Iceland consists of an unforgiving landscape void of trees, whipped by wind and dotted with gushing geysers and bubbling hot springs.
Only 2% of the population is unemployed, the country has no army, they are pioneers in the use of geothermal energy for space heating. The nation has some of the globe’s lowest crime and highest life expectancy rates, and a long history of being named one of the happiest countries on the annual “World Happiness Report.”
Iceland is the Safest and Most Peaceful Country in the World
Are you thinking about going to Iceland? Here are some things about Iceland that you may have heard.
Iceland is one of only two parts of the planet where the mosquitoes never set up, the other is being Antarctica. In places like New Caledonia, Seychelles and French Polynesia mosquitos exist, but the insects cannot carry the virus as it requires the blood of land-based mammals, which are absent in these places.
Photo credit: Tony Calvert / Flickr
The Northern Lights
The Aurora Borealis is one of the main reasons travelers from all around the world venture themselves in the dark and cold nights of Iceland. But the reward of facing the extreme temperatures and strong winds is the possibility to appr
You can watch this natural spectacle on the outskirts of Reykjavík, but towards the north the lights can get more intense. the country becomes the best spot to view the full wonder of the Northern Lights. They are usually seen on the Jokulsarlon lagoon located in South Iceland. They are largely seen over the period from September to April.
Photo credit: Fabrice TRINITE / Flickr
The Blue Lagoon
This is the most famous attraction in Iceland. There are several hot pools in Iceland and its use of geothermal power, but this one is the total winner. The water is geothermal heated and it is warm all year round and definitely needs to be in your checklist.
The ancient glaciers of Iceland cover more than 10% of the country and include the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. The Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon is one of the best sights in Iceland, where you see a chaotic ensemble of glacier chunks slowly floating their way out to sea. Photo credit: Andri Elfarsson / Flickr
Volcanoes
There are about 130 volcanic mountains, some active and some extinct. You can take an Icelandic super jeep or helicopter and tour the volcanic landscape of Iceland. A trip to see these landscapes is a trip into natural art. One of the highlights is Thrihnukagigur volcano – the last eruption occurred thousands of years ago. This is usually a journey 128 meters deep and allows you to explore the volcano inside of the cavern is stained with russet red scars and flashes of blackened indigo. You can check the tour prices operated by Inside the Volcano.
You can dive between continents
In Iceland and you will witness the North American and the Eurasian tectonic plates living together in perfect harmony. You can dive between the North American and Eurasian continental tectonic plates! Photo credit: Guitar photographer / shutterstock
Waterfalls
The iconic Gullfoss waterfall is famed for its scale and beauty. The water stream is fed by the Langjökull glacier, second largest glacier in Iceland, and the power of water is breathtaking. Another of the major ones and a prominent tourist attraction is the Svartifoss waterfall. Make sure you also visit their tallest waterfalls, Glymur, and Europe’s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. Photo credit: Giuseppe Milo / Flickr
Ice Caves
Iceland’s ice caves are among the most extraordinary and mesmerizing wonders of nature and can certainly be counted among the most breath-taking sights the world has to offer. Ice caves are natural phenomena that are formed in glaciers during winter. Most often they are formed by water running through or under the glacier and new caves are formed every year. Every cave is different and you never really know what you’ll get to see before you go in. There are knowledgeable guides that will take you on this epic journey under the blue ice.
Þingvellir National Park
Þingvellir (Thingvellir) National Park is a UNESCO Heritage site and it’s very important to the locals because of its historical and cultural background. The park sits in a rift valley caused by the separation of 2 tectonic plates, with rocky cliffs and fissures like the huge Almannagjá fault. Thingvellir is a favourite stop among travellers along the Golden Circle route. t is the visible site of the mid-Atlantic Ridge where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet.
Everybody is Equal
Based on Global Gender Gap Report, Iceland tops the list for being the country with the most gender equality in the world for the seventh straight year in a row. Iceland is often referred to as the most feminist place in the world.
