Really interesting the way it is situated in the court yard of the government buildings. Very rich and elegant inside in spite of what it looks like outside. I would say, go if you have time, if not, you can place it lower on the priority list. So many amazing museums and art galleries to visit so plan your time well!

The Church of St. George is a truly remarkable place, the oldest preserved monument in Sofia. It is a small red-brick, circular church dating back to Roman times, set among modern buildings, which makes it even more fascinating. Inside, you can admire beautiful Byzantine frescoes from different periods, ranging from the 4th to the 14th century, well preserved and rich in detail. The atmosphere is intimate and spiritual, giving you the feeling of stepping back in time. It is easy to visit, with free entrance, and is located right in the city center, just a short walk from St. Nedelya Cathedral. An unmissable stop for anyone visiting Sofia, both for its historical significance and its unique beauty.

The oldest building in Sofia, and a miracle that it survived wartime bombing and communist indifference. Layers of history, beautiful ancient frescos and an unusual and interesting location. Free to enter, like most churches in Bulgaria. You're not supposed to take photos inside ;)

Lasting for over 1700 years, this church surrounded by ruins, is such a remarkable place to stop by. It's considered the oldest building in Sofia ! Definitely worth the visit and receiving blessings of St.George 🙏🏼

The Rotunda of St. George is one of the oldest buildings in the city, dating back to the 4th century. Its red-brick construction, circular plan on a square base and roughly 13-metre dome create a compact volume rich in history. I really enjoyed how this small building stands out within the urban context, lending the visit a sense of depth.

This is a beautiful temple, an ancient architectural Christian building that will not leave you indifferent with its beauty. Here you will see amazing frescoes, the environment is very cozy and interesting. You will be amazed by its history.

Oldest building in Sofia that’s tucked away in a quiet courtyard right between the Presidency and the Sheraton Hotel.

If you are interested in a better angle for photos, head over to the back of the church by the park. It is less busy and more chances of you getting a solo shot. This is the more humble and smaller church in the old city of Sofia. The architecture itself is reflective of most Orthodox Christian churches with the orb cupolas which are glistening and gleaming of gold. Still a cool stop to make during your walks!

This little Russian Revival style church is so cute and worth the visit. The golden domes are so unique of Russian churches and very attractive from afar. No wait or tickets and very little crowd during the week. Definitely worth a visit to receive blessings of St.Nicholas the Wonder-Maker 🙏🏼

I was truly impressed seeing this church, even if only from the outside. It looks like it came straight out of a fairy tale! The Muscovite-style architecture is very rich, full of details and vibrant colors. What stands out the most, without a doubt, are its golden, onion-shaped domes, which shine brightly and stand out in the city center. It is a unique building, different from everything around it, and perfect for taking some memorable photos.

Free entry. I was so impressed by this Russian Orthodox church, well maintained and looks just amazing inside. Plenty of people who only come to visit and plenty of people came to pray. Please respect both set of humans.

Beautiful orthodox church. Inside is very simple but prayerful.

I love classy things. This church is exactly that. No photos inside so you will have to have a look for yourself 😉

The Church of St. Nicholas the Miraclemaker (Църква „Свети Николай Мирликийски“) is a hidden gem in Sofia that captivates visitors with its charm and spiritual ambiance. This small yet elegant church, dedicated to St. Nicholas, boasts beautifully preserved frescoes and intricate wooden carvings that reflect traditional Bulgarian Orthodox art. The peaceful atmosphere invites quiet reflection, making it a wonderful spot to pause amidst the city’s bustle. Its historical significance and timeless beauty make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Sofia’s cultural heritage.

Sofia’s most iconic and grand cathedral, and its size combined with its stunning architecture gives it a truly commanding presence. Construction: Built between 1882 and 1912 to honor Russian soldiers who died during the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878), which liberated Bulgaria from Ottoman rule. Architectural Style: Neo-Byzantine, with striking gold-plated domes and intricate frescoes inside. Capacity: Can accommodate up to 5,000 people, making it one of the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Features: Lavish interior with marble columns, mosaics, icons, and a massive iconostasis. Significance: Serves as the patriarchal cathedral of Bulgaria, a national symbol of faith, history, and Bulgarian liberation.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is absolutely stunning and definitely a must see in Sofia. The architecture is breathtaking, from the golden domes to the beautifully detailed interior. What really impressed me is the feeling this place gives you. It truly evokes emotion, reflection and a quiet sense of presence. Inside, the frescoes are exceptional, full of depth and beauty, and they make the whole experience even more meaningful. Even if you have seen many cathedrals before, this one really stands out. Iconic, impressive and full of history, it adds something special to your time in Sofia.

The Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of those places that truly catches your eye the moment you see it. Its massive size, golden domes, and unique architecture make it stand out instantly in the city. You can’t help but stop and admire it from the outside. Once you step inside, the atmosphere completely changes. It’s quiet, spacious, and full of beautiful details. The murals, icons, and soft lighting create a calm and almost mystical feeling that makes you want to walk slowly and take everything in. One of the best things is that entrance is completely free, so visiting is very easy. The area around the cathedral is also lovely for a walk, taking photos, or just enjoying a bit of local life.

Such a wonderful cathedral and the largest in the Balkans. It's Neo-Byzantine style is glamorous and admirable. The artwork and chandeliers were such an eyesight. The cathedral is a symbol of Sofia and must visit. There was no wait time during the week and no tickets. A small donation to light up a candle is a nice idea. The crowd was very low.

I was lucky enough to walk in during service and it was magical. There was a beautiful choir singing and the sound was spectacular. I was in tears. The building and the energy almost commands you to be present. The visitors were very respectful. A must visit. I would assume Saturday afternoon is when they have a service.

Free entry. You can either pray or visit or both. One of the most iconic landmarks in Sofia with pure golden roof finish donated by Russia long time ago. Inside, all those riches and hand painted pictures of all Bulgarian saints. Regardless of your faith, it must been seen while visited Sofia.

A breathtaking masterpiece Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is one of those places that compels you to stop, look up, and remain silent. Its grandeur can be perceived from afar, but it is only when you get closer that you can truly appreciate every detail: golden domes shining in the sun, a majestic facade, and an almost magical feeling that accompanies every step. Upon entering, the atmosphere changes completely: soft lighting, the scent of incense, and wonderful icons that tell centuries of faith and history. Even those who are not religious cannot remain indifferent in the face of such beauty. Everything seems to speak of spirituality, art, and Bulgarian identity. I recommend visiting both during the day, to admire its architectural magnificence, and in the evening, when the lighting makes it even more evocative. A must-see for anyone passing through Sofia: it is not just a cathedral, it is an experience that remains in your heart.

