takes place in August and lasts for two days. The first edition of the Rhozhen Festival of Folklore Art and Stockbreeding was held in 1898.

Pirin Sings Folklore Festival

Pirin Folk Festival is an international festival of creativity in digital cultures, bringing together the world’s most talented creative coders, innovators, artists and designers. It takes place every year in September in the town of Sandanski, southwestern Bulgaria, near the border with Greece. Participants from Bulgaria, Macedonia, Greece and Romania take part in the contest.

Nature, Flora and Fauna of Bulgaria

Bulgaria boasts unique and highly varied geographical relief. Broad plains and fertile fields merge into mountainous areas cut by deep river defiles.

Seven Rila Lakes Tour from Sofia
Seven Rila Lakes Tour from Sofia

Natural Parks of Bulgaria

The Natural Parks of Bulgaria are Pirin, Rila and The Central Balkan, Their total area accounts to 193 049 ha, which is above 1/3 of the area of all protected territories in the country.

The Rila National Park

It is the biggest national park in Bulgaria. Centuries-old forests of spruce, white fir and white pine cover the major part of its territory. This is where one can find Moussala, the highest peak in Bulgaria and on the Balkan Peninsula (2925 m).

The Pirin National Park

It is the oldest park in Bulgaria. It covers the most beautiful and majestic part of the Pirin mountain. Its rocky peaks attract with their magnetism. Due to its unique diversity of land shaft forms, plants and animal sorts, The Pirin National Park is included in the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

The Central Balkan (Stara Planina) National Park

If there is a place that fully represents the image of Bulgaria, this is the Balkan. Called “the source of life”, the National Park Central Balkan lies at the heart of Stara Planina (the Balkan Range). It is among the most valuable and the largest natural territories in Europe. It preserves unique, self-regulated mountainous eco-systems with specific varieties of species. By its beautiful nature, majestic landscapes, turbulent rivers, amazing precipices, numerous waterfalls and old forests, the Balkan Range is a center of attraction for many tourists.

The Rhodopes Mountain

The Rhodopes is the most extensive mountain in Bulgaria occupying one seventh of the territory of the country. The Western Rhodopes offer lot of tours and routes allowing hiking through diverse nature for days and weeks. While hiking you will inevitably become familiar with the most precious treasure of the mountain – good, warm-hearted and hospitable people.

In the northwestern territory of Bulgarian near town of Belogradchik there is a natural rock fairy-tale called the Belogradchik Rocks. Every stone in this area has its history and legends full of suffering and heroism, explaining their incredible petrified beauty. The rocky phenomenon was nominated for one if the New Seven Wonders of the World. It did not win the competition, but it is still as beautiful as it has always been.

Birds in Bulgaria

Via Pontica and Via Aristoteles, the passages of migratory birds cross Bulgaria. Around 70% of the birds, inhabiting Europe could be found on the territory of Bulgaria, too. The Biospheric Reserve Srebarna is also part of the list of UNESCO as a natural treasure. Shabla and Durankulak lakes are protected properties having international importance.

The Flora and Fauna of Bulgaria

The fairy atmosphere created by the Bulgarian nature would not be so unique if it missed the diversity of its flora and fauna. There are approximately 12,000 plant species making Bulgaria one of the richest country in this aspect.

The Flora of Bulgaria

The Bulgraian flora is rich and varied. There are 3600 species of mountain plants. Five separate plant zones exist. In the high mountains, there are Northern European coniferous woods and the highest mountain zone has arctic-alpine vegetation. The commonest trees are beach, oak, poplar, willow, ash, and hornbeam. 70% of the forests are important to the national economy, 30% of special importance, the latter occupying the greater area. The forestry wealth is one of young woods, low average and slow growth. The forest eco-systems in the West Rhodopes, Pirin, Rila and Strandzha Mountains are of higher quality, edible fungi and rare herbs are plentiful.

