5 Things we bet you didn’t know about Bulgaria that will make you want to vacation there this year
A legend has it that when God created the countries he gave each one a piece of the Earth that would define its natural wonders. Some pieces contained seas and forests, other mountains and pastures or volcanoes and geysers. When God got to the very last country, he realised that he’s ran out of pieces. So he took a piece of paradise and gave that instead. That country was Bulgaria.
Now, this might be just a legend after all, but we can totally see how it came to be!
Nuzzled between hot Greece and Turkey to the South, gothic Romania to the north, temperamental Serbia and Macedonia to the west and the mighty Black Sea to the east, Bulgaria’s enthralling folklore, picturesque nature and ancient historical and cultural heritage make it one of the most interesting destinations in Europe. And up until now, one of the most underrated. But travellers and traveling agencies alike are becoming more and more eager to explore even its most uncharted territories!
And that’s great news! Because Bulgaria’s got so much to offer! Its colossal mountains, ancient sights, healing waters and organic mouth-watering cuisine will make you fall in love with the country!
And if that’s not enough to justify Bulgaria’s rising popularity as a top travel destination, here are a few little-known facts about the country and reasons why you'll soon be packing your bags and heading there yourself!
1. Ancient History!
Bulgaria was founded in the year 680 AD. A long, long time ago, isn’t it! But the earliest evidence of human activity is from around 1.5 million years ago! Archaeologists believe that the first intelligent civilization on the territory was formed 5000 BC. The oldest prehistoric town in Europe is in Bulgaria. The oldest gold hoard in the world was found in Bulgaria!
Bulgaria has a long and turbulent history and is filled with monuments that have magnificently preserved century-old memories! The 6th Oldest city in the world, Plovdiv boasts a myriad of millennia-old ruins and museums. The Old Town, with its charming cobblestone streets is on UNESCO’s World Heritage list and is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Bulgaria.
Plovdiv is probably the best place to experience Bulgaria’s cultural and historical heritage. What is more, you’ll find an abundance of relaxing SPA centres and fine wines!
2. Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of wine! (Or two, or three…)
Bulgaria is unique, it offers both the most unpretentious, pristine nature and the finest things in life. Wine aficionados from all over the world have finally caught wind of the exquisite Bulgarian wines!
Bulgaria’s got long-standing winemaking traditions that saw a decline after the collapse of communism in the country. Twenty-five years later, the industry is blossoming again! Last year, the most prestigious wine festival in the world, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, awarded 109 medals to Bulgarian wines.
Wine utensils found during excavations in the region of Plovdiv prove that winemaking and drinking in the country dates back to the 5th century BC. So you can be certain – Bulgarians really know their wine!
3. Gastronomy.
Bulgaria prides itself on its fresh fruits and vegetables and its outstanding dairy products. The country benefits from four seasons, fertile soils and a great climate. (Hence the incredible wines, too!) Do you know those tasteless tomatoes that we all buy from supermarkets? Well, if you visited Bulgaria and stayed in the countryside or a small town with local producers, you will have the chance to try sweet juicy tomatoes!
What is more, Bulgarians love their meat! The country used to be primarily agrarian and animal farms are still common. Every good Bulgarian knows a guy who knows a guy who has his own little farm that breeds animals naturally, no growth hormones, chemicals or genetically modified products.
Bulgarians brag about their yogurt! The most natural yogurt comes from Bulgaria. Lactobacillus bulgaricus is the bacteria that ferments milk and turns it into yogurt and is only present on Bulgarian territory. So, fair enough! You don’t know yogurt until you’ve had Bulgarian yogurt. And that’s just that.
4. Bulgaria – The SPA country!
Bulgaria might be the best country for SPA! Why? Most SPA complexes in the country are supplied by water from natural mineral springs. The mineral springs are famous for the healing powers of their waters! Many Bulgarians visit the SPA complexes for health benefits.
Besides all the standard recreational experiences, SPA complexes also offer novelty things like mud-treatments, which are said to alleviate a number of different conditions!
There are over 700 mineral springs (Bulgaria is 2nd After Iceland for number of mineral springs!) in the country so there’s plenty to choose from! Our personal favourite SPA complex is situated in Plovdiv.
5. The golden sands and turquoise waters of the Black Sea coastline!
The Black Sea hems almost the entire eastern border of Bulgaria with over 400km of shimmering golden sands! The Bulgarian seaside is the perfect blend of tranquillity, wild nightlife, water sports and, in the case of Sozopol, (wait for it!) culture and history! (Yes that’s right!) Now, is there another country’s Riviera that can compete with that? We doubt it!
If you’re seeking party thrills, check out Sunny Beach; if you want to go sunbathing in the Nude, try Irakli; if you’re after a Bohemian stroll atop ancient ruins with waves crashing into them down below, Sozopol’s your place! Sozopol was founded in the 7th century BC and is one of the most romantic seaside resorts you will ever visit!
Have we convinced you yet? Either way, don’t take our word for it, go and find out for we’ve barely even scratched the surface here!
Bulgaria is one of those destinations that has a little bit of everything and can win over the toughest of crowds! It has captured us to the point of no return, except that once you’ve been to Bulgaria, it is guaranteed you’ll return.