Bulgaria is full of beautiful picturesque towns, whose traditional architecture is undoubtedly another symbol of the country. Some of them are located in remote areas, others are simply unknown to most people, but both are worth a visit.
After spending several years in the country and having covered it thoroughly, driving thousands of kilometers, this is the list of the most beautiful typical towns, organized by region.
Since I arrived in the country, I have made it my goal to visit each and every one of the most traditional towns. Each of them is unique in its own way, however, they all have several things in common: their unique location, cobbled streets, and traditional Bulgarian architecture (which developed mainly in the wake of the “Renaissance” movement), through which Bulgaria gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1878.
They are the best places to discover the real and authentic Bulgaria. Walking through their old streets is one of the best experiences this country has given me. At the end of this post you can find the map with the location of each place within the country.
Given all the information I have on this subject, I decided to split this post into two parts. Below you will find the link to the second part. It has taken me several years to prepare this article, because I wanted to visit as many places as possible. I hope you enjoy it.
- Pirin
South of the Rila Mountains, and not far from the Greek border, is the Pirin mountain range. It has breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, and the area also offers multiple options for winter sports. The area is home to numerous hidden villages which are nestled in dreamlike settings.
- Melnik
Bulgarian name: Мелник. Region: Blagoevgrad. Visited: 2018, 2021, 2024.
Despite its small size, technically, Melnik is the smallest city in Bulgaria. It is also the center of the most important wine region in the country. In fact, many of the finest wines are produced here. As the traveler approaches, you can see the vineyards and wineries on both sides of the road.
Melnik
Upon arrival, the traveler finds a street divided into two parts by a canal through which hardly any water flows. On both sides there are already the typical traditional houses, most of them converted into catering establishments or souvenir shops.
Melnik Main Street
As you go through the street, which gradually rises, you can see from below the peculiar rocky forms of the area, known as “Pyramids of Melnik“. After traveling about 200 m from the road, you arrive at the wine museum, where there is an explanatory and informative exhibition of the production process, from collection to sale. The entrance costs 3 leva (1.5 €).
Melnik Main Street
Museum of Wine
Exhibition
Bar for Tasting
Walking a little further up, there are several points of interest, among them the wineries where the wine is produced, and where you can take a guided tour which generally includes a wine tasting at the end. A typical Bulgarian house called Kordopulova House is also striking due to its size. It was built in 1754 and and was important in the First World War as a hideout for Bulgarian revolutionaries.
Kordopulova House
Moving further up, you reach the beginning of the path that goes up to the Virgin Bogoroditsa Spileotisa Monastery. It is about a 10-15 minute climb, since it is located at the top of the hill. It is the same path that leads to the viewpoint of the Pyramids of Melnik.
Trailhead to the Melnik Pyramids Viewpoint
The monastery itself is an austere building, with little ornamentation, and much lack of maintenance. The views of Melnik from above are magnificent. I even share the sound that I could hear during the minutes I spent there. Pure nature.
Virgin Bogoroditsa Spileotisa Monastery
Inside the Monastery
View of Melnik from the Monastery
On the hill itself there is also the Saint Nicholas church, a temple in ruins which is accessed by a path that goes directly from the monastery. This path is for me the most beautiful part of the place, since it is where you can best see “Pyramids of Melnik“. For more information regarding the exact locations, check the map below.
Pyramids of Melnik from the Monastery
Pyramids of Melnik
Church of St. Nicholas
You may meet friends on the way
My intention was to be able to portray the sunset from here. Unfortunately, I arrived later because of the traffic jam when leaving Sofia. When I arrived, it was already night. Therefore, I had to settle for seeing it the next day in the morning.
The typical Bulgarian architectural ensemble, together with the unbeatable location, makes the city an unforgettable place.
Typical Bulgarian Houses
Later, returning to the village again, I visited a winery, called Manolev, where I enjoyed several kinds of wine produced right there.
Manolev Winery
The old fortress, called Boyar’s House, is located very close to it, and currently demolished, offers a good view of Melnik.
