Midsize Woman

I spent quite a bit of time in Sofia, Bulgaria, and eventually I reached that familiar traveler’s question: Is there somewhere interesting I can escape to for the weekend without flying?

Belogradchik didn’t immediately come to mind. In fact, at first, Bulgaria wasn’t even the plan.

Instead, we looked north.

Romania, specifically Craiova, and more precisely, its Christmas market. But what started as a festive city break slowly evolved into one of the most memorable weekend road trips I’ve done in the Balkans. On the way back to Sofia, we added stops in Belogradchik and Vidin, and suddenly this short trip turned into something far richer than expected.

If you’re visiting Bulgaria and want to go beyond the obvious, this route might surprise you.

Can Tourists Rent a Car in Sofia?

Yes and it’s easier than you might think.

Renting a car in Sofia is one of the best decisions you can make if you want to explore beyond the capital. Most international rental companies operate at Sofia Airport and in the city center, and prices are generally affordable compared to Western Europe.

What you’ll need:

• A valid passport
• A driver’s license (EU licenses work; non-EU travelers may need an International Driving Permit)
• A credit card for the deposit

One important detail: cross-border travel. Since this route includes Romania, you’ll need to confirm that your rental company allows taking the car outside Bulgaria and provides the necessary documents. This usually costs a bit extra but is very common.

Road conditions are generally fine, but northwestern Bulgaria can feel remote, especially in winter. Snow, fog, and narrow roads mean you should drive slowly and plan carefully. Still, having a car gives you complete freedom and makes places like Belogradchik realistically accessible.

Craiova

Let me be honest: the Christmas market was the only reason we went to Craiova. And it completely exceeded expectations.

Craiova’s Christmas market is one of the largest and most impressive I’ve seen in Europe. Yes, bigger and more immersive than Vienna’s, and far more extensive than Sofia’s. It stretches across multiple squares, each with its own theme, light installations, food stalls, and festive energy.

Despite its size, it didn’t feel overly touristy or chaotic. Locals were everywhere, families gathered around food stalls, and felt genuine rather than tourist-driven.

Craiova Old Town

Beyond the market, Craiova’s Old Town is compact and lively. Colorful façades, pedestrian streets, and cozy cafés make it perfect for an evening walk. One night here is more than enough to soak it all in.

Where to Stay in Craiova

For a one-night stay, location matters more than luxury.

Recommended areas: Near the Old Town or central squares.

Accommodation ideas:

• Hotel Royal Craiova – Central, comfortable, and ideal for short stays
• Ramada Plaza Craiova – Reliable option with easy access to the city center
• Boutique guesthouses near Old Town – Great value and walkable to the Christmas market

We stayed just one night, which felt perfect before heading back toward Bulgaria.

Belogradchik

Where Is Belogradchik?

Belogradchik is located in northwestern Bulgaria, near the Serbian border, around 3.5–4 hours from Sofia by car. It’s remote enough to feel special, yet accessible with proper planning.

The drive itself is stunning. As we crossed back into Bulgaria, the scenery shifted, quiet villages, rolling hills, and then suddenly, towering red sandstone formations. It started snowing, which meant driving slowly and carefully, but the landscape was breathtaking.

Why Visit Belogradchik?

The answer is simple: Belogradchik Fortress.

Built into massive natural rock formations, the fortress dates back to Roman times and was later expanded by the Byzantines and Ottomans. Instead of dominating the landscape, it merges with it, stone walls flowing naturally into towering cliffs.

Walking through the fortress feels cinematic. From the top, panoramic views stretch across forests, valleys, and surreal rock formations that define this region.

When to Visit Belogradchik

Winter was magical but brutally cold.
As someone from Indonesia, I was not built for this weather. Even my Bulgarian friends admitted it was freezing (though they handled it far better).

Best time to visit: Late spring, summer, or early autumn.
You’ll enjoy warmer weather, hiking trails, and longer daylight hours.

Where to Stay in Belogradchik

Belogradchik is small, so most places are close to the fortress.

Accommodation ideas:

• Family-run guesthouses – Cozy, affordable, and often with mountain views
• Small hotels near the fortress – Ideal for sunset and early morning visits
• Local villas or B&Bs – Perfect if traveling with friends

One night here is enough to explore the fortress and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Vidin

On the way back to Sofia, we added Vidin as a stop and it turned out to be a great decision. Not only for sightseeing, but also to break up the drive and let the driver rest.

Vidin sits directly on the Danube River, facing Romania. The city felt noticeably quiet, almost empty. This is partly due to long-term population decline in northwestern Bulgaria, as many residents have moved elsewhere for work.

Walking around Vidin feels slow and spacious, with wide streets and a slightly melancholic charm.

Baba Vida Fortress

The highlight is Baba Vida, the best-preserved medieval fortress in Bulgaria. Located right on the riverbank, it features stone towers, inner courtyards, and peaceful views over the Danube.

It’s compact, uncrowded, and genuinely beautiful, well worth the stop even if you don’t stay overnight.

Final Thoughts

Is This Weekend Road Trip from Sofia Worth It?

Absolutely.

This trip reminded me why road travel is so rewarding. Not because everything was convenient but because it wasn’t. Belogradchik and Vidin reward curiosity, not the easy way.

If you’re planning a trip to Bulgaria, I strongly recommend setting aside two or three days for this route. Rent a car, check the weather, and don’t be afraid to explore places that don’t show up in every travel guide.

Because travel often feels more meaningful when you visit places others skip not because they aren’t beautiful, but because they take a bit more effort to reach.

And Belogradchik? It more than deserves the journey.