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Bulgarien.
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Travelling to Bulgarien: what to know before you go

Bulgaria lies in the eastern Balkans, between the Danube and the Black Sea, with mountain ranges, Orthodox monasteries, Thracian tombs and Roman ruins. Its Black Sea coast is popular in summer, and its mountains offer hiking and skiing. It suits culture lovers, walkers, beach holidays and travellers looking for good value in the EU.

Where to go

• Sofia. The capital lies beneath Vitosha mountain.
• Rila Monastery. Bulgaria's most famous monastery, set in a forested valley in the Rila Mountains, with a striped arcaded courtyard and a church covered in colourful frescoes.
• Plovdiv. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a Roman theatre still used for performances, a revival-era old town of painted houses, and the creative Kapana district.
• Veliko Tarnovo. The medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, built on hills above the Yantra river, with the Tsarevets fortress and old craftsmen's streets.

Best time to visit

Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September) are ideal for cities and hiking, with the rose harvest in late May and early June. July and August are the peak beach season on the Black Sea, and the best time to hike the high mountains.

Staying online in Bulgarien

Mobile coverage is good across Bulgaria, with 4G and 5G in cities and along main roads and the coast. It becomes patchy in remote mountain areas, such as high trails in the Rila and Pirin ranges. Wi-Fi is widely available in cafés, restaurants and accommodation. Bulgaria is in the EU, so EU roaming rules apply for EU plans. Other travellers can install an eSIM before they fly and switch it on when they land.