Vitosha Boulevard is the pulsing heart of Sofia’s city life. Walking down this wide, lively street, you’re surrounded by chic boutiques, cozy cafés, and the buzz of people enjoying the day. The view of Vitosha Mountain at the end of the boulevard gives it a stunning backdrop, making every stroll feel cinematic. It’s the kind of place where you can wander aimlessly, sip a coffee, watch street performers, and feel the city’s rhythm. By night, the lights and laughter give it a whole new energy — Vitosha Boulevard isn’t just a street, it’s Sofia’s living room.

The main street of the city with many restaurants, shops and interesting spots.

Not to be missed. Good walking. Fresh air. Beautiful space. Nice people!

For walking and exploring city one of the main road

very long and nice central street

Was there every day when i visited Bulgaria, very beautiful street with lots of shops and withe a nice vibe

Excellent place to walk around, do some shopping and then sit down to relax and eat food

There’s not much to see at all… until you enter inside the church (for a fee)! To be honest, I don’t think I would have been able to appreciate as much the inside as well, if we didn’t have an actual tour guide to explain things. Do note that the interior of the church is small. And entry inside is timed by the caretaker to 8~10minutes per group. The main attractions were seeing the three parts of the church and the many beautiful frescoes inside which told so many different stories - interestingly, both Biblical and of the local history of the region. The small church itself is located in the compound of a botanical garden, but the garden itself didn’t seem to have anything unique about it. Boyana Church is one of Bulgaria’s 10 UNESCO Wolrd Heritage Sites.

WOW. Absolutely stunning! Talk to the kind, gentle and knowledgeable guide inside and he will explain the frescos, the history, the significance. You're supposed to only get 10 minutes, but as there was no one waiting to come in we chatted for about half an hour. An absolute gem of a place and we'll worth a short ride out of the city. The area is lovely to walk and perhaps head up the mountain too.

A must-see in Sofia! Boyana Church is absolutely stunning — the frescoes are breathtaking and incredibly well-preserved. It’s amazing to see such important medieval art up close. The setting is peaceful, surrounded by trees, and the staff are very knowledgeable and friendly. A true UNESCO gem and a highlight of my visit to Sofia!

Peaceful and beautiful monastery This monastery is truly a hidden gem – peaceful, green, and with a calming, almost spiritual atmosphere. The architecture is stunning, and the whole area feels very well preserved and serene. Just behind the monastery, there’s also a trail that leads into the forest – a perfect spot for a quiet walk in nature. Highly recommended for anyone looking to relax, reflect, and enjoy some beautiful scenery.

The frescos are amazingly well preserved, and some brief context is given at the start of the 10 minute viewing window. Kind of a trek out ~50 min from the historic old town/Serdika area but easy to get to with public transit. Worth going to especially if paired with the national history museum that’s a 20 min bus away. There is some uphill walking. I recommend in the morning as only ten people are in at a time, so when you arrive and buy a ticket, you then wait for however many sets of 10 mins until everyone in front of you has gone in. They make sure you have a ticket but not what time, so make sure to stand in line at the church or else others can pass you

Even if you have only 10min inside it’s worth it! You need to experience the frescoes in person, they’re simply breathtaking.

This is a short visit but an opportunity to see remaining frescoes in the church. You can see 3 transitions of the building from outside, and the grave of a notable leader.

Easily accessible by bus and car very close proximity to the city. All kinds of trails from easy ones to more difficult. Very quiet and peaceful during the work days less so on the weekends.

Beautiful mountain, different paths, I took the Cherni Vrah path but a storm started but anyway I handled it till the end. Strongly recommend to visit the mountain and even stay there for a day or two. On weekends you can take the metro untill Vitosha station (1,6 leva) then walk straight a few meters and you will find the bus stop, I took bus 66 until Moreni hotel in which I stayed one night too(they have the cutest dog in the world and he is 17 years old!!). The bus cost is also 1,6 leva, first Bus start from 8:55 from the first station and arrived to the bus stop around 9:10 am.

Loved the hike. April start is the best time for the trek. You have a small café on the top that serves food. Don't miss thus trek if you are in Sofia.

My favorite hiking spot! Lots of people everywhere, totally safe, and very pretty!

Amazing hike, if you're a beginner it might be slightly difficult for you but worth it !!! Took me 1h50 from Golden Bridge to the top of the mountain.

We traveled by private car to Simeonovo to take a cable lift there. Unfortunately and please bear in mind that it is opertaing only on weekends during summer time. The lady at the entrance told us that there is other way by car from Aleko hut. The road is ok also for normal cars. Once you reach the place you will exprience a spectacular view and I recommend to take red track to go up.

The summit it self is not very spectacular, quite flat. There is a challet there where you can buy a tea or a coffee. This mountain is better for mountai biking than for treking. The shortest route starts from the refuge Aleko where is a ski lift and a parking place.

Incredibly beautiful spiritual site, highly recommended visiting if you’re in the area and can easily make a day trip out of it from Sofia! So much history in this site, the Monastery is free to enter but I would recommend a guided tour for a rich experience.

Beautiful Monastery and beautiful surrounding. The road from Rila to Monastery was magical as forest around this Autumn was like fairy tale. It was on and off rain so not many tourists came (perfect!). You are not allowed to take photos inside the church and walk into the residential area. Entry is free (not sure about museum as I didn’t get in)

Best place to bei. Spiritual and cultural Highlight placed in magical mountain scenery. Parking ahead with a few Meters walkway possible free of Charge. Highly recommend. If you avoid peaktime, than It ist more relaxing. Full around noon.

Magnificent and unforgettable! Rila Monastery is truly one of Bulgaria’s greatest treasures. The architecture is stunning, surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery, and the atmosphere is peaceful and spiritual. The frescoes and details inside are incredible — a must-visit for anyone traveling in Bulgaria. Absolutely worth the trip from Sofia!