Everyone Speaks English
If you are worried about travelling to a foreign country and not being able to speak to anyone, don’t you worry! In Iceland, almost everybody speaks English. All children are required to learn both English and Danish in elementary schools.
Experience Iceland’s Unique Cuisine
Iceland is known for its unique cuisine. In Iceland you can go to a restaurant and get amazingly fresh seafood that was caught earlier that day. Icelandic ingredients are known for being fresh, healthy and sustainable. Seafood and lamb stand out as mouthwatering entree items on many menus. They also have options that will cater to specialized diets. Here are suggestions for vegan restaurants in Reykjavik. Photo credit: imgur.com
Iceland’s Capital City
Reykjavik is Amazing. But Iceland’s capital city of Reykjavik is a place that will lure you in with Viking-age history, world-class museums, a geothermal beach, inviting pubs and plenty of adventures for the entire family to enjoy. Reykjavik is also a great place for some live music and entertainment. The whole city of Reykjavík is made up of colourful houses, not just in one area, but all over the place!
Iceland is one of the Happiest Countries in the World
According the World Happiness Report, Iceland ranks third in the world for happiness. If you travel to Iceland, you will surely find some happy and friendly locals to talk to. The local Icelandic swimming pools are a great place to meet new people where you can have fun and interesting conversations with the locals.
Adventure Trails
Iceland is the perfect destination for adventure-loving travelers. The Laugavegur Hiking Trail is Iceland’s most famous hiking trail and truly one of the world’s most beautiful treks. The trail connects the Landmannalaugar and Þórsmörk Nature Reserves and offers a variety of different landscapes along the way. Every day has different views with beautiful scenery of pristine nature with volcanic mountains, lava fields, glaciers, natural hot springs, black arctic deserts and lush forrested valleys.
When to travel to Iceland?
The pick season in Iceland is during summertime [May to September], with mild temperatures and fully booked hotels. During that time, the days are longer and you can enjoy beautiful moments in nature and outside. Iceland is a small country, to get around you can rent car and go explore it by yourself. Or you can book a tour and visit the waterfalls, geysers, volcanoes and glaciers. This country has some of the most spectacular sights in the world, with active volcanoes, breathtaking mountain scenery and calming geothermal springs.
The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) ranks 180 countries on a national and governmental scale, focusing on environmental public health and ecosystem vitality. By using this system, a comparison is drawn across the 163 countries to identify how they rank against one another in their efforts to go green. Here you’ll find the top 11 greenest countries in the world for 2018, can you guess where your country rates?
The scoring is based on a scale of 0-100; as a side note, there are only a few countries with an 80 or higher.
Switzerland has a long-standing tradition of neutrality which has been honored by other European countries, even though both world wars; impressive considering it borders France and Germany. The climate can vary due to the mountainous region which it is famous for. Switzerland has a prosperous economy with a well-developed service sector led by banking industries. It also specializes in high technology and knowledge-based production. It is obvious that with Switzerland being in the second place it scored high marks in many categories though had a very poor showing in terms of air pollution due to vehicle emissions and open-air burning. It’s forestry and biodiversity stood out with 100% ratings for both categories.
France
The country is one of the greenest countries in the world. They implemented legislation that made it mandatory for all of France to partake in making the country eco-friendly and conserving energy. France has been endowed with very fertile grounds and is one of the top exporters of food and wine.
The country has fewer industries as compared to other countries and this has helped in the reduction of air pollution. Over the years, France has been working on deindustrialization – a move that has seen the environmental state of the country improve as water pollution has been reduced significantly. France has made a change in the way how its resources are used and methods of production to conserve the environment.
Denmark
Due to its strong commitments to reduce emissions through increased efficiency and renewable energy production, Denmark moves up in the world. Danish society is ranked in the top five of the safest countries. Denmark’s main goal is to create an ‘environmentally sustainable community’. So far, a huge 40% of all energy production has been achieved through wind power, with the hope of 50% of by 2020.
Nearly half of the Danish population do not own a car. Due to the use of renewable energy sources, Denmark has achieved a high EPI score and is the world’s leading wind turbine energy producer and it is in the list of the greenest countries in the world.
