Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria is just a holiday of love. It is a romantic, traditional, and indulgent feast. Bulgaria celebrates February 14 by combining the well-known Day of Love with the centuries-old Winegrowers’ Day, Trifon Zarezan. Many Bulgarians celebrate their winemaking heritage on this day with heartfelt festivities, bringing passion and flavour to their hearts as they exchange heartfelt gifts and celebrate their love. Imagine a romantic walk along cobblestone streets in ancient towns, enjoying red wine, fun tours in snowy sleighs, or hiking.
10 Things To Do For Valentine’s Day In Bulgaria
Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria is truly special with its rich cultural tapestry and scenic landscapes.
1. Explore Plovdiv’s Old Town
Photo: Adam Jones / Wikimedia Commons
Old Town Plovdiv is a real dream place for young couples and creates romance in cobblestone streets, vibrant architecture, and historical richness. Walking hand in hand with beautifully preserved Renaissance houses and landmarks, like the Ethnographic Museum, gives you a glimpse into Bulgarian traditions and culture. Share a romantic sunset from atop with your loved one. End your visit with a quiet dinner in one of the Old Town’s old taverns and visit the Roman Theatre.
Location: Plovdiv, Bulgaria
2. Wine Tasting In Melnik
Photo: Miloslav Rejha / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Situated between breathtaking sandstone cliffs and ancient vineyards, Melnik offers an unrivalled romantic getaway to wine enthusiasts. Its wine heritage dates back close to 8,000 years, with even the famous Homer mentioning its wines. Take a tour of the wineries, indulging in atmospheric cellar tastings or even cave tastings. Popular spots like Villa Melnik and Kordopul House offer a tour of the winemaking process, plus tastings and are treated to fine vintages paired with regional delicacies.
Location: Melnik, Blagoevgrad Province
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
3. Dinner Date In Sofia
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The Sofia food and beverage scene caters for every kind of taste, from restaurants that merge intimate atmosphere and brilliant food into unforgettable experiences for couples. Made in Blue is a diner that occupies a renovated blue-coloured house, offering an intimate yet quirky atmosphere with luscious dishes fused with local and international flavours. Visit the Tenebris for an experience of having dinner in total darkness and discover the texture and taste profiles of surprise dishes without focusing on your sight.
Location: Sofia, Bulgaria
4. Relax At Velingrad Hot Springs
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Velingrad is also called the Spa Capital of the Balkans, offering a couple-appealing revitalising getaway that features well-known hot mineral springs. Over 70 mineral springs with peculiar healing properties are located within the green Rhodope Mountains in Velingrad. Luxurious spas like Royal Spa and Maxi Hotel offer outdoor and indoor pools, saunas, and steam baths, besides special Ayurveda massage or hot stone therapy treatments.
Location: Velingrad, Pazardzhik Province
Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM (varies by resort)
5. Horse-Driven Sleigh Ride In Borovets
Photo: Nikolai Karaneschev / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
One of the lovely experiences that couples can enjoy on Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria includes a horse-drawn sleigh ride through Borovets. This winter wonderland in the heart of the Rila Mountains gives couples a magical journey through snow-covered forests and serene mountain trails, where, under frozen landscapes, frosty scenery glides while snuggled in warm blankets, you enjoy the rhythmic clatter of horses’ hooves and crisp winter air.
Location: Borovets, Rila Mountain
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
6. Lovech: The Bridge Of Love
Photo: Klearchos Kapoutsis / Wikimedia Commons
Lovech, with its famous Covered Bridge by the Bulgarian master builder Kolyu Ficheto, represents a paragon of romantic things to see in Bulgaria. Stretching over the Osam River, beautiful architectural 19th-century construction unites the old town of Varosha with the newer parts of the city. It is an ideal shopping and strolling place, with some 14 shops selling souvenirs, jewellery, and local Bulgarian goods for pedestrians.
Location: Lovech, Bulgaria
Timings: 24*7 (shops close by 8:00 PM)
7. Hike To Krushuna Waterfalls
Photo: Vislupus / Wikimedia Commons
A romantic tour on Valentine’s Day to the Krushuna Waterfalls is an unforgettable experience. People in Bulgaria have believed in the healing powers of the largest travertine cascade for centuries. A beautiful 20-minute walk from the parking lot to the falls allows visitors to visit the pools along the way. A peaceful hike amidst these surroundings gives a person fresh time to renew their bonds with nature as well as with one another. The trail to Krushuna is relatively easy and a solitary experience for nature-loving couples.
Location: Krushuna, Lovech Province
Timings: 8 AM – 8PM
8. Skiing In Bansko
Photo: www.bdmundo.com / Wikimedia Commons
Bansko is one of the most prestigious winter resorts that suit a couple who want to have an active but romantic Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria. Located in the fabulous Pirin Mountains, Bansko provides many activities that are suitable for lovers of winter sports. More skilled skiers can enjoy the challenging terrain at Todorka Peak. To end the day, any one of the old town’s quirky Mehana restaurants provides a feast to tickle your taste buds, rich with Bulgarian cuisine and local wines.
Location: Bansko, Pirin Mountain
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM for ski slopes
9. Stargazing At Rozhen Observatory
Photo: Boris Dzhingarov / Wikimedia Commons
For a romantic experience on Valentines’ Day in Bulgaria to remember for a lifetime, stargazing at the Rozhen Observatory is essential. Located at an altitude of 1,750 meters in the picturesque Rhodope Mountains, away from the city lights, it provides a breathtaking view of the night sky. As the largest observatory on the Balkan Peninsula, it is equipped with powerful telescopes for scientific purposes as well as public viewing. A couple can spend their night underneath the moonlight, watching distant galaxies, stars, and even planets.
Location: Rozhen, Smolyan Province
Timings: 6 PM – 10 PM
10. Cape Kaliakra At Sunrise
Photo: Roumen68 / Wikimedia Commons
Cape Kaliakra is one of the most beautiful spots to watch the sunrise on the Bulgarian northern coast. Being 70 meters above the Black Sea, it gives a panoramic view of the whole coastline. The silence and isolation of the cape make a perfect moment of sharing when the first light of dawn breaks on the sea. This cape has a legend of 40 Bulgarian maidens who, knowing they were going to be captured by the Ottoman forces, decided to leap into the sea. Besides the breathtaking view, you may also see the remains of a fortress, the chapel of St. Nicholas, and a small museum inside a cave.
Location: Kavarna, Dobrich Province
A romantic Valentine’s Day in Bulgaria offers an impeccable combination of natural beauties with cultural charm. This is a different romantic getaway designed for every couple’s taste, from the snow-dusted peaks of the Rila Mountains to the serene beaches of the Black Sea. The place creates a warm and lively atmosphere, pushing couples to value one another with Bulgarian warmth and customs. So plan your visit to Bulgaria this Valentine’s with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Denitsa Kireva / Pexels