Rila Monastery is truly breathtaking. Nestled in the mountains, it feels like stepping into a peaceful world far removed from everyday life. The architecture is stunning—colorful arches, intricate frescoes, and beautifully preserved details everywhere you look. The courtyard is especially magical, with the striped façade and central church creating a postcard-perfect view. Inside the church, the frescoes are extraordinary and worth taking your time to appreciate. The surrounding nature is equally impressive; the fresh mountain air and quiet trails make the whole visit feel rejuvenating. Parking and access are straightforward, and there are small shops nearby with local treats and souvenirs. A must-visit if you’re in Bulgaria—both for its history and its serene atmosphere.

Rila Monastery is about a 1.5-hour drive from Sofia, nestled deep in the mountains. It’s best to go by car — the road is easy and takes you through stunning scenery. Plan to spend around two hours at the monastery itself, plus extra time to explore the surrounding area. The complex is breathtaking — beautifully preserved and full of history. Don’t miss the small museum and the icon exhibition next to it. From the courtyard, the colorful buildings set against the mountain backdrop are truly spectacular. Behind the monastery, you’ll also find a restaurant and a few souvenir shops. It’s worth arriving early — I got there around 10 a.m., when it was still peaceful, but by 11:30 the tour buses start to arrive and it gets crowded.

Really beautiful monastery. Wonderful endless murals right outside of the church. Free to enter (didn't try to visit the museum) You need to pay for the parking lot, 5 leva (~2.5 euro). The road to reach it was very nice, some parts alongside the river, made a great photo stop as well

Incredible. Hike is difficult so be prepared, so worth it. A bit slippery down, walking sticks would have been nice

Rila National Park and Musala Peak represent a perfect combination of natural beauty, biodiversity and mountain challenge. For nature lovers it offers peace and endless expanses of greenery and glacial lakes; for climbers, the highest peak of the Balkans as a prestigious achievement. This park is a destination that remained in my memory as a journey to the peak of Balkan nature.

282 species of mosses made me come here and I'm not disappointed. The skilift makes it way easier, but it is also possible to walk up yourself. (And it will safe you the money and the waiting) Still worth it to take the ski lift option. It's easy to find parking spots. There are some food and drinking options "upstairs". Good amount of high quality information in different parts of the hike. For me one of the high lights of Bulgaria!

The park is very beautiful especially if you go for a hike during the autumn. Fresh air, stunning views on the way and bright colors all around!

It's the most beautiful place in Bulgaria. LOCAL GUIDE IMPORTANT TIPS: 1. Don't go without warm clothes. It is mountain (2000 m altitude) and the weather changes very fast even if it's looks warm and nice. 2. Take cash money to pay the lift ticket. Tehy don't have card payment 3. You can't see the lakes from the hut. After you take the lift, you have to walk up at least 40 min to see the first three lakes. 4. The sixth and seventh lakes can be seen from the end of June to December. In other months it is dangerous to go there without special equipment. 5. In winter, you can't see the lakes because they're covered with meters of snow. 6. Go there only with trekking shoes. Don't go there with flip flops, sandals, and moccasin. 7. Check the weather before you go!!! 8. Don't go there in August it is crowded.

Beautiful Rila always exciting!!!

It was a fantastic memory in the middle of the rila mountain!!

The road that leads to the lake is not particularly easy to find (especially if you rely upon Google Maps), but asking anyone around couls point ylu to the right direction as it was my case. 😁 The lake itself is not exceptionally special, but the nature surrounding it is amazing!

Beautiful walk around the lake. Although it is an artificial lake, it still idyllicly blends in with the surroundings and makes reflections of the forest and sky that are impressive.

Very calm and quiet, especially at winter and when its sort of windy, this is a must visit place

The restaurants nearby, loud music and improvised bazaar are numbing down the enjoyment in this gorgeous place, but if you find a quiet place you can actually relax and soak in the surrounding beauty.

Calming, beautiful, nice. Perfect for a morning walk!

Amazing view

Beautiful site for a day's visit. But the surrounding offers wonderful hikes and experiences.

The place is really up in the mountains so it could get quite cold. Even in hottest days the temperature there is bearable. The best thing is that those guys are doing this to save the bears and they have done an awesome job in finding the perfect place. It was also really nice seeing the bears from so close.

Very pleasant place! The road is ok, the staff is friendly and talkative, the park is well organized, clean and easy to get around. Tours are also organized every 30-40min with a guide and explanation. It is worth visited.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A really nice place to visit! The bears are well cared for, and the sanctuary is peaceful and educational. It’s great to see them in a natural environment. The guide spoke also in English. Mind the time of the season for visiting.

Lovely place and good cause. Stunning views and guided tours were informative. It’s every 30 min so the you don’t really wait for long. Recommended 👏👏👏

The bears look well. The tour is pretty short - about 40 min and you're back at the entrance. The walk is steep downhill and then back uphill, fortunately all the tour is under tree's shade, so it's not too hot, but it is an effort for those like me, who aren't in shape.

It is great to see the hard work that the foundation is doing for the bears. The tour took around 40 mins. You cannot walk freely in the park, which is the best for the animals. Our guide was very nice and humble.

It was great! We saw about 5 bears. Some really close some not so much. A nice place to visit and kids. Don't miss the rila fun park which is on the way there :)

We were there at the last week of the season, therefore didn’t have any questions. Everything was so fast, easy and relaxed. Cards are in good condition. Dont get the ones with ads on cause you cant see and enjoy the view 😂 We took half day tickets (from 12.30 till 16.00). It was more than enough since it wasn’t crowded. Ticket office and the machines are the same prices. There are stairs to go up very hard to walk would be nice to have a lift.

Extremely long cues, up-to 2 hours in the morning. To save time buy the VIP to use the back entrance, or, take the taxi to the top, or, arrive after the morning rush! There are also long cues to come down as the sun starts to set. Beautiful ride to the top

Absolutely great. I'm over 75, have difficulty walking and for 1Lv had a Gondala pass (same for my assisting daughter). The Gondala staff not only stopped the Gondala so I could get on but messaged ahead to the other end so they would do the same.

One of the greatest views in the area, quick and reliable service!

It's a gondola.... We were in Bansko week before Feb half term and after 9am it was mega busy, 30 minutes wait minimum if you don't have the magic queue jump pass. Runs all day up and down with a mid station stop at Chalin Valog. Takes about 29mins to reach the top. Tickets bought via crystal Ski so can't comment on the usual cost.

