If you’ve never been to Bulgaria, then it’s definitely a destination I would recommend. With its consistent hot weather, hospitable people, great prices, and laid-back vibe, it’s a country worth considering for your summer holiday. As we have property over there, I’ve visited the Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria on many occasions, but we usually manage to find something new and interesting each time we go. And being a design nut, I always appreciate quirky spaces we come across whilst there. So I thought I’d share with you some interesting places to see in Bulgaria.

Our house is located in a small rustic village, close to the coastal city of Bourgas. It’s also 10 minutes away from the airport, and 20 minutes from the main tourist resort, Sunny Beach, which I would describe as Bulgaria’s Blackpool. We tend to spend time in the less touristy places which are also close by. One of them being Nessebar. Whilst there, we stumbled upon a cocktail bar called ‘ECO-Bar by Michael’ that has been designed to replicate a cave.

Eco-Bar by Michael, Nessebar, Bulgaria

Off the entrance tunnel are several rock seating nooks beneath impressive stalactites.

The tunnel then leads to an outdoor area with stone steps entwined in tree roots and a tropical waterfall cascading down to sunbathing turtles.

Sorry this pic is poor quality but I couldn’t leave the turtles out!

Eco-Bar is definitely worth a visit if you’re ever in Nessabar. Cheers!!

Bourgas, Bulgaria

We browsed around the new shopping mall ‘Galleria‘, whilst in Bourgas, then had pizza in the food court at ‘Incanto Pizza & Seafood‘.

I loved the faux house windows that decorated the walls, with a different silhouette in each one.

Apologies again for the poor quality pics. I only have my phone camera when on my hols.

Sozopol, Bulgaria

All set for a day out to Sozopol.

This is another place we always tend to visit. Its lovely beach and pretty sea views make it a favourite with the Bulgarian people.

Even though I’ve been a few times, it was the first time I came across this cute boutique wine shop.

I recommend the local homemade red wine that is available in many of the traditional restaurants. Surprisingly it’s served chilled, but it does soon warm up.

Crystal Restaurant, Medovo, Bulgaria

If you read my review post from last year, you might remember me mentioning a fab restaurant called Crystal in the small village of Medovo. It serves delicious Bulgarian cuisine and is traditionally decorated with some great touches and attention to detail.

There’s plenty of pretty seating, inside and out.

How adorable is this little set up!

Unfortunately, I think the barrel is just for show.  😥

We did have some of the homemade wine though that I mentioned earlier.  😉

How cute is this scene under the bar?

And a sense of humour didn’t go amiss in the decor either. Apparently, his name is Roger.

I just can’t help looking at design features wherever I go! do you? It’s a great way to get ideas and inspiration.  😉

If you do ever visit Bulgaria, you must also try the local firewater, ‘Rakia’, which they make from grapes and other fruits. It’s usual to drink this with your ‘Shopska’ salad starter.