11 Hidden Gems in Bulgaria You Should Visit with a Rental Car

Nestled in the beautiful Western Rhodopes, the villages of Leshten and Kovachevitsa are true architectural gems, seemingly frozen in time. The stone houses with tile roofs, narrow cobbled streets, and breathtaking views of the mountain slopes create a fairy-tale atmosphere, offering peace and tranquility far from the stresses of daily life.

With a rental car, you can easily reach these hidden treasures, giving yourself the opportunity for an unforgettable stroll through the ancient streets, sampling traditional Rhodope dishes at local taverns, or staying in cozy guesthouses that have preserved the spirit and atmosphere of past centuries.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the "St. Nicholas" Church in Kovachevitsa, explore local crafts, or simply enjoy a cup of fragrant herbal tea with a view of the stunning nature.

Less than an hour’s drive from Sofia, near the town of Svoge, lies one of the most beautiful yet lesser-known waterfalls in the country – Skaklya Waterfall. With its impressive 85-meter height, Skaklya is among the tallest and most striking waterfalls in Bulgaria.

This spot is perfect for a short and pleasant hike suitable for the whole family. The trail to the waterfall begins from the center of Svoge and winds through a picturesque forest area. In spring, when the waterfall is at its fullest, the experience is truly magical – you’ll feel the power and beauty of nature in an entirely new way.

If you plan to visit Skaklya, we recommend wearing comfortable shoes, packing a light snack, and setting aside at least a few hours to fully enjoy the stunning nature and panoramic views that await you.

Perched on a high rock near the village of Glozhene in the Teteven Balkan, Glozhene Monastery is one of the most unique and picturesque places in Bulgaria. The monastery resembles a medieval fortress and impresses with its authentic architecture and breathtaking panoramas of the Balkan Mountains.

The road leading to the monastery is scenic, winding through beautiful wooded areas. With a rental car, you’ll have the chance to stop and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

The monastery dates back to the 13th century and is renowned not only for its architecture and history but also for the many legends associated with its founding and unique location. From the monastery courtyard, you’ll be treated to magnificent vistas, and if you wish, you can learn more about the local history from the monks, who are happy to share stories about the spiritual and cultural significance of this sacred place.

We recommend visiting in spring or autumn when the surrounding nature is especially beautiful, and the atmosphere is calm and inspiring.

At the far southeastern edge of Bulgaria, near the border with Turkey, lie the fascinating yet rarely visited historical landmarks – Bukelon Fortress and the rock churches near the village of Matochina. These sites will transport you to past centuries and offer a glimpse into lesser-known chapters of Bulgaria’s history.

Bukelon Fortress is a medieval stronghold, and its ruins rise atop a high hill, offering expansive panoramic views of the surrounding region. The place is quiet and secluded – perfect for history enthusiasts and photographers eager to capture stunning shots.

Just a few kilometers away is the village of Matochina, famous for its unique rock churches carved into natural rock niches. These churches are seldom visited and retain their mystical aura, taking you back to a distant past.

We recommend visiting these sites with a rental car, making sure to wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and have a camera on hand to capture the authentic beauty of the area.

Nestled among the picturesque slopes of the Western Rhodopes, Vacha Reservoir is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Bulgaria, perfect for a visit with a rental car. Known for its unique shape, stretched among the high mountain slopes, the reservoir offers incredible panoramic views and is ideal for a day trip.

As you drive along the winding road by the reservoir, you’ll find many spots to stop and enjoy the stunning natural landscapes or take impressive photos. The area also offers excellent opportunities for fishing, short hikes, or a picnic amidst nature.

If you have more time, you can rent a houseboat on the reservoir and spend a few days in complete peace and romance, far from the noise of the city. The experience is truly unique and incomparable to any other place in Bulgaria.

Don’t miss the chance to visit Vacha Reservoir in the summer or early autumn, when nature is at its most beautiful and the experience is unforgettable.

Tucked in the heart of the Western Rhodopes, Dolen Village is one of the most beautiful and authentically preserved architectural reserves in Bulgaria. While less popular than villages like Leshten and Kovachevitsa, it doesn’t fall short in charm and historical atmosphere.

