Bulgaria Trip Report: Why we Keep Coming Back

Travel unveils unexpected experiences. Bulgaria, once off our radar, has now almost become a second home. A recent trip marked our third year in a row, filled with lots of time spent outdoors, reconnecting with nomadic friends, and spending a few days in the capital city, Sofia. The rest of our time was enjoyed in the serene mountain town of Bansko.

As full-time travelers for the last six years we love to find countries, cities, and towns we can visit over and over again and Bulgaria, specifically Bansko happens to be one of those places.

This Bulgaria trip report will detail our journey and provide valuable tips if you’re looking to experience the charm of Bulgaria.

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Journey to Sofia

From North Macedonia to Sofia: Transportation and Border Crossing

Our journey began in Skopje, North Macedonia, where we booked a bus to Sofia online. The bus ride was fairly comfortable and offered rest stops for snacks and restroom breaks.

A quick tip: even if you purchase your ticket online, don’t forget to pay the station tax at the counter before departure. It was less than $1 each, so it won’t break the bank. 

Upon reaching the border, we managed to get through passport control smoothly however we experienced a customs check. We had to grab all of our luggage off the bus and wait one by one for customs to inspect each piece of luggage. It was interesting as this was all done outdoors on a metal table. It took a little over 40 minutes to go through everyone’s luggage and reboard the bus. 

⚕ Never travel without being covered with International Travel Medical Insurance! We recommend this plan if under 50 years old and this one if over 50 years old

Overall the border crossing into Bulgaria took an hour. A quick note for mobile phone use at the border crossing, Michelle’s esim seamlessly connected however that wasn’t immediately the same for me. We recommend keeping local copies of any important travel documents on your phone or printed out just in case you find yourself in a mobile phone dead spot. 

It’s essential to be aware of travel regulations, especially since Bulgaria is now part of the Schengen Area, which means Americans can stay for only 90 days within a 180-day timeframe.

Smart TV in bedroom
We used the shelf under the TV in the Bedroom as a workspace

Settling into Sofia: Accommodation and Practicalities

Upon arrival in Sofia, we chose an apartment booked through Flatio.com, Located near Vitosha Boulevard, a vibrant area filled with shops and cafes. 

Currency exchange was easy, and we converted our remaining Denar at a reliable spot we had found during our first visit to Sofia two years earlier.

For local transport, we like to use the Taxime app, which has been cost-effective, reliable and convenient. We highly recommend taking a free walking tour, as it offers insights into Sofia’s rich history and lively culture.

Meeting Other Nomads in Sofia

During our stay in Sofia, we were lucky enough to meet up with a fellow nomad and a subscriber to our YouTube channel. Meeting other travelers adds a special touch to your journey, giving you a sense of community and shared fun. This was actually our third country we had met up in after meeting Saranda, Albania in the Spring.

Bulgaria trip report: old stone building on cobble stone street
Restaurant in Old Town Bansko

Exploring Bansko

Traveling from Sofia to Bansko: Transportation Options

Next up, we headed to Bansko. The bus ride took about two and a half to three hours and was again pretty comfy. If you’re looking for other options, you can always go for private transfers, but for us, the bus was perfect and easy since we traveled light.

Life in Bansko: Accommodation and Practicalities

In Bansko, we returned to Four Leaf Clover, which we remembered fondly from our last two summer visits. It’s nice being in a place you know well. 

Bansko, being a small ski town, is set up for tourists. It’s pretty easy to navigate your way around town and you can get from one end to the other in about 30 minutes by foot. 

Most restaurants, grocery stores and shops will take credit cards. You will need cash for the Farmers market that is held every Sunday and also for the smaller markets for food stands.

Quick Start Guide to Bansko Bulgaria: Your Stress-Free Visit Starts Here 

Planning a trip or traveling full time can be daunting, but dont worry! Our “Quick Start Guide to Bansko, Bulgaria” is here to ensure your first week is smooth and stress-free.

