10 Hidden Gems Things to do in Bulgaria That You Shouldn't Miss

January 2, 2022 Marianna Hollaway

Coordinates: 42°45′N 25°30′E / 42.750°N 25.500°E / 42.750; 25.500
Restaurants in Bulgaria

1. Rila Monastery

Rila 2643 Bulgaria 0896 872010 [email protected] https://rilskimanastir.org/
Excellent
79%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 1,885 reviews

Rila Monastery

Founded in the 10th century, this monastery was restored in the 15th and again in the 19th century.

Reviewed By 118val - Shepparton, Australia

Rila Monastery is considered to be one of Bulgaria's most holy sites and is UNESCO listed. It is situated in the Rila Mountains in the deep valley of the Riska River. Apparently named after the hermit Ivan of Rila from 876 - 946 AD. The Monastery was founded in the 10th century and was the spiritual and cultural center during the 12th to 14th century. The richly engraved gates lead into a stunning view of the Monastery. Our first visit was to the Museum which housed some amazing artifacts such as old books, beautifully embroidered robes belonging to the clergy and an incredible wooden cross that was intricately carved. We then viewed the stunning external vivid coloured paintings covering the external walls, the interior is equally as stunning but you cannot photograph the interior. Once outside we could see the towers where guards use to protect the site, around the edge of the complex are the monks rooms. The building is well maintained and painted with a series of wooden stair cases and balconies. It is well worth a visit.

2. Wine tasting Messembria

Aheloj 7, Nessebar 8230 Bulgaria +359 87 892 8169 [email protected] http://www.messembria.com
Excellent
89%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 301 reviews

Wine tasting Messembria

The Winery is situated in the heart of the old town of Nessebar - one of the most attractive spots on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It is established in the spirit of the old town, meant to be a shelter of thousands of impatient tourists to taste the best Bulgarian wines. FREE WINE TASTING-EVERYDAY

Reviewed By jakobb946

Wonderful wine with interesting stories. They have very cute parrot and dog. We will be sure to visit again next time.

3. Villa Melnik Winery

The road between Melnik and Gotse Delchev, village of Harsovo 7km from Melnik, Harsovo 2819 Bulgaria +359 88 484 0320 [email protected] http://www.villamelnik.com
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 166 reviews

Villa Melnik Winery

Villa Melnik Winery is a family-owned winery with about 75 acres of vineyards. Visit us to learn more about the journey of the wine: from the soil and the grapes, through the oenologist's hands at the production facility, and finally on the table. We offer tours of the winery and the vineyards and wine tastings daily. Nearby attractions: the Melnik sand pyramids, Kordopulova House, Rupite, Baba Vanga's church, the Rozhen Monastery, Zlatolist.We welcome visitors and wine lovers for tours and tastings - every day including weekends.

Reviewed By radoslavp643 - Sofia, Bulgaria

This is probably the best winery in south Bulgaria for visits and tasting. Unlike most others you can just drop in during work hours and there will always be someone to show you around and conduct the tasting. The prices are great for the experience and quality of wine that you taste. The tour is interesting and informative. Buy the higher tasting package as it includes the best wines from Villa Melnik + a wonderful cheese and meats platter. Everyone in the winery is very friendly and this just makes the experience truly great. Last but not least - the view of and from the winery is nothing short of a Tuscan postcard!

4. The Petrified Wedding

Near Zimzelen, Kardzhali 6600 Bulgaria http://bulgariatravel.org/en/object/222/Vkamenenata_svatba
Excellent
90%
Good
5%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 21 reviews

The Petrified Wedding

Reviewed By Denistoyano - Sofia, Bulgaria

The Stone Wedding are rock formations located 5 km from the town of Kardzhali. Interesting is the legend that tells about these rock formations – when the wedding went, everyone who saw the face of the bride got frozen. So, at a wedding, a wind blew, took off the veil hiding the face of the bride, and all the wedding guests were frozen instantly!

