Why Should You Explore Bulgaria On a Walking Holiday?
For those of you who love a walking holiday that comes literally packed with breathtaking landscapes and some hidden gems, Bulgaria is an absolute must. With its towering mountain ranges and scenic Black Sea coastline, this Balkan country borders Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. It also happens to be one of Europe’s most underrated hiking destinations.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re climbing to the peak of Musala, strolling through the fairy-tale villages of the Rhodope Mountains, or trekking past ancient monasteries. This country truly is incredible!
For example, if you’re up for a challenge, the Rila and Pirin Mountains offer some of the most dramatic hikes in the Balkans, and it comes complete with glacial lakes and vast alpine meadows that will make you feel like you’re in the Alps.
And for those of you who prefer something more relaxed, Bulgaria’s countryside is also dotted with charming villages with rolling vineyards in the background, as well as some nice coastal walks along the Black Sea. The hospitality and food and beverage options won’t disappoint either.
Are you ready to explore Bulgaria a little bit more? Feel free to read on!
These Are The Best Places To Check Out On a Walking Holiday in Bulgaria
Here are the top destinations in Bulgaria for a walking holiday:
Mountain Adventures
For those of you who love high-altitude trails and breathtaking panoramic views, Bulgaria’s mountain hikes are some of the best in the Balkans:
Musala Peak (Rila Mountains)
Musala is the highest peak in Bulgaria and the entire Balkans, which should automatically make it a bucket-list hike for serious walkers. The trail starts from Borovets, which passes through lush pine forests and alpine meadows before reaching the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views stretching across the mountains. On a clear day, you can even see parts of Greece and North Macedonia!
Seven Rila Lakes Trail
If you’re looking for a hike that’s as scenic as it is manageable, the Seven Rila Lakes trail is a must. This moderate circular route takes you past a series of seven glacial lakes. The reflections of the sky in the crystal-clear water make this one of Bulgaria’s most picturesque walks.
Vihren Peak (Pirin Mountains
For those of you who want a challenging climb, Vihren is the ultimate test. This rugged limestone peak is the highest in the Pirin range, and the steep trail takes you through alpine meadows and sharp ridges where you might even see wild mountain goats. It’s a tough climb, but the 360-degree views from the summit make it all worth it.
Fairy-Tale Walks Through Countryside & Villages
If you prefer walks with a mix of history, culture, and rolling green landscapes, Bulgaria’s countryside trails are full of charm:
Rhodope Mountains & the Devil’s Throat Cave
The Rhodope Mountains are one of Bulgaria’s most magical regions. It’s filled to the bring with deep gorges and ancient villages. One of the best walks here takes you to Devil’s Throat Cave, which is a massive underground cavern that is said to be the entrance to the underworld in ancient mythology. You’ll have to find out for yourself whether it is or not!
Etar to Bozhentsi Village Trail
For those of you who love a mix of history and nature, the Etar to Bozhentsi route is perfect. Starting from the Etar Open-Air Museum, which is a living history site that showcases traditional Bulgarian crafts, this trail takes you through rolling hills and deep forests before arriving at Bozhentsi, which is a 600-year-old village filled with charming stone houses and cobbled streets.
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Buzludzha Peak & the Shipka Pass
For history lovers, this walk is a must. The trail takes you up Buzludzha Peak, which is home to the abandoned UFO-like Buzludzha Monument, a relic from Bulgaria’s communist past. From here, you can continue towards Shipka Pass, which is a site where Bulgarian and Russian forces combined to fight against the Ottoman Empire in 1877.
Scenic Coastal Walks Along the Black Sea
For those of you who love seaside trails and breathtaking ocean views, Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast offers stunning walks with a relaxed atmosphere.
Kaliakra Cape
One of the most beautiful coastal trails in Bulgaria, Kaliakra Cape offers dramatic cliffs that plunge into the turquoise sea below. As you walk along the headland, you’ll pass ancient fortress ruins and you might even have a chance to spot dolphins playing in the waves.
For more scenic hikes in Bulgaria, check out our article.
Bolata Bay to Tyulenovo
For a mix of beach and cliffside hiking, the Bolata Bay to Tyulenovo route is perfect. Starting from the hidden sandy cove of Bolata Bay, the trail follows the coast along red-rock cliffs, and it offers panoramic views over the Black Sea. Tyulenovo is a famous spot for rock formations and sea caves, which makes it a fantastic place to finish your walk.
