exploring bulgaria
if you have a few extra days and a sense of adventure (or a high tolerance for winding mountain roads), here is where you should head to see the real bulgaria. i wanted to include a few ideas you will not necessarily find by your average search - this list is by no means exhaustive. please feel free to message us if you have any questions or want more ideas!
nature & peaceful retreats
hadji boby (rhodope mountains): this house is so secluded that the village population is approximately three people - and i’m pretty sure two of them are the hosts. it’s built in traditional style, the hosts are the warmest humans you’ll meet, and the food is life-changing. there is a dirt road at the end, but don’t panic; i’ve driven it in a low car, and we survived. booking is old-school, so if you want in, let me know and i’ll be your fixer.
cob camp (near sofia): a much shorter drive for those who aren’t ready for a mountain odyssey. you’ll stay in quirky houses looking onto gorgeous rolling hills. the couple who runs it is sweet, though the husband can get a little spicy at times—consider it part of the local charm! pro tip: request dinner in advance. they source everything from local farmers and need a head start.
the northern black sea (tyulenovo): if you prefer your coastline with more drama and fewer tourists trying to sell you inflatable flamingos, go north. tyulenovo is famous for its jagged cliffs and natural rock arches. it’s a paradise for rock jumpers and divers, featuring turquoise water crashing into caves. just don't expect sandy beaches - this is the "rugged and rocky" side of the sea.
hiking: earn your rakia
bulgaria is essentially one giant mountain range waiting to trip you up.
the "i want to be extra" hikes: if you want to sweat, head to vihren peak (pirin) or musala peak (rila). they are strenuous, stunning, and will make you feel like a champion.
the "must-do" classic: if you only do one hike, go to the seven rila lakes. it’s popular for a reason. crucial advice: don’t stop at the first lake. hike all the way to the top of the ridge so you can actually see all seven lakes at once for that perfect "i climbed a mountain" photo.
a dash of history
bulgaria has been around for a long time, and we have the ruins (and the attitudes) to prove it.
plovdiv: older than rome and proud of it. the vibe here is centered around aylyak - a local philosophy that roughly translates to "doing everything at a glacial pace while enjoying life." visit the ancient roman theatre (still used for concerts!) and get lost in kapana (the trap), a maze of pedestrian streets full of craft beer and art.
koprivshtitsa: this town is the heart of the revolution against the ottoman empire. it’s colorful, historic, and feels like walking through a museum.