The Fauna of Bulgaria

The great diversity of the Fauna in Bulgaria is a result of its geographical location and the landscape. There are two known species of invertebrates, 80 species of fish, 27 species of birds, 18 species of mammals, one specie of amphibian and one of reptiles recorded. More than two thirds of the fresh water fauna is concentrated in the Danube River and its tributaries. The rivers Maritsa (crossing Plovdiv) has 1263 species, the Tundzha 662 species, and Arda 602 species. The coastal lagoons are remarkable for their unique fish. The reservoirs of the Balkan Rage Mountain (Stara Planina) teems with fish as well.

The Climate of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is situated in a temperate climate zone and is located at the junction of two continents. This important fact accounts for the great diversity of flora and fauna. Some of the areas with the greatest diversity of species are Strandzha, the Rhodopes and Pirin Mountains. The great variety  of birds, which pass through Via Pontica give an idea of the large number of species which inhabit our country. They include the pink flamingo, rock eagle, shining ibis, three toed woodpecker, fallow deer stag, wild goat, prickled-tailed turtle and mountain chub. Of the Bulgarian Flora there are the Red anemone, Caucasian primrose, Papilionaceae orchid, Hagerovo and Thracian tulip. There are different types of medicinal herbs and teas, such as the famous Mursalski (Sideritis Scardica) tea, also subject to a conservation order.

The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

About Bulgaria - image  on https://www.easybulgariatravel.comThe Bulgarian coastal line covers the entire eastern bound of Bulgaria stretching from the Romanian border to the north to the border with Turkey to the south, along 370 km of coastline. White and golden fine sand beaches occupy approximately 135 km. Sunny summer, warm seawater and vast beaches of fine sand attract tourists from all over the globe to the Bulgarian summer resorts. Some of the most famous resorts are Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Sveti Vlas, Nessebar, Sozopol, St Constantin and Helena, Albena, Kavarna, Balchik, Kranevo, Varna, Kamchia, Biala, Obzor, Pomorie, Bourgas, Duni, Primorsko, Kiten and Lozenets.

About Bulgaria - image  on https://www.easybulgariatravel.comThe climatic and natural advantages of Bulgaria, its history, monuments and culture are the most important conditions for the interest in the Bulgarian sea tourism.

At the end of the 19th century started the construction of the first summer resorts in Bulgaria.

The mineral springs and pools, the aqua parks at the Golden Sands, Sunny Beach and Nessebar, the sports facilities offer just about anything you may need such as calmness and relax or water adventures.

Ski Resorts in Bulgaria

The mountains in Bulgaria extremely diverse. They are accessible during the four seasons of the year and provide various options for recreation, sports and tourism. There are many ways of having a nice and wholesome holiday in the Bulgarian mountains. For those who have chosen to have a ride, there is a branched travelling network providing access to the most interesting natural, historic and cultural sights, as well as to all the towns and resorts in the area.

The opportunities for pedestrian tourism are unlimited throughout the year. There are good conditions for other modern mountain sports – mountain marathon, mountain bike, delta- and paraplanerism, rafting and kayaking. The Bulgarian mountains also offer ideal conditions for one of the most attractive and emotional sports in the open – alpinism.

Numerous alpine sites in Bulgaria attract the interest even of the most renowned European climbers. Of course, the mountainous resorts provide also extreme opportunities for ski-sport lovers. The main four ski -centers offer breathtaking sights and unforgettable experience to their visitors.

Borovets

It is the oldest winter resort in the country. Today, it is the biggest Bulgarian ski center considering the length and capacity of the ski-tracks and facilities. It is situated along to the northern slopes of Mount Moussala (2925 m), which is the highest mountain top on the Balkan Peninsula situated in the eastern part of the Rila Мountain. Borovets is located 1300 m above sea level. It is one of the great spots in Bulgaria for winter sports and recreation. The resort is easily accessible. The ski-tracks are over 40 km in length. The place offers excellent opportunities for recreation or year-round. There are many restaurants that offer different traditional Bulgarian dishes.