Malta
Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and since the 1980s has become a transshipment point. It is located in the Mediterranean and has rainy winters and hot dry summers. The country has very limited freshwater resources and has grown increasingly reliant on desalination plants to generate freshwater for consumption. 70% of Maltese energy comes from natural gas and the remaining 30% from renewable sources. Malta was heavily dependent on the oil industry, however, their change to natural gas and work towards the 2030 agenda has placed them in the top 5 most sustainable countries in the world.
The country can only produce about 20% of its food needs and relies heavily on foreign trade to supplement the remaining 80%. Malta scored 100% on its efforts to support clean water availability to the population and another 100% on its efforts to conserve the forests.
Sweden
Sweden is listed among the greenest countries in the world. The country plans on eradicating the use of fossil fuel by the year 2020. They have embraced the use of renewable energy that is eco-friendly to keep the environment natural and safe from pollution.
The use of renewable energy greatly contributes to the reduction of carbon in the air thus a cleaner and safer environment. The most notable action is the partnership between Sweden and its neighboring countries, especially by taking responsibility to protect the Baltic Sea and protect the ecosystem.
United Kingdom
United Kingdom makes its way among the most eco-friendly countries. The UK always remained one of the higher ranking entries in EPI, although 6th is the all-time high. The UK was the 9th friendliest country in 2012 and remained 12th most friendly in 2014 and 2016.
Britain also had its first day without burning any coal. This is to become a trend in the future as the country focuses on product energy with renewable resources. The country looks forward to losing its last coal plant in 2025.
Luxembourg
Luxembourg has made some dramatic changes but had a troubled history maintain its rank in EPI list of greenest countries. An improving labor market, low inflation, and rising house prices are also signals of improvement. Luxembourg has recently used its influence in the financial sector to accelerate global sustainable investment.
As one of the world’s smallest European countries, it comes as no surprise fares relatively well. Luxembourg can improve its ranking for forests, climate and energy, agriculture and air pollution
Austria
Among the major actions taken by Austria is putting environmental protection in its social and economic policy agenda.
Austria has also worked hard in sectors such as waste management and chemical as well as air pollution to prevent such pollutants from destroying the environment. Austria has incorporated ecological knowledge in its agriculture to prevent pollution. Also, put measures into place to protect its forest and reduce deforestation. This has been highlighted by the restriction on the use of pesticides. All these have contributed to making it one of the greenest countries in the world.
Ireland
The Irish government finally did something to improve the living condition by getting rid of rubbish that has festooned rivers, lakes, towns, and the whole country.
Ireland came a long way with making important reforms such as focusing on renewable energy, waste management, and cleaning the air. Ireland produces almost 16% of its energy from renewable sources. It aims to extend this percentage to 40% by 2020.
Moreover, the country has implemented drastic changes to improve the air and water quality. The efforts to preserve biodiversity in the region are also praised worthy, and they show the present power bodies are really concerned about what they are going to leave behind for their children.
Finland
Finland was known for high scores of nitrogen emission and other activities that destroyed the environment. However, over the years, improvements have been noted as the country strives to restore its environment to its original state.
Finland has worked hard to make sure greenhouse gases are not produced and that the citizens in the country use renewable sources of energy for production. Wind power has greatly been made use of. Finland has planned to have more than half of its electricity coming from renewable sources of energy.
Iceland
Iceland was settled by Norwegian and Celtic immigrants in the 9th and 10th centuries. The country has been independent for over 300 years and boasts the world’s oldest functioning legislative assembly which was established in 930. Iceland receives top marks in other rankings as well such as literacy, longevity and social cohesion all first-rate by world standards. Iceland is an island country in the Northern Atlantic Ocean, northwest of England. The name can fool you since the climate consists of mild, windy winters and cool summers. The major environmental concerns are water pollution from fertilizer runoff and inadequate wastewater management.
It has placed focus on the production of electricity and heat by utilizing geothermal landscapes. Iceland has also played a major role in the fight against ocean pollution. It has made sure that the waters are kept clean and fishing is done while prioritizing on protecting the environment.
