Eastern Europe is becoming a thriving tourist attraction, which is steadily increasing year on year. After the terror attack in Tunisia, Bulgaria was firmly put on the map. Many people enjoying this wonderful country, for its sensational hot summers, its cheap beer and food, and a hop skip and a jump from the UK and many European countries. However not all people come for the beach and sea life, Bulgaria has over 100 tourist sites to visit. It is an all year round destination, I would like to show you some of these amazing wonders today.

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Join me on a journey, around some of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria.



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The eyes of God / Prohodna Caves.

Situated about 145km from the countries capital, Sofia these caves are naturally lit by the giant almond shaped holes above, When the sunlight streams down through the holes, many say it is like god looking down on you, hence getting its nickname the eyes of god, or the eyes of the devil depending as sometimes the sunset makes them look red. The cave tunnel is 262 metres long, an is the longest cave in Bulgaria. There is accommodation nearby for people who want to stay close to the caves to explore their amazing wonder.

Buzludzha



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Built during the height of communist socialism, this impressive structure is certain to appeal to architects and photographers, who will love this individual building. With it’s impressive ufo like structure, its mosaics and incredible masonry it stands on Mount Hadji. Some of the finest designers worked on its design and construction, with over 70000 tons of concrete and 3000 tons of steel holding it together. It was built as the communist headquarters of Bulgaria and opened in 1981, where it only had 8 short years of use. After the fall of the government in 1989, the monument is closed off to the public and has since been vandalised, however people can gain access to it at their own risk, as the structure is deemed unsafe.

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Many monuments were torn down, after the fall of communism, but Buzludzha still remains, as the government have neither the money to restore the building, nor to tear it down. Still to this day it attracts many people who visit it, to learn more about not only its design but Bulgaria’s history.

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There is a group who are appealing to restore the monument and turn it into a museum, you can find more about it here

The 7 lakes of Rila.

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In the northwestern part of Bulgaria, lies the Rila Mountains. In this vast region there are 7 glacier lakes, known as the 7 lakes of Rila. Each Lake has a name. The Tear, The Eye, The Kidney, The Twin, The Trefoil, Fish Lake and The Lower Lake. Many tourists flock here in July and August, as the lakes are iced over for most of the year. People can get some relief, from the hot summers. The enviroment is completely natural and the lakes hover one above the other with streams connecting each Lake.

Lake Rabisha.

(Credit Wikipedia)

While we are on the subject of lakes, there is another famous lake called Rabisha Lake. This Lake is the largest natural freshwater lake in Bulgaria, also situated in the north west. Bulgarian summers get very hot and many people go to the lake for swimming and BBQ’s. There is a track leading up to the lake, for boat enthusiasts also, its very easy to spend an entire day there.


The lake holds many fish, if fishing is your fancy. The crystal clear waters, make it easy that you can even wade in and hunt for fresh water mussels also if you wish to. There is a folklore legend, similar to Scotlands famous Loch Ness that the lake has its own monster lurking in its depths.

Rabisha lake is very close to me about 40 minutes drive from my village, last year I spent the best part of an afternoon with friends wading in the lake, looking for mussels, the water is refreshing and cool, but be warned if going in the high summer months, expect it to be busy. Camping is also available by the lake, if you wish to do this. What better way to spend a vacation, than catching your own fish and sleeping under the stars.

The Magura Cave (Rabisha Cave)

(Credit Wikipedia)


Located very close to Rabisha Lake, you can find the Magura Caves which are carbon dated over 15 million years old. The caves are a world heritage site, attracting many visitors ever year to come to explore this ancient wonder. The cave’s temperature on average is 12 C inside, however one room in the cave is a steady 15 C all year round. Caution if you don’t like bats be aware that there are four species of bats in the caves. You can also find ancient drawings on the cave walls which date back to the bronze age some 8 to 10 thousand years ago.

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Belogradchik Fortress and Rocks.

(Credit Wikipedia)

In the town of Belogradchik you will find the famous Belogradchik fortress, leading up to the natural formation of Belogradchik Rocks. The fortress was built, during the Roman times and the rocks served as a natural protection for the fortress. The fortress is steeped in history, from when it was originally built, to being taken over during the ottoman invasion, which caused the strong hold to be extended.



(Credit Wikipedia)

You can walk through the fortress and head up the rocks, where when you reach the top you have the feeling that you are on top of the world. The views are absolutely unbelievable, showing miles and miles of mountainous landscapes and forests. And when you have recovered from the dizzy heights of the rocks, why not head back down to the town centre and have yourself a coffee in one of its many cafe’s.

So if you are not the type of person, who likes to lie on a beach and go exploring. Consider some of these many places where you can visit in this magnificent country. Steeped with history and culture there is plenty of places to explore and experience. I hope you enjoyed seeing these magnificent places, and I hope you consider getting to see them in person.

Thank you for reading.

xoxo

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