Charming European Towns Bulgaria

Asenovgrad was named in honor of Tsar Ivan Assen II of Asenovgrad in 1934. It has been nicknamed "Little Jerusalem" because of the 58 chapels, 15 churches, and 5 monasteries. This town is also known as the "City of Bridal Gowns" with the many bridal ateliers and shops here where you can purchase wedding gown and accessories.

Visit Assen's Fortress situated on a rock outside the city at the entrance of the Rhodope Mountains.

Of the original complex, the only wholly preserved building is the Church of St. Bogoroditsa Petrichka.

For spectacular views of the surrounding area, hike up to the Chapel of St. Elias near Asenovgrad is a notable historical site. Located just outside Asenovgrad, this chapel is known for its scenic views and cultural significance. It is often visited for its serene atmosphere and historical context, reflecting the rich heritage of the region.

Just a short distance from the capital, Sofia, Bansko is a wonderful mountain town and is the largest ski and snowboard resort in the country.

It sits on the edge of the Pirin National Park. The park offers great hiking and has an active mountain biking community. You can also enjoy whitewater rafting and horse riding. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bulgaria, renowned for its stunning natural beauty. It is characterized by rugged alpine landscapes, glacial lakes, and diverse wildlife, including rare species.

Nearby you'll find a narrow-gauge railway the runs over the highest pass in the Balkans.

Situated in the northwest of Bulgaria, near the border with Serbia, Bleogradchik is a small town known for unique rock formations and a fortress.

Kuleto Fortress was built during the Roman Empire in the 3rd century. It is one of the most unique fortresses in Europe.

Situated in the Vacha River Valley, Devin is a small spa town. It is a popular destination because of its hot springs. You'll find many spa facilities and hotels here.

Visit the impressive St. Ivan Rilski Church, founded in 1936.

Enjoy the local hot spring, Struilitsa, located just outside of town. You can enjoy the spring-fed pool and view the surrounding mountains.

Do some hiking in the Devinska River Valley with hiking trails and lovely waterfalls.

Explore the Devil's Throat Cave.

The peaceful town of Koprivshtitsa is known for its traditional Bulgarina architecure and colorful houses.

Visit Oslekov House, the former home of a wealthy merchant built in 1856.

Topalova House, built by a prominent tax collector in 1854. Both of the houses showcase items unique to the period and demonstrate life in the 1900s.

Sozopol is a lovely seaside town and the oldest town in Bulgaria, established in 610 BC by the Greeks. Visitors enjoy the seaside resorts, beaches, and cobblestone streets. It is located on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast.

A variety of sports are on-offer at the beaches during the day. These include surfing, jet-skiing, sailing, wakeboarding, and volleyball.

The village of Trigrad lies near the border of Greece and is believed to be one of the oldest in Bulgaria. This is the place where the Republic of Tamrash was established in the summer of 1878, and the same year, Hasan Aga of Trigrad became the first chief of the Republic.

The village is near national sites such as the Devil's Throat Cave, the Yagodina Cave, and the Trigrad Gorge.

Located on the road between Trigrad and the Devil's Throat Cave, the Bear Museum offers an engaging experience focused on the brown bear and other large predators. The museum features interactive displays that educate visitors about the behavior, habitat, and lifecycle of brown bears. Visitors can listen to authentic sounds of bears, wolves, and foxes, enhancing the immersive experience.

Veliko Tarnovo is a small town in central Bulgaria and was home once to the Tsars and is known as the "City of Tsars."

The town is known for the Tsarevets Fortress enclosed by stone walls from which you can get 360-degree views of the picturesque hills and town below.

Enjoy the Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration of God with impressive architecture and amazing artworks from antiquity.