Bulgaria is a Balkan nation with diverse terrain encompassing Black Sea coastline, a mountainous interior and rivers, including the Danube. Bulgaria offers everything from sun-kissed beaches to enthralling historical narratives, buzzing party towns to snow-shrouded ski resorts between its borders.
Travelers will adore seaside resort towns like Albena, Balchik, Burgas, and Varna with miles of sandy beaches and panoramic views of the crystal-clear sea. Bansko and Borovets mountain ski resorts provide winter sports adventure, and the cosmopolitan culinary and cultural scene of Sofia is hard to beat. There is wilderness galore for the outdoor enthusiast at places like Central Balkans National Park with 250 miles of hiking trails, or Vitosha Mountain with two premier nature reserves.
We looked at all the major hotspots that should be on anyone’s Bulgarian bucket list this year – 20 best places to visit in the Bulgaria.
Nesebar is known for its beautiful ruins and superb beaches. The ancient part of the town is situated on an island connected to the mainland by a narrow man-made causeway, and it bears evidence of occupation by a variety of different civilizations over the course of its existence. The most famous churches within the city include St.Stefan Church which dates back to the 11th century and The Church of Christ Pantocrator, which was created in the 13th century.
The town has existed for more than 1,000 years and prominently showcases its rich history through preserved architectural monuments from all its periods. In 1956 is was declared a museum-town – an archaeological and architectural reserve. Visitors can enjoy the beaches along the Black Sea Coast. It is often called, “The Pearl of the Black Sea”. As such, it is a popular seaside resort destination. Its most impressive beach is Sunny Beach.
Varna
Varna is one of the major tourist destinations in Bulgaria and it is often referred to as the sea capital of Bulgaria. Located on the edge of the Black Sea, Varna is Bulgaria’s third-largest city with a long and enthralling history, oodles of crumbling Roman bathhouses and elaborate Orthodox architecture, picturesque beaches with fine golden sand and crystal clear water. There are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the city, including many excellent lively clubs, seafood restaurants, and cocktail bars along Kraybrezhna Aleya. People will find this part of the city quite charming and beautiful at night.
This beautiful city has wonderful beaches, excellent restaurants, and lovely green spaces, also a couple of good surf breaks available if you prefer to surf or bodyboard. Many Bulgarians from other parts of the country go to the city in the warmer months. Rapongi Beach is perhaps the best beach in Varna, as it is well maintained and doesn’t get too crowded. You can also travel north to the resort of Sunny Day or to Siruius Beach, which both stunning locations are popular with tourists.
There’s an international ballet competition, a jazz festival, a folklore festival, and a music festival, just to name a few. One of the most beautiful places in the city is the Sea Garden – the locals love to go there for a walk. Other popular places, you can visit are the National Maritime Museum, the Archeological Museum, or Varna Aquarium.
One of the best and oldest places to visit in all of Europe, Veliko Tarnovo stands out with its remarkable beauty and is a popular tourist attraction. The romantic town, located in central Bulgaria, showcases steep cliffs lined with beautiful, traditional Bulgarian houses.
The River Yantra meanders through Veliko Tarnovo creating a picturesque setting for this over 7,000-year-old historic northern Bulgarian city.
National Revival style houses cling to the hills, making it so easy to fall in love with this inviting city. The city was Bulgaria’s capital between the 12th and 14th century, for 300 years, during the heyday of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Some of the attractions include Tsarevets – a well-preserved significant monument to the Second Bulgarian State, the king’s castle, and the church on the top of the hill. The Stambolov Most bridge over the Yantra River takes visitors to the Asenevtsi Monument, which offers the best views – amazing 360-degree views of the city. Veliko Tarnovo offer a walk along the cobblestone Gurko Street and shop for handcrafted souvenirs at the Samovodska Charshia. You should also try to visit the art gallery, Charshia is a high-energy museum complex of arts and crafts, and traditional Bulgarian food and taverns. Nature lovers will want to see Emen Canyon, Momin Skok Waterfall, Krushuna Falls, and Devetashka Cave outside of town.