Great experience, but the price of 25 EUR /person for a ride is way too much. July 2025

Incompetent system to transfer people to the ski zone. The queue may take up to 3 hours. Second lift shall be in service at earliest. Although they charge 50€ per day, the quality does not match the expectation. There are alternative queues (so called Vip line and Ski school) inside gondola station, this is the reason why you wait too long outside. Apart from that, slopes are surrounded with pine trees and the lifts uphill are relatively less busy.

5 out of 5. They are helpful. Effordible equipments and ski school. Our 8 year old kid become a perfect skier in 3 days 6 hours private lesson with Ivan. IVAN is a great instructor and professional skier. He leads our kid to 2600 meter to down Bansko. I highly recommend Ivan to new learner in private lesson so you don't waste time. It was a great week us in Bansko with ski mania. Many thanks them.

Great and very helpful service. Basic but good equipment and fairly priced. You can leave your equipment in the shop at the end of the day and pick it up the next morning, without having to carry it to your hotel. And this is free of charge!

Top ski rental! Very friendly staff, the equipment is good quality and prices are very reasonable. Also, the cable car to the slopes is literally round the corner from the shop. Highly recommended!

These ski instructors are absolutely amazing! They are amazing with the kids, even my anxious, difficult (but lovely) 4 year old. Which is a miracle! They had my 2 eldest skiing down red runs after 6 hours of teaching them. They had my 4 year old using the ski road. I honestly cannot believe it. 100% worth every penny. Thanks so much guys!

⭐️Nick⭐️ you were absolutely amazing and taught us to ski from zero experience to this in just 2x2hour lessons... we can't thank you enough. We love skiing. From Emily and Ruairí If you want to look as fantastic as us on the slopes we booked the following... *private lesson 2-1*

The skiing itself is brilliant and very good value for money. The slopes near the top were very decent until the afternoon and the views are spectacular. But. To get to the slopes, everyone has to get on the same gondola. We got there at 8 in the morning and even though it was not peak season, we had to wait 1 hour just to get on. My recommendation: There are plenty of taxi drivers hanging around the bottom station who offer to take you up for 10 Lew. Do yourself the favour and pay for the taxi, it saved us so much time and hassle. Also, the restaurants on the mountain are terribly overpriced. Expect to pay double to three times as much as in town. Food was ok, but definitely nothing to write home about. Since the restaurants are all run by the same company, there’s no alternative other than bringing your own food so I find that a bit annoying. I would definitely come back though considering the overall value for money. Total cost (hotel, ski passes, ski rental, food,..) was probably close to a third of what we would have paid in Austria or Switzerland.

I had a great time learning to ski with Georgi Pantev / Ski Mania, a Bulgarian Ski Champion ! He has a very gentle approach and I was able to pick up the basics in no time ! This is your man !!!

Of all three Strumica waterfalls, this one is my favorite. This waterfall is one of the easiest waterfalls to access in Macedonia. You can walk to it along a 350-meter path or 5-10 minutes. The entire path is in deep shade, with lush vegetation and lots of greenery. There are benches and gazebos set up in several places on the path to the waterfall, as well as in front of the waterfall. It is 15 meters high and is one of the highest in Macedonia. A fence has been set up in front of the waterfall, for the safety of visitors and to prevent them from swimming in the pool that the waterfall creates.

A beautiful waterfall worth visiting.

One of the 4 waterfalls in Strumica, it is very nice, there is parking available to leave your car, and then through the pathway it takes 15 min to reach the waterfall.

Beautiful Koleshino waterfall lies over Village of Koleshino in Municipality of Novo Selo. It is flowing from the Baba River, on elevation of 610 metres on the Mountain Belasica. The waterfall gently falls over the stone cliffs nestled in the forest of Mountain Belasica at a height of 19 metres in multiple watery streams only to reform into the river below.

Absolutely beautiful! Great for camping! Many tables there! 10/10 There is trash everywhere, we cleaned up few areas. Hopefully people will take more care of this amazing place. 🥰

worth a visit, one of the more beautiful waterfalls in Macedonia, well-maintained and marked, beautiful nature

A wonderful, relaxing place in our beautiful Macedonia, worth visiting.

A very peaceful and tranquil place to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the monastery as it must have been centuries ago. You truly realise the meaning of serenity here. Well kept, authentic, and with free admission. The Rozhen Monastery is one of the oldest and best-preserved monasteries in Bulgaria, dating back to the 13th century. You can see stunning views of the surrounding hills, mountains and vineyards. The monastery is famous for its beautiful frescoes, wood-carved iconostasis, and peaceful courtyards. Unlike some larger monasteries, it has a very intimate and authentic feel, making it a true spiritual retreat.

Very peaceful place with breathtaking views, so well preserved it looks like the time stopped at 18th century- going there is like travelling in time.

All of the oldest Orthodox monasteries in the region with deep and important history

Tips for Visitors: Wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Be respectful of the sanctity of the site. Consider making a donation to support the monastery's upkeep. Combine your visit with a hike to the Melnik Earth Pyramids for a truly unique experience.

It was interesting. A place sacred and peaceful. Worth the visit. The monks have even opened the old rector so you can see it.

By far the most calm monastery I have visited in Bulgaria. I have been here 25 years ago and now, a month ago. It is very well maintained and the interior of the church is magnificent. One of the only places I have visited in Bulgaria where the candles are self-service and one leaves money for the candle and gets the amount of candles corresponding to the left money. The young guy sitting inside the church was kind enough to explain to me why one of the icons inside the church has a donkey head in stead of human. The parking is a bit away from the main entrance in case you have mobility issues. I would definitely come back to this monastery. If you fancy buying souvenirs or local produce such as jams there are few vehicles parked on the parking area. Lovely view of Melnik hills from there.

It's a really underrated place to visit... Absolutely a must. The views are jaw dropping, the facilities are good and it costs nothing....you are not allowed to film or take pictures in the main chapel,but that was not an issue. Overall I would highly recommend ❤️🇧🇬

One of the most beautiful lakes in Greece. Good for bird watching, as many spieces of birds both rare and protected exist in the area. Also fish variety, beautiful forests and mountains around the lake. Boat tours are available. Local people are producing many traditional products (i.e. steaks, sausages, milk, sweets) from Buffalos which exist in the area. Good accommodation options at the nearby villages (i.e.Kerkini village).

