Lithuanians also loved Bulgaria’s unique nature – what to do and see on vacation?

In a relatively small area of ​​Bulgaria, you can find great places for an unforgettable vacation, according to a media report. Cities in search of historical heritage await those seeking historical heritage, medieval monasteries with closed life and subsistence agriculture open their doors to mystics, several mountain ranges with the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula greet the discoverers, and welcoming resorts and quiet with almost 400 miles of sandy spa beach.

The best weather for a holiday in Bulgaria is from mid-May to mid-September. The country’s temperate climate is influenced by the Mediterranean and the Black Sea: in summer it is rarely unbearably hot, the air temperature reaches 25-31 degrees and in mountainous areas it is 5 degrees cooler at night than in the rest of the country. If you have already decided to pack your bags and travel to Bulgaria, the tour operator Novaturas shares 5 tips that will help you create an unforgettable vacation in this country for the whole family.

1. Visit the most significant places

Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe: the first Bulgarian empire was founded in 681 years. With such a deep history, the country is proud of its legacy and some of the attractions are on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The surroundings of Varna, a popular Bulgarian city, especially attract the attention of foreign curiosities. The third largest city in Bulgaria, also known as the port capital of Bulgaria, is an important tourist and cultural center of the country; Varna’s history dates back to ancient times.

Approximately 10 kilometers behind the historical experience of Varna, the Pobiti Kamnis area attracts seekers: it is the truest stone forest, with no analogues in the world. The eyes of the travelers are 50 square meters. km has a large group of central rock forests and another 15 smaller groups. Although many geologists have tried to unravel the mystery of the stones, the Bulgarians themselves claim that the Stone Forest is an area of ​​exceptionally strong energy.

When visiting Bulgaria and learning about its unique culture, it is necessary to visit ancient cities and towns. One of them is Nessebar on the picturesque island, also called the island of 40 churches, of which 10 have survived to this day. Trakai culture flourished here. Thrace is a rather mysterious civilization, without writing, but famous for its high culture. Since that time, the city has preserved part of the fortress wall and gate; the area is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Many of the buildings in the city are very low: during the years of Turkish oppression, Bulgarians were not allowed to build buildings larger than a horse and a rider.

No less special is the other Bulgarian city of Sozopol, which attracts tourists. This city is the oldest Greek colony on the Black Sea coast. In Sozopol, visitors are fascinated by the cozy old town with its narrow streets, original souvenirs at the local market and delicious fish dishes. Sozopol is popular with artists, writers and travelers who appreciate the authentic architecture of the old town.

Would you believe that roses can be more expensive than gold? You will learn this fact by visiting the city of Kazanlek, famous for the Valley of Roses. Bulgaria is one of the largest rose oil producers in the world. In the Valley of the Roses, near Kazanlek, special roses are grown to make an oil called Bulgarian liquid gold. It turns out that real rose oil is even three times more expensive than gold!

2. Enjoy the beach and healing rest.

Probably Bulgaria’s greatest asset is 380 kilometers of natural sandy coastline and a five-month warm season, when the water temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees. The Black Sea is clean, calm, and shallow, with twice as much salt as the Mediterranean, so it’s great to spend time with the kids here. Furthermore, Bulgarian resorts are famous for their therapeutic mud and mineral water treatments. In higher category hotel spas, you can choose from a simple relaxing massage to a sophisticated individual wellness program created by professional doctors.

A large number of travelers choose to spend their holidays in Bulgarian family resorts located on the shores of the country. Close to the popular Bulgarian city of Burgas is a small but cozy complex of Pomorie, surrounded by vineyards and various orchards. Travelers are greeted here by a 7 km long sandy beach, cozy hotels of various categories, cafes, restaurants, water entertainment. The resort is also famous for its healing mud and mineral water, and the city has many wellness centers. There is also a black sand beach where you can enjoy mud baths on your own after purchasing healing mud.

