Backpacking Bulgaria

Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 2007, and is located in the Balkans region. Bulgaria is a country with many facets and, above all, many influences. It borders the Black Sea to the east, Greece and Turkey to the south, the Danube and Romania to the north, and Serbia and Northern Macedonia to the west. The capital, Sofia, lies to the west, more or less halfway between Romania and Greece.

We've been to Bulgaria twice. The first time was for a 'seaside' holiday on the shores of the Black Sea and the second time we explored the mountains of the Bansko region and the Pirin national park. This second trip wasn't exactly a holiday, as we actually stayed for 1 month and took the opportunity to tele-work from a coworking space. We'll tell you more about it below ;)

When to visit Bulgaria?

All of our stays in Bulgaria took place during the summer months. While I remember feeling like I was roasting like a chicken on the beaches around Burgas, I have very pleasant memories of the climate when we were in the mountains of the Pirin park ;) So, on the question of when to go, I think it very much depends on what you're looking for.

Bulgaria really is a 4-season destination, if I can say so. Although winter is perhaps a little less ideal for seaside destinations (unless you want to hike along the Black Sea), the Bulgarian mountains are well known for their winter sports opportunities. It's a side we're not at all familiar with, but Bansko, for example, is a fairly popular ski resort in the region. The ski area offers 75 km of marked runs.

As for the in-between seasons, it's hard to say since we haven't been there, but personally autumn seems to tick more boxes than spring ;) If you like swimming, you'll enjoy a warmer sea in September-October than in April-May, and if you're more interested in hiking in the mountains (a tip: check out the Rila lakes and the monastery), then the beautiful colours should make you forget the fresh breeze ;) Spring in the mountains is always a tricky time of year, as hiking opportunities are limited depending on the snow cover at the end of the season.

Travel budget for Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country where the cost of living is relatively low for Europe. To give you an idea, we published our detailed budget after 1 month in Bansko and, counting absolutely everything (accommodation, transport, leisure activities, food and lots of restaurants), we spent around €700 per person for 31 days. Read our detailed budget here

1. 1. Transport: getting to and around Bulgaria:

      • Flights to Bulgaria vary in price depending on your place of departure and the season. However, it is possible to find affordable flights by comparing different airlines and booking in advance. The country's main airports are Sofia, Burgas and Varna. Plovdiv also has an airport, but it is much smaller and you will probably have a better chance of finding a flight to Sofia and making the connection by land. Find a flight on Skyscanner
      • To see the train and bus timetables and to buy your tickets, go to the website 12Go.See timetables on 12GoOnce here, public transport, such as buses and trains, is a cost-effective way of getting around the country. Fares are generally affordable and the networks are well developed.
      • For more freedom, car hire may be a good option, although this may represent an additional cost to factor into your budget.
        See car rentals on Booking

   2. Hotels in Bulgaria :

      • Bulgaria is relatively cheap when it comes to accommodation, and there really is something for everyone (hotels, hostels, flat rentals). Roughly speaking, beds in dormitories start at around €10 and double rooms in hotels start at around €50.
      • Prices vary depending on the city and the season. In general, accommodation is cheaper in areas further away from popular tourist centres.
      • For travellers on a budget, youth hostels and home-stay accommodation can be economical choices and offer an authentic experience.

To find accommodation, you can visit the website Booking.com Or compare rates on the map below (zoom in on the map and fill in the various criteria to refine your search)

Things to do in Bulgaria

1. • Many activities in Bulgaria are free or inexpensive, such as hiking in the mountains of the Pirin National Park or the Rila region, discovering charming traditional villages or spending lazy days on the beach ;)
   • Some tourist attractions, such as monuments and museums, may have entrance fees, but these are very reasonable.
   • If you are planning more specific activities, such as guided excursions or organised tours (with transport), make sure you factor these costs into your budget.

To get an idea of the activities on offer in Bulgaria and their prices, take a look at GetyourGuide 

Things to see in Bulgaria?

To discover Bulgaria is to plunge into a world where history blends with nature. Here are some of the best things to do when visiting Bulgaria:

1. Explore historical treasures: immerse yourself in Bulgaria's fascinating history by visiting ancient sites such as the archaeological site of Plovdiv, one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, or the ruins of the ancient city of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or one of the many hilltop monasteries.