Except nature which is beautiful, everything else looks straight out of a 3rd world country. Abandoned buildings, broken benches, poverty and a general feeling of misery. Local government looks non-existent which is normal since we’re talking about Greece.

Lots of birds a natural habitat.

Amazing place with tremendous flora and fauna. I believe there's no entrance fee as it's an open park. You can take a boat ride that will take you to a spot with most wild birds, it costs around 8 EUR per person. The place is great to visit each season. In the winter it will be full of pink flamingos and pelicans as they stay there for the cold months. In the summer there will be a much greater variety. When the waters go down, you'll be able to see the cattle. Make sure to take the camera!

Having read all of the following comments and having visited this area several times I have to say that "Despite the abandonment", which unfortunately prevails by the competent people the place is worthy of admiration !!! Why..? 1) One of the largest and most important wetlands in Greece. 2) More than 250 species of birds and not only. 3) Surrounded by 4 terms: Beles, Krussia, Hook & Mavrovouni. 4) There are over 10 activities that you can enjoy small adults, some of which are: boating on the lake, hiking, hiking. 5) Located near the town of Serres and the town of Sidirokastro. For a daily or even better two-day excursion, I would also recommend to visit: 1) Rupela Fort 2) Monastery of Agios Prodromos (Serres because there are 2 in the area) 3) Serres Town, valley & Acropolis 4) Loutra Sidirokastrou 5) In conclusion: May (We) be useless and we can not create and sustain anything, but it seems, however, that Nature itself is a struggle for survival.

I went here in the autumn, it's not the best experience I have ever had, but for a chill weekend with your family this is for sure a good place, you can have a boat trip, horse riding, etc...

Special place, quiet and pleasant. There is really nice ice cream 🍦 great nature. It is our responsibility to keep the place clean!

A very nice place to visit! An historical place for Greece's history, built to stop a possible Bulgarian invasion was later used do withold the northern border against the German Armed Forces in the WWII. A complex underground structure with all the commodaties to lodge about 1000 soldiers, altgough it was never finished. It is very well preserved and the guides are very knowledgeable of it's history. The downside is that a lot of the information is only in greek, but you can still find some in english aswell. The view from the summit is overwhelming, allowing a full view to the southern Bulgarian border with Greece. It also has a souvenir and bar shop in case you want to take a bit of greek history with you or just have a refreshment.

What an incredible experience and a fascinating insight into one of the fortifications built by the Greeks to defend Greece during World War 2. The soldier who took us for the tour was extremely knowledgeable and even though we arrived late as the drive was over 2 hours away and required multiple stops because of kids etc, still took us on the full tour and even allowed my wife and I time to translate from Greek to English for them. The tunnel system preserved is fascinating and the views of Northern Greece and Bulgaria are breathtaking. Highly recommended for any WW2 buffs. As the base is manned by active Hellenic Army personnel and a free entry - not sure of what quality an English language tour would be as obviously they would be able to give a much more detailed explanation in Greek.

Restored fortification establishment from WW2 built as a part of the Metaxa protection line. Lots of work has been done to bring it back to shape and make it visitable. Network of underground corridors with excellent natural ventilation. The whole place is maintained by the Greek army and tours are carried by military personnel. They are very responsive and since everything is in greek, they offer to do the tour in English which is really great. All of this for free! 5 stars and definitely must see.

A place with a great history that made the German army bow to the bravery of the Greek soldiers.

Outstanding restoration and maintenance of the fort. A great short and comprehensive briefing by the executive of the Greek army. Good frappe coffee in the canteen, but lack of comics print. You have to order them online. It would be better if they were in stock so the visitor could buy them from the point of sale in the fort.

What an incredible experience and a fascinating insight into one of the forts built by the Greeks to defend Greece during World War 2. The soldier who took us for the tour was extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. He explained everything in English which cannot be faulted and was very patient in answering our questions. Top marks to the guide. The tunnel system was fascinating and the views of Northern Greece and Bulgaria were beautiful and breathtaking. The base is manned by active Greek Army personnel, entrace and guided tour is free. Definitely recommend.

Excellent historical place to visit, to learn about the Balkan history. This region has a diverse heritage but the bunker is about Greek history between the two world wars and about the Second World war and the role of the bunker... 90% are Greek local visitors. Tours in English are available, people in our group were from Germany, Macedonia and Bulgaria.

A very nice place to visit! An historical place for Greece's history, built to stop a possible Bulgarian invasion was later used do withold the northern border against the German Armed Forces in the WWII. A complex underground structure with all the commodaties to lodge about 1000 soldiers, altgough it was never finished. It is very well preserved and the guides are very knowledgeable of it's history. The downside is that a lot of the information is only in greek, but you can still find some in english aswell. The view from the summit is overwhelming, allowing a full view to the southern Bulgarian border with Greece. It also has a souvenir and bar shop in case you want to take a bit of greek history with you or just have a refreshment.

What an incredible experience and a fascinating insight into one of the fortifications built by the Greeks to defend Greece during World War 2. The soldier who took us for the tour was extremely knowledgeable and even though we arrived late as the drive was over 2 hours away and required multiple stops because of kids etc, still took us on the full tour and even allowed my wife and I time to translate from Greek to English for them. The tunnel system preserved is fascinating and the views of Northern Greece and Bulgaria are breathtaking. Highly recommended for any WW2 buffs. As the base is manned by active Hellenic Army personnel and a free entry - not sure of what quality an English language tour would be as obviously they would be able to give a much more detailed explanation in Greek.

Restored fortification establishment from WW2 built as a part of the Metaxa protection line. Lots of work has been done to bring it back to shape and make it visitable. Network of underground corridors with excellent natural ventilation. The whole place is maintained by the Greek army and tours are carried by military personnel. They are very responsive and since everything is in greek, they offer to do the tour in English which is really great. All of this for free! 5 stars and definitely must see.

A place with a great history that made the German army bow to the bravery of the Greek soldiers.

Outstanding restoration and maintenance of the fort. A great short and comprehensive briefing by the executive of the Greek army. Good frappe coffee in the canteen, but lack of comics print. You have to order them online. It would be better if they were in stock so the visitor could buy them from the point of sale in the fort.