Key Features:

  • What to Know Before You Go
  • Communication
  • How To Get Around Saranda, Taxis and Rideshares
  • Accommodations Where to Stay
  • Banking ATMS Currency
  • Groceries & Restaurants
  • Nightlife, Bars and Nomad Communities
  • Pharmacies, Health and Safety
  • & More
Get Your Copy
Cover for "Quick Start Guide to Bansko Bulgaria: Your Stress-Free Visit Starts Here" eBook

The Bansko Nomad Camp

During our stay, our “Nomad Camp” took shape as many friends from our nomadic community joined us in Bansko. It was awesome to share stories and adventures in one of our favorite hangouts. It felt like an adult summer camp and many of us ended up meeting up in multiple countries throughout the year.

Bansko Activities and Adventures

Hiking and Outdoor Activities

Bansko is a gateway to stunning nature. We took the gondola up into the Pirin Mountains and enjoyed a nice local lunch with friends and an afternoon hike.

A fun ATV tour with friends took Joel out in the countryside around Bansko to a hidden waterfall and some beautiful views of the mountains. BTW if your planning on any activities like hiking or even an ATV tour we highly recommend purchasing a travel medical insurance plan.

Spa resort pool on sunny day
Pulse Thermal Spa

Cultural Experiences and Local Fun

We celebrated Joel’s birthday in style at a local thermal bath and spa, a relaxing retreat that was a wonderful surprise. This part of Bulgaria is know for its thermal springs, each traditionally believed to help with different ailments.

We also set up a private wine tour for our friends in Southern Bulgaria’s wine country,  the Struma Valley, where the scenery is stunning and the wines are top-notch. 

There are numerous local festivals in Bansko like the Pirin Rock Festival and the Jazz Festival which are held during the summer months. They’re super fun to attend and a great spot to meet up with friends.

There are a plethora of additional activities to experience in and around Bansko. We have experienced most of them over the last few summers. We highly recommend including a trip to the Rila Monastery, Melnik which is the smallest town in Bulgaria and hiking in the Pirin Mountains. 

Sofia to Bucharest: Our Train Ride

The Unexpected Train Trip

As our time in Bulgaria drew to a close, we decided to take an adventurous train ride from Sofia to Bucharest. While we encountered some challenges, like having no AC on a hot day and spending 12 hours on the train. The experience was memorable and we even filmed the whole journey in a video. 

Return to Sofia and Departure Preparations

In preparation for our train adventure, we booked a bus back to Sofia where we stayed overnight, enjoying one last evening back in the city. We again utilized the Taxime app to navigate the city. 

Reflecting on the Bulgarian Experience

Reasons for Returning to Bansko

Bansko is an appealing destination for us for many reasons. Its affordability, stunning beauty, and vibrant nomad community create a great escape during the hot and crowded summer months in Europe. We can be as busy as we want or it can also serve as a great place to just get a lot of work done and enjoy this lovely quiet town.

Conclusion

Our Bulgarian adventures have enriched our lives in countless ways. From the lively streets of Sofia to the mountains of Bansko, the experiences shared and friendships formed highlight why Bulgaria is a destination we keep coming back to. 

For digital nomads and slow travelers seeking a blend of culture, adventure, and community, Bulgaria offers an affordable and unparalleled experience.

Tips and Takeaways for Traveling to Bulgaria

  • Preparation is Key: When traveling between countries like North Macedonia and Bulgaria, ensure all your travel documents are up to date. It helps to have printed copies of important documents, just in case.
  • Enjoy the Journey: While the bus ride may not be luxurious, the changing landscapes make the journey worthwhile. Bring snacks, a good book, or download a podcast to enhance your travel experience.
  • Embrace Local Flavors: Once in Bulgaria, don’t miss tasting banitsa and sipping Bulgarian wine. These local delicacies offer a taste of Bulgarian culture and hospitality.
  • Affordable Living: One of the highlights of our Bulgarian adventures has been the cost of living. Whether you’re staying in Sofia or Bansko, you can expect to find reasonable prices on accommodation, food, and local transport.
  • Community Vibes: While we initially focused on coworking spaces, it’s also about the broader community experiences. Join local events, participate in festivals, or simply enjoy a chat at a local café. The blend of local culture with international visitors creates a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Transit Adventures: Traveling by train to destinations like Bucharest offers another layer of adventure. It may not be the most comfortable, but it’s affordable and adds a unique chapter to your travel stories.

Are you ready to embrace full-time or part-time travel, or is retirement just around the corner?

Join the tribe, and let’s kickstart your slow travel journey!

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Find out more information go to nomadicabundance.com or in video form on YouTube.

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Joel
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