Sweden is aiming for a zero-waste society. This takes the country’s recycling revolution one step further – from dumping rubbish in landfills to recycling to reuse. Sweden is a global leader in many areas but it really stands-out when we talk about recycling.
In 2016 there were 212,500 tonnes of plastic on the Swedish market. About half was recycled. The fact is that Sweden uses trash to fuel incineration plants, where waste is turned into, among other things, new products, raw materials, and heat.
The Swedish system for recycling of packaging is based on producer responsibility. Regardless of the type of material the packaging is made of – paper, plastic, metal, wood or glass – the producers are responsible. Producer responsibility also applies to newsprint. Among other things, this implies that the producers are obligated to set up collection and recycling systems for packaging and newsprint.
Packaging and newsprint are collected through collection systems. There are public recycling stations where consumers can discard packaging and newsprint in separate containers. Recycling stations are found in all of Sweden, and most of the packaging and newsprint from households is collected this way. There are also solutions for kerbside collection in places such as multi-compartment bins or separate containers in apartment buildings. A national deposit refund system for PET bottles and aluminum cans is also in place.
31-year-old Swedes Daniel Silberstein says:
A big part of it is thinking about what kind of environment our daughter is going to have in the future. I am a kid of the 1990s and not recycling is kind of abnormal for us, but for Charlie’s generation, it will hopefully go even further. She already thinks it’s fun to push the cartons into the recycling station when I take her.
In the mid-70s only 38% of household waste in Sweden was recycled. For comparing – today that figure has jumped to an astounding 99%. Sweden’s goal of ‘zero waste’ is almost reached.
In the cities, there are many recycling areas located in convenient spots, while larger centers are located further, where you can drop off sorted household items like wine bottles, soup cans, light bulbs, and newspapers. Especially after a holiday, these centers are overrun with recycling, but the trucks come every day to empty the bins.
Larger items can be brought to larger recycling centers or picked up by special trucks. Sweden has implemented the reward system, in which you pay more if you buy plastic bottles and metal cans, but you get back when you deliver them to the return centers in grocery stores.
Photo credit: Source: Swedish EPA. Photo: Simon Paulin/imagebank.sweden.se
So how Sweden managed to achieve that?
Back in 1991, Sweden was one of the first countries to implement a heavy tax on fossil fuels, today almost 50% of all electricity is generated from renewables.
Plastics, glass, metal and paper, all of it is recycled and turned into new products. Even food is composted to become soil or biogas, and wastewater is purified to be potable. And one side benefit is that heavy metal emissions have been reduced by 99% since the mid-80s, despite Sweden incinerating three times more waste today than back then.
In 2017 the Swedish government reformed the tax system so that people could get cheaper repairs on used items, and Swedish clothing giant H&M operates a recycling scheme where customers get a discount upon handing in old clothes. Meanwhile, researchers are working on finding new clothing materials that are less damaging to the environment.
Sweden’s reuse revolution would not be possible without those who do the literal dirty work of handling Sweden’s rubbish.
Most people in Sweden, though, believe that even more can be done. Sweden’s recycling program works so well that they ran out of trash and start importing from Norway, the UK, other countries. All that is used to heat homes and create new products, which means that Sweden will not deplete natural resources.
‘In the future we’ll look at the old style of recycling the way we look at fossil fuels and landfill sites today. It will all seem crazy.’
So next time you think of throwing that water bottle, soda can, or newspaper in with all the other mixed-up trash – think again: if Swedes can manage to recycle everything in sight, no matter how small their flat is, you can as well.
The Azores, an autonomous region of Portugal, are an archipelago in the mid-Atlantic. The islands are characterized by dramatic landscapes, fishing villages, green pastures and hedgerows of blue hydrangeas.
The Azores islands are consistently ranked as one of the best, most sustainable, and most affordable island travel destinations in Europe. Located between Europe and North America, the Azores are the perfect island getaway for those looking for a unique and beautiful destination.
There is plenty to see and do (and eat) throughout the nine islands to keep the most ambitious traveler busy and beyond satisfied; here’s just a starter.
