Holiday rentals in Bulgaria

One of the oldest countries in Europe, Bulgaria’s gold-domed churches and iconic religious art hark back to the days of the Ottoman Empire. Travelers come to the Balkan nation to search for paintings in tiny village churches and admire the swirling frescoes of 10th-century Rila Monastery around two hours from the capital, Sofia.

Bulgaria’s landscape is a study in contrasts, with vast mountain ranges, ancient forests, and dune-studded beaches. You can climb 3,000 metres through the alpine wonderland of the Pirin Mountains, visit the sandstone pyramids towering over Melnik’s wine region, or gaze up at the natural arches that swoop close to the ski runs of the winter resort town of Chepelare.

The country’s abundance of natural springs makes it a haven for spa lovers, with wellness centres a common sight in both urban and rural areas. Winter sports enthusiasts head to Bansko to weave their way down 18 slopes, while turquoise waters and soft-sand beaches draw visitors to Primorsko on the shores of the Black Sea. You’ll find more secluded coves outside of the seaside resort of Varna, where windsurfers pitch up on sunny afternoons. Stick around town to admire the blend of modern buildings and Baroque architecture.

Most locals head for the coast when summer rolls around as temperatures can soar, and the Black Sea shores are a great place to cool off. This is the busiest time of year for the country’s coastal resorts. If you’re planning a mountain adventure or doing some serious hiking, you’re better off arriving at your villa in Bulgaria when summer turns to autumn and things get a little cooler. The winter season is when the ski resort of Bansko comes into its own, drawing visitors from all over Europe. February brings a wine festival Melnik, which pays tribute to the patron saint of wine, and later in the year, the Rose Festival in Kazanlâk sees parades through rural villages as the local flowers start to bloom.

Sofia

Roman ruins, Ottoman monuments, and Mediterranean cuisine converge in Bulgaria’s scenic capital city. There are plenty of places to soak up Sofia’s culture and history — the National History Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art are two major draws — while most restaurant menus will offer a taste of rakia, Bulgaria’s national drink, which is distilled from fruits.

Pirin National Park

Pirin National Park is a special spot for hikers. Its alpine rocks and deep blue lakes make for spectacular backdrops, while trails are available for all fitness levels and ages. The Koncheto Ridge may be among the most challenging of all the Pirin hikes, but it also boasts the most breathtaking views.

Krushuna Waterfalls

Located in Northern Bulgaria, near Letnitsa village, these magical waterfalls were carved into the rock over 800 years ago by hermits who lived in them. Guided tours of the falls and the surrounded area are available to learn more about the ecology of the local area. Visit in spring to see the falls in full flow.