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10 Must-Visit Fortresses in Bulgaria: History, Views, and Travel Tips

10 Must-Visit Fortresses in Bulgaria: History, Views, and Travel Tips

by | Apr 3, 2025 | Travel and Tourism

The Most Fascinating Fortresses in Bulgaria and Their Remains: A Must-See for Tourists

Bulgaria is a country with a rich history, home to numerous fortresses that have been preserved as popular tourist attractions. Besides historical significance and breathtaking landscapes, these sites offer unique experiences that make visiting them even more exciting.

1. Ovech Fortress

  • Location: Near the town of Provadia
  • Dating: 6th century AD
  • Entrance Fee: €3–5
  • Why Visit: Ovech has retained its authentic atmosphere. There are special observation platforms offering panoramic views of the Provadia valley. Tourists can enjoy free audio guides detailing the fortress’s history. Walking over the slightly swaying bridge above the precipice adds an adventurous twist to the visit!

2. Belogradchik Fortress

  • Location: Belogradchik
  • Dating: 3rd century AD
  • Entrance Fee: €5–7
  • Why Visit: Besides the fortress itself, visitors can admire the stunning natural rock formations that are part of this defensive structure. Guided tours are available in multiple languages. There’s also a café on-site serving traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

3. Tsarevets Fortress

  • Location: Veliko Tarnovo
  • Dating: 12th–14th century
  • Entrance Fee: €4–6
  • Why Visit: Bulgaria’s most famous fortress offers a spectacular night laser show narrating the history of the Second Bulgarian Empire. You can stroll along ancient walls, feel the medieval spirit, and visit a uniquely painted church inside the fortress. For an additional fee, visitors can climb the tower. This was the residence of Bulgarian tsars until the 16th century, before the Ottoman conquest.

4. Kaleto Fortress

  • Location: Mezdra
  • Dating: Antiquity
  • Entrance Fee: €2–4
  • Why Visit: Situated on a picturesque hill above the Iskar River, Kaleto offers guided tours and hosts medieval reenactments from time to time.

5. Shumen Fortress

  • Location: Shumen
  • Dating: Byzantine period
  • Entrance Fee: €3–5
  • Why Visit: The fortress is known for its museum-like exhibition, where visitors can see ancient ruins and artifacts. Interactive quests for both children and adults bring the fortress’s history to life.

6. Asenovgrad Fortress

  • Location: Asenovgrad
  • Dating: 13th century
  • Entrance Fee: €3–5
  • Why Visit: In addition to exploring the fortress, visitors can hike to the Church of the Holy Mother of God Petritsa, which offers stunning views of the Rhodope Mountains.

7. Plovdiv Fortress (Nebet Tepe)

  • Location: Plovdiv
  • Dating: 4th century BC
  • Entrance Fee: Free
  • Why Visit: This site not only holds historical significance but also offers breathtaking sunset views from its observation deck. It frequently hosts cultural events and live performances by local musicians.

8. Castra Martis

  • Location: Kula
  • Dating: 3rd–4th century
  • Entrance Fee: €2–4
  • Why Visit: Visitors can enjoy guided tours and participate in pottery and ancient craft workshops. A small museum on-site showcases artifacts from the Roman Empire.

9. Lovech Fortress

  • Location: Lovech
  • Dating: Antiquity
  • Entrance Fee: €2–5
  • Why Visit: The fortress hosts annual medieval culture festivals with historical reenactments. There’s also a souvenir shop selling historical artifacts and local products. (Not to be confused with Ovech Fortress!)

10. Perperikon

  • Location: Near Kardzhali
  • Dating: 4th millennium BC
  • Entrance Fee: €3–5
  • Why Visit: One of Bulgaria’s oldest archaeological sites, Perperikon offers guided tours tailored for children, including hands-on archaeological digs. The site also features a relaxation area with a café and souvenir shops.

These fortresses are a true treasure for history lovers eager to dive into medieval Bulgaria and soak in stunning views.

