Where is Bulgaria Located in the World (20+ Travel Ideas)

Friday, March 30, 2018

Bulgariainfo-icon is a nation situated in southeastern Europeinfo-icon. It borders the countries Macedonia and Serbiainfo-icon to the west, Romaniainfo-icon to the north, the Black Sea to the east. It also borders Greeceinfo-icon and Turkeyinfo-icon to the south. Bulgaria has a population of about 7 million. The capital is called Sofia.

Even when the facts are presented, many people still struggle to figure out the exact location of Bulgaria. It's understandable, but don't live in ignorance! Below you can see the map that will show you the location of Bulgaria in Europe and its neighbors. 

Where is Bulgaria in Europe?

The country became a recognized and independent in 1878. after struggling for independence for centuries under the Turkish Empire. 

Bulgaria is currently the member of European Union since 2006., and NATO member since 2004., but since the poor living standards compared to other parts of Europe, many people decide to migrate the country. 

The country has a very nice geostrategic location since it's bordering with important countries and the Black Sea, but it's also the entry point to Europe. It the past, that location formed many conflicts and disputes, but right now, Bulgaria is in very good diplomatic relationships with neighbor countries. 

Now when you know the exact location of Bulgaria and bits about history, it's time to share some basic facts and places you should definitely visit once you set your foot in this stunning country.

Southern Bulgaria
Beautiful mountainous Southern Bulgaria.

Located in the southwestern part of Bulgaria is the highest mountain range in Bulgaria, the Rila Mountains. It is the place that you should visit if hiking is on your mind. As the highest mountain in Bulgaria, as well as the Balkan Peninsula, it offers long-distance hiking routes. There you can stay overnight and experience the beauty of the mountains or one of the seven Rila lakes. People who have visited always keep coming back.

Who would blame them with a nature such as this?

Other mountains located in this part of Bulgaria are the Pirin and Rhodope Mountains. They offer some of the most beautiful views and forests and glacier lakes. 

Northern Bulgaria

The magnificent Sveti Sedmochislenitsi Church in Sofia.

The northern half of Bulgaria is located north of the central ridge of the Balkan Mountains. This part of the country borders the Timok River, Serbia, the Danube River, Romania and the Black Sea Coast. Just like the northern part of the country, there are a lot of places you can visit here as well. 

The capital of Bulgaria is also in this region. Other than being a cultural center of Bulgaria, Sofia offers absolutely crazy nightlife. It's cheap and fun; perfect for every traveler!

Instead of mountains and mountain tops, this part of Bulgaria offers some of the most picturesque towns and villages. One of the towns you could visit is Ruse Town. There you can visit the Liberty Square as well as the Regional Museum of History or the Sexaginta Prista Roman Fortress. Another town in this part of Bulgaria is known as Veliko Tarnovo with its medieval history and its fortified walls.

Sandy Beaches of the Black Sea

One of the many beautiful beaches on the Black Sea.

If instead of hiking you are a person who is more into swimming and sunbathing, then don’t worry! Bulgaria offers some of the best beaches out there. 

One of the greatest things regarding being on holiday in Bulgaria is that you can enjoy some of the most magnificent beaches on a budget. This country offers beaches compared to some of the best out there but at a fraction of the cost.

The most visited beach in Bulgaria is known as Sunny Beach, which is an 8km long sandy beach. It's full of bars and restaurants as well as nightclubs. Sunny Beach offers some of the best nightlife in Bulgaria. You can also swim in the crisp blue waters of the Black Sea.

Another beach that is worth visiting is called the Golden Sands, which has some of the best sand in Europe. Just as Sunny Beach, Golden Sands also offers some of the best nightlife in Bulgaria This again demonstrates the fantastic nightlife of Bulgaria.

People who have been to Bulgaria, often claim that they experienced some of the best nightlife with some of the warmest and most welcoming people ever.

Explore the History of Bulgaria

Old ruins serve as remnants of times gone by.

Bulgaria is also a country which abounds with rich history, with relics scattered all over the country to prove that. Some of the most famous historical sites in Bulgaria and ones which have attracted the attention of tourists all around the world are:

  • The Ancient City of Nessebar which houses some amazing monuments, such as an acropolis
  • The Temple of Apollo  
  • The wall from the Thracian fortifications.  

Read more: The most interesting historical places on Balkan

If history is something you are interested in, then go ahead and visit the Rila Monastery. It was built in the 10th century, and will completely mesmerize you by its intricate architecture. These are only a few of the historical places that Bulgaria offers since Bulgaria dates back to 681 AD.

Meet the People of Bulgaria

A symbol of friendly Bulgarian people.

The people in Bulgaria are known to be one of the most welcoming and out-going people on the Balkan Peninsula. They pride themselves on their hospitality and neighborliness. Bulgarian people always tend to greet strangers with a smile and a handshake, even going as far as to offer them a drink.

One thing that you might consider strange about them: they shake their heads to mean yes and nod when they want to say no. This is something that often confuses people, but also something which makes them unique.

Another thing that the Bulgarian people are famous for is their looks. This is true, especially for Bulgarian women, who are said to be one of the most beautiful women out there. 

However, if you want to see if there is any truth in this, instead of asking “where is Bulgaria” why not go and see it firsthand?


Now that you know where is Bulgaria, you know that it is the perfect place to be if you want to climb some of the greenest mountains, swim in some of the bluest waters, and meet some of the nicest people. All in all, Bulgaria is a unique place. There, people can go hiking, swim and partying, or visit some of the oldest and unique places history has to offer.

Andriana Moskovska freelance travel writer at aSabbatical
Traveling is a learning experience that takes us out of our comfort zone and broadens our minds.