Lets explore the top 10 things to do in the Azores:
Photo Credit: Sete Cidades, Azores, Portugal | ARoxo/Moment/Getty Images
Azores Geopark
The Azores Geopark is a network of 121 geographically-dispersed sites of geographic heritage and marine areas that covers the nine volcanic islands of the archipelago of the Azores, representating the archipelago’s vast and varied volcanic geodiversity. There’s no place quite as geologically interesting and breathtaking as the Azores Geopark.
The natural beauty in the park includes about 300 volcanic cavities, underwater geothermal sources, fumarolic fields, crater lakes, dry calderas and so much more.
If you’ve ever dreamed of discovering the world of wild dolphins and whale, then look no further. Many species of whale and dolphin pass by the Azores on their annual migrations. The Azores attracts huge numbers of dolphins and whale, many of whom are very interactive both with boats and swimmers. Whale are, undeniably, one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful and majestic creatures, so it’s only natural to want to see these marvelous animals up close and personal.
This is of the most unforgettable experiences for the whole family includes sailing through the Atlantic in search of these majestic marine mammals. Most of the islands have guided tours available. The largest of the nine islands, Sao Miguel — some of the biggest highlights lie in the vast ocean that surrounds it. And probably the easiest way there with companies in Ponta Delgada and Vila Franca do Campo.
April through June is the best time to see blue whales, but you can still see other kinds of whales and dolphins the rest of the year-round.
The waters that surround the Azores are a diver’s paradise, filled with all sorts of fish species and amazing rock formations, but diving isn’t a year-round pursuit. Each island brings something different to the table: For diving enthusiasts, the very best can be found in the waters of Terceira, near the old port of Angra do Heroísmo in Terceira there’s an underwater anchor graveyard of ancient ship anchors and marine life like eagle rays and octopus, while the awesome topography of Pico Island continues beneath the waves with sheer volcanic cliffs.
Off São Miguel there are volcanic canyons at low depth, providing habitat for octopuses and triggerfish.
Throughout the islands, there are more than 100 diving spots with over 3,000 marine species, vertical walls, clean waters and incredible encounters with manta rays, mobulas and even whale sharks.
You can dive the Azores any time of the year, but the best offshore dive sites are only really accessible during the summer.
There’s a lagoon in the middle fed by the ocean on the landward side, and so completely shielded from the ocean currents. This strange, beautiful spot fills up quickly on sunny days. You can take a short boat ride from the Pier of Vila Franca do Campo to get to this amazing location
Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience at the Islet of Vila Franca do Campo. You can enjoy an afternoon on the slopes of the ancient caldera or go for a swim within the Islet’s crater. This tiny island is just a kilometer away from São Miguel’s coast. Spot beautiful and vibrant vegetation, a gorgeous lagoon shielded from the ocean’s currents, and marvel at the natural cone that the islet creates.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Sete Cidades Caldera
This landscape has been shaped by successive volcanic events over the last 38,000 years. The last eruption might have been as recent as the 1400s, just before the island was colonized.
Nothing can prepare you for the astonishing views of the Sete Cidades Massif on the west side of São Miguel Island. Twin green and blue lakes are ensconced in evergreen vegetation and shielded by a massive volcanic crater that rises like ramparts is one of the scenic highlights of the Azores. Sitting inside the crater of an extinct volcano, a bridge divides the lake into two sections. They each have quite distinct colors. Visit on a clear day if possible, as that’s when you’ll get those perfect breathtaking views.
The natural beauty of this twin lake is breathtaking with lively hues of green blanketing the surrounding landscapes. The twin lakes, which are relatively small and are ecologically unique, are connected by a small square and can be crossed via a small bridge. They are known simply as the Green Lake and the Blue Lake
Boca do Inferno translates as the Mouth of Hell, is likely to be one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever visited. With just a few minutes walk, you’ll see a breathtaking panorama that you can’t imagine.
You can see the small town of Sete Cidades visible in the distance, and it’s one of the best places on Sao Miguel to see how volcanic activity has shaped the island.
If you are driving, don’t park in the car park off the main road, but continue driving on the dirt road opposite for a few minutes until you reach the end. The dirt road runs along the top of the caldera, and you walk walk directly alongside where you park the car.
