Bulgaria surprises you right away with its bold contrasts, deep history and landscapes that shift from coast to mountains in a blink. Sofia mixes bold Soviet era blocks with Roman streets buried under glass floors. Golden domes shine above busy boulevards and Vitosha Mountain rises close enough to reach in minutes. In Plovdiv you can walk straight from a modern cafe into an ancient Roman stadium hidden beneath the city.
Travel deeper and the scenery changes fast. The Rhodope Mountains are filled with forests, cliffs and quiet villages where time slows down. The Balkan Range cuts across the country with high peaks and wide views. The Black Sea coast has long beaches, warm water, and old towns like Sozopol and Nesebar that carry traces of Thracians and Greeks.
Bulgarian life is full of color and tradition. People gather for lively folk dances, spring festivals and rose harvests in the Valley of Roses. Fresh yogurt, grilled meats and sweet pastries fill every table. The country has a humble charm that draws you in through small details: a hidden monastery in the hills, a quiet beach at sunrise or the sound of village music drifting through the night. Bulgaria offers a trip that feels surprising and full of character.
Bulgaria in a nutshell
- Population 6.7 million people (2025)
- Capital Sofia
- Native people are called Bulgarian
- Native language is Bulgarian
- Local currency Bulgarian lev
- Size 110.994 km²
The Big Four
Fun Facts
- Origins of Cyrillic alphabet The Cyrillic alphabet originated in Bulgaria. Created during the First Bulgarian Empire in the 9th century, it remains the official script in many Slavic countries and is an important cultural legacy of Bulgaria.
- Valley of Roses Bulgaria produces about 70% of the world's rose oil, known as "Bulgarian rose oil," which is a key ingredient in perfumes and cosmetics globally. There are also festivals in the Valley of Roses every spring celebrating the blooming of the Damask rose and includes crowning a Rose Queen.
- Masters of Yogurt Bulgaria is famous for its yogurt, made with Lactobacillus bulgaricus, a unique bacteria discovered in the early 20th century that gives the yogurt its distinctive taste. Traditionally made from sheep’s milk, it is a staple in Bulgarian cuisine.
- Baba Marta Famous for its Baba Marta Day on March 1st, where people exchange and wear red-and-white woven bracelets called Martenitsi to welcome spring and promote health and happiness. This ancient tradition dates back thousands of years.
Explore the regions
Bulgaria's history
Bulgaria’s history stretches back over thirteen centuries. In 681, the Bulgars under Khan Asparuh crossed the Danube and founded the First Bulgarian Empire, which grew under leaders like Khan Krum and Tsar Simeon the Great. This was the era of Bulgaria’s Golden Age when the Cyrillic alphabet began to take shape.
The Second Bulgarian Empire rose in 1185 with Veliko Tarnovo as its capital, a city of palaces, churches and steep streets. Ottoman rule followed in the late 1300s, lasting nearly five centuries. The monasteries and folk traditions preserved Bulgarian language, faith and identity.
The 19th century brought the National Revival and the April Uprising, leading to independence in 1878. Bulgaria faced wars and political changes in the 20th century before transitioning to democracy in 1989 and joining the EU in 2007. Today, medieval fortresses, Thracian tombs and monasteries carry centuries of history. Bulgaria is a nation where the past is alive and visible everywhere.