Melnik from Above
Melnik from Boyar’s House
Not far from Melnik, you have a town called Rozhen, where there is a monastery in an unique location. If you have a car, it is a must. You can also walk, on a route of approximately 4.5 km (one way). The location of this place appears on the map outside of Melnik.
Rozhen Monastery
Inside Rozhen Monastery
Outside the Monastery
Where to Eat
Mencheva Tavern
Typical Bulgarian food. Very tasty and nice atmosphere. In summer, I recommend to dine in the terrace, if possible.
https://www.melnik-mehana.com/
Where to Stay
Elli Greco Hotel
https://www.booking.com/hotel/bg/elligreco.en-gb.html
Located on the outskirts of town, it takes only 5 minutes walking. It has very clean rooms, a good breakfast, and free parking. Highly recommended.
How to Get
From Sofia
By car: Sofia – Melnik: 181 km. Around 2.30 hours driving.
By bus: check the bus site (available in Bulgarian, German and English). The cost is 14 leva and takes 3.30 hours.
https://www.centralnaavtogara.bg/index.php#b
From Plovdiv
By car: Plovdiv – Melnik: 260 km the shortest route. Almost 4 hours driving.
Useful Information
Kordopulova House
http://www.kordopulova-house.com/
ATM Available: No
Locations
- Rhodope Mountains
Located in the southern part of the country, this mountain range is partially shared with Greece. Despite the fact that the mountains are not as high as in the Rila mountain range, it has a barely exploited nature, impressive green landscapes and large water reserves. The location of these towns, as well as the quality of the roads, make the only way to visit them is by car.
- Kovachevitsa
Bulgarian name: Ковачевица. Region: Blagoevgrad. Visited: 2021.
This is the most remote town on the list. By road, there is only one entrance and one exit. It is a mountainous and isolated area, but it is a perfect place to relax.
Entrance
There is a parking lot at the entrance where you can park. However, if there are not many cars, you can go a little further and leave it directly at the entrance of the town. It is not allowed to drive in the urban area because the streets are cobbled and very narrow.
Narrow Cobbled Streets of Kovachevitsa
Touring the town takes a short time, and half a day can be more than enough. In my case, when I arrived, and left my things in the accommodation, I started to visit the town before running out of daylight hours.
First I went to the church, and the typical image with its characteristic tower on a descending street. The church is currently in very bad condition, and unfortunately you cannot climb the bell tower, from where you will surely have very good views. Afterwards, I went back down the main street, where the old school is located, as well as two restaurants.
Kovachevitsa Church
Later, I left the town on the north side (opposite side from the entrance to the town). It is a path that goes deep into the mountains. After advancing about 500 m, and after climbing a small hill, you have a perfect place to contemplate the town from above (the exact location is shown on the map).
Viewpoint
It takes no more than five minutes to get back to the village, where I strolled around the streets in the lower part (the path that leads to the river).
At the end of the day, with the sun disappearing behind the mountain, I decided to have a drink at a bar with a terrace located right in front of the parking lot (you can see it on the map). A perfect place to take a break.
Terrace
Afterwards, I decided to have dinner at a typical tavern (more information below), and returned to the hotel to rest. The next day, 2 more villages awaited me.
The next morning, I had the opportunity to enjoy an excellent breakfast on the lawn, enjoying the fresh air and the sounds of nature. Something that cannot be done every day.
Breakfast in Kovachevitsa
In my case, I only stayed one night. If you have more time, you can visit the Sini Vir waterfall or go hiking in the surroundings. It is the perfect place to rest and recharge before heading back to the city.
Where to Eat
Brothers Tavern
A classic Bulgarian tavern with a very nice terrace. In fact, it is a courtyard of an old house converted into a restaurant. The food was very good and the staff friendly. No link available, you can check the location in the map below.
Where to Stay
Family Hotel Byalata Kashta
Byalata Kashta means “The White House”. This is a restored old house (as many of the accommodations in typical villages tend to be), with rooms decorated in a traditional style, comfortable beds, and the possibility of having breakfast with a view in the morning.
Room in Byalata Kashta
Terrace
How to Get
From Sofia
By car: Sofia – Kovachevitsa: It is about 220 km, and it takes just over 3 hours to get there.