Walking through the narrow streets of Dolen, you’ll find yourself surrounded by stone houses built in the traditional Rhodope style, old wooden doors with intricate carvings, and cozy courtyards that tell stories from centuries past. The entire village ensemble is recognized as a historical and architectural reserve and is protected by the state as cultural heritage.

In addition to its authentic architecture, Dolen is also known for the hospitality of its locals. Don’t miss the chance to taste delicious Rhodope specialties at one of the family-owned taverns or spend the night in a guesthouse, where you’ll immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the past.

With a rental car, you can easily reach Dolen, and combine your trip with visits to other attractions in the region, such as Dospat Reservoir, the town of Gotse Delchev, or even the Greek border.

Nestled among the picturesque peaks of the Rhodope Mountains, Belintash is a mysterious place that attracts lovers of mysticism and stunning natural views. It is believed that in ancient times, this was the site of a Thracian sanctuary, and today the plateau continues to impress with its energy and majestic panoramic views of the Rhodopes.

Belintash is a place surrounded by legends and mysteries – strange figures carved into the rocks, traces of ancient rituals, and extraordinary natural phenomena. With a rental car, you can easily reach the base of the plateau, from where a short but scenic trail leads to the summit.

The best time to visit is in spring or autumn when you can fully enjoy the vibrant colors of nature and avoid the summer heat. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera – the views from the plateau are unforgettable.

One of the most impressive and unusual caves in Bulgaria is Prohodna, more commonly known as the "Eyes of God." Located near the village of Karlukovo, this cave attracts visitors with two huge natural holes in the ceiling, resembling giant eyes, through which light pours, creating a unique sense of mystery and grandeur.

The site is perfect for a short visit, easily accessible by rental car and does not require any special skills to enter the cave itself. We recommend visiting in the morning or late afternoon when the light filters through the "Eyes" in an impressive way, giving you the chance to capture unforgettable photos.

Additionally, if you're an adventure enthusiast, you can take advantage of the opportunities for rock climbing or explore the eco-trails around the cave, offering beautiful views of the Iskar River and the surrounding karst landscape.

Although Cape Kaliakra is well-known, there is a lesser-known yet incredibly beautiful spot nearby – Bolata Bay. This part of the Northern Black Sea coast will captivate you with its picturesque landscapes and the unique combination of steep cliffs, turquoise waters, and pristine beaches.

When you visit Kaliakra, in addition to exploring the historical ruins and the legends surrounding the place, don’t miss the chance to drive down to Bolata Bay. It is included in the list of the most beautiful bays in the world and offers excellent conditions for swimming, diving, and relaxation far from the big tourist crowds.

With a rental car, you can comfortably explore the area, stop for photos or a picnic, and fully enjoy the natural wonders of the Northern Black Sea Coast. The best time to visit is late spring, summer, or early autumn.

One of the most impressive yet lesser-known natural attractions in Bulgaria is the beautiful meanders of the Arda River near the town of Madjarovo and the area around the Kardzhali Reservoir. The views near Star Chitak village are especially captivating, where the river has carved breathtaking panoramic bends that look as though they were painted by an artist.

With a rental car, you can easily reach several fantastic panoramic viewpoints from which you can observe the incredible curves of the river and take impressive photos. The area is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking tranquility far from city noise.

We recommend combining your visit with a tour of Madjarovo, known for its protected bird species and beautiful hiking trails and wildlife watching routes.

The best time to visit is in spring or early autumn, when nature is at its most picturesque.

Just a short distance from Varna, near the village of Razdelna, lie the remains of the ancient Petrich Kale fortress – a historical site offering one of the most beautiful panoramic views in the area. Although the fortress is not widely known among tourists, it has a unique atmosphere and offers a stunning view of the surrounding valleys, the lake, and nearby mountain ridges.

With a rental car, you can easily reach the base of the fortress, where a short and pleasant trail leads you to the ruins. The site is ideal for a peaceful walk, a picnic, or simply a moment of silence and relaxation amidst nature.

The visit can be combined with exploring nearby natural attractions, such as Beloslav Lake, the Pobiti Kamani (Stone Forest), or other interesting places around Varna.