They appear in the most unusual places: high in the mountains, on the seashore, under the treetops, and even directly beneath the starry sky. This relatively new phenomenon in Bulgarian tourism is known as ‘glamping’ (a portmanteau of ‘glamorous’ and ‘camping’).

The unconventional accommodations provide the comfort — and often the luxury — of a hotel, all while keeping guests close to nature. Though typically pricier than regular camping, glamping offers a perfect balance between rustic experience and modern convenience.

What does glamping look like, and why are Bulgarians increasingly seeking it out?

According to the Bulgarian Glamping Association (BGA), there are currently around 20 authentic glamping sites in the country, mostly consisting of spacious, super-comfortable tents.

If luxury caravans, bungalows, and villas operating under the glamping concept are included, the number of such locations in Bulgaria increases significantly. In an interview with Radio Bulgaria, Valentin Krumov, chairman of the BGA, explained:

“The concept is relatively new in Bulgaria, although it originated in England around 2005. Glamping is for nature lovers who don’t want to be traditional campers. They want to enjoy the outdoors but with comfort — to sleep in a bed with white sheets, just like in a hotel room, and have all the usual hotel amenities, while still being surrounded by nature.” The term came into use in Bulgaria around 2020, when the first glamping sites appeared.

Prices range from 100 to 300 leva (around 50 to 150 euros) per night, depending on the type of accommodation and its location, says Krumov. Although most clients currently come from Romania, the Bulgarian Glamping Association is working to attract tourists from Scandinavia and Western Europe, where this type of holiday is extremely popular. Krumov’s newly created international online platform is also helping to promote glamping in Bulgaria. The association aims to list all such accommodation sites in the country by the end of the year.

What types of glamping sites are there in Bulgaria, and where are they located?

There is already a variety of glamping sites in the country — from Mongolian yurts and wooden cabins to luxury retro caravans, bell tents, and safari tents, some of which are equipped with private bathrooms.

One can even find entire glamping villages with small clay houses straight out of a fairy tale, or a campsite for nostalgics furnished in the socialist style of the 1970s and 1980s, yet equipped with all modern amenities. Valentin Krumov tells us more:

“Yurts are the most common type of accommodation in the country, alongside two kinds of glamping tents: safari tents and bell tents. We also have luxury caravans, which can be included in this form of tourism — some offer extensive amenities such as private bathrooms and toilets. Glamping sites can be found in Balchik on the northern Black Sea coast and around Sozopol and Tsarevo on the southern coast. Another site is set to open near Sofia. There are also several locations in the mountains, for example Tsigov Chark.”

So, will glamping become a popular form of recreation in Bulgaria?

Ten years ago, all-inclusive packages with entertainment and other extras in large seaside hotels were all the rage, but attitudes are changing. Bulgarians are increasingly choosing quiet holidays in peaceful mountain locations or by the sea.

“At first, Bulgarians didn’t know what to expect from glamping, so they usually booked one or two nights just to try it out and see what it was all about,” says Valentin Krumov. “Meanwhile, foreigners — especially Romanians, who traditionally holiday in Bulgaria, particularly in the summer — were already familiar with this kind of getaway. We’re seeing them book longer stays, often a week or more. Now that our compatriots have caught on and tried glamping at the seaside or in the mountains, they’re actively seeking it out too.”

This hybrid model, which combines the outdoorsy experience of camping with the comforts of a luxury hotel, is expected to grow in popularity among both Bulgarian and foreign tourists seeking an authentic holiday without compromising on comfort. The Bulgarian Glamping Association hopes that by 2026 Bulgaria will have established itself as the leading glamping destination in Eastern Europe.

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