There are a variety of destinations within reach of Sofia, either within Bulgaria or in neighbouring countries, depending upon how much time you have available. Bulgaria borders Greece and Romania (both within the EU, and therefore easily accessible), as well as Turkey, Serbia, and Macedonia.

If you are thinking of making a trip BG Maps has useful maps of bulgaria, and Michelin has a good route planner for this part of Europe. Train travel is good value but generally slow. If you do have enough time then Bulgarian Railways have timetables of domestic and international services.

Bulgaria

Within Bulgaria popular destinations include the seaside, the mountains, as well as a variety of historic towns, villages, and monasteries.

Plovdiv, the second city in Bulgaria, is situated 1 hrs drive from Sofia in the plain of Thrace, and has an interesting old town and some good restaurants.

There are Thracian archaeological sites throughout the middle of the country including at Kazanluk, and Perperikon. Popular historic towns and villages include Koprivstitsa, Arbanassi, and Veliko Tarnovo in the mountains, Sozopol and Nessebar on the coast, and Melnik for wine-tasting.

There are opportunities for mountain walking in the Rila Lakes, as well as the ski resorts of Borovets, Bansko, and Pamporovo - there is also a burgeoning spa hotel industry.

Neighbouring Countries

Thessaloniki, the second city in Greece, is 4.5 hrs drive from Sofia, and the nearby Aegean Sea is slightly closer to Sofia than the Black Sea. The Halkidiki peninsula with good beaches, hotels, and campsites, is 1 hrs drive from Thessaloniki.

Belgrade, on the Danube, is also within reach from Sofia, although Istanbul in the other direction probably involves too much driving for a short break. In the light of unrest following Kosovo's declaration of independence please consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice in you are considering travelling to or through Serbia.

Balkan travellers has some suggestions for more adventureous travelling in the region.