Bulgaria eSIM

Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and less known than Sofia. The old town on the hills has extraordinarily well-preserved National Revival architecture and is beautiful to walk. Plovdiv was European Capital of Culture 2019 and has had a flourishing arts scene since.

Rila Monastery is one of Europe's most beautiful Orthodox monasteries — UNESCO World Heritage, surrounded by the Rila Mountains. It is about 120km from Sofia and is often visited as a day trip. In spring and autumn when the mountains are colourful it is at its most beautiful.

The Black Sea coast in Bulgaria has beautiful beaches but also very crowded resorts. Nessebar (UNESCO World Heritage) is a harbour town on a peninsula with medieval churches. Sozopol is a charming coastal town with a fishing village feel. Sunny Beach is large and lively but very touristy.

Bulgarian cuisine is hearty and delicious. Try shopska salad (tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers with white cheese), kavarma (slow-cooked meat and vegetables), mekitsi (fried dough balls for breakfast) and banitsa (filo pastry with cheese). Wine and rakia (fruit brandy) are the country's pride.

Bansko is a charming ski and mountain resort in the Pirin Mountains — skiing in winter, hiking in summer. Prices are lower than most western European ski resorts and the infrastructure is good. Outside the modern ski area, Bansko has a historic old town with traditional stone houses.