From Plovdiv
By car: Plovdiv – Kovachevitsa: It is about 150 km, and it takes around 3 hours.
Useful Information
ATM Available: No
Locations
- Leshten
Bulgarian name: Лещен. Region: Blagoevgrad. Visited: 2021.
Before reaching Kovachevitsa, there is the village of Leshten, another typical Bulgarian village where, on the other hand, there are more hotels and restaurants than in the neighboring village. The environment is practically similar. Small town, typical houses, a souvenir shop and several hotels and restaurants.
Entrance to Leshten
There is a car park at the entrance, where there is usually room to park. It is located directly opposite the Hotel Leshten. From there to the town it takes about 5 minutes to walk. The village itself is situated on a hillside with a slight incline, where the main road passes through the central part. That is, the road divides it in two (upper part and lower part).
Trail to visit the upper part
Starting in the upper part, and when you get to the church, which is located right in the center, you have a path that goes up the hill, where at the end you have a peculiar house, called “The Clay House” (built of mud with a thatched roof). A few meters away, there is a small cemetery and it is a place from which you have excellent views of the entire town.
Viewpoint from the top
Returning to the church, you can go up the hill from another direction, where there are currently many houses for sale.
Leshten Upper Part
Inside Leshten Church
Crossing the road, and heading towards the lower part of town, I came across Kavkova house, a typical Bulgarian house restored and converted into a museum. This is an excellent ethnographic exposition of Bulgarian rural life in the past. The entrance is worth it, and the person responsible was very friendly at all times.
Lower part of town
Kavkova House Museum
Afterwards, just before it started to rain, I managed to get to the restaurant in time for lunch. In the afternoon, another town awaited me.
Although the town requires a restoration, it is a must if you are in the area. In addition, as with Kovachevitsa, just a few hours are enough to visit the town.
Where to Eat
Rodopski Kat
It is a hotel with a very large tavern where there is a very varied menu.
How to Get from Sofia
From Sofia
By car: Sofia – Leshten: It is about 210 km, about 3 hours driving.
From Plovdiv
By car: Plovdiv – Leshten: It is about 160 km the shortest route, about 3 hours driving.
Useful Information
ATM Available: No
Locations
- Dolen
Bulgarian name: Долен. Region: Blagoevgrad. Visited: 2021.
This is possibly the least known town on this list, and it is located about 40 minutes from Leshten by car. The place is not crowded, and it is much less popular than the rest of the towns on the list. However, this makes it a somewhat more authentic place.
There is no problem parking, in my case I left the car in the main square of the town where there is lawn with a wooden shed from which you can see the entire area. Later, already walking, I went through the old houses, crossing a small bridge, heading towards the church.
Lawn in the center of town
All streets were empty. I did not come across anyone during my visit, however, there were several dogs that acted as an unexpected escort.
Streets of Dolen
Dolen Church
Later, before taking the car, I wanted to visit what remains of a mosque since it appeared on the map. However, there are no remains today. With the sun setting and the rain falling more and more intensely, I decided to head to the next stop. On the way out, already in the car, there is a panoramic view of the town. Here I leave a some photos taken directly from the car.
Dolen Viewpoint from the road
I discovered that an amphitheater has recently been built in the village. This attraction did not exist when I visited, but it is a reason to return one day. I have left the location on the map below.
Touring Dolen takes at most 2 hours. As with Kovachevitsa, it is a perfect place to relax and disconnect from the routine.
How to Get
From Sofia
By car: Sofia – Dolen: 230 km, a little bit more than 3 hours driving.
From Plovdiv
By car: Plovdiv – Dolen: 167 km, around 3 hours driving.
Useful Information
ATM Available: No
Locations
- Shiroka Laka
Bulgarian name: Широка Лъка. Region: Smolyan. Visited: 2020, 2022.
In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains, just a few minutes from the Pamporovo sky resort, and halfway between the regional capital (Smolyan) and Devin, lies this beautiful village, with an elongated shape, which is situated between the river and the mountain itself.
Entrance
The proximity to tourist places makes it a very popular visit among travelers. It is an outstanding place to walk. On one side is the river, and on the other is the road that connects Devin and Smolyan runs through the middle of the town, which indicates that it is a quite accessible location.