Bansko

Bansko lies in southwestern Bulgaria at the foot of Pirin Mountain. It is one of the most beautiful mountain ridges in Bulgaria. Bansko is one of the three largest mountain resorts of Bulgaria. It offers excellent conditions and unlimited opportunities for the tourists such as mountains with predominant alpine features, ski-tracks with different level of complexity, excellent climate and heavy snowfall.

The snow cover in Bansko reaches 2 meters. The winter season starts in December and continues until April. It is not only a resort, but a fascinating ancient town with a rich history, traditions and culture. The central part of the town is a living architectural museum of the Bulgarian National Revival.  Today Bansko is in no way inferior to the world-famous alpine resorts. The combination of the beautiful National Park Pirin with the new modern hotels turns the small town of Bansko into one of the most prestigious resorts in Europe. Every winter Bansko hosts a round of the Female Alpine World Championship.

Pamporovo Ski Resort
Pamporovo Ski Resort

Pamporovo

The modern mountainous resort of Pamporovo lies in a breathtaking region in South Bulgaria. It occupies parts of the extremely picturesque Rhodope Mountains. Many songs from the region praise the captivating beauty of this area. Pamporovo delights its winter guests with heavy snowfall, mild weather, mountain air, and the enchanting pine-tree scent.

The entertainment in Pamporovo begins well before the sunset. During your winter holiday in Pamporovo, you should taste the delicious meals of the local cuisine and the Bulgarian wines famous all over the world. Pamporovo is the ideal place for those who are willing to spend a memorable and splendid winter holiday. One day at the ski-tracks of Pamporovo is enough to acquire marvelous suntan as it well-deserves its name as one of the sunniest mountainous resorts in Bulgaria and in Europe – the sunny days over the year in Pamporovo are more than 240.

Vitosha

The Vitosha Mountain is the highest ski resort of Bulgaria. It lies only 22 km away from the center of Sofia. The bright sunshine, fluffy snow, marvelous ski-tracks and hotels are preferred place to enjoy skiing for those who want to combine their addiction to ski sports and the desire to dive into the busy cultural life of the metropolis.

Eco Routes and Outdoor Activities

Bulgaria Guided Tour krushuna waterfall
Bulgaria Guided Tour krushuna waterfall

The diverse relief and the Beautiful nature of Bulgaria attract many followers of pedestrian tourism.  Alongside the thousands of kilometers long well maintained and blazed trails, one can see breathtaking sights and a great variety of flora and fauna. All 37 mountains on the territory of Bulgaria have specific nature and spiritual energy. The fascinating small mountain villages, crystal clean air, icy streams and limpid lakes attract the seekers of adventures. One can find many opportunities for pedestrian tourism in Vitosha Mountain, The Balkan Range, The Rhodpes Mountain, Rila and Pirin. Should you prefer a relaxing day-walk in the forest, you must take one of the numerous eco trails the country has to offer.

Popular Eco Trails in Bulgaria

The Negovan Eco-Trail

The first eco-route in Bulgaria is the Negovan eco-route, situated in Northern Bulgaria, not far from the town of Veliko Tarnovo. In this part of its flow, the river has created a picturesque gorge, known as Emenski canyon. The over 50 meter-high precipices, the wreaths, niches, arches,  waterfalls and the caves are a surprising sight for the even terrain of the surroundings of the canyon. The visitors will admire wonderful views of the valley. At the end of the canyon, the waterfall Momin Skok is splashing its waters.

The Dryanovska Eco-Trail

One of the most picturesque eco-trail is the Dryanovska eco-trail. It is close to the Dryanovski monastery. It starts from the valley of the Andashka river, where the Bacho Kiro cave is. The trail goes along several types of caves (aquatic and dry, horizontal and vertical), rock wreaths, niches, thresholds and waterfalls. Here one can see more than 200 plant species, including some very rare plants of scientific value, included in the Red Book of Bulgaria and in the European List of the rare and endangered species.

