Heaven scent

Did you know that this sweet-smelling Balkan beauty produces 85% of the world’s rose oil? Nicknamed ‘the land of roses’, the country’s pristine-petal posies have been a base element of cosmetics and perfumes for centuries. Fly here in May or June and head to the Bulgarian Valley of Roses to see the florals in all their glory.

Music to your ears

Bulgaria’s famed for gaida, or bagpipes to you and I, so much so that in 2012 the country even set a bagpipe-playing Guinness World Record! If you’re here in the first weekend of August, be sure to check out the Bagpipe Festival in the magnificent mountain village of Gela, located between Sofia and Sunny Beach.

UNESCO galore

Brimming with history, Bulgaria’s a treasure trove of ancient wonder. Quite literally in fact, as it’s said that the world’s oldest treasure was discovered here some 7,000 years ago! As well as the mesmerising city of Nessebar, UNESCO Sites include the picturesque Pirin National Park, and the remarkable Rila Monastery.