Photo Credit: Tiago Ferreira / Flickr
Terra Nostra Park
A visit to the Terra Nostra Gardens is like spending time in a secret paradise tucked away at the Azores, one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Over 200 years old, the Terra Nostra Gardens are internationally renowned for their incredible beauty which is showcased in a sprawling 31-acre complex. Visitors to the gardens can see beautiful plant life from all over the world such as Rhododendrons from Malaysia, a collection of Cycads and Camellias, the exceptional Victoria Cruziana, and even over 300 kinds of ferns. Full of tropical and subtropical plants from the Azores and around the world, it’s easy to spend an hour or more exploring these large, impressive gardens.
Terra Nostra Park The Botanical Park´s next highlight is the famous thermal water pool. The volcanic hot spring nourishes the pool with temperatures between 35 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Photo Credit: madeinazores.eu
Pico Island Wine Country
With all of the volcanos surrounding the Azorean islands, the Pico Island Wine Country has been producing world-class wine since the 15th century. The stone homes and stone-walled vineyards that were built to protect the 2,439 acres of vineyard from fierce Atlantic winds and surges of salty ocean water from centuries ago can still be seen today in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Criação Velha wine region, in the municipality of Madalena.
Tour the vineyards with a local guide during the day and spend the late afternoons and evenings sipping and tasting all of the gorgeous wines that Pico Island has to offer.
Photo Credit: wikipedia
Montanha do Pico
At Pico Island you can climb the mountain, 2351 meters (7713 feet) above sea level. The Montanha do Pico is one of the highest Atlantic mountains, it’s the tallest in Portugal and twice the elevation of any other peak in the Azores. The Montanha do Pico is classified as a basaltic stratovolcano and was declared a nature reserve in 1982 because of its spectacular beauty and wildlife. With a summit that often disappears into the cloud.
You can climb the mountain in the afternoon so you can see the sunset when you are in the top or enjoy a remarkable view of the Faial, Graciosa, São Jorge and Terceria Islands. The steep, nearly 3-mile trek takes about three hours. In addition to magnificent vistas, you’ll see lava tubes and fascinating rock formations too.
The Montanha do Pico is classified as a basaltic stratovolcano and was declared a nature reserve in 1982 because of its spectacular beauty and wildlife.
Photo Credit: azoresontravel.com
Poca da Dona Beija
Take a break from your tour of Sao Miguel with a relaxing swim at Poca Da Dona Beija, a small spa featuring three natural pools of iron-rich water known for its therapeutic properties. Fed by a series of hot springs, the small pools remain at about 39 C (102 F), an ideal temperature for soothing tense muscles and easing pains associated with chronic rheumatism.
Today, Poca da Dona Beija has been lovingly renovated and update to exude a rustic charm with its brick pools that are fringed by vibrant tropical vegetation. After the hot bath, you can enjoy the tropical landscaping and the gift shop of the facility. Keep in mind that the yellowish water can leave stains on your clothes.
Photo Credit: Jorge Santos / olhares.sapo.pt
Lagoa das Furnas
There are three spectacular lakes on São Miguel Island and one of them is the Lagoa das Furnas. Lagoa das Furnas is unique in scenery and experiences. One of the most unique features of Lagoa das Furnas is the clear and amazing sign of volcanic activity that takes place on the lake’s northwestern shore. Furnas is the place to visit if you want to see the hot springs. It has an active caldera with steam vents, mud pots and geysers, locals cook food in earth ovens available in picnic areas. This hot spring and most touristy city of the island is situated in the east inland of Sao Miguel in the middle of mountains and forest.
On a raised boardwalk guests can navigate to get a great view of the small calderas and pools at the lake spouting steam.
These small craters are even used by restaurant chefs in the town of Furnas who bring their pots of cozido (meat and vegetable stew) and let them simmer in the hot ground. And after that you may be enticed to head to town to taste traditional food cooked with volcanic activity.
Check this official video about Azores from VisitPortugal. Don’t forget to check their Youtube channel for more and unforgettable videos about Portugal.
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.
Photo credit: shutterstock.com
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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Photo credit: shutterstock.com
