2 Best Sights in Bulgaria

Running along the western slopes of the Balkans Mountains are these gorgeous rock formations, some of which stand more than 650 feet (200 m). The rocks, made of sandstone and conglomerate, are believed to have started forming a cool 230 million years ago. They're mostly reddish brown in color with some yellow tinges and look especially beautiful as the sun sets and illuminates their cliffs. The groups of rocks closest to central Belogradchik have interesting names based on local legends, like the Schoolgirl, the Madonna, and the Mushrooms. Whether you hike up to the plateau or walk leisurely around the lower levels, the views over the forest are phenomenal.

Rising to more than 7,500 feet, yet just 4 miles south of central Sofia, Vitosha is visible from pretty much anywhere in the city—although the summit is covered in cloud for more than half the year. In winter the mountain becomes a popular ski resort, making this the only European capital where you can reach the pistes on local public transport. In summer hiking is the most popular pastime, and there is a network of trails where locals come to picnic and to gather wild berries. There is a cable car that will take you from the suburb of Dragalevski (reachable on bus 64) up to the Aleko Ski Center at 6,000 feet. When that isn't running you can also get there by road. A taxi is quite reasonable even from downtown.