Travelers can experience a mixture of natural beauty – courtesy of the wild coniferous woods that blanket the landscapes all around – and unbridled culture and history, from the Tsarevets capitol and the clutch of gorgeous Byzantine churches.
Sofia
Bulgaria’s capital and the largest city offers many things to see and do, which visitors will need to prioritize by interest. Closer to the center you’ll find the ancient remains of the Serdica Fort and the Roman-Byzantine Church of St George were discovered between 2010 and 2012 the ancient city of Serdica was found during excavation works for one of the metro stations.
Some of the most famous attractions in the city include the iconic Orthodox domes and gilded edifices of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Saint Sofia Church with its subterranean museum and the necropolis, the 4th-century Church of St. George, and the UNESCO-awarded Boyana Church. Sveta Nedelya Square is surrounded by an Orthodox church, a Jewish synagogue, an Islamic mosque, and a Catholic church. For the museum lovers, Sofia is home to the National History Museum where you can see some of the most famous ancient gold treasures in the world, the National Museum of Natural History, the National Archeology Museum, the National Art Gallery which is housed in the former royal palace, and the Museum of Socialist Art.
Sofia is located at the foot of Vitosha Mountain, where you can go hiking and skiing. You’ll find everything from exciting nightlife and affordable accommodation to lovely boutiques and charming cobblestone streets when you visit Sofia.
Plovdiv is the oldest city in Europe to be continuously inhabited, a place where culture and history are paramount, and art and music festivals are frequent. This ancient city sits along seven hills and is well known for its romantic ambiance, thanks to the colorful 19th-century mansions that serve as house-museums, guest homes, and galleries. Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-most cosmopolitan city, only behind Sofia, where cobblestone lanes are commonplace. The city’s highlights include the Tsar Simeon Gardens and the artistic quarter, Kapana. The city is also known for having an energetic nightlife, popular among young adults.
One of the most ancient cities in Europe and among the best cities to visit in Bulgaria, Plovdiv surprises visitors with its diversity. Located in southern Bulgaria, Plovdiv is like a museum of Bulgaria’s history. Plovdiv, the second-largest city in Bulgaria, was founded some 6,000 years ago and developed on seven hills, but one of them was destroyed at the beginning of the 20th century.
Plovdiv includes structures from different eras, and it used to be one of the major cities in the Roman Empire. Today, you can visit the remarkably well-preserved Roman Amphitheater, which still functions as an open-air theater, the Roman Stadium, the Roman Forum, and the Eirene Residence.
You can visit the Old Town which will make you fall in love with its cobblestone streets and colorful National Revival houses, most of which have been turned into museums. For a stunning view of the city, climb on one of the seven hills on which the city was built. Ancient Plovdiv is on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 2019 will be a great year to visit Plovdiv because it will be the European Capital of Culture.
The Old Town is best known for its Bulgarian Renaissance architectural style, with colorful houses displaying the National Revival’s unique exterior characteristics on every corner.
Plovdiv’s nightlife beckons partiers after hours, as the coffee culture haunts turn hedonist, fuelling nights with indie, jazz and oodles of Balkan beers!
The Belogradchik Rocks are one of the natural wonders in Bulgaria. These reddish rock sculptures in weird forms and shapes are located in northwest Bulgaria. The Rocks offer a natural defense for the famous Belogradchik Fortress, aka Kaleto. The Belogradchik Rocks are included on the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Belogradchik Fortress is a manmade dating back to Roman times on the menu, construction set against a stunning outcrop of rocks, the citadel of nearby Baba Vida and the mysterious pre-historic wall art of the Magura Cave to boot!
The Belogradchik Rocks, named in 2009 as Bulgaria’s candidate to be selected as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, are a stunning arrangement of strange-shaped sandstone and conglomerate rock formations.
The otherworldly geological wonders that lurk on the edge of Belogradchik town rarely fail to impress travelers who make their way to this far-flung corner of Bulgaria on the northward slopes of the Balkan Mountains.
