Bulgaria has been inhabited continuously since the Neolithic period; the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgars have each left traces that make the country a layered archaeological landscape. The Valley of the Roses near Kazanlak produces most of the world's rose oil — harvested in May and June in an extraordinary fragrant landscape. The Black Sea coast has been a resort destination since the Soviet era; the northern beaches (around Varna and Golden Sands) are more developed, the southern beaches (around Sozopol and Sunny Beach) more varied.
Bulgaria has been inhabited continuously since the Neolithic period; the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgars have each left traces that make the country a layered archaeological landscape. The Valley of the Roses near Kazanlak produces most of the world's rose oil — harvested in May and June in an extraordinary fragrant landscape. The Black Sea coast has been a resort destination since the Soviet era; the northern beaches (around Varna and Golden Sands) are more developed, the southern beaches (around Sozopol and Sunny Beach) more varied.
Bulgaria is one of Europe's most affordable destinations — cheaper than its Balkan neighbours, with food and accommodation costs that make extended travel very accessible. The food (shopska salad, banitsa, kebapche) is hearty and regional; the wine (particularly the Mavrud and Rubin grapes) is substantially underrated internationally.
