There’s something truly liberating about van life, especially when the road leads you across Bulgaria’s wild and wonderful landscapes. From mystical caves to Black Sea beaches, mountain peaks to pink lakes, exploring Bulgaria in a van is hands down one of the best ways to soak up this underrated European gem.
This blog will guide you through our full 10-day Bulgaria van trip itinerary, share a complete budget breakdown, and point out must-see locations along the way.
Why Explore Bulgaria in a Van?
Van travel in Bulgaria offers ultimate flexibility and freedom. You’re not locked into hotel schedules. You chase sunrises and pull over wherever the views steal your breath. Most importantly, this Balkan country boasts well-maintained roads, low costs, and incredible diversity, ranging from ancient monuments to dreamy beaches.
Van Life Essentials for Bulgaria
Before you hit the road, make sure the rental van you select is equipped with these must-haves for the most comfortable journey:
- Solar panels or a driving-powered battery system
- Large water tank
- Cooking gear: pots, pans, spatula, knife, chopping board, bowls, mugs
- Phone holder, USB plugs, mosquito nets
- Blackout curtains for privacy and comfort
- Table, chairs, broom and dustpan
- Outdoor awning
If you’re flying in, pack these essentials yourself:
- Pillow, duvet, bedsheet, and towels (sometimes included in the rental, check beforehand)
- Toiletries, sponge, tea towel, oil, spices
- Eye mask, earplugs, power bank
We used Moto Roads to rent our campervan, we booked it online, securing the van with a small deposit, then payed the rest when we picked up the beast.
Bulgaria Van Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Belogradchik Fortress at Sunset
After arriving and picking up the van, stock up on groceries and essentials. Start heading toward Belogradchik Fortress (3h drive). Along the road, admire the unusual rock pinnacles and mountain views, like a sneak peek of what’s to come.
Arrive just before sunset. The golden light hitting the fortress walls is something out of a fantasy. Park nearby and enjoy a peaceful first night surrounded by nature.
Day 2: Devetashka Cave & Northern Bulgaria
Wake up early to the magic of sunrise and maybe even spot a hot air balloon floating by, Cappadocia-style.
Drive 4 hours to Devetashka Cave. Entry costs 3 BGN (£1.20). It’s easy to access and absolutely jaw-dropping. While we only saw pigeons, the scale and drama of this natural wonder were well worth the drive.
Overnight in the area, or if you feel like driving a lot today, like we did, make your way to the Buzludza monument to spend the night.
Day 3: Buzludzha Monument, Ethno Village & Orthodox Stops
Head to the iconic UFO-shaped Buzludzha Monument. You can hike up (15 mins) or drive to the top. We chose the climb and loved passing wild horses along the way. Although you can’t enter the monument, the view is still jaw-dropping. We camped nearby with a full view of the site.
Next stop: Etar Ethno Village (10 BGN per person). It’s an open-air museum that takes you deep into Bulgaria’s craftsmanship history.
Later, visit a nearby Orthodox church and continue toward the Black Sea. We spent the night on the Bolota coast and had an entire spot for ourselves, it was a really incredible evening with the best sea view.
Day 4: Exploring the coast along the Black Sea, Bulgaria
For our second night on the coast, we needed some electricity and amenities so we stayed at a campsite for 40 BGN named Camping Saint George. The white sands and clear waters were a pleasant surprise when parking, we definitly recommend a stop there so you can relax and enjoy the coast today
Day 5: Lake Atanasovsko and the Coast
Enjoy a chill morning by the coast before driving south to the therapeutic pink pools of Lake Atanasovsko. This lagoon is not only scenic but also packed with birdlife and most importantly it will offer you the best mud spa experience for only 3€ (price in 2024).
When making your way to the Lake, you can decide to stop at the Pobiti Kamani Rock Formations (Stone Forest). We did, we were not mindblown by the location and felt it was a bit expensive for what it is, but I let you decide for yourself on that one.
Once you’ve made it to the lakes, relax, swim, or have a picnic. It’s your call. Spend the night nearby.
Day 6: Rila Lakes Mission
Wake up early and drive 4h 40m to go on a hike around Rila Lakes. Yes, it’s a big push, but absolutely worth it.
We used the lift accessible at this location (30 BGN) to save time and energy as the best part of the hike around the lakes starts at the top of the mountain lift.
From the top, hike to panoramic views that’ll steal your breath (and fill your camera roll). The hike we did took around 3H, it wasn’t physically difficult and we could enjoy a nice drink and warm meal before taking back the lift to reach the car park as there is a cosy chalet at the top.
Day 7: Spa and Sofia, time to Slow Down
This day is about recovery after a long drive and a hike yesterday. Aqua club “Kotvata” – thermal pools & saunas complex is the place where you will treat yourself (50 BGN per person).
If you are after a traditionnal meal after the spa experience I recommend you The Golden Chicken.
In the evening you can either sleep in this area or start making your way to Sofia as the last days of this itinerary will be around the capital which you should see before leaving.
Day 8–10: Explore Sofia
We wrapped up our journey in Sofia, and honestly, it deserves way more credit than it gets. If you’re not heading to a wedding like we were, plan to spend at least two full days in the capital. It’s the kind of city that quietly surprises you with laid-back yet full of life, with layers of history sitting right next to hip cafés and creative spaces.
Wander through ancient Roman ruins in the middle of the city, grab a flat white from a speciality coffee shop, and enjoy the green parks that feel like a break from the buzz. Don’t miss the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the thermal springs in the city centre, or the cool neighbourhoods like Lozenets and Oborishte, where locals hang out. It’s the perfect spot to reflect, recharge, and get a little city fix before heading home.
To sleep we stayed in this parking for campers that had basic amenities and ensured us safety.
Optional Add-On Route: The South Route
If you’re extending your trip or decide that you would rather skip the big city like Sofia:
- Head to Kardzhali Reservoir (3.5h drive)
- Explore Asen’s Fortress and a nearby eco-trail
Bulgaria Van Trip Budget
Expense | Cost (Approximate) |
Van Rental (10 Days) | £1 ,050 |
Petrol | £109 |
Groceries | £135 |
Restaurants | around £20 pp |
Spa | £43 for the day |
Cable Car (Rila) | £28 |
Camping (2 nights) | £26 |
Best Time for a Van Trip in Bulgaria
We went in September, and the weather was perfect. Mornings were crisp, days were sunny, and crowds were low. Spring and early autumn are ideal, just avoid winter unless you’re ready for serious snow.
Overall impressions after exploring Bulgaria in a van
Bulgaria surprised us in the best ways. This country is raw, welcoming, and wonderfully wild. Van life allowed us to slow down, change plans on a whim, and discover places we never saw on guidebooks.
If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path European adventure, Bulgaria in a van should top your list.
Looking for more hidden gems and itinerary ideas across the continent? Head over to my Europe section for more offbeat guides and travel inspo!