Rila Monastery
The Monastery of Saint Ivan of Rila is perhaps the most iconic destination in Bulgaria and perhaps the most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in the world. The 10th-century Rila Monastery was founded by St. John of Rila, known for being an ascetic. He was consecrated here by the Orthodox Church. His tomb and austere dwelling became a holy site and were eventually transformed into a secluded complex.
The monastery is beautifully frescoed and is a fine example of National Revival craftsmanship. The oldest building on the site is the Tower of Hrelja, and it dates back to the beginning of the 14th century. The Rila Monastery played an important role during Bulgaria’s National Revival, in the spiritual and social lives of medieval Bulgarian people. It entered the UNESCO World Heritage List way back in 1983, hailed for its curious intermingling of Mamluk, arabesque, Byzantine and Romanesque styles. The monastery is hidden in the Rila Mountains in southwest Bulgaria.
During the 19th century, a fire destroyed this important complex, but it was rebuilt to its previous splendor between 1834 and 1862. It continues to be a symbol and example of the Bulgarian Renaissance and brings an awareness of the Slavic cultural identity of this time.
Seven Rila Lakes
Located in the northwest part of the Rila Mountains, the highest mountain in the Balkans at over 9,500 feet, Seven Rila Lakes is a natural area of stunning beauty. The lakes are between 6,800 and 8,200 feet above sea level.
Hiking to the lakes uncovers epic scenic views of the rugged mountaintops. The Seven Rila Lakes is a group of glacier lakes, and each of them has its own name that is reflective of their characteristics or shapes: The Eye, The Kidney, The Tear, The Twin, The Trefoil, Fish Lake, and The Lower Lake. The lakes are located in Rila National Park, Bulgaria’s largest national park, just outside Sofia, making an excellent day trip for travelers who love to hike.
Stob Pyramids
The Stob Pyramids are another one of Bulgaria’s amazing natural phenomenon. They are one of the most amazing rock formations, which can be found in the territory of Bulgaria. This amazing rock phenomenon is on the way to the Rila Monastery in the western foot of Rila Mountain. The pyramids have the name of the village of Stob, which is the successor of the ancient Thracian city Stobi, destroyed by floods in the legends.
The pyramids are about 10 – 12 meters high and have various shapes, some are conical and others are shaped like mushrooms. The view to the acute forms of the Stob pyramids is really amazing. Once there were impressive fortress walls and towers, mines and pipelines. It is known that Stobi reached its zenith in the 9th century. Most likely it was destroyed during the 12th century and then restored during the Second Bulgarian Empire. For centuries beautiful legends were worn on the natural phenomenon of the Stob pyramids.
Etara is a one-of-its-kind place that you ought to visit on your holiday. It is located on the northern edge of the Bulgarka Nature Park and has Bulgarian customs. There are various workshops where you can see how traditional crafts were practiced in the 18th – 19th century, and culture on display. You will also find numerous restaurants outside the museum where you can taste the finest Bulgarian cuisine.
Etara is a lovely place to visit on a day trip from Veliko Tarnovo or Gabrovo.
Tryavna
Tryavna is a village in central Bulgaria, situated on the north slopes of the Balkan range, on the Tryavna river valley, near Gabrovo. Tryavna is one of those places with well-preserved typical National Revival architecture. Instead of being in one of those open-air-museum types of villages, you are in the middle of a thriving town.
It is famous for its textile industry and crafts, featuring 140 cultural monuments, museums, and expositions. Tryavna is a town preferred by tourists for its clean mountain air and unique Renaissance architecture. A good road and railroad network connects the town with all farther spots of the country.
Pirin National Park is located in southwestern Bulgaria. Pirin National Park has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1983 and the park is a part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
There are hundreds of different animal species in the park, including the wonderful boreal owl, white-backed woodpecker, fire salamander, agile frog, red deer, and Eurasian three-toed woodpecker. Pirin National Park is an area of more than 66,000 acres. Visitors will enjoy hiking through this massive park filled with rocky mountain slopes, alpine meadows, and alpine lakes.
