Imagine golden beaches lined by the turquoise Black Sea, historic towns with Byzantine churches, and Bulgarian hospitality that will immediately captivate you. Bulgaria is a destination where you can enjoy seaside relaxation while discovering rich culture and nature. But what should you pack to fully enjoy this beautiful Balkan country?
Bulgaria is a land of contrasts: from the sunny beaches of Golden Sands and Sunny Beach to historical gems in Nesebar and healing thermal springs. Each type of vacation requires slightly different gear, which is why it’s important to think ahead about what to pack. That’s why we’ve written an article for you, where you’ll find out what to pack for a vacation in Bulgaria.
Summary for those who Don’t Have Time to Read the Full Article
- Documents: A valid ID card or passport is sufficient; no visa is required.
- Sun Protection: High-factor sunscreen (30+), quality sunglasses, and a head covering are essential.
- Clothing and Travel Cosmetics: Light summer clothing (e.g., Travel dresses or Thira), swimwear, sandals, but also something warmer for evenings and mountain trips + travel cosmetic set from nanoSPACE Cosmetics
- Health: A first-aid kit with medications for diarrhea, pain, and disinfectant, plus your regular medications.
- Practical Items: An adapter is not needed (sockets are the same as ours), we recommend having cash in euros for exchange, don’t forget travel insurance (e.g., SafetyWing).
What to Pack for a Vacation in Bulgaria: Packing List
If you have a vacation coming up soon, we have a list of what to pack for your trip to Bulgaria so you don’t forget anything.
TIP: The portal Invia offers great trips to Bulgaria.
Documents
For entry into Bulgaria, as a citizen of the Czech Republic, a valid ID card or passport is sufficient. Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 2007, so you do not need a visa. The only important thing is that the validity of your documents covers the entire duration of your planned stay.
If you are traveling with children, remember that each child must have their own travel document. Also, take copies of important documents and store them separately from the originals.
Don’t forget your European Health Insurance Card, which will provide you with basic healthcare. Even so, we recommend arranging travel insurance that also covers co-payments for medical treatment. We recommend SafetyWing.
TIP: A travel fanny pack might come in handy for documents and important papers.
Clothing by Season
Bulgaria has a pleasant Mediterranean climate on the coast, but in summer, temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius. From May to September, be sure to pack light, airy clothing made from natural materials. The best pieces are those that cool in summer and warm in winter, and can also be worn in many ways, such as Travel dresses or Thira from nanoSPACE.
For evening strolls through historic city centers, bring something a bit more elegant – a nice dress or a long-sleeved shirt. Bulgarians care about their appearance, and you’ll certainly appreciate this in restaurants or when visiting cultural monuments.
If you plan trips to the mountains or visits to monasteries, don’t forget clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Many Orthodox monasteries have strict dress codes, and short pants or exposed shoulders are simply not appropriate there.
Footwear for all Occasions
On the beach, quality flip-flops or sandals will be useful, but definitely don’t forget to bring comfortable walking shoes, such as barefoot shoes. The historic centers of Bulgarian towns often have cobblestone streets where beach footwear is not ideal.
For nature trips, we recommend trekking sandals or light hiking boots. Bulgaria has beautiful mountain hikes, especially in the Rhodope Mountains or Stara Planina, where sturdier footwear is definitely worthwhile.
Travel Cosmetics
Does cosmetics take up the most space in your suitcase? Then we recommend the revolutionary waterless cosmetics from nanoSPACE Cosmetics. The travel set weighs only 61 grams and includes powdered shampoo, toothpaste tablets, mouthwash tablets, and soap tablets, all of which fit into a small pouch and are enough for 15 days of travel.
Sun and Heat Protection
The sun in Bulgaria can be very intense, especially during the summer months. Sunscreen with a factor of at least 30 is an absolute must, even for those who usually tan without problems. The Black Sea reflects sun rays, and you can get sunburned faster than you expect.
Quality sunglasses with UV filters will protect your eyes from sun reflections off the water and sand. A head covering is also important – a hat or cap will protect you from overheating during long walks on beaches or in historic towns.
Don’t forget after-sun products. Panthenol or aloe vera gel will help alleviate any skin redness after intense sun exposure.
Beach Essentials
Swimwear is a given, but it’s better to bring several pairs. Wet swimsuits dry quickly in the heat, but a spare pair always comes in handy. A beach towel or quick-drying towel will be useful not only on the beach but also on trips to mountain lakes or waterfalls.
A waterproof phone case will allow you to take photos even in the waves, and a beach bag will also come in handy.
First Aid Kit and Health
Although Bulgaria is a safe country with good healthcare, a basic first-aid kit should be part of every luggage. Definitely bring medication for diarrhea – changes in diet and food can cause stomach problems, especially during the first days of your vacation.
Medications for headaches, fever, and basic disinfectant can also be useful. If you suffer from allergies, don’t forget antihistamines. And of course, pack all medications you take regularly, in their original packaging with the package insert.
Don’t forget mosquito repellent, which you’ll appreciate especially during evening strolls or nature trips. In some areas, particularly near water, mosquitoes can be quite bothersome.
Electronics
The good news is that Bulgaria has the same electrical outlets as in our country, Type C and F with 220V. So, you don’t need an adapter. However, don’t forget to bring chargers for all your electronic devices.
A power bank might also come in handy.
Money and Payments
The Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is the currency in Bulgaria, but euros are commonly accepted in tourist areas. We recommend having a combination of cash and payment cards (for international payments, we recommend the Revolut card). ATMs are readily available in all major cities and resorts.
Tipping is customary, especially in restaurants, and generally amounts to around 10 percent of the total bill. In some establishments, the tip is automatically added to the bill.
Books and Maps
Although most of us today rely on GPS on our phones, a map of Bulgaria can be useful, especially for trips off the main tourist routes. A Czech or English guidebook will help you better understand the history and culture of the places you visit.
A book for seaside relaxation is a classic that you’ll appreciate while lounging on the beach or by the hotel pool, or pack an e-reader to save space in your suitcase.
Special Equipment by Vacation Type
If you’re planning an active vacation with diving, snorkeling, or water sports, many items can be rented directly on site. However, your own diving mask and snorkel might be a more hygienic choice.
For lovers of culture and history, it’s a good idea to study basic information about the places you want to visit beforehand. Bulgaria has a rich history, from Thracian cultures through the Roman Empire to the Byzantine and Ottoman periods.
FAQ
Do I Need a Passport for Bulgaria?
No, as a citizen of the Czech Republic, a valid ID card is sufficient. Bulgaria is an EU member, so you don’t need a visa either.
What are the Prices in Bulgaria and How Much Money Should I Bring?
Bulgaria is generally cheaper than the Czech Republic. Per person per day, expect to spend around 30-50 euros, including food and drinks. Prices in tourist areas are higher than inland.
Is Bulgaria Safe?
Yes, Bulgaria is a very safe country for tourists. Basic precautions like watching your personal belongings in crowds are a given, but the country ranks among the safest in Europe.
What is the Best Time to Visit Bulgaria?
For a seaside vacation, the ideal period is from May to September. The high season is in July and August, when prices are also highest and there are the most tourists.
Is English Spoken in Bulgaria?
In tourist areas and hotels, yes, many people speak English. However, basic Bulgarian phrases can be useful, especially outside major tourist centers. Be aware of the different head nods – in Bulgaria, nodding means “no” and shaking your head means “yes”.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