5. Poda Protected Site

Kraymorie Estate, Poda Nature Conservation Centre, Burgas 8000 Bulgaria +359 87 825 2722 [email protected] http://www.bspb.org/poda
Excellent
88%
Good
9%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

Poda Protected Site

One of richest bird areas in Europe, with 274 species of birds on just one square kilometer. Wetland of international importance, situated on the second most intensive migration flyway of birds in Europe - Via Pontica. Easy observation of rare and endangered bird species all year round. Dalmatian Pelican, White-tailed Sea Eagle, Pygmy Cormorant and other. Ramsar Convention Site, Natura 2000 site.

Reviewed By denislavg2019

NATURE CONSERVATION CENTER. Unique location overlooking the lake and countless species of birds flying. A very well thought out and informative place. There should be more places where you touch the flora and fauna. I recommend it!

6. Orlovo Oko - Eagle's Eye viewpoint

Rhodope mountains, Yagodina Bulgaria +359 89 754 5507 http://www.facebook.com/ploshtadka.orlovo.oko
Excellent
89%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 45 reviews

Orlovo Oko - Eagle's Eye viewpoint

Reviewed By Phred01 - Burgas, Bulgaria

If you're going on foot: GO EARLY! The trail starts just next to Hotel Mursal in Yagodina village and zigzags up to the top. It took us 1 hour 40 minutes to get up there and we were rewarded with a fabulous view. And NO OTHER TOURISTS! We also had a picnic overlooking the Devil's Path on the other side of the valley (you can catch a glimpse of the besedka at the top with binoculars) and were lucky enough to see a couple of eagles fly past. Magical. TAKE A HAT AND WATER if you're doing it in summer as it's very exposed.

7. Butterfly House Varna

St. Constantine 5 near Hotel Aurora, Varna 9006 Bulgaria +359 87 604 7973 https://www.facebook.com/Butterfly-House-Varna-404781916555374/
Excellent
92%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 91 reviews

Butterfly House Varna

A great place to visit. Everyone will be admired by the beautiful creatures flying around you. An experienced guide will tell you about the structure and other features of life of butterflies. At any time you can become an eyewitness of the extraordinary mystery of nature - the exit of a butterfly from a cocoon. Also you can see some kinds of caterpillars and various pupae of butterflies. No one will remain indifferent. Photos for memory will make your visit to our butterfly house unforgettable.

Reviewed By tashac292 - Koh Rong, Cambodia

My partner and I had a week in varna so we decided to check out the butterfly house. For starters the entomologist there was AMAZING. So friendly and knowledgeable. We were the only ones there so he took us through every species and explained every insect or animal that he had. He gave us so many facts and let us interact with everything. You can really tell how passionate he is about the insects and animals there and that made it so much better for us. We are both in our early 30s and had so much fun. This place is truly great for everyone of any age. Thank you again for everything!!

8. The Rotunda Church of St George

Bul. Kniaz Aleksandar Dondukov 2, Sofia 1000 Bulgaria http://www.svgeorgi-rotonda.com/index.php
Excellent
45%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,648 reviews

The Rotunda Church of St George

Built in the 4th century, this is the oldest building in Sofia.

Reviewed By MumbaiRiders - Mumbai, India

" St George Church(Rotunda Church)"is a red brick rotunda edifice . This Church is the oldest building in Bulgaria and also in Europe situated within the excavated ruins of the ancient Roman city of Serdika..The building is famous for the 12th-, 13th- and 14th-century frescoes inside the central dome. The Church is situated in close proximity to the Presidency building.

9. Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

Asenovgrad 4000 Bulgaria http://www.assenovgrad.com/object.php
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 215 reviews

Assenova krepost (Asen's Fortress)

Reviewed By 44svetlan

Wonderful view of the mountains and Asenovgrad. Large parking right next to the fortress. You can take a walk to the chapel of St. Atanas, for which there is a signpost. Walk along the Roman road, and anyone who wants to continue the walk can reach the river / Lyaskovska river /. Ideal place for relaxation.

10. Perperikon

10 miles from the town of Kurdzhali Bulgaria http://www.perperikon.bg
Excellent
73%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 75 reviews

Perperikon

Reviewed By Denistoyano - Sofia, Bulgaria

Stunning stones, interesting history and awesome view from the top of the hill. There is a road which leads to the top. It’s not a hard road. I recommend you to visit it. 2 hours minimum are needed to take a walk everywhere in the village.

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.