Fortress Cities

Bulgaria’s most famous fortress cities are Sozopol and Nessebar, which have preserved their unique charm, featuring homes from past centuries—and even millennia!

  • Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to over 10 Byzantine churches and is situated within ancient fortress walls on a peninsula in the Black Sea.
  • Sozopol, also located by the sea, offers picturesque streets and houses built in traditional Bulgarian style. During summer, it transforms into a cultural hub, hosting festivals, exhibitions, and performances that attract visitors worldwide.

The combination of historical landmarks and modern amenities in these cities creates an atmosphere that draws tourists all year round.

What is an Info Tour?

Bulgaria is a highly attractive destination for many Ukrainians looking to relocate or invest in property. Stay ahead of the trend and buy real estate on the Bulgarian coast with us!

Sign up for an info tour to explore not only Bulgaria’s historic landmarks but also the best properties available.

  • Stay in top hotels
  • Enjoy exciting excursions
  • Receive personalized property selections tailored to your needs
  • Get expert legal consultations on the best real estate deals

Take the opportunity to visit all these fortresses—and much more!

9 Hidden Beaches in Bulgaria Even Locals Don’t Know About

9 Hidden Beaches in Bulgaria Even Locals Don’t Know About

by | Mar 30, 2025 | Local secrets and attractions

9 Hidden Beaches in Bulgaria Even Locals Don’t Know About

For those in search of quiet and extraordinary seaside retreats along Bulgaria’s coast. While most are familiar with prominent resorts like Sunny Beach or Golden Sands, this Balkan country hides a variety of picturesque beaches—including wild and rocky ones—that even locals seldom know about. And if they do, they rarely visit. Most Ukrainians residing here since 2022 know at best about Irakli. So let’s explore why tourists or even those relocating here permanently should consider these hidden gems.
  1. Irakli (Banya) Located near the village of Banya, north of Nessebar, Irakli is a must-visit for all. Campers can enjoy the serenity without the noise or crowds. A favorite spot for celebrating “July Morning,” a national Bulgarian tradition to greet the sunrise between June and July, Irakli attracts nature lovers and hippies alike.
  2. Kara Dere (Byala/Obzor) 50 km from Varna and 45 km from Sunny Beach, Kara Dere remains unspoiled by infrastructure. Surrounded by dense forests and rich wildlife, this nature zone, part of “White Cliffs,” is ideal for campers.
  3. Veleka (Sinemorets) In the small village near the Turkish border, Veleka Beach stuns with its unique natural beauty, where the Veleka River meets the Black Sea. Sandy dunes on one side and the freshwater river on the other create a tranquil escape.
  4. Driver’s Beach (Nessebar) Nestled near the historic Nessebar, this hidden gem offers peace and the perfect escape from tourist crowds, ideal for locals and loyal visitors.
  5. Varvara (Ahtopol/Tsarevo) Famous for its rocky shores, crystal waters, and underwater caves, Varvara Beach invites divers and nature enthusiasts, offering solace far from the bustling crowds.
  6. Silistar (Sinemorets) Protected from winds, surrounded by lush forests, and boasting untamed beauty, Silistar Beach is a camping favorite, with space and privacy for naturists.
  7. Coral (Lozenets) This beach allows camping directly on the sand, making it a go-to for eco-tourists. It shares the rustic charm of Irakli but remains largely untouched.
  8. Cape Agalina (Sozopol) Dubbed “Bulgarian Greece,” this spot attracts climbers and snorkelers. Its cliffs offer daring jumps, but only for the well-prepared.
  9. Tyulenovo (Shabla/Dobrich) Known for dramatic rocky coasts and wild beaches, Tyulenovo feels like a piece of Portugal in Bulgaria, featuring underwater caves perfect for snorkeling and diving.

Special Tips:

  • For sunrise, virtually all beaches are suitable as Bulgaria’s coastline faces east.
  • For a sunset view, head to Sveti Vlas.
  • Broaden your perspective with paddleboards or kayaks!
These beaches provide a refuge from crowded tourist spots, offering privacy for nature lovers, active vacationers, and naturists alike.
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