What an incredible experience and a fascinating insight into one of the forts built by the Greeks to defend Greece during World War 2. The soldier who took us for the tour was extremely knowledgeable and very accommodating. He explained everything in English which cannot be faulted and was very patient in answering our questions. Top marks to the guide. The tunnel system was fascinating and the views of Northern Greece and Bulgaria were beautiful and breathtaking. The base is manned by active Greek Army personnel, entrace and guided tour is free. Definitely recommend.

Excellent historical place to visit, to learn about the Balkan history. This region has a diverse heritage but the bunker is about Greek history between the two world wars and about the Second World war and the role of the bunker... 90% are Greek local visitors. Tours in English are available, people in our group were from Germany, Macedonia and Bulgaria.

Cannot tell how much I loved this place. Went there twice in our stay. Christos and Frosita are just amazing lovely people. Their horses are so calm and nice and they love a good scratch. They use your body to scratch their heads. My partner galloping for the first time there. Very tasteful design. We will definitely go back to Greece and will go there for their two day trip.

Nice place in the mountain. The staff is very friendly, the horses are calm and being well-cared for. The walks are easy. Place to take a coffee and food. Excellent experience, had a great time and for sure will go again!!

Cute place, very well done, well cared for animals, good support for kids and adults alike for riding. Very reasonable prices.

A wonderful escape just outside Thessaloníki! The staff at this horse farm are incredibly friendly and welcoming. The love and care they provide to the horses and other animals is evident. It's a perfect spot for families with kids or couples looking for a romantic horseback riding experience. After a ride, enjoy a refreshing drink amidst the beautiful scenery. Highly recommend!

Amazing area to visit and especially with families with kids of small age. It has a good chunk of variety on what you can do there. Most important mentions are: Horse riding. Can get a small 1 hour ride and up to a week worth of travellint on a horse if you sign up on their events Shooting range with bb guns and bows. All precautions are taken so even my friend's 6 year old got involved without risking his safety. Small zoo with mostly farm animals and some "exotic" ones like lammas. Rentable wild west themed cabins to sleep at. Salloon with fresh meat. Couldnt recommend it any more than i do now. This place is one of the few ones that are enjoyable for all ages. Definetly put it in your bucket list if you plan on travelling in central greece.

A very nice place for activities outside Thessaloniki city. You can ride a horse, have archery or just having a drink. It makes you feel being in a real Western City in US. Very good for families with young children. Worth a visit.

An excelent place outside the city. More than suitable for children. The ride with horses was amazing. Breathtaking landscapes. We will go back.

It is a very beautiful cave, quite long and wide, with a beautiful river inside, very well prepared for visitors, and a nice park outside. I 100% reccomend a visit.

Amazing experience. Everyone who comes to have vacation 100km around, worth the effort to come and walk in this amazing cave. The tour lasts 40 minutes, it is flat and easy to walk (we did it with two kids 4 and 6 years old). Needs a light jacket (17° celcious). You go in small groups of around 30 people and need to wait a while for people to gather.

A unique cave. Inside the cave it is cool with a temperature of 17 degrees. There is a café nearby.

This is the most interesting thing to visit. Outside temperature 37° inside temperature 15°, the feeling is great, great experience 👌. Highly recommended

Very beautiful cave with a lot of things to see, excellent for small children as it is not very long to walk. The only minus is that the tour was not in English.

This is one of the first cave/caverns I have ever been in, and if I could give it six stars I would. It is spectacularly breathtaking. It goes into the mountain about 500 m and you must take a guide. There is a river running through it, and it is the only river cave in Greece. There is evidence of bones from 30,000 years ago, but until they discovered it in the '80s, there is no evidence that any men have been inside. There are a few species of animals and insects that are particular to this cave which makes it very cool. They don't allow cameras or especially flash photography, but the guy was nice enough to allow us to do it.

Don’t miss. Impressing cave. Unique. The tour and the guide.

I loved this place because it has a lot of nature beaty with a lot of fishes grogs etc also you can enjoy your coffe there with the best view in drama

Beautiful oasis in the city. Totally recommended

An absolute gem! There's no excuse not to visit this amazing natural beauty! Even if it is out of your way, don't think twice to reroute. The drive is very panoramic and you will have a chance to make your own desktop and mobile background wallpapers. The best of all, you will be met by a professional speleolog, who will guide you and explain everything about the cave. Our guide was amazing and she explained everything in English and Greek and answered all out questions. Bring some worm clothes, longsleeved, since the temperature is around 17(+/-) Celsius throughout the year. You will also have a chance to visit other points of interest in the vicinity and buy some locally made products. If you are coming from the seaside, you could even pick up some discount coupons (-2 EUR per adult) in local hotels and tourist information offices. Lastly, after you visited the cave, I do suggest to visit Alistrati village and have a meal in one of the taverns.

Very nice experience, the cave is big, the tour is about 1 hour if you keep the pace going. Wear a jacket as the temp inside is 18 celsius even if outside you got 40.

Amazing place and experience You are under 40 m Not cold - temperature is 18 -19 C Except guide you also will see and listen the robot guide😘 Persephone speeks more than 10 languages,

A must-visit if you’re in the area! The Alistrati Cave is absolutely stunning — a truly unique experience. We were lucky to have a great tour with Vasilis. Keep in mind that visits are only allowed with a tour guide, and tours run every hour, so if you arrive early, it’s worth the wait!

Magnificent place to visit. We went there on a family trip. Kids were fascinated with the surroundings. My eldest son made a parallel with minecraft and his fantasy ran wild from there on.

What a pefect day - Undeground - at the Alistrati Cave! When you're near Drama or Serres be sure to visit the Alistrati Cave (Σπήλαιο Αληστράτι) to see a fantastic natural wonder, a world underground with impressive stalactites and stalagmites! A guide takes you on a journey through the underworld (the path is well lit) and at the end, there is a lovely little taverna with homemade food and cold frappes. Perfect.

Well organised tour with a knowledgeable and multilingual guide into a wonderful cave full of glorious stalactites and stalagmites. Well worth a visit - wheelchair accessible and about 1km long (each way).

Visited the ancient ruins while on a pilgrimage tour of Greece. The whole site is massive with ruins dating back to the time of St. Paul the Apostle and from the later Byzantine era. It is highly recommended during the summer to wear a hat, bring sunscreen and an umbrella for shade. Highlights included the amphitheater, Byzantine era basilica, the town square and the location of the prison where Paul and Silas were kept in during their stop over in the city. Next to the entrance is a cafe where you can purchase food and drinks.