The two times I visited the place, I was lucky to find a very different setting. The first time it was summer, and everything was green and full of vegetation. The second time it was winter, and it had snowed the night before. In both cases the visit was magnificent. Here are some photos from both days.
Panoramic view of Shiroka Laka on a snowy day
The typical architecture is very beautiful, and it shows that it has a more developed tourism industry than other examples on this list. On the first Sunday in March, the village hosts a type of Bulgarian carnival, called kukeri. One day I would like to visit the town during this celebration.
Streets of Shiroka Laka
Further on, towards the eastern part, you have the most classic image of the town, with the old bridge overlooking the town with the dominant mountains behind. The best attraction, without a doubt, is strolling through its cobbled streets. During the snowy season, the mountain scenery is simply impressive.
Old Bridge in Shiroka Laka
Behind the bridge, there is the church
Shiroka Laka Streets
Not far away, at the entrance of the town towards Pamporovo, is the ethnographic museum. Unfortunately, both times I visited the town I have not been able to enter. The first time, in June 2020, it was closed due to COVID 19. The second time, in March 2022, there was an information poster where it only opens in the summer season from April on.
Information board with museum opening hours. Closed from November to April
River Bank in Winter / Summer
Where to Eat & Stay
Family Hotel Kalina
Perfect location, the town’s parking lot is right in front, and it also has a tavern. Comfortable beds, clean rooms, and breakfast included. Very recommendable for both eating and staying.
https://shirokaluka-kalina.com/en
Family Hotel Kalina
Shiroka Laka Downtown from the Hotel Window
How to Get
From Sofia
By car: Sofia – Shiroka Laka: 230 km, a little bit more than 3 hours driving.
From Plovdiv
By car: Plovdiv – Shiroka Laka: 94 km, less than 2 hours.
Useful Information
ATM Available: Yes
Locations
- Zlatograd
Bulgarian name: Златоград. Region: Smolyan. Visited: 2022.
I really wanted to visit this place. In fact, it’s the last one on this list that I’ve been to. It is a must see if visiting the Eastern Rhodopes.
It is another town with an elongated shape, divided by the river into two parts. Despite having about 11,000 inhabitants, the most interesting part, the Ethnological Complex, is no more than two streets, which can be visited in an hour.
Entrance to the Complex
Entrance
Zlatograd
There is a square, which is where events are organised on important days.
Zlatograd Ethnological Complex – Square
Within the complex itself, there is a bridge, recently restored, with an explanatory exhibition inside. There is a poster with the most relevant dates for the town, in which there are cultural events.
Zlatograd Bridge
Inside the Bridge
Cultural Calendar
Due to the expectations with which I went, as well as the fact that I had visited many typical towns and villages, the visit was perhaps a bit disappointing. However, there are corners where one can enjoy the typical streets.
Zlatograd Old Town
Zlatograd Old Town
Despite this, it is a place worth visiting. It is a very authentic place, where the traveler can enjoy both the typical gastronomy and music as well as the surrounding nature, which, as is often the case in the mountains of Bulgaria, is spectacular.
Where to Eat
El Greco Greek Restaurant
Given the proximity of the town to Greece, only 4 km away, you have the possibility of eating very good quality Greek food. It was a very good experience, despite not being a traditional Bulgarian place.
https://elgrecoz.business.site/?utm_source=gmb&utm_medium=referral
Chevermeto Tavern
Tasty food, and a very traditional atmosphere with live music, bagpipes included.
Where to Stay
Guest House Toni
http://www.booking.com/Share-FlzP5W
How to Get
From Sofia
By car: Sofia – Zlatograd: 310 km, around 4 hours driving.
From Plovdiv
By car: Plovdiv – Zlatograd: 150 km, around 2 and a half hours driving.
Useful Information
ATM Available: Yes
Locations
Related Links
Tourism Official Sites
Bulgaria Tourist Information (in Bulgarian, Russian, English and German)
Bulgaria Ministry of Tourism
https://www.tourism.government.bg/en
Map of Locations
Credits
All photos taken with Motorola One Vision and iPhone 5S.