Veliki Preslav Travel Guide

Get a comprehensive guide for visiting Veliki Preslav, Bulgaria including places to visit, things to do, where to stay, transportation options, and local culture.


Introduction to Veliki Preslav

Veliki Preslav is a small historical town located in Southern Dobruja, Bulgaria. It served as the capital of the First Bulgarian Empire during the 9th and 10th centuries, becoming an important center of culture, trade, and religion. Nowadays, it’s a popular tourist destination, well known for its archaeological sites, historical landmarks, and scenic views.

List of Places to Visit in Veliki Preslav

Veliki Preslav has many interesting places to visit, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Preslav Archaeological Reserve: The reserve comprises the ruins of the medieval city of Preslav, including the Great Palace, the Round Church, the Golden Church, and many other historical buildings.
  • The Museum of History: A museum located in the central part of Veliki Preslav that showcases the rich history of the town and the Bulgarian Empire.
  • The St. Cyril and St. Methodius Monastery: A monastery that was founded in honor of the two brothers who created the Cyrillic alphabet, which is still used in many Slavic languages today.

Natural Attractions of Veliki Preslav: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The Park of the Sinite Kamani: A natural park close to Veliki Preslav, offering beautiful forests, lakes, and hiking trails.
  • The Kamchia Biosphere Reserve: Another protected area that is about 12 km away from Veliki Preslav, it’s ideal for birdwatching, canoeing, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Veliki Preslav

Hiking and biking enthusiasts will enjoy the trails around Veliki Preslav, including:

  • The Green Mountain Trail: A 30 km hiking trail that offers breathtaking views of the Bulgarian mountains and surrounding countryside.
  • The Kamchia Biosphere Reserve Trail: A circular hiking trail in the Kamchia Biosphere Reserve that is about 17 km long, showcasing the spectacular views of the biosphere reserve.

Best Things to Do in Veliki Preslav: Activities and Tours

  • History Tours: Visitors can take a guided tour of the Preslav Archaeological Reserve and the Museum of History to learn more about the town’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Outdoor Activities: For more adventurous travelers, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and canoeing.
  • Traditional Food Tours: Veliki Preslav is known for its local cuisine and offers many interesting food tours for visitors to experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Veliki Preslav

For a week-long visit to Veliki Preslav, we recommend the following itinerary:

Day Activities
1 Visit the Preslav Archaeological Reserve and the Museum of History
2 Hike the Green Mountain Trail
3 Explore the Kamchia Biosphere Reserve
4 Visit the St. Cyril and St. Methodius Monastery
5 Participate in a Food Tour
6 Take a guided bike tour of the region
7 Relax and enjoy the local shops and restaurants in Veliki Preslav

Food and Drink Scene of Veliki Preslav

Veliki Preslav has a rich culinary tradition, and visitors should not miss trying the following:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tarator: A cold soup made of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. Perfect for a hot summer day!
  • Kavarma: A hearty stew made of meat and vegetables, cooked in clay pots.
  • Tutmanik: A bread made of cheese, eggs, and flour.

Local Beverages

  • Rakia: A fruit brandy made from plums, grapes, or other fruits. It’s a strong alcoholic drink, often served as an aperitif.
  • Boza: A sweet, slightly alcoholic drink made of wheat and millet.

Where to Stay in Veliki Preslav: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are plenty of options for accommodation in Veliki Preslav, including guesthouses, hotels, and hostels. Some of the best choices include:

  • Preslav Family Hotel: A cozy and comfortable hotel located in the heart of Veliki Preslav.
  • The Old School Guesthouse: A charming guesthouse that offers rooms with traditional Bulgarian decoration.
  • The Green House Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel that provides comfortable accommodations for backpackers and travelers on a budget.

What to Buy in Veliki Preslav: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring back from Veliki Preslav include:

  • Traditional Pottery: A unique type of pottery that has been produced in the region for centuries.
  • Bulgarian Rose Oil: A highly valued product made from the roses of the Kazanluk Valley in Bulgaria.
  • Handmade Souvenirs: You can find many handmade crafts, like embroidered tablecloths, traditional dolls, and carved wooden boxes.