Very fun experience overall. Alot of the places to see were closed off for Saftey, and the museum costs alot - 10 euros each on top of the entrance ticket, despite that, the staff Is very nice, a man gave us a tour around a section of the plot, around a tomb. you get an hour or two of walking around and exploring for ten euros and kids go free. I'd recommend strongly, especially if more things open up

I loved visiting here, especially being a Christian and knowing the history of this town. The excavations are only partially done, but you can still get a real feel of what it must have been like. Such a great experience!

This is very important site for Bible story. There are site of prison of Paul & Silas. This is the place that encounter triggered events that led to Paul and Silas being imprisoned. In Acts 16:16, a young slave girl with a spirit of divination, who was earning her masters a lot of money by fortune-telling, met Paul and Silas as they were going to prayer. In Acts 16:23, after being severely flogged, Paul and Silas were thrown into prison and ordered to be guarded carefully by the jailer. On May 18 of 2025, which we visited, Greece celebrates International Museum Day, when museums and archaeological sites are open for free.

I loved the amphitheatre and it's amazing acoustics! It's insane to experience the "technology" that they had so many years back. We went on our own, so I think we missed a lot of the information, although there were enough signs explaining what you were looking at. The prison of Paul that we were most excited to see, was not much, but it was nice being at the place that he walked and spoke. The price of 10€/person is a bit too much.

10 euro per person to enter. Worth the excursion. Small village of Krinides nearby for a nice lunch.

A beautiful and big archaeological site worthy visiting. Admission was about $6 Euro per adult. On the day of our visit happened to be a special holiday in April and admission was free. They have lots of displays and explanation signs along the way. Along a QR code to download for more information. It is a fair big area. Do bring comfortable shoes and sun / wind protections. Water for a hot day. You will also find a prison cell label St. Paul’s prison (as Paul was jailed in Philippi according to the Bible) There are restaurants and facilities in the entrance area you can get food and drinks as well. Museums and shops, etc. Highly recommended!

Very interesting site, quite a large area and very pretty scenery

Very impressed! This place is open every day but on Tuesdays and free of charge! They have excellent facilities (toilet, water fountains), guides who are in different points ready to answer your historical questions, an amazing free app with an audio guide whose narrator is a merchant who arrives to the town some days after Aristotle died... The views are stunning, the ruins have enough information and there are benches to rest, trees providing shade. Some areas aren't great for people with reduced mobility though but with strong helpers you can visit almost of all it even on wheels.

Steeped in history, this significant archaeological site, with strong indications for the tomb of Aristotle, offers an incredibly enriching experience. It's free to enter and you can explore Ancient Stageira city through well-maintained walking paths over the hill, guided by helpful signs with explanations. Recently, they've even added information to a special mobile app that enhances your discovery as you walk, though you'll also find friendly staff on hand. For summer visits, avoid peak temperatures and be sure to wear comfortable shoes and sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and take water with you. The view from the site is amazing, and while there are wonderful beaches nearby, be aware they can get quite crowded.

Great place for walking and sute seeing, before all educational.

Free entrance. Toilet at entrance, signs, guides all over the place. Nice view.

Beautiful place for walk and very nice view on sea and coast...

Free entry. Toilet at the entrance. Pedestrian paths with explanatory boards. Interesting for walking and sightseeing. Nice view. It's worth a visit.

A nice little park but not too much to it. Some of the little exhibits don’t work and need repairs. Some nice views too. But for €2/person it was worth the 20 min stop. For kids it’s probably a nice spot to have a run around.

Certainly a nice activity for kids, and a lovely view. However, today, the two attendants bludgeoned a hand-sized, unassuming, certainly not dangerous snake to death - despite my intervention. Aristoteles certainly wasn‘t a promotor of animal cruelty.

Definitely worth a short visit, the entry fee is not too high, I think it was 2 Euro (2025-10) if I remember correctly. We had a lot of fun with all the "gadgets" and explored and tested them one by one, needed approx. 45 min. There is some ancient tower at the side of the area, contributing to the nice place. We came here in the course of a road trip to eastern Chalkidiki visiting ancient Stageira, Varvara waterfalls and the Hilandar - Kakovo monastery and this park could be combined very well. The only unfortunate thing is, that the nearby café is closed for renovation and will not open until 2028 (planned), if ever. Therefore I hope the park will continuously get the attention it deserves and the place will not become desolated, as so many others apart from Chalkidikis "fingers".

This is a theme park where anyone who is curious and likes to test how great inventions work, can spend few hours exploring. It is easy to reach and besides what visitors can do in the park, the view is breathtaking. The personel is very nice and welcoming, offering information about the park and the geographical area.

I gave 5 stars for the Stagiriti, not for the efforts invested in the park…

Aristotle’s Park is a wonderful place to visit with children and pets. The park is clean, peaceful, and full of interesting attractions related to Aristotle’s philosophy and science. There’s plenty of space to walk, play, and enjoy nature. It’s both fun and educational — a perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxing day outdoors. Highly recommended!

A wonderful educational and scenic spot worth visiting! Aristotle's Park in Halkidiki is a beautiful and engaging place, perfect for families. The natural surroundings are lovely, and the interactive exhibits inspired by Aristotle’s scientific principles make it a unique experience. Since much of the park is in open space, it's best to visit when the sun isn't too harsh—early morning or late afternoon are ideal. To get the most out of the visit, it's a great idea to explain the basic concepts behind the optical, physical, and acoustic experiments to children beforehand. This way, they'll understand what they're seeing and will be excited to try out the hands-on experiments themselves. Highly recommended for curious minds and nature lovers alike!

An amazing beach, covering a long distance at the coast approximately 1km from N.Peramos. The place itself is easily accessible and offers both beach bars and open spaces, providing a place for everyone. The sand is white and clean ( don't forget to leave the place cleaner than before visiting). The sea is relatively shallow but there is a lifeguard around. The day we visited there were strong winds but even then the water was crystal clear.

This place is absolute magic! The beach is very clean, the turquoise waters are otherworldly, and little fish swim near the shore — much to the kids’ delight as they chased them around. Parking is easy at the nearby public lot, and the beach cafés offer chairs and umbrellas for a very reasonable price. They also serve delicious and affordable food and drinks, so you don’t need to leave the beach all day if you don’t want to. There are changing rooms and an open shower to rinse off before heading back to your car. A wonderful spot for families — we can’t wait to visit again!

