Bulgaria is Old Europe, with twisty cobblestone streets and tile-roofed houses, remnants of Roman amphitheaters, Crusader bastions, and medieval monasteries. Hidden Trails has compiled a selection of Bulgarian horse riding vacations that truly epitomize this eastern European country. From the charms of the Black Sea, to the towering mountains of the Balkans, our Bulgarian horse riding holidays promise to captivate.
Bulgaria is located in southeastern Europe and borders Romania, Turkey, Greece, Serbia and Montenegro and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. It once encompassed the lands of the Ancient Thracians, and has strong links to the Roman Empire - making it a fascinating area to explore on horseback.
Horse Riding in Bulgaria
The Balkan Mountains cross the country and reach the edge of the Black Sea. Horse riding opportunities are diverse – from coastal beach and Black Sea treks, to Rila Mountain trails and the Balkans. Our “Land of the Thracians” horseback vacation even introduces you to the paths of the ancient Thracians. And like many great European countries, Bulgaria is never short on castles and palaces.
Bulgaria is known to insiders as a land of roses, of fascinating traditions and history, friendly people, superb wine, excellent country cooking and outstanding scenery. Pristine forests, crystal-clear rivers and lakes beckon the visitor, as does an abundant wildlife, including wolves and bears with plenty of space to roam.
Bulgaria Climate and Weather
Bulgaria has a temperate climate with cold winters and hot summers (rainy at first and dry during the second half). The Black Sea coast has a milder climate than the rest of the country, but strong winds and violent local storms occur frequently during the winter. Northern Bulgaria experiences colder temperatures and receives more rain than the southern lowlands.
UNESCO Bulgarian Landmarks
- Kazanluk Tomb
A Thracian tomb, dated to the late 4th-early or 3rd century B.C. The murals in the burial chamber and in the corridor are of exclusive artistic value. The tomb is located in the Tyulbeto Hill near the town of Kazanluk.
- Ivanovo Rock Churches
A rock monastery compound of the Holy Archangel Michael, with partially preserved churches. The murals in the Church of the Holy Virgin have been described as some of the most significant achievements of 14th century Bulgarian medieval art. The churches are located about 20 km away from the city of Rouse, east of the village of Ivanovo, in the rocks of the Rousenski Lom Nature Park.
- Boyana Church
Dating back to 1259, this is considered among the masterpieces of medieval European painting. It is at a distance of about 8 km from the centre of the city of Sofia (in the Boyana residential district), in the foothills of Mount Vitosha.
- Madara Horseman
A rock relief, cut into the Madara rocks on the northern slope of the Provadiisko Plateau at a height of 23 m. This is the most significant monumental piece of art from the early Middle Ages, unique of its kind in European cultural history. It is close to the village of Madara, about 16 km away from the city of Shoumen.
- Rila Monastery
The most impressive monastery compound in Bulgaria of exceptional architectural and artistic merits. Founded in the 10th century, rebuilt in the 13th-14th century, a literary centre in the 15th century and completed in its present-day striking appearance during the 19th century. A spiritual centre of the Bulgarian people, it is located in the Northwest part of the Rila Mountain, about 20 km from the town of Rila and about 120 km from Sofia.
- Nessebur
An architectural, historical and archaeological reserve at the Black Sea coast with valuable archaeological relics from different periods, original churches from the 5th to the 17th century and authentic National Revival Period houses.
- Sveshtari Tomb
A Thracian tomb from the first half of the 3rd century B.C. The central burial chamber has exceptionally lavish decoration and impressive caryatides in high relief. It is located close to the village of Sveshtari, 7 km northwest of the town of Isperih.
- Sreburna Reserve.
A biosphere reserve in the valley of the Danube, including the Sreburna Lake and its surroundings. It has been established for the preservation of rare plant and animal species. It is 16 km west of the town of Silistra.
- Pirin National Park
It is part of the scenic Pirin Mountain. Located in the high parts of the Northern Mount Pirin, it is characterized by a specific relief and an inimitable plant and animal world. It also incorporates the Bayuvi Doupki-Dzhindzhiritsa Biosphere Reserve and the Yulen Reserve.
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