The Krushuna Cascade

The Krushuna Cascade, despite being the shortest among all eco-trails, offers unforgettable moments. The wooden bridges and the stepping-stones all around the area are fascinating. From Krushuna cave the water pours down through dozens of scattered lakes, one below the other. It is only the murmur of the falling water that disturbs the calm greenery of the rare ferns and mosses. The Krushunksi waterfall is the highest limestone cascade in Bulgaria, at the height of around 200 meters.

Mineral SPAS Health and Beauty- the Mineral Water in Bulgaria

The mineral water in Bulgaria
The mineral water in Bulgaria

The balneological resorts in Bulgaria have a long history. In the ancient times, the Thracians made a cult of the spring waters, which became the core of their medicine. The ancient Greeks also used Bulgarian mineral water quite extensively. They worshipped it. Over the Roman epoch, the balneological centers in Bulgaria were a preferred place for recovery and treatment. The Romans were the first to cultivate the areas around the creative springs. There are preserved ruins of therms of that period near the springs in Kuystendil, Sofia, Hissarya, Sapareva Banya, Velingrad, Pomorie, Pavel Banya and many other towns of Bulgaria.

Now-a-days Bulgaria boasts a number of beautiful, richly planted with trees and ecologically clean resorts with valuable mineral waters. Every year thousands of people who believe in the healing power of the mineral water visit them. Besides the wellness procedures – massage of the body or face, sauna, steam bath many of the Bulgarian resorts have developed their own procedures. One can have mud-curing therapy, chromotherapy (healing via colors), thalassotherapy (cleaning via seaweeds) and other health and self-confidence improving programs.

Some of the famous SPA resorts of Bulgaria

In the majority of the centers, there are public health stations and resort polyclinics open all year round. Over the summer months, tourists enjoy hydro-thermal pools. Some of the popular balneological resorts in Bulgaria are Bankya, Velingrad, Varshets, Hissarya, Pomorie, Sandanski. In Bulgaria you can also find water with healing properties in many of the seaside resorts. Some of them are Albena, Golden Sands, St Konstantin and Elena, Sunny Beach and Pomorie.  The power of water and its components combine aroma, air and energy. The essence of each SPA and wellness experience is the water with its magical properties.

Wine and Culinary

BULGARIAN WINE
Bulgarian Wine

The art of winemaking was bequeathed to the Bulgarians from the ancient Thracian times. The Thracians believed that wine possesses a magic power to change the state of the soul. The art to enjoy life and wine are among the most precious aspects in our geographical region. The warmth of the Southern sun, which enhances the growth of the vines and the aroma of the old barrels, in which the wine matures, add to the taste of Bulgarian wines thickness and harmony in its flavour.

Bulgarian Wine Sorts

It is only in Bulgaria that you can enjoy the unique taste of Mavrud – the only wine of that type in the world, for which the experts firmly claim that the longer it matures, the better it becomes.

In the Northern parts of Bulgaria, you can dive into the magic of the typical wines for that region, such as Muscat, Gumza, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chardonnay. South-Western Bulgaria with its specific climatic conditions offers the wine connoisseur a specific type of quality wine. Its name is Broad Melnik Wine. It is a sort that has been cultivated only in this part of the country for many centuries now. The wine of this sort is fruity, with soft tannins and typical taste.

Some of the wines made of this local sort have tobacco and leather aroma; they are suitable for maturing in oak barrels, which adds warmth and subtlety to its taste. The sun, mountains and the meadows rich in herbs, influence not only the wines but the traditional Bulgarian dishes too. Some of them that the Bulgarians consume every day are the yoghurt, white brined cheese, the Shopska salad.

On the map below you can see the countries that have diplomatic missions in Bulgaria

diplomatic missions in Bulgaria

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