Around 5 million people a year visit Bulgaria, both in the warm summer months to laze by the beaches such as those in Sozopol, Nessebur, Golden Sands, Sunny Beach, Sveti Vlas, Albena, Saints Constantine and Helena as well as during the winter months as Bulgaria has become increasingly popular as a ski destination, with Bankya, Hisarya, Sandanski, Velingrad and Varshets among the favourites. Many people from Western Europe are now choosing to take their holidays in Bulgaria because it is a much cheaper option than the previous holiday destinations in the west.

Historical Sights

At Arbanassi or Melnik, the architectural museum reserves, you can find authentic villages frozen in time. Also you might want to visit the Borovo Silver Treasure which has attracted much interest since its unearthing in 1974. The former second capital, Veliki Preslav, can be found just south of the current city and the imposing remains are a must see during a visit to Bulgaria along with the former capital Veliko Turnovo which was the centre of the Bulgarian Kingdom during the 12th-14th centuries.

The ‘perfect model of art’ or more precisely the Vulchitrun Gold Treasure will leave you with bulging eyes after you make the trip south from the city of Pleven. Meanwhile the Kazanluk Thracian tomb located on Tyulbeto Hill, has been drawing more and more visitors since it was admitted onto the list of World Cultural sights in 1979. To see a rockin’ horseman then head out to the western slopes of Madara rocks to gaze at the 23 metre high Madara Horseman.

The old part of Nessebur, situated out on the stunning Nessebur Peninsula, is a wonder to behold as is the sacred rock town of the Thracians, situated 15 km northeast of Kurdzhali. The Prehistoric Drawings in Magourata Cave have been described as some of the masterpieces of the prehistoric art period and have a beauty and charm that even someone who is not an enthusiast of the late pre-historic art period can appreciate. The largest treasure found in the Bulgarian lands is the Rogozen Treasure which dates from the 5th-4th century B.C. and includes over 165 vessels and weighs more than 20 kg. The Mezek Hive-Shaped Tomb, which was built in the 4th century B.C. is unsurprisingly hive shaped and is also magnificent.

Religious Sights

A series of monasteries dotted throughout the country complement the beautiful churches, which will be of interest to all. The Aladzha (Rock) Monastery is further surrounded by natural beauty as it sits on the edge of the Zlatni Pyassutsi Nature Park, whilst the Rila Monastery is probably the most visually stunning of all Bulgaria’s monastery compounds.

It is the amazing frescos which will sick in your memory after visiting Boyana Church, which date back to 1259. Or maybe you want to go rock climbing into the Ivanovo Rock Churches which are part of the Holy Archangel Michael monastery compound or the Monastery of St Dimiter Bassarbovski which is the only fully acting rock monastery in the country. The Church of St Sophia will be one of the highlights during your visit to the capital whilst the Red Church or Chervenata Church will surely be one of the most stunning buildings, let alone churches, you have ever seen. Finally, if you fancy tomb-raiding then the Silistra Vaulted Tomb from 4th century offers the visitor some wonderful murals.