Sozopol
One of the ancient coastal towns to see in Bulgaria – Sozopol, best known for splendid beaches and nightlife, attracts travelers of all kinds. It is one of the significant cultural centers of Bulgaria and hosts Apollonia Art and Film Festival every year – one of the country’s largest art festivals every September.
The Old Town is a popular destination among the artsy tourists. Fishing boats and rocky shores complement the 19th-century wooden houses and golden-sand beaches and an ancient fortress overlooking the sea and archaeological evidence of a sprawling Christian complex. The New Town is a popular summer resort.
Cape Kaliakra, situated near the Romanian border, is one of the most historic and magnificent of European capes. It sits 70 meters above sea level on the Black Sea Coast and is home to rare birds.
The Kaliakra Fortress is an important part of the Kaliakra Archaeological Preserve. The medieval fortress against the stunning backdrop will take your breath away. Legend has it that treasures of Lysimachus, successor to Alexander the Great, are still hidden in headland caves. Visitors can still see the archaeological site as well as a small museum.
Central Balkan National Park
The Central Balkan National Park lies in the heart of Bulgaria, nestled in the central and higher portions of the Balkan Mountains. It keeps a unique collection of forest massifs, plant and animal species, historical monuments of global significance for science and culture. Incredible landscapes, rock phenomena, beautiful waterfalls can be seen here.
The most interesting park areas for the tourists are North Dzhendem, South Dzhendem, the Rayskoto Praskalo waterfall and Peeshtite Skali (the Singing Rocks). The Central Balkan is one of the last places in Europe, which provides shelter to rare and endangered animals. The visitors of the Central Balkan can enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine and the hospitality of the people, as well as the specific folklore and various crafts. The park is under the Birds and Habitats Directives within the European NATURA 2000 network.
Koprivshtitsa
This small town has been one of the most important historical places in Bulgaria from the time of the National Revival (18th – 19th century). Koprivshtitsa is a lovely place that still keeps the spirit of revolutionary Bulgaria and of the April Uprising of 1876.
This museum-village immediately pleases the eye with its numerous restored National Revival–period mansions. This historic town is perfectly set on the banks of Topolnita River and once every four years Koprivshtitsa hosts the biggest authentic folklore festival in the country. The village is full of memorials and museum houses displaying ethnographical treasures, old weapons and farm implements, national costumes, artwork, and jewelry.
Pomorie is a town and seaside resort in southeastern Bulgaria, located on a narrow rocky peninsula in Burgas Bay on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. One of the cleanest beaches on the Black Sea coast.
The town has two distinct sections — the old town centre to the east and the newer, more touristy section to the west/southwest. The old town centre is a charming location with many small hotels, authentic shops and small restaurants. The eastern tip of the peninsula has a couple of small beaches that are usually less crowded compared to the ones to the north or southwest.
Melnik is the smallest city in Bulgaria and it is home to some of the best wineries in the country. It will take you minutes to walk up the town’s one main street, but you’ll sit for hours at a local tavern, your head spinning under the intoxicating spell of the rich red wines.
For the best views of the Sand Pyramids of Melnik, climb to the St. Nicholas plateau.
Bansko is Bulgaria’s most prized winter sports resort. It’s surrounded by high stone fences, crisscrossed with charming narrow streets, and dotted with beautifully restored ancient houses.
With new lift projects at its back, the dual ski fields of the Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika, hedonistic bars, jazz joints, cross-country trails, the place has plenty to offer. A visit to this town wouldn’t be complete without a trip to one of the local taverns for authentic food, drink, music, and dance.
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Ruse
It is located along the bank of the Danube River, northeast of Sofia. Ruse known as “Little Vienna” due to its architecture, is also a town of the first Bulgarian paper was printed here, the first railway road was completed here, and the first navy school and weather service were established here.
The town has 19 amazing museums, archaeological reserves, the Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo, Cherven Fortress, and the Bassarbovo rock monastery.
The above list of the top places to visit in Bulgaria is just a sneak peak into what this small Balkan country has to offer.
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