Bulgaria is a small country, known to few yet filled with amazing destinations to explore. The fact that it is not in the tourist route is a unique place that makes you feel like a true adventurer. Here are ten reasons why Bulgaria should be on your to-see list.

Experience horo dancing

Horo is the traditional folk dance in Bulgaria, usually danced in a circle while holding hands. There are many kinds of horo, each with various steps. After a time of declining popularity it is back in fashion among young individuals. It is even classes on horo popping up all over the place. A class can be joined to learn the basics.

Rose Valley: Pick roses

If you'd like to be a part in the annual Rose Festival, which is located near Kazanlak, May to June is the perfect period places to go in Bulgaria. Bulgaria is among the largest exporters of rose oil in the world and the rose (of Rosa Damascena) is one of the country's national symbolisms. Be warned though - to participate in the picking of roses, you have to be an early bird because the event starts before dawn.

Find dancing kukeri monsters

In lieu of carnivals at the end of winter, Bulgaria has the many Kukeri festivals that are held throughout the country to celebrate the changing seasons. The participants are adorned with animal skins, horns, teeth, and massive bells, which make noise to chase the evil spirits away. The biggest Kukeri festival is Surva Festival and takes place in Pernik, the town. Pernik, a 30-minute drive from Sofia.

Enjoy tarator and other local delicacies

Everyone has tarator Bulgaria in the summer. The magical cure to beat the heat of summer is this cucumber, dill, and yogurt cold soup, which is available at almost every bistro and restaurant across the country. Don't stop there. Bulgarian cuisine has plenty more to provide, be it grilled meat, fresh vegetable salads, or desserts.

Marvel at medieval barriers

Baba Vida is the best preserved fortress from the medieval period among all the relics from the Bulgarian empires. The fortress was constructed on the banks of the Danube River with an impressive view that reaches far beyond the distance. You can walk along the walls and look down from the top or even go inside the former prison.

Step back in time at the Etar Open-Air Museum

Bulgaria has numerous museums but some stand out - like the Etar Open-Air Museum, a restored street from an earlier Bulgarian village that includes houses along with workshops, a river, and laundry. Not only can you observe how life used to be like in the past, but you could be a part of it by participating in a crafting workshop and sampling freshly baked bread in the bakery.

Range mountain range optimals

The Bulgarian mountains are diverse. Some are alpine-like and rocky (Pirin and Rila) and others are more forest-rich, and have more soft forms (the Rhodopes). The highest mountain is Mussala located in the Rila mountains, and it is a climb that can be done in one day's time from Sofia.

Watch the sun rise in a town listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nessebar, whose Old Town is on the UNESCO heritage list, offers numerous photo-friendly spots to add to the perfect photo-friendly spots for your Instagram profile. A favorite and much-photographed spot during sunrise is the gorgeous old windmill. It is situated in the middle of the Old Town and a magnificent backdrop for a photo.

Discover mysterious rock formations

The stories of young couples who were prevented from being married by their parents, of girls who jumped off cliffs of giants who threw rocks - these and many other stories have captured the imagination of people when they attempted to discover an explanation for how the incredible rock formations found all over Sofia were created. Stone Wedding and Stone Mushrooms are located near Kardzhali. The Belogradchik Rocks, which are two hours north of Sofia as well as the Stob Pyramids, one hour south of Sofia are other possibilities.

Witness fire dancing after dark

The ancient tradition of Nestinari is celebrated on June 3 every year, just after sunset. Following a string of customs observed during the day, the Nestinari dancers enter an euphoria and dance naked on the embers that are lit in the village's main square. Balgari.