Rhodope Mountains

At the stroke of midnight on January 1, 2025, Bulgaria officially joined the Schengen Area for land travel, marking a significant milestone in the country's integration into the European free travel zone.

The first snow of the season has arrived in Bulgaria, just as meteorologists predicted. The snowfall began early this morning in the central parts of the Stara Planina and the higher areas of the Pre-Balkans. Photos and videos shared on social media show that while the snow is light, it has been enough to blanket the autumn landscape in a thin layer of white.

Bulgarian archaeologists at Perperikon have uncovered new evidence of ancient life, including a system of blood sacrifice altars used for divination. Two altars were discovered, one for making holy wine and another for blood sacrifices. These altars are reminiscent of those used in the worship of the Thracian horseman and the temple of Mithras, according to Prof.

French planes have resumed firefighting operations in the Maleshev mountain region, continuing their efforts under the European Disaster Relief Mechanism for the third consecutive day. The aircraft began their operations at 9 o'clock this morning, focusing on dousing the flames in the affected area. Still no word on any Bulgarian helicopters

During the night, there will be scattered clouds, predominantly significant over Eastern Bulgaria, with no precipitation expected. Conditions will remain relatively calm, with minimum temperatures ranging between 6° and 11°, while in Sofia, temperatures will hover around 6°.

During the night, following a temporary decrease in cloud cover, there will be a new increase in cloudiness originating from the southwest, initially at higher altitudes. The northwest wind will weaken over Western Bulgaria and calm down.

Tonight, expect cloudy skies with rain in the southwestern areas, possibly significant in isolated spots. Eastern Bulgaria and the Upper Thracian Plane will experience low cloudiness or fog. A gentle to moderate southeasterly wind is anticipated with minimum temperatures ranging from 3° to 8°, around 6° in Sofia.

Bulgaria is currently under an orange weather warning for heavy snow, drifts, and black ice in 14 regions across Western, Northern, and Southern Bulgaria. The rest of the country faces a yellow weather alert, with snow cover expected to range from 10 to 30 centimeters in regions affected by adverse weather conditions.

As the winter season unfolds, Bulgaria's popular winter resorts, Borovets and Pamporovo, are witnessing a surge in foreign visitors, with a notable presence from Britain and various Balkan countries. Both resorts are currently experiencing high occupancy rates, with Bulgarians forming the second-largest group of tourists.

Bulgaria's Minister of Agriculture, Kiril Vatev, is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative to cultivate saffron, signaling a potential agricultural renaissance in the country.