Bulgaria as a Schengen destination
In a ranking of destinations within the Schengen Area, Bulgaria emerged as the most affordable country for tourism and for exploring a very interesting part of Europe. This country offers a blend of history, nature, and culture that is highly appealing to visitors. Located in southeastern Europe, it combines cities steeped in history, breathtaking natural landscapes, a unique culinary tradition, and relatively low travel costs. A visit to the country allows you to discover a different side of Europe, far from the most common tourist destinations.
Located in southeastern Europe, it combines cities steeped in history, breathtaking natural landscapes, a unique culinary tradition, and relatively low travel costs. A visit to the country allows you to discover a different side of Europe, far from the most common tourist destinations.
The capital, Sofia: It is Bulgaria’s largest city. Located in the western part of the country, at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, it is one of Bulgaria’s main political, economic, and cultural centers.
The city has a very long history. Its origins date back to the time of Serdica, the Roman settlement that occupied part of the present-day city. Over the centuries, Sofia has been influenced by various civilizations, a fact that can still be seen in its architecture and monuments. One of its most important landmarks is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, with its large golden domes and impressive interior. Other notable sites include the Church of Saint Sophia, the Church of Saint George, and the ruins of ancient Serdica, which offer a glimpse of how the Roman past coexists with the modern city.
Plovdiv: After Sofia, a must-see stop is Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe. Its historic center is full of cobblestone streets, traditional houses, and archaeological ruins.
One of its main attractions is the ancient Roman theater, built nearly two thousand years ago and still used for cultural events. It’s also worth exploring the Kapana neighborhood, known for its restaurants, cafés, shops, and artistic atmosphere.
Nature and Landscapes: Bulgaria isn’t just known for its cities. The country boasts mountains, forests, lakes, and numerous natural parks. Hiking enthusiasts will especially enjoy the Rila and Pirin Mountains. The Rila Mountains are home to the famous Rila Monastery, one of Bulgaria’s most important religious monuments. Surrounded by mountains and forests, the monastery offers a spectacular blend of architecture, history, and nature.
The Black Sea Coast: During the summer months, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is another great reason to visit the country. Places like Varna, Burgas, and Nessebar offer beaches, restaurants, and activities for all types of travelers. Nessebar stands out especially for its old town, located right by the sea and characterized by its medieval churches and traditional stone-and-wood houses. It’s the perfect place to take a stroll at sunset and enjoy the local cuisine.
A cuisine worth discovering: Bulgarian food is simple, flavorful, and heavily influenced by Balkan traditions. Among the best-known dishes is banitsa, a type of pastry made with thin dough and cheese.
It’s also common to find shopska salad, Bulgarian yogurt, grilled meats, and various vegetable dishes. Sampling the local cuisine is an essential part of any trip, especially since eating in Bulgaria can be quite affordable compared to many other European destinations.
The Language: The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian, a Slavic language belonging to the Indo-European language family. It is spoken by the vast majority of the population and is essential for understanding the country’s culture and identity. One of its most striking features is that Bulgarian uses the Cyrillic alphabet, which is also used in other Eastern European countries. In fact, Bulgaria holds special historical significance in the spread of the Cyrillic alphabet and Slavic literature.
For all these reasons and more, Bulgaria is a very attractive destination—one we simply can’t miss on our next trip to the Schengen Area!