Another resort famous for its relaxing break and great beach is St. Constantino. The complex has golden sand beaches, a mild climate, mineral springs and modern infrastructure. This city is worth a visit for many reasons: the specific microclimate, the sea breeze, the fresh and refreshing air, the smell of fig trees, cypresses and centuries-old lime trees. All these natural treasures are not only calming but also healing, which is why tourists are drawn here all year round. The resort is also famous for its hospitality, the opportunity to relax in peace and quiet, and in the evenings, several restaurants invite you to taste delicious national dishes or watch folkloric shows.

The Golden Sands resort in the Varna area is characterized by an exclusive beach, the most famous and popular holiday destination in Bulgaria. The beach of fine yellow sand, bathed by a clear and warm sea, stretches for 3.5 km and in some places reaches a width of 100 meters. The complex has 17 mineral water pools and wellness centers offering a variety of rehabilitation treatments. The city is recognized as the cleanest resort in the country and has even received the International Blue Flag Award for its impeccable ecological status.

3. Try active entertainment

While some Bulgarian resorts become an oasis for those who yearn for a quiet getaway, others actively invite you to spend time. Due to the well-developed infrastructure, Bulgarian beaches are popular with water sports enthusiasts, as they combine recreation in resorts with their favorite activities. For example, the Sunny Beach resort in southern Bulgaria is famous for its wide and long beach, where you can try a variety of sports: sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, water skydiving. If you get tired of spending time in the water, there are also well-equipped tennis courts, a stud farm and a riding school, golf courses, beach volleyball, and special attention is paid to the active recreation of children, so even the smallest of the family will not be bored.

The sunny coast is considered the largest and busiest resort in southern Bulgaria, so there is no shortage of other attractions. Here you will be pleasantly surprised by the European level of service and the friendly atmosphere, which is greeted by more than 300 restaurants and taverns offering folklore programs, as well as a variety of pubs, cafes, day and night clubs, bars and discos. The hustle and bustle of the nightlife here lasts until the morning.

Another cozy complex is located near Sunny Beach – Ravda. It is more chosen for recreation by families with children and young people who want to relax, but several water sports enthusiasts also come. Ravda offers many activities for lovers of active water entertainment: there are diving, water skiing, sailing and yacht centers, equipment rental points.

For those who want an active cultural experience, it is recommended to go to Burgas, the fourth largest city in Bulgaria. Although it is more of a business city than tourism, there is something for the latter: a beer festival, a Bulgarian rock festival and an international flower exhibition are held twice a year in Burgas. Also, there are many different museums and exhibitions, discos.

4. Take a walk

More than half of the territory of Bulgaria is made up of the Balkans and the hills. The Balkans are the highest mountains in Bulgaria and the highest peak on the peninsula is also here. The green hills, which offer a fabulous panorama of the sea and the cities, also surround most of the Bulgarian resorts. When relaxing with the whole family or friends, it is recommended to go for a hike, climb the hills and enjoy the beautiful views of nature.

The picturesque seaside town of St. Vlas, just 5 km from Sunny Beach Resort. Although in recent years St. Vlas has evolved into a modern beach resort with new hotels and tourist infrastructure, and the nearby mountains, forests and sea make this resort a particularly healthy holiday destination. Next to the village is also the hiking trail popular with visitors, which opens up to the charm of the coast.

5. Travel to Istanbul

Yes, you read that right: when you visit Bulgaria, it is recommended to take the opportunity to take a tour of neighboring Turkey and visit Istanbul. Interestingly, it will be faster to get to this city from the Bulgarian resorts than to rest in the resorts of Turkey itself. This type of cognitive entertainment is especially popular when relaxing in the town of Burgas, from where the trip to Istanbul will take a similar road to Vilnius to the Lithuanian coast: the cities are 340 kilometers apart.

There is a bus from Burgas to Istanbul, with tickets available online, and the journey takes about 5.5 hours. When you arrive in Istanbul, you will be greeted by a wealth of colors, smells, and cultural experiences. The city is intertwined with eastern and western cultures, there are many places to visit: it is recommended to visit one of the most impressive temples, the Blue Mosque, to admire the impressive St. Architecture of Hagia Sophia, look at the city from the Galata Tower . It is also necessary not to miss the important Turkish experience: visit the Grand Market of Istanbul, which has no analogues, where merchants attract with their products, traditional delicacies and souvenirs.