THE BEAUTY of BULGARIA: Guest Post from Maria of Design Elements

One of the best things about the internet is how it can take you to faraway lands without leaving home.  Especially ones you know little about.  Such as Bulgaria.  Until seeing some vacation posts about the country on one of my favorite blogs, the stunning and smart Design Elements, I had no idea Bulgaria offered such beauty and mystery, from pristine lakes to snow-capped mountains to glowing ancient towns.  To cap off our May "Home & Away" theme, I asked Design Elements' charming creator Maria to focus her impeccable taste on this crossroad between Europe and Asia.  Maria writes about design and destinations all over the world with warmth and passion, but she has a special place in her heart for Bulgaria, her native country. Here, narrowed down from a long list, are four of her recommendations for beautiful places to visit in this sunny land by the Black Sea.

4 Beauties of Bulgaria

by Maria of Design Elements

Veliko Tarnovo, an ancient capital of Bulgaria.
I love walking there near the Zarevez burg (above) and watching the sunset.  
The burg [walled fortress and castle] was built in 2000 B.C.

National Theater in the capital Sofia.  

Just enjoy being there, sitting and people watching.

Pirin Mountain.  For me the most beautiful of Bulgaria's nearly 40 mountains. 

Situated in the southwestern part of the country, most of the range is protected in a national park. My fave places there are Bansko town and the beautiful lakes in Pirin, 

the most picturesque parts of the landscape.

Sozopol, an ancient seaside town at the Black Sea.

Known for the Apollonia art and film festival, which takes place in early September.

-- Maria, Design Elements

Thank you, Maria, for taking us on this journey.  My travel To-Do list just got a whole lot longer!

Veliko Tarnovo image via IESN.  All other photos courtesy Design Elements.