Local Culture and Customs of Veliki Preslav

Bulgarian culture is rich and diverse, and visitors to Veliki Preslav can experience it firsthand by participating in traditional celebrations and customs. Some of the most significant festivals and events in the region include:

  • The Day of St. George: A traditional holiday, celebrated at the beginning of May, that includes horse racing, live music, and local food.
  • The Rose Festival: A festival held in the Kazanluk Valley that celebrates Bulgaria’s rose industry, where visitors can see traditional rose-picking, distillation, and rose-oil production.

Best Time to Visit Veliki Preslav

The best time to visit Veliki Preslav is during the spring and summer seasons, from April to October. The weather is mild and sunny, perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Veliki Preslav

Here are some basic do’s and don’ts when visiting Veliki Preslav:

Do:

  • Respect the local traditions: Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries, and be respectful of local customs and etiquette.
  • Try the traditional food: Bulgarian cuisine is unique and delicious, so make sure to sample some of the local dishes.
  • Take care of the environment: When hiking or participating in outdoor activities, be mindful of your surroundings and leave no trace.

Don’t:

  • Be loud and disruptive: Bulgarian culture values politeness and calmness, so avoid shouting or being overly loud in public spaces.
  • Smoke in public areas: Smoking is not allowed in most public spaces, including restaurants and cafes.
  • Ignore safety precautions: When participating in outdoor activities, make sure to follow the safety guidelines and take appropriate precautions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Veliki Preslav

Veliki Preslav is a relatively safe town, but visitors should take some basic safety precautions, such as:

  • Avoid traveling alone at night: Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially when traveling alone at night.
  • Protect your belongings: Keep your valuables safe and be careful with your personal belongings, especially in crowded places.
  • Be aware of scammers: Watch out for scams or pickpocketing attempts, especially in tourist areas.

Health in Veliki Preslav

Visitors to Veliki Preslav do not need any specific vaccinations or health precautions. However, travelers should be up to date on routine vaccinations and take standard precautions to avoid illnesses, such as:

  • Wash your hands regularly: Wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
  • Drink bottled water: Avoid drinking tap water, especially in rural areas.
  • Protect yourself from the sun: Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the strong Bulgarian sun.

Getting to Veliki Preslav: Transportation Options and Logistics

Veliki Preslav is accessible by various means of transportation, including:

Airports Near Veliki Preslav

The nearest international airport is in Varna, about 130 km from Veliki Preslav. There are also several smaller airports in the area that offer domestic flights within Bulgaria.

Bus Stations Near Veliki Preslav

The closest major bus station is in Shumen, about 20 km from Veliki Preslav. There are also smaller bus stations in nearby towns, such as Ticha and Madara.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car or hire a taxi to travel to Veliki Preslav. Additionally, there are several private tour companies that offer guided tours of the region.

How to Get Around in Veliki Preslav

The best way to explore Veliki Preslav is on foot, as the town is relatively small and pedestrian-friendly. However, visitors can also rent bicycles or hire a taxi to get around. There are also several bus routes that connect Veliki Preslav with nearby towns and cities.

Where to Go Next from Veliki Preslav: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many interesting nearby destinations and excursions that visitors to Veliki Preslav can consider, including:

  • The Madara Rider: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 16 km from Veliki Preslav that features a famous rock-carving of a horseman.
  • The Shumen Plateau: A series of rock formations and plateaus that are about 20 km from Veliki Preslav.
  • The Black Sea Coast: The Bulgarian coast on the Black Sea is only a few hours’ drive from Veliki Preslav and offers beautiful beaches and seaside resorts.

Conclusion

Veliki Preslav offers visitors a unique glimpse into the rich history and culture of Bulgaria. From the ancient ruins of the medieval city to the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside, there is something for everyone to enjoy. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan an enjoyable and memorable trip to Veliki Preslav with ease.

Part of the walls of once-mighty Preslav Part of the walls of once-mighty Preslav The Golden Basilica at Preslav Fortress The Golden Basilica at Preslav Fortress Archaeological Museum Archaeological Museum