Ancient Plovdiv is the heart of the modern city of the same name, formed around the Maritsa River. Europe’s oldest continually inhabited town was first raised 8,000 years ago. It saw conquering Romans, the Ottoman Empire and finally the forces of Communism, and boasts a Roman amphitheatre, ancient churches, mosques, city walls and charming medieval streets.

Set in dramatic countryside, the Seven Rila Lakes were formed by glacial erosion and are known by names which denote their unique qualities. Saizata is named for its crystal-clear waters and Ribnoto Ezero has shallow waters which are great for fishing. Hiking and trekking here are best in July and August, as the lakes are frozen for much of the year.

The UNESCO World Heritage city of Nessebar lies on the Black Sea coast and is a medieval cityscape of tiny, cobbled streets, ancient buildings and an almost lost way of life. Once part of the harbour city of Meesembria, now lost beneath the waves, Nessebar has numerous beautiful churches among its highlights.

Veliko Turnovo, home to the ruined castle of Tsaravets with its Patriarchal and Royal palaces, and the inner city fortress of Trapezitsa, was the Second Bulgarian Empire’s capital city. Set in the northern mountains, its Old City has traditional Renaissance houses overlooking the Yantra River and a selection of historical museums. Just outside the city is the Preobruzhenie Monastery.

Skiing in winter is one of the most popular activities here, with the town of Bansko a perfect family winter destination. The slopes here are great for young and old beginners alike, although there’s not much to attract experts. A short drive away is the Four Paws Bear Sanctuary at Belitsa Bear Park, a haven for former dancing bears which now roam free.

Many of Bulgaria’s plethora of significant landmarks are found in its capital city, Sofia. The city’s major landmark is the glorious St Nedelya Church, a great domed masterpiece with breathtaking murals of saints adorning its interior. The mummified body of medieval Serbian king Stephen Milutin lies here in a glass case.

Along the Balkan Mountains’ western slopes are the soaring Belogradchik Rocks, strangely-shaped sandstone formations over 200m tall. Most are associated with local legends and there are five major groups, with the most spectacular incorporated in the Belogradchik Fortress which looms over the picturesque town of the same name. The fortification was first built during the Roman era and later enlarged during the Ottoman period.

Narrow Cape Kaliakra, jutting out into the ocean not far from Varna, is a famous natural landmark for its rugged, dramatic scenery and its Roman and Byzantine fortress. The site of tragic events in Ottoman times when 30 young girls jumped from the cliffs to escape the attentions of Ottoman soldiers, it’s eerily beautiful and legendarily holds the grave of St Nicholas.

The National Archaeological Museum in Sofia tells of the ancient history of the city and country, displaying magnificent Thracian gold and silver jewellery, sarcophagi, Thracian pottery, images and statues, and much more. Set in a historic mansion, the museum presents a timeline of the city’s history and its conquerors.

Bulgaria’s Valley of the Thracian Kings comprises 1,500 burial mounds lining the sides of the road which leads to the spectacular Shipka Pass. The stone-built tombs of the rich sit side by side with less imposing monuments, with six now open to the public. No-one knows which classes of the ancient society were entitled to be buried here.

Nightlife in Bulgaria is as hot as it gets in the buzzing Black Sea resorts, but the capital of Sofia is catching up fast, with hedonistic bars and watering holes opening up week by week. Vitosha Boulevard and hip Ulitsa Rakovski Street are the capital’s most happening places, recently joined by Neofit Rilski. But for clubs, visitors should head for the little streets behind the Sheraton Hotel. From shabby venues packed with students to plush leather-sofa lounge bars and late-night hang outs, you won’t be disappointed. 

Bulgarians love theatre, dance, opera and music of all kinds, and there’s plenty here to please, from the National Opera and Ballet and the National Theatre to the traditional Puppet Theatre, everyone’s favourite. Live Bulgarian folk music can be heard at many restaurants and in the streets at festival times, and jazz, blues, rock and pop concerts, and jam sessions are held regularly.

Varna is the hotspots of the Black Sea coast, with many thousands of visitors arriving here for the summer season of fun and games. Varna is the main highlight of the strung-out resorts, and is a combination of history and in-your-face modernity. Plazhna Aleya, fronting the beach, is lined with dozens of nightclubs, eateries and bars, with the A-Lounge beach bar the place to see and be seen. Varna also boasts an open-air theatre which hosts varied events, from rock concerts to ballet.

Sunny Beach in Burgas is another favourite holiday hang-out, with casinos, bars, late-night clubs, karaoke joints and wild party nights. Right in the centre is Dance Club Mania, a top-class dance venue attracting the crowds with its well-known visiting DJs. Disco Lazur is equally popular for its 12 bars and open-air swimming pool―great for cooling off, intentionally or accidentally. 

A popular misconception is that Bulgarian cuisine consists of stodgy, uninteresting peasant food. Peasant food it is, but it’s also the best-kept gastronomic secret in the region, with its fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple, effective preparation. There’s a strong influence from the Turkish occupation, and neighbouring Greece has a say in the flavours. Indigenous herbs and spices, fresh pork, veal and chicken, cheeses, live yoghurt and local vegetables all contribute to a healthy, delicious diet.

Factor X in this mix is the rich Bulgarian soil, imbued with minerals from the water table, rivers and streams, and ensuring its products are exceptionally nutritious. A simple salad begins most meals, and meat is mainly grilled over coals or pot-roasted with vegetables. Classic soups include tarator, a cucumber and yoghurt cold soup flavoured with walnuts, garlic and dill, and the salty, white sirene cheese makes a frequent appearance in traditional recipes. The Greek moussaka (aubergine lasagna) is a favourite main dish, while Greek baklava (sweet pastry) is a much-loved dessert.

Wine is the beverage of choice, and locally-distilled spirits such as rakia, menta and mastika are often enjoyed at the start and end of meals. Kyufte (meatballs) and the various styles of kebab with rich sauces are served with rice, which is also used as a flavoured stuffing for aubergines, courgettes and peppers in the Greek style. Herb and fruit teas are refreshing in summer and warming in winter.

In short, the sheer range of Bulgarian cuisine and its many tastes makes dining out here a foodie’s delight, and there’s a huge choice of eateries at all levels to choose from.