. Written and updated by an expert author, widely recognised as the 'go-to' person for information on Bulgaria who advised Caroline Eden when she was writing her 2018 book Black Sea . Offers better natural history coverage than any other guide . In 2018 UK visitor numbers were up 46%, US numbers up 10% . Bulgarian wine - covered in detail - is also on the up! . Plovdiv is European Capital of Culture 2019 . The Bulgarian Ministry of Tourism has been running a campaign targeted at UK visitors . Various low-cost airlines fly to Sofia, Plovdiv and the coast

Fully updated for this third edition by expert author Annie Kay (for over 10 years Chairman of the British-Bulgarian Society and a part-time resident of Sofia), Bradt's Bulgaria offers a comprehensive guide to this increasingly popular country. Detailed background information is combined with everything from tips on the best hotels and mehanas to hiking through the Rila Mountains in search of brown bear or simply strolling around Nesebur's harbour. Bradt's Bulgaria also offers better coverage of the country's compelling natural history than any other guide. New for this edition are greater coverage of outdoor activities and adventure trips, a fresh perspective on Bulgaria's burgeoning music scene and nightlife, significantly increased coverage of food and wine - including winery tours, the local grapes, and some on site restaurants and hotels - plus the benefit of new contributions from locals sharing their inside knowledge of local towns. Bulgaria has a history and culture as rich and diverse as its landscape. From the gold-domed churches of Sofia to the picturesque National Revival houses of Koprivshtitsa, mountain monasteries to medieval fortresses and ancient rock formations, the country boasts an eclectic mix of traditions and architecture. Recent archaeological discoveries are detailed in this new edition, along with Bulgaria's participation in the European rewilding scheme. From Plovdiv's UNESCO-listed Old Town to the frescoes of Rila Monastery, skiing to eagle spotting in Pirin National Park, elegant Ruse to the beaches of the Black Sea coast, or the former capital of Veliko Turnovo to the famous mountain town of Koprivshtitsa, Bradt's Bulgaria is the ideal companion for a perfect trip.