Irakli Beach to Cape Emine
For a truly wild and untouched coastal hike, the Irakli Beach to Cape Emine route is ideal. This protected stretch of Bulgaria’s coastline is free from tourist developments, which allows you to walk along golden beaches, through small forests, and up to Cape Emine.
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What Can You Expect During a Walking Holiday in Bulgaria?
Here’s what you can really expect from a fun walking holiday in Bulgaria:
Adventures Beyond Walking
For those of you who love exploring history, Bulgaria’s ancient sites and medieval fortresses are a must. After a day of hiking in the Rila Mountains, for instance, you can pay a visit to Rila Monastery, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the perfect way to step back in time.
Surrounded by forests and mountain peaks, this 10th-century monastery is famous for its colorful frescoes and towering stone walls. If you’re exploring the Black Sea coast, you won’t want to miss Nessebar, which is an ancient town that has cobbled streets, Byzantine churches, and ruins that date back over 3,000 years ago.
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If relaxation is more your thing, you’ll be happy to hear that Bulgaria is home to some of Europe’s best natural hot springs and mineral baths. The country sits on hundreds of geothermal sources, and many hiking destinations have natural spas nearby where you can soak your tired muscles after a long trek.
As an example, in Sapareva Banya near the Rila Mountains, you’ll find the hottest thermal geyser in Europe, which along with the open-air mineral pools is perfect for unwinding. If you’re exploring the Rhodope Mountains, the thermal baths in Devin offer a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
For those of you who are adrenaline junkies, Bulgaria offers plenty of thrilling outdoor activities to pair with your hiking adventures. If you’re walking in the Pirin Mountains, why not try paragliding from Bansko, where you can glide over the peaks and take in the views from above? The Iskar Gorge, located near Sofia, is also a prime spot for rock climbing and offers incredible limestone cliffs and a mix of beginner and advanced routes.
The Food and Drink Experience
From hearty mountain dishes to fresh Black Sea seafood and locally produced wines, Bulgaria truly is an underrated destination when it comes to getting fed!
If you’ve been hiking through the Rila or Pirin Mountains, you’ll find plenty of comforting dishes that are perfect for refueling after a long day on the trails. One of the most famous is banitsa, which is a flaky pastry that is filled with eggs, cheese, and yogurt. Another must-try is kapama, which is a slow-cooked stew made with layers of meat, sauerkraut, and rice. It’s cooked for hours in a clay pot.
For those of you walking through the countryside and wine regions, Bulgaria’s rich agricultural lands provide some of the freshest and most flavorful produce in southeastern Europe. One of the country’s signature dishes is shopska salad, which is a simple but delicious mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and white brined cheese (similar to feta). It pairs perfectly with a glass of Mavrud or Melnik wine, which are two of Bulgaria’s most famous red varietals.
If you’re going to go on a hike along the Black Sea coast, the seafood is as fresh as it gets! One of the most popular dishes is tsatsa, which is small fried fish served with a squeeze of lemon and a cold beer. Or if you’re in a seaside town like Nessebar or Sozopol, you’ll also find plenty of grilled sea bass and bream, which are often served with garlic butter and fresh herbs.
Fun Accommodations
If you’re trekking through the Rila or Pirin Mountains, spending the night in a hizha (mountain hut) is an experience you won’t want to miss. These high-altitude rustic lodges, like at Rila Lakes Hut or Vihren Hut, offer breathtaking views with warm homemade meals and the chance to swap hiking stories with fellow trekkers. Many are only accessible by foot, which makes the journey there part of the adventure.
Or if you’d favor a slightly more comfortable mountain stay, Bansko has plenty of cozy wooden chalets where you can warm up by the fire with a glass of mulled rakia (Bulgarian brandy) after a day on the trails.
Meanwhile, in places like Koprivshtitsa and Bozhentsi, you’ll find charming old homes with wooden balconies, cobbled courtyards, and handcrafted furnishings that feel like you’re being transported back to the 19th century. Many of these guesthouses serve homemade breakfasts that feature local honey, fresh-baked bread, and yogurt made from village farms.
For those of you finishing a long walk along the Black Sea coast, a boutique beachside eco-lodge is the perfect place to relax. In towns like Sozopol and Sinemorets, for instance, you’ll find stylish places to stay that feature open terraces, sea views, and access to secluded beaches.
Conclusion
In short, beyond the trails, Bulgaria surprises at every turn, with hidden monasteries, ancient ruins, and thermal hot springs waiting to be explored. Add in a stay at a cozy mountain hut (or a boutique village guesthouse or a seaside lodge) and just like that your adventure will become even more unforgettable.
What are you waiting for? Because Bulgaria is waiting for you!