This is the reason why after 15 years this exotic beautiful location has become a tourist attraction and not summer vacations. People lying on sunbeds one after another paying 50 euros for 2 sunbeds and 1 umbrella even if they seat 100 meters from the sea! Beach bars one next to each other with music that make no sense (even Halloween music) and no space to enjoy the true sand hills... One beach bar was burntdown instead of removing it naturally. What a pitty that 15 years ago this was an exotic place and now is like going to Athens beaches in a Sunday morning!!! Αχ Ελλάδα μου γλυκιά πως σε κατάντησαν έτσι!

Big sandy beach, no stones at the entrance of the sea. Clear water. Lots of beach bars, though rather expensive. For this kind of beach it's probably the best one in northern Greece.

Wonderful beaches around. Very clean douches and toilets. Good service, may be little bit expensive. The water is clean and transparent. You may see underwater life easily. The music is louder. Good for families as well as young people Recommend

A stunning beach with lovely white sand and turquoise blue sea. There is a small road to park in on the walk to the beach. There are no open restaurants or shops or toilets on the beach itself, but this is late May. It may be different in season. Enjoy 😊

Great beach, really fine sand and clear water. The toilets and showers are really nice and the staff are very welcoming and sweet. Wasn't a big fan of the music, we were at the end of the section far from the dj but it was still quite loud and at times a bit weird. The pizza is big, I think for two people, so have that in mind. Food and drink prices are very reasonable.

Such a gorgeous beach, the water was crystal clear and very clean. It was crowded, but the beach is huge and there was enough space for everyone without feeling like you have no space.

Alykes Beach in Ammouliani island is truly amazing; the water is transparent and beautifully reflects the blue sky, and the sand is light and fine. I visited on July 20th (a Sunday) after a boat trip, and it was definitely enjoyable, even though we spent most of our time in the water. The beach has facilities equipped with umbrellas and loungers, as well as bars for food and drinks.

Perfect water, sandy beach, plenty of parking . A few places to get coffee and snacks with options to use sun beds and sun umbrella.

Great beach! Water is clean, there are no trash on the beach, sand is perfect. Music from the nearby beach bars is not too loud.

A beautiful beach with wonderful white sand and turquoise clear water.

One of the best beaches on the island, but very crowded, packed like sardines. Gently sloping and crystal-clear water.

Excellent beach with super clean water

We bought tickets online for the Blue Lagoon. The boat was comfortable and not too big, there weren't too many people like on other boats, so there was enough space for everyone. The lunch was delicious, served right on the beach. A special thanks to the team, the service was top-notch. Everyone was very friendly, kind, and caring. Highly recommend!

Greece is Bliss! Nirvana and Paradise rolled into one. Mt Athos one day excursion via operator Athos Sea Cruises aboard boat "Captain Fotis" is exceptional for 25-35€ ($30-40). Father/Son Family run business with superb hospitality, customer service, and professional crew. Large Clean, well-maintained ferries with ample room to move around and various seating arrangements. I personally met, chat with at length, and now adore Captain George. Friendly, personable, and loves life to the fullest. Seeing the various monasteries from afar is beautiful and satisfying. They do an excellent program of boarding holy monks and relics to bless those believers of Christianity and Eastern Greek Orthodoxy. You may also purchase a variety of goods such as icons, crosses, incense, olive oils and honey produced by the monks from the Holy Mount Athos. Ouranoupolis is heaven on earth and Drenia/Banana Beach are spiritually uplifting energy healing pools of divine waters. I will return soon and maybe stay forever. Highly recommend!! Eternally grateful and thankful for the blessed experience.

Got tickets online. The ship lands at the top point of the port. Guided tour in english,bulgarian,serbian and russian. There are 3 decks. There is a bar at the lowest deck. Very comfortable and enjoyable experience

Great cruise, very informative. One star less for the endless amount of talking as everything will be repeated in several languages.

Met all our expectations. Reasonable price for a boat shared with 200 people. Easy to wander across decks for best shots of the Athos scenery, information on monasteries provided in various languages via loudspeakers could be well understood. Monks visit boat for blessings and selling religious items. Relaxed 3 hours despite boat was full, of course nothing intimate or with privacy. Little shop on board.

We had a great experience. In the morning we watched the monasteries from the boat, at about 13h we were at a very nice sandy beach. The lunch was good, then some free time and at about 16:30 we boarded on the boat to go back. It is really worth doing this little trip.

It was a very nice trip. I liked the cruise itself, enjoying the swimming at the banana beach, the lunch was tasty and served quickly. I also liked the live music on board and the staff was very friendly and willing to help. The boat was spacious enough and clean. All perfect.

Magical place, cosy taverns, tasty food. In my opinion September is the best time to be there. Day cruiser available to different destinations and water taxi to well organised beach ⛱️.

Nice building. Some fascinating facts on the board next to it too but that's about it. Great photo opp. Oranopolis is a pretty little village to buy some gifts and have food/drinks...The taxis drop off and pick up directly outside the Byzantine Tower so if you visit Oranopolis by cab, you really can't miss it!

The Byzantine Tower of Petriona, also known as the Tower of Ouranoupolis, is one of the most iconic monuments in Halkidiki, Greece. It's located in the picturesque village of Ouranoupolis, the last stop before Mount Athos. It was likely built in the 14th century by the Vatopedi Monastery to protect its dependency.

The Byzantine Tower of Prosphorion is one of the most charming landmarks to see by the beach. Its old stone walls and impressive structure instantly transport you back to another era, while the location right by the sea makes it even more special. It’s a great spot for taking photos, enjoying the view, and soaking up the history of the area. After visiting, you can easily enjoy a walk along the coast or stop at a nearby café. A beautiful mix of history and seaside atmosphere – definitely worth a visit when you’re in the region!

nice place to see. small museum, on three levels. beautiful view to sea ana village.

Visit this old tower to learn a piece of history and for the view on the sea. Take a few minutes to read the information about the history, because it is definitely better than the exposition hosted inside the tower. The tower is not very tall and the last floor is off limits but still, the view from the window stills is nice.

It’s the signature tower of Ouranoupolis but although I’ve been many times in the village on my way to Agion Oros, haven’t had a chance to visit inside. The locals tell me there isn’t anything special which is a shame because it could have been a great museum as the spot is very touristy…