Quest Bulgaria Property and Lifestyle Magazine

The little village of Ichera is a haven away from the mass tourism along the coast in summer and the ski resorts in winter. Not far from Sliven, this small destination is little known and is ideal for a 'get-away-from-it-all' break. Offering complete serenity and quiet, houses are dotted up the narrow streets which lead uphill from the Luda Kamchiya river. Those seeking a spot away from the hordes will delight. In winter you can jump in your car and within less than an hour ski all winter long; in summer this is a wonderful place to be away from the scorching heat on the beach, in a beautiful mountain area perfect for days out strolling, in the car or cycling.

 

If you are looking for rural and authentic Bulgaria away from mass tourism, then you need to look no further than the southwestern Rhodopi Mountains and the beautiful area of Garmen, where you will discover a piece of rural paradise. The area is a hidden gem of Bulgaria, full of locals, authentic old villages, crafts and traditions. The Roman ruins at Nikopolis ad Nestum, the warm mineral baths of Ognyanovo, the rural tourism village of Leshten and possibly the most impressive village in Bulgaria, Kovachevitsa, are all in this region. Only known for many years to afficionados of Bulgarian village life, these villages are now finding themselves with more and more tourists, who are visiting for a slice of the real Bulgaria.

The name Belogradchik is becoming widely known as one of the most interesting and most beautiful natural rock formations in the world as it competes for a position as one of the New Wonders of Nature along with household names like the Grand Canyon and Ayers Rock. Yet there is so much more to Belogradchik that the incredible rocks. This city in northwestern Bulgaria, which sits at the foothills of the Balkan Range to the east of the Serbian border and 50 km south of the Danube River is offers a rich cultural life along with the peace and quiet associated with this part of the country.

Nestled at the feet of the Balkan Range in the beautiful valley carved out by the Yantra River, Gabrovo is a pretty town with an abundance of traditional Revival architecture. It has been dubbed with many nicknames including the capital of humour and satire, Bulgaria’s Manchester and the longest town, which it is stretching 25 km along the Yantra, yet only being 1 km wide in places.

Nestled in a tiny valley in the border of the Sredna Gora Mountains, the pretty town of Hissarya often referred to as just Hissar, is a popular destination for Bulgarians looking for peaceful surroundings and a healthy environment. This town is famed for its mineral spas of which there are over 20 and a strong history with pre-historic remains excavated in the town centre. The town is home to 9,308 people but as one of the country’s biggest and most striking spa resorts it attracts thousands of local and international visitors each year.

The majestic Rhodope Mountains are home to some wonderful towns and villages, which offer all of the rustic charm that the real Bulgaria has to offer. This is an area with welcoming friendly folk, tasty regional cuisine, panoramic scenery and a sunny climate – even when it snows! We take a look at some of the best areas to holiday or invest in Smolyan district.

Melnik is a blend of unique nature - the cliffs clustered around the houses on the hills, history, culture and wine. It is reputed to be the most romantic town in Bulgaria! With its history, winding streets and ancient houses it really is like a picture postcard and utterly charming. It’s also the smallest town in Bulgaria with around 230 inhabitants. Set in the most south-westerly corner of Bulgaria in the municipality of Blagoevgrad, which covers 25 villages, Melnik lies in the warmest and sunniest part of the country. It is surrounded by three of the country’s largest mountains, Rila, Pirin and the Rhodopes and consequently offers clean, clear air and wonderful mountain spas.