📍 Bulgaria

15 MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN BULGARIA

≈ 10
Days
531
Km
9
Stops
📖 5 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Sofia

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4 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Sofia, Bulgarian capital at the crossroads of Roman, medieval, Ottoman and Soviet influences
2
Visit to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, symbol of Sofia with its blue and gold domes
3
Walk through the historic center among medieval churches, Ottoman mosques and Soviet-era buildings
4
Visit to the National Museum of Military History tracing Bulgaria's history up to the Soviet period
🎯

Activities

→
Excursion to Mount Vitosha overlooking Sofia for a panorama over the city's rooftops
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Next stop
Distance: 172.3 km
Travel time: 2h09
2
Day

Plovdiv

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9 photos
Day 2
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Discover

1
Discovery of Plovdiv, cultural capital of Bulgaria, one of the oldest cities in Europe
2
Stroll through the old town of Plovdiv and its cobbled streets lined with ancient houses
3
Visit to the Roman theatre of Plovdiv (Theater of Philippopolis), still used for events
4
Walk through the creative district of Kapana, cafés and galleries
🎯

Activities

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Climb one of Plovdiv's hills (Nebet Tepe or Bunardzhik Tepe) for the panoramic view over the city
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Next stop
Distance: 91.1 km
Travel time: 1h31
3
Day

Ardino

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6 photos
Day 3
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Discover

1
Discovery of Devils Bridge (Dyavolski Most), three-arched stone bridge over the gorges of the Arda River
2
Walk along the gorges of the Arda River in the Rhodopes
3
Stroll through the small town of Ardino, starting point to Devils Bridge
🎯

Activities

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Light hiking in the Rhodope Mountains around Devils Bridge
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Next stop
Distance: 82.9 km
Travel time: 1h23
4
Day

Devin

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6 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the thermal town of Devin in the Vacha River valley, renowned for its mineral waters
2
Excursion to the Trigrad gorges, spectacular canyon of the Rhodopes
3
Visit to the Devil's Throat Cave
4
Discovery of Yagodinska cave, one of the most famous in the country
🎯

Activities

→
Relaxation in the thermal baths and spas of Devin, known since antiquity for their healing properties
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Next stop
Distance: 36.6 km
Travel time: 1h13
5
Day

Batak Reservoir

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6 photos
Day 5
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Discover

1
Discovery of Batak reservoir in the Rhodope Mountains, third largest dam lake in Bulgaria
2
Walk through the wooded hills and small hamlets that border the lake
🎯

Activities

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Outdoor activities around Lake Batak: hiking, cycling, horseback riding, fishing or kayak/boat trips
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Next stop
Distance: 25.9 km
Travel time: 52min
6
Day

Velingrad

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6 photos
Day 6
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Discover

1
Discovery of Velingrad, major thermal resort of the Rhodopes
2
Visit to Lake Kleptuza in Velingrad, symbol of the city
🎯

Activities

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Bathing in the numerous pools and thermal establishments fed by more than 90 mineral springs
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Next stop
Distance: 60.3 km
Travel time: 1h
7
Day

Bansko

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9 photos
Day 7
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Discover

1
Discovery of Bansko, major ski resort located in the Pirin massif
2
Exploration of Pirin National Park around Bansko
3
Visit to the glacial lake of Muratovo, in the heart of the Pirin peaks
🎯

Activities

→
Day of skiing or snowboarding on the slopes of Todorka Peak in Bansko (during winter season)
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Hike to Mount Vihren, emblematic summit of Pirin
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Next stop
Distance: 45.6 km
Travel time: 1h31
8
Day

Rila Monastery

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3 photos
Day 8
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Discover

1
Visit to Rila Monastery (Sveti Ivan Rilski), UNESCO site in the heart of Rila Monastery Natural Park
2
Discovery of the main church, monks' residential buildings and the monastery museum
🎯

Activities

→
Walk in Rila Monastery Natural Park around the monastic complex
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Next stop
Distance: 16.6 km
Travel time: 33min
9
Day

Seven Rila Lakes

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3 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Rila National Park and the Seven Rila Lakes sector
2
Circuit around the Seven Rila Lakes, chain of glacial lakes between 2000 and 2500 m altitude
3
Excursion to Mount Musala, highest peak in the Balkans (option depending on level)
🎯

Activities

→
Chairlift ascent from Panichishte/chiža Rilski ezera area then alpine hiking

🗺️ Itinerary map

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Summer (June-August): Perfect for Black Sea beaches and mountain hiking, warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices.

Spring (April-May): Excellent weather, blooming landscapes, ideal for sightseeing and cultural sites, moderate crowds, good value.

Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, harvest season, excellent for wine regions and cultural exploration.

Winter (December-March): Ski season in mountains, Christmas markets, lower prices except ski resorts, cultural indoor activities.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 8 and 12 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Bulgaria?

Ancient history meets mountain adventures with Black Sea beaches and thermal springs. Rose Valley produces world-famous perfumes while Plovdiv showcases Roman heritage. The country offers authentic Eastern European culture with excellent value and diverse landscapes. Bulgaria combines historical treasures with natural beauty and warm hospitality.