Europe has always been an item on travelers’ bucket lists. But with its vast size spanning almost 50 countries, there’s not enough time to go to see and savor each place. So while other, more well-known places like France or Italy are filled with tourists, why not take a detour and visit the hidden gem that is Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is located in Southeastern Europe, occupying the eastern portion of the Balkan Peninsula. It is a relatively short flight from Dubai, with an air travel distance of approximately 3,390 kilometers (about 5 hours). Bulgaria is one of the oldest countries in Europe, established in 681 AD, and has never changed its name since its founding. It is also home to the oldest worked-gold treasure in the world, discovered at the Varna Necropolis, dating back over 6,000 years.
The capital city, Sofia, is situated in a picturesque basin surrounded by mountains in western Bulgaria and serves as the cultural and historical heart of the nation. Bulgaria’s location offers UAE travelers a unique blend of European charm and accessibility, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
Blessed with breathtaking landscapes, Bulgaria will definitely satisfy any traveler who loves nature. Over 30% of the country is covered by mountains such as the Rila, Pirin, Rhodope, and Stara Planina ranges. These areas are perfect for hiking, picnics, and reconnecting with nature.
Visitors can enjoy all four seasons in Bulgaria, with activities that span from skiing to sunflower sightseeing available for everyone. It is also second in Europe (after Iceland) for its abundance of natural mineral springs. Towns like Velingrad (the “Spa Capital of the Balkans”), Devin, and Sapareva Banya are famous for their healing waters. Visitors can enjoy spa treatments while surrounded by tranquil mountain settings. Nestled in the picturesque region of Katarino, Bulgaria, a new collection of luxury villas is redefining exclusive getaways for tourists from the UAE.
VAIA Heights Villas in Katarino offers breathtaking views of the PirinMountain, close proximity to the prestigious Pirin Golf Club, and a focus on privacy and personal space, these newly constructed villas are designed to meet the highest standards of comfort, discretion, and luxury.
Just a 90-minute drive from Sofia International Airport, the villas offer a seamless transition from the bustling city into a world of serenity and natural beauty, where guests can indulge in bespoke services and crafted experiences tailored to their individual needs. Whether you’re a golf enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, Katarino promises an unforgettable escape.
Festivals such as the Rose Festival in the Rose Valley, held annually in early June in Kazanlak, showcases Bulgaria’s world-famous rose oil production with traditional rose-picking rituals, folklore performances, and a grand parade featuring colorful costumes and cultural displays.
Still unconvinced? Here are some key places that might entice you to make tha booking and visit this bejeweled beauty after all: Sofia, the capital city, combines history with modernity with Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Boyana Church, and Vitosha Mountain, which is asily accessible from Sofia for hiking or skiing.
Serdica Archaeological Complex on the other hand contains Roman ruins in the heart of the city.
Nearby attractions include Rila Monastery, a UNESCO site nestled in the Rila Mountains, and Boyana Waterfalls. You can also explore the Old Town with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings in Plovdiv, Europe’s oldest city or visit the Roman Amphitheater and Kapana district for artsy vibes.
If you are seeking ‘Vitamin Sea,’ resorts like Varna and Burgas offer pristine beaches. There are many Muslim-friendly places and religious sites that offer rich knowledge of the past and present, such as the Eski Mosque in Haskovo (1394), the oldest mosque in the Balkans, and central mosques in cities like Sofia provide prayer facilities for visitors.
If you are worried about what to eat, don’t fret! Bulgarian cuisine boasts a delightful fusion of flavors influenced by Ottoman, Greek, and Slavic traditions, making it particularly appealing to Arab travelers. Most, if not all, restaurants are hospitable towards travelers. The dishes emphasize fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and are often prepared with minimal frying, focusing instead on grilling and baking. Many traditional Bulgarian foods align naturally with halal dietary requirements, such as kebapche and kyufte—grilled minced meat delicacies seasoned with spices like cumin. For those seeking familiar tastes, Bulgaria offers dishes like moussaka, stuffed peppers (pulneni chushki), and savory pastries like banitsa, made with layers of filo dough, cheese, and yogurt. Salads play a central role in Bulgarian meals, with the iconic Shopska salad—a mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and white brine cheese—being a refreshing favorite. Desserts like baklava and lokum (Turkish delight) add a sweet touch to the dining experience.
With a growing number of halal-certified restaurants in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv, as well as vibrant farmers’ markets offering fresh produce, Bulgaria ensures that Muslim travelers can enjoy its rich culinary heritage while adhering to their dietary preferences.
What are you waiting for? Next time you are creating that travel itinerary, make sure to include Bulgaria on your stop!
For a smooth and bespoke travel experience, book your trip through Concierge ONE Tourism:
Email: ivan.mavrov@concierge1dubai.ae
Contact number: +971 50 289 5114
Website: https://concierge1dubai.ae/
