Driving South to Greece: Route Sofia - Thessaloniki
Driving South to Greece: Route Sofia - Thessaloniki
Rainelli Travels
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Taking a road trip from Bulgaria to Greece? From architectural heritage to astonishing natural formations, read on to find out what else you can see along the way.
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Many Bulgarians travel to Greece regularly given the close distance between the two. One of the most common routes is Sofia - Thessaloniki which on average takes approximately 3 hours.
With the newly built highway, it’s a very pleasant drive with a great panoramic view of the Rila and Pirin Mountain ranges along the way. However, there are several spots worth adding to your itinerary that would make your trip all the more unforgettable.
Depending on how much time you have to spare, you can discover many more destinations located both west and east of the highway.
Stop #1: Chapel „St. John Letni“
Chapel „St. John Letni“
@raynamarkova
Some places cannot be described with words. The Chapel „St. John Letni“ is one of them.
Built in the 14th century and located on a hilltop, it offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding lake. Drive carefully as you approach the destination: you can also leave your park a bit further away and walk, or take the unbeaten path towards the hill and park there. The short hike is a bit steep - watch your feet. A very serene spot that has witnessed the difficult times during the Ottoman occupation in Bulgaria.
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Stop #2: Sapareva Banya
Sapareva Banya
@raynamarkova
Just 70 km from Sofia, it makes a great spot all year round, Sapareva Banya offers hot mineral outdoor pools that are often used for therapeutic and recovery procedures.
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Stop #3: The Stob Pyramids
Stob Pyramids
@raynamarkova
Just a 100 kms from Sofia, or a nearly 1:30 hrs drive, is where the Stob Pyramids (Стобски Пирамиди) are located. Protected as a natural reserve, for a symbolic fee of approximately 3 lvs (1.50 EUR), you can get up close to these unique sand pyramids with a mysterious origin. The path, accessible and not steep, offers a roughly 30-40 min hike up.
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Stop #4: Rila Monastery
Rila Monastery
@raynamarkova
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Bonus Point: Bohemia Falls Ecotrail & Sanctuary Krasta (The Cross)
Bohemia Falls Ecotrail
@raynamarkova
One of the many ecotrails in the area, the Bohemia Falls trail will take you to the nearby waterfall up a clearly marked path. Book a room at the Rila Monastery hotel after a day's hike.
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Sanctuary Krasta (The Cross)
@raynamarkova
For those who love the outdoors and to hike, this spot will give you a great view of Rila Mountain and the area.
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Stop #5: The Junk Museum
Junk Museum
@raynamarkova
Heading back to the highway, you'll pass the Junk Museum. Which is full of all sorts of retro junk. Go back down memory lane browsing through the collection of old timers, motorcycles, and more.
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Stop #6 : Sandanski Archaeological Museum
Sandanski Archaeological Museum
@raynamarkova
Built on top of the ruins of an early Byzantine town, the archeological museum in Sandanski offers a collection of interesting relics and ruins from the ancient times. Walking across town you'll also notice remains of walls and columns scattered around.
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Stop #7: Melnik & The Melnik Pyramids
Melnik
@raynamarkova
Look around for QR codes to scan: download the Melnik App and learn about Melnik's unique history. Spend the night in Melnik and try the local wines.
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Stop #8 : Mineral Baths in Rupite
Mineral baths Rupite
@raynamarkova
An outdoor hot mineral spring that's visited by locals and tourists throughout the year. Located on Kozhuh Planina (Kozhuh Mountain), legend has it that the location of the mineral baths is the heart of a sleeping volcano.
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Stop #9 : Herculaneum Sintica - Roman wall
Herculaneum Sintica - Roman wall
@raynamarkova
Recently uncovered and restored with access to the public, the ancient Herculaneum Sintica was inhabited by the Thracian tribe Sinti until it was fatally devastated by an earthquake in 388 AD.
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Stop #10 : Baba Vanga House
Baba Vanga House Museum
@raynamarkova
Park at the spacious parking lot down the road. You'll notice plenty of sellers & booths filled with local herbs, teas, pottery, and more. Take a walk down the road to the entrance of the museum park.
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Final Thoughts
No matter how many times you've taken a given road, there's always so much more to discover.
“Life is out there waiting, so go and get it!” – Mary Poppins
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Rainelli Travels
Available for hire
I was barely a week old when my mom took me on a plane for the very first time. And it's been hard to stay off one every since.
Hi! I'm Rayna - a native Bulgarian that grew up in Poland. I was 16 when we relocated (back) to Bulgaria with my family. That's when I started discovering my country, little by little feeling those patriotic roots inside grow.
A 3rd culture kid, traveling is in my DNA. As of this day, I've been to 33 countries around the world. With so much more to explore, I am trying to find a healthy balance between between traveling abroad and getting to know my own country.
My friends have told me numerous times to get into the tourism business given my passion for traveling. Oftentimes I spend go on endlessly talking about Bulgaria with friends and not only. I'd be happy to take you on a journey to discover Bulgaria by sharing my experiences with you.
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