When I say ‘why Bulgaria is still an undiscovered treasure’ is that it’s pretty well still undiscovered as a mainstream destination by most Western and Asian countries. Tourist’s and expat’s from anywhere outside of Europe, UK and Russia are still pretty small in number, at least for the moment.
With its rich ancient and modern history, cultural heritage, unique tradition and breathtaking natural beauty of picturesque mountains, valleys, coastline, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls Bulgaria is now gaining wider recognition as a destination. Adding to its charm the Bulgarians are known for their warm hospitality and friendly nature. Visitors often praise the welcoming attitude of the locals, making the travel experience so much more enjoyable and memorable.
Affordability.
Bulgaria also offers great value for travelers with its relatively lower cost of living and travel expenses compared to many other European countries. This affordability makes it an attractive destination for tourists and expats seeking to extract more from their spending dollars.
Growing awareness.
There is definitely a fast-growing awareness amongst backpackers, digital nomads, retirees, rural lifestylers and those more off the beaten path tourists who have heard about Bulgaria as a hidden gem. Social media is also spreading the word along with a proliferation of videos via You Tube and TikTok creators.
Europe’s ‘poorer’ neighbour.
It’s been a long road for Bulgaria to find its place on the map as a modern progressive country.
Western Europe has regarded Bulgaria as its poor neighbour. Understandable when you consider Bulgarian incomes are amongst the lowest in the EU. It’s fairly recent soviet era history under the thumb of Russia holding back its development with Western Europe for decades. Once the Soviet Union fell apart so did Bulgaria’s public infrastructure and its state-owned companies and factories, much of that old infrastructure noticeably still in limited use or decaying in ruin today.
A road less travelled.
For the average and wealthier tourists and expats there are plenty of well-trodden, familiar countries that cater well to their preferred lifestyles. Italy, France, Spain, Greece etc. will always attract most of the interest yet the past decade or so Eastern Europe has been gradually added to the itinerary.
Croatia is a good example of a now popular Eastern European destination, much attributed to the Game of Thrones series which highlighted much of the country’s coastal beauty and its medieval history. Poland, Hungary, Czechia, Serbia, and Montenegro have for years been appearing on the list of must-see destinations as well as being countries to consider moving to permanently. Bulgaria is on a road less travelled than other countries but its not too far behind.
An uncut gem.
Bulgaria to my mind has a rawer unpolished feel to it, like an uncut gem waiting for the traveler so it can reveal its full beauty. In a way I prefer it like this. When I ask expats why they love living in Bulgaria the one reason that stands out is ‘I can’t describe exactly, it’s not some thing, it’s a special feeling, a deep connection living here imparts on you.’
And I have to agree.