1. Discover the capital Sofia: Nevski Cathedral, the National Theatre, the Roman heritage and the lively streets.
2. Marvel at the natural treasures: Take an adventure into the magnificent mountains of the Balkans, where you can go hiking, climbing (particularly at Belogradchik) or just enjoy the beautiful scenery. And if you're a fan of idleness, then the golden sandy beaches of the Black Sea should appeal to you.

Bulgarian towns and villages to visit

• Plovdiv : It is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe! Plovdiv is a city full of hidden treasures. With its picturesque town centre, cobbled streets and well-preserved Roman remains, such as the ancient theatre, Plovdiv offers a fascinating immersion in Bulgarian history. The city is also known for being young and vibrant, with plenty of bars and shops.
• Veliko Tarnovo : The former medieval capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo is famous for its fortress perched on a cliff, Tsarevets, offering panoramic views over the town and the River Yantra. Its traditional wooden houses and steep streets add to the charm of this town steeped in history.

• Nessebar : Situated on a peninsula on the Black Sea, Nessebar is a town that looks like an open-air museum. With its medieval Orthodox churches, wooden houses and narrow streets, this ancient Byzantine city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts visitors in search of charm and history.
• Koprivshtitsa : Nestling in the heart of the Balkan mountains, Koprivshtitsa is an unspoilt village where time seems to stand still. Known for its colourful 19th-century houses, picturesque churches and authentic atmosphere, this town is one of Bulgaria's architectural and cultural gems.

• Bansko : Nestling at the foot of Mount Pirin, Bansko is a well-known ski resort in winter, but it also offers its picturesque charm all year round. We spent a month there and I'm not going to say it's the prettiest town we've seen (although the pedestrianised centre is really cute), it's mainly its location at the gateway to the Pirin national park that makes it a place not to be missed.

Try bulgarian food

It's hard to define Bulgarian cuisine precisely because it's such a blend of Mediterranean and Balkan flavours. There are lots of fresh herbs, fresh vegetables and grilled meats. For us vegans, it wasn't always easy, and believe me, we ate Chopska salad to saturation point haha!

1. Banitsa : a traditional puff pastry filled with cheese or spinach.
2. Kebapcheta : Skewers of spicy minced meat, often served with bread and condiments.
3. Sarmi : cabbage leaves stuffed with meat and rice, cooked slowly for a delicate flavour (these are also available as a vegan option in many tourist villages and towns).
4. Tarator : a cold soup made with yoghurt, cucumber, garlic and dill, perfect for summer.
5. Shopska salade : a fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
6. Baklava bulgare : sweet pastries made with honey, nuts and puff pastry. It's not light, but it's the ideal thing to put in your bag for a hike ;)
7. Lokoum : Turkish delights, also known as loukoums, available in a variety of flavours such as rose, pistachio or lemon.

Bulgaria for digital nomads and remote workers

It's funny, because Bulgaria isn't necessarily the best-known destination for travellers, but it is extremely popular with nomadic workers. To explain this craze, I think there are several factors...

This is my 100% personal opinion, but if you're wondering, here are a few reasons why:

• A very low cost of living but a geographical location in Europe
• Until 2024, Bulgaria was part of the European Union but not a member of the Schengen area. Many American nomads or those from non-Schengen countries used Bulgaria as a base to spend their 90 days outside Schengen while remaining in Europe. Note: from 1 April 2024, Bulgaria (like Romania) joined the Schengen area.
• Good infrastructure: despite the low cost of living, Bulgaria has a well-developed infrastructure (5G and internet in particular).
• Private initiatives that have helped to popularise the destination: I'm thinking here of the Bansko Coworking Centre. Their marketing was excellent and they quickly found their audience. From the outset, the founders offered a quality service in a very pleasant environment, and this helped to spread the word.
• And last but not least, Bulgaria is a beautiful country! :)

Since then, several coworking and coliving centres have opened their doors. We're far from familiar with all of them, but we had the pleasure of meeting Tony and Katya, who opened the Burgas Coliving.

A place which, no doubt about it, is a little corner of paradise for digital nomads.

I have to admit that I'm still not sure about the impact that not joining Schengen had on its development (there were a lot of Americans and Brits who came here to spend their 90 days outside Schengen). I think there may be a slight transition to other destinations such as Montenegro, Albania or Serbia... But I also think that Bulgaria has won over a good number of people and that it will continue to be a hub in Europe.

You can find all our articles on Bulgaria below (although for the moment we've mainly concentrated on the Bansko area). But who knows, maybe we'll take a trip to Burgas one of these days ;)