Bulgaria, a country nestled in Eastern Europe, is often overlooked by international tourists. However, after the country entered the Schengen Area this year and – with its schedule to adopt the euro as of 1 January 2026 – we think it will land on the bucket lists of more expat travel lovers. In fact, visitors quickly fall in love with the food, the people, the culture, and, of course, the nature.
Not only is Bulgaria the perfect holiday spot – it has sandy beaches for summer lovers and impressive mountain peaks for adventure seekers – but it is also a destination offering a wide variety of outdoor activities for those interested in exploring the hidden corners of a place, often untouched by mass tourism.
In case you have never visited Bulgaria, here are five places that will allow you to explore the nation’s culture, nature, and history.
Krushuna Waterfalls, the largest travertine cascade in the country
Tucked away in central Bulgaria, the Krushuna Waterfalls are a turquoise wonder surrounded by lush greenery. Almost all Bulgarians know this natural phenomenon. Eco trails make the Krushuna Waterfalls easily accessible, guiding visitors past a series of pools and cascades. In fact, the travertine cascades, limestone-formed pools and mini-waterfalls, are the largest in the country, attracting visitors from all
parts of Bulgaria.
The name “Krushuna” comes from the village nearby where the waterfalls are located, a small Bulgarian village in the Lovech province, most famous for the waterfalls. Due to the high number of tourists, it has become a hub for visitors, offering accommodation at reasonable prices.
The most convenient way to reach the park is by car. While the Bulgarian train system is not well-connected, there might be some buses going to the area. If you are going for a day trip and you would like to be flexible, the best option is to travel by car.
Entrance fees are low, currently 5 lev (2.50 euros) for adults and 3 lev (1.50 euros) for students. Keep in mind that if you go by car, you will have to pay a parking fee, which is 3 lev (1.50 euros) for the whole day.
Devetashka Cave – one of the most important bat roosts in Europe
A short drive from Krushuna brings you to another natural marvel – the Devetashka Cave. This picturesque cave is one of the most beautiful and captivating natural places in the country. Its charm attracts visitors from the whole country, allowing people of various ages to marvel at its grandeur. Seven openings allow for a good amount of light to illuminate the main galleries.
The cave is easy to access, allowing anyone to enter its galleries. Its large entrance and spacious galleries make it a good place for nature lovers but also for history enthusiasts. Scientists have discovered signs of life dating back to the Neolithic period.
The cave network is home to thousands of bats. It’s actually one of the three most important bat hibernation roosts in Europe, home to a colony of more than 30,000 bats. The animals in Bulgaria are protected by the Biodiversity Act, and four species including the long-fingered bat and the lesser horseshoe bat, found in the Devetashka Cave, have been included in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species.
Discovered in 1921, the Devetashka Cave is 60-metres high and 2,442 metres long. In 1996, it was declared a natural landmark, with commercial activities officially shut down.
Fees for the cave are 3 lev (1.50 euros) for adults and 2 lev (1 euro) for students and seniors. Tourists are not allowed to visit from 1 June to 31 July, as this is the breeding season for the bats. Again, travelling by car might be the most suitable option.
Mount Shipka and its historical monument – history and adventure
combined
For us Bulgarians, the word “Shipka” instantly evokes the mountain pass linking north and south, the monument towering above it, and the epic battles they learned about in school. For those more drawn to history than hiking, the Shipka monument offers both a challenge and a story. The biggest adventure regarding this area is actually climbing all the way to the top, which could be done via the 890 steps connecting the car road with the monument.
The monument is also a history museum telling the story of the epic fights that happened in 1868. Inaugurated in 1934, the monument on top of the mountain is 31.5 metres tall. Once inside, visitors should explore the whole exhibition, which gradually brings them to a small roof terrace, which opens into a panoramic view that makes every step worth it.
Entrance fee to the monument is 5 lev (2.50 euros) for adults, while students can enter for 3 lev (1.50 euros). Before or after the climb, visitors can enjoy delicious Bulgarian food at the local roadside restaurants, a popular resting spot among local travellers.
Kazanlak – the city of roses
Descending from the Shipka pass brings travellers to Kazanlak, the heart of Bulgaria’s Rose Valley. This Bulgarian city is the centre of rose oil extraction in the country. Additionally, the oil-producing rose of the city is one of the most recognisable national symbols.
When visiting, tourists can pick and choose between the various activities that Kazanlak offers. For example, visitors willing to learn more about roses can visit the Rose Museum, exhibiting more than 15,000 items related to the craft. Besides, the Literary and Art Museum of Chudomir invites literary lovers to step into the house of the famous Bulgarian writer. People curious about religion can stop by the village of Shipka, home to the Shipka Memorial Church, a church with its golden domes and pink façade, attracting visitors from around the world.
Ancient Thracian tombs
Finally, the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1979, is among the most significant monuments in Bulgaria. The Thracian people were an ancient Indo-European people, living in the Southeastern part of Europe.
Nowadays, what is left of them are outstanding artifacts and tombs. This monument represents the creative spirit of the ancient people. UNESCO describes it as the “only one of its kind anywhere in the world.” Built in the 4 th or 3 rd century BC, the Thracian Tomb is the only one where bones of a woman have been discovered alongside the bones of a man and a sacrificial animal.
Admission tickets for adults are 8 lev (4 euros), while students can enter for just 2 lev (1 euro).
Discover Bulgaria
Whether you are listening to the Krushuna Waterfalls, reading about the history of the Shipka fights, or marvelling at the Devetashka Cave, Bulgaria invites all traveller to experience its nature, outdoor activities, and history.
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Read more about Bulgaria here in Dispatches’ archives.
Polya Pencheva
Polya Plamenova Pencheva is a young Bulgarian journalist based in Brussels, Belgium. Polya holds a Master's degree in journalism from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and loves writing and telling the untold stories of interesting people. You can find her dining at cute café, shopping at markets, scouting second-hand shops or just chillin' at home with something great to read.
