Why Bulgaria is a Vacation for Every Type of Traveler

1. Baba Vida

Said to be the only entirely preserved medieval castle in the country, the construction of Baba Vida goes back to the 10th century. At one point, the fortress was Vidin's main and most important defensive aspect during the Middle Ages. It was destroyed during a siege by Byzantine forces and re-erected during Ivan Stratsimir's rule. Visitors no longer have to worry about Baba Vida being conquered as it now houses a museum dedicated to its legendary history. The museum-fortress experience is a fun-filled one that the entire family will enjoy as it takes visitors back in time.

3703 Vidin, Bulgaria, Phone: +359-94-601-705

2. Belogradchik Fortress

Popularly known as "Kaleto," the Belogradchik Fortress can be found on the slopes of the Balkan Mountains. The historical and cultural attraction draws tourists from around the world as it is one of the best-preserved strongholds in Bulgaria. The fortress, which is built into the rocks that surround it, was initially constructed at a time when the land was a part of the Roman Empire. Visitors can explore the nationally renowned structure and better understand the architectural marvels that are found within its construction. Other visitors will appreciate the fortress' history more as the fortress was captured by the Ottomans in the 1300s and played a role during the Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885.

Address: Belogradchik Fortress, ul. "Dedo Bozhin" 15, 3900 Belogradchik, Bulgaria

3. Belogradchik Rocks

A delightful natural phenomenon, the Belogradchik Rocks are a group of rock formations created by sandstone and conglomerate rock. The formations are a declared Natural Landmark and range in color from red to yellow. The shapes of the rock are extremely unique and were naturally carved from winds and dripping rainwater over a course of 200 years. Many visitors feel that the rocks are shaped like human silhouettes, birds, animals, and other mythical creatures. You can even talk to guides or locals to learn the interesting legends the Belogradchik Rocks are associated with, such as a beautiful nun who was exiled or a schoolgirl who turned to stone.

4. Illustrated Map of Bulgaria with Cities, Towns

Planning your first trip to Bulgaria? Use this fun map to plan your vacation.

5. Boyana Church

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Boyana Church was completed in the early 11th century as a medieval Bulgarian Orthodox church. What makes the church unique and a must-visit spot for those in Bulgaria are the frescoes - 240 human images in 89 scenes depicted on the walls of the church. The frescoes visitors see today form a second layer painted over the original in 1259. The paintings draw visitors from all over the world, and rightly so as they are one of the most well-preserved monuments of medieval art in the Balkans. Some aspects of the frescoes that shouldn't be missed include the paintings of Christ among the scribes, Pantocrator, Konstantin Tih of Bulgaria and Eirene of Nicaea, and St. Nicholas.

Address: Boyana Church, 3 Boyansko Ezero Str. Sofia 1616, +359-2-959-0939

6. Devil's Throat Cave

Located near the border with Greece, the Devil's Throat Cave is a popular tourist attraction. The spectacular cave resembles a Devil's head, making it seem as if the waterfall inside is rushing down its throat. Visitors can explore the cave with a tour guide, who will take visitors up the manmade staircases and to the galleries leading up to the waterfall. From above, visitors can see the water descend 137 feet into the second largest cavern in the country, known as the Hall of Thunder. The cave has fascinated many as it is a geological wonder that has raised many unanswered questions.

7. Earth and Man National Museum

The Earth and Man National Museum opened in 1987 in Bulgaria's capital and soon grew to be one of the biggest mineralogical museums in the world. The museum has a number of exhibition halls dedicated to mineral diversity alongside laboratories, stock premises, a video room, and a conference room. Visitors can see over 40% of all known naturally occurring minerals at the museum. Among displays on amethyst geode, quartz, and rose quartz, visitors will also see exhibitions with petrified trees, large paintings, and ceramics that have been made with minerals. The museum also hosts chamber music concerts and others throughout the year for visitors to enjoy.

Address: Earth and Man National Museum, Bulevard "Cherni vrah" 4, 1421 Sofia, Bulgaria, Phone: +359-2-865-6639

8. Ivan Vazov National Theatre

The Ivan Vazov National Theatre is Bulgaria's national theater; it is also the country's most authoritative and oldest theater. The theater was founded in 1904 by the Salza i Smyah company and established in the neoclassical building designed by famed theater architects Ferdinand Fellner and Hermann Helmer. Visitors can head to the theater any day of the year and explore the building's stunning architecture and interior decor. If they plan in advance, visitors can also watch one of the many productions on the theater's well-equipped main stage. Notable theater directors such as internationally successful Alexander Morfov, who is also the chief director of the theater, have had their productions played here.

Address: Ivan Vazov National Theatre, ul. "Dyakon Ignatiy" 5, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria, Phone: +359-2-811-9227

9. Kaliakra

Kaliakra is a nature reserve that can be found beside the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The narrow headland has cliffs that are over 70 meters high, where visitors can explore the remnants of a medieval capital, the Despotate of Dobrotitsa. The fortification is an exciting place to spend the day and visitors can see the main residence, the fortified walls, the water main, and the baths of the short-lived capital. There's many species of flora and fauna at Kaliakra and lucky visitors can sometimes see dolphins off its coast; ornithology aficionados will also be able to see many rare migrant birds, which make the coastline their home during the spring.

10. Ledenika

Ledenika is a glacial cave that can be found within the Balkan Mountains. The cave was discovered in the early 20th century and has been a popular tourist attraction since the 1960s. Visitors can explore the limestone formations, which have been dated back to the Pliocene era, as well as the impressive stalagmites and stalactites. The formations create ten separate halls visitors can walk through within the 300-meter-long cave. Some of the most remarkable include the Concert Hall, the White Hall, and the largest gallery, known as the Great Temple, which has a ceiling over 50 feet high.

Address: Vratsa Balkan, 3003, Bulgaria, Phone: +359-87-741-9253