Exploring Bulgaria by road from Sofia is one of the most rewarding ways to see the country. Whether you live in the capital or are just visiting, a short weekend escape offers a refreshing break, a chance to connect with nature or history, and a pause from everyday life. Many of the country’s best destinations are just a couple of hours away, making them perfect for a quick getaway.
Having a reliable car makes it easy to set your own pace, adjust plans as you go, and comfortably explore a variety of landscapes and attractions. With so many options within reach, there’s a perfect destination waiting for every type of traveller.
About 145 km from Sofia, Plovdiv is an easy 1-hour 45-minute drive and perfect for a weekend break. As one of Europe’s oldest cities, it offers a mix of living history and charm with its cobbled Old Town, Revival-era houses, and Roman theatre. The creative districts add a modern touch with cafés, galleries, and small shops that give the city a laid-back, artistic feel.
It is a place made for strolls, good food, and simple exploration. Parking in the centre can be tight, but a rental car still helps because you can park a little outside and enjoy walking the rest. With your own vehicle, you can also detour into the nearby Rhodope Mountains.
Rila Monastery is about 120 km from Sofia, roughly a two-hour drive into peaceful mountain scenery. This UNESCO site impresses with colourful frescoes, quiet courtyards, and a serene atmosphere. The surrounding forests and rivers are ideal for short walks and fresh air. Staying overnight nearby offers a quiet evening far from city noise. The road has a few winding sections, so having a comfortable, steady vehicle helps, especially in winter.
Around 220 km from Sofia, or a 3-hour drive, Veliko Tarnovo delivers dramatic scenery and medieval history. The hilltop fortress offers wide views of the town and valley, while the old quarter’s narrow streets and traditional houses create a charming, historic setting. At certain times of year, you can catch the Sound and Light show over the fortress. Although steep in some areas, the town is rewarding to explore, and having a car makes it easy to reach different viewpoints, restaurants, and nearby attractions.
Around 150 km from Sofia, Bansko is a two-hour drive and a favourite for mountain lovers. It is known for skiing, but warm seasons offer just as much with hiking trails, calm forests, lakes, and relaxing spa hotels. Local taverns serve hearty Bulgarian food, adding to the cosy mountain feel, while the surrounding nature makes it perfect for exploration and outdoor activities.
Only 110 km from Sofia, about 1 hour and 40 minutes, Koprivshtitsa feels like stepping back in time. The village is full of colourful Revival-era houses, small museums, cobbled streets, and quiet charm. It is ideal for slow walks, long lunches, and peaceful afternoons by the river. Because it sits away from major routes, the village offers a calm and unhurried experience, perfect for exploring at your own pace.
Located about 130 km from Sofia (around two hours), Velingrad is Bulgaria’s “spa capital.” Its mineral springs, spa hotels, and thermal pools make it perfect for a relaxing reset. Nature spots like Kleptuza Lake and the surrounding forests offer gentle strolls and fresh air. Booking early is wise, especially on weekends, and the nearby villages and scenic areas are easy to explore while enjoying a peaceful stay.
About 180 km from Sofia, a 2-hour 30-minute drive, Melnik is Bulgaria’s smallest town and one of its most picturesque. Surrounded by unusual sandstone formations, it offers slow-paced charm, traditional houses, and excellent local wine. Short hikes to the sandstone “pyramids” are enjoyable, especially at sunset. The area is remote, allowing visitors to explore vineyards and nearby sights at a relaxed pace.
Belogradchik is about 170 km from Sofia, roughly a three-hour drive, and home to one of Bulgaria’s most impressive natural landmarks. Its towering rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for the historic fortress nestled between them. The area is full of scenic trails and nearby caves like the Magura Cave. Because it’s remote and spread out, having a reliable rental car is essential for reaching viewpoints, exploring freely, and enjoying a quiet weekend surrounded by nature.
Proper planning can make any weekend trip from Sofia smoother and more enjoyable. By thinking ahead about your route, weather, essentials, and accommodation, you can focus on relaxing and exploring. Key points to keep in mind include:
Renting a car can make any weekend trip from Sofia easier, more flexible, and more enjoyable. With a variety of vehicles and simple booking options, you can travel comfortably and explore Bulgaria at your own pace. Here are the key benefits of using Final Rentals:
For more tips on renting a car in Bulgaria, check out A Complete Guide to Renting a Car in Bulgaria for First-Time Travellers.
Here are a few weekend trip ideas combining destinations and car rental for different moods.
A city and culture break could take you to Plovdiv early on Saturday morning. You can explore the Old Town, Roman Theatre, galleries, and enjoy a slow evening dinner. On Sunday, spend more time strolling through Kapana district before heading back to Sofia, with the option of stopping at a scenic spot on the way.
A relaxing weekend might lead you to Rila Monastery. Spend Saturday afternoon at the monastery and nearby trails, stay overnight in a peaceful guesthouse, and on Sunday take a light hike before driving back refreshed.
For those seeking peace and comfort, a spa weekend in Velingrad lets you enjoy mineral pools, massages, and nature walks. After a restful night, a gentle stroll around a lake or forest on Sunday sets the tone before returning home.
Wine lovers may prefer a wine and countryside Retreat in Melnik. Arrive Friday evening or early Saturday, explore the sandstone hills and vineyards, enjoy tastings and homemade dishes, spend the night in a traditional inn, then return on Sunday afternoon.
With your own rental car, each of these options becomes more flexible and enjoyable, because you decide when to start, where to stop, and how long to stay.
Bulgaria is full of amazing travel possibilities, from historic cities and majestic mountains to peaceful monasteries, spa towns, quaint villages, and stunning natural rock formations, many just one to three hours from Sofia, making them perfect for a weekend getaway. Whether you want to immerse yourself in culture, relax in nature, enjoy wine by sunset, or indulge in spa baths, there is a destination ready to welcome you.
By choosing to rent a car in Bulgaria with Final Rentals, you gain the flexibility to travel at your own pace, explore hidden gems, and shape your trip exactly the way you want. Final Rentals makes booking simple and reliable, and you can even use their app on Google Play or the App Store to reserve your car quickly and easily. With this flexibility, your next unforgettable weekend adventure from Sofia is closer than you think!
