Why Bulgaria Should Be on Your Worldschooling Family’s Radar for Long-Term Stays

Thinking about a long-term base for your worldschooling family? Let me tell you why Bulgaria has been winning us over—slowly but surely—and why it might be the perfect fit for your tribe.

First off, Bulgaria is still one of the most affordable places in Europe. The personal income tax is just 10%, which is practically unheard of, and if you’re dreaming of a countryside escape, you’ll find charming houses with big gardens for a fraction of what you’d pay in Western Europe. We’ve met families who’ve bought land, started little farms, and are living that “back to basics” life, with space for the kids to roam and chickens to chase.

Nature, Festivals, and Community

Summer here is something special. Sure, the Black Sea coast can get busy and pricey in July and August, but there are still wild, untouched beaches if you know where to look—and a real camping culture, which our kids absolutely love. Pitching a tent, making campfire dinners, and falling asleep to the sound of the waves is a summer highlight.

But what really makes Bulgaria stand out for us are the festivals—especially Beglika and Sabudi Se.

Beglika Festival is hands-down one of the most unique, eco-friendly festivals we’ve ever been to. It’s set in the stunning Western Rhodopes, right by the Golyam Beglik dam, surrounded by pine forests and mountain air. The vibe is all about community, nature, and creativity. There are workshops for everything: bread-making, herbalism, straw-building, folk games, yoga, dance, and even didgeridoo lessons. There’s a special family camping area, so you’re not up all night with the party crowd, and loads of activities for kids. Evenings can get chilly (bring warm layers!), but the days are filled with music, art, and just soaking up the outdoors. It’s the kind of place where you leave feeling inspired to live a little greener and more connected.

Sabudi Se (which means "Wake Up!") is another festival close to our hearts. Held every July in the Rhodope Mountains, it’s more than just music and fun—it’s a six-day adventure focused on personal growth, creativity, and caring for the environment. There are over 600 events, from lectures and workshops to music, crafts, and games for all ages. It’s a fantastic place for the kids to explore new interests and for parents to connect with other like-minded families. The festival’s whole spirit is about waking up your curiosity and your sense of community.

And speaking of hidden gems, I have to mention Polkovnik Serafimovo—a tiny mountain village that’s become famous thanks to the Meadows in the Mountains festival. While the festival itself is more of an adult playground (think all-night music, wild costumes, and a party vibe that’s not exactly aimed at families), the village and its surroundings are absolutely magical for families the rest of the year.

Polkovnik Serafimovo is tucked away in the Rhodope Mountains, surrounded by rolling meadows and panoramic views that make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. The village is full of traditional stone houses with terracotta roofs, friendly locals, and a real sense of stepping back in time. You can stay in cozy guesthouses, hike straight from your doorstep, and let the kids run wild in nature. It’s peaceful, authentic, and a perfect spot for families who want to slow down and soak up the mountain air.

Even though Meadows in the Mountains isn’t the most family-friendly event, it’s worth mentioning for its incredible energy, eco-conscious spirit, and the way it brings the whole village to life every June. The festival is known for its “leave no trace” philosophy, support for local projects, and stunning art installations and workshops. But honestly, for families, Polkovnik Serafimovo shines brightest outside the festival dates—when the meadows are quiet, the stars are bright, and you’ve got the mountains all to yourselves.

Meadows in the Mountain

A Living Classroom: History, Museums, and Ancient Sites

One of the things I love most about Bulgaria is how it feels like a living, breathing history book. This country is packed with ancient sites, monasteries, and museums that make learning totally hands-on for the kids. You can wander the cobbled streets of old towns like Plovdiv and Nessebar—both UNESCO World Heritage sites—and literally touch the layers of history, from Thracian ruins to Roman amphitheaters and medieval churches.

We’ve spent afternoons exploring the massive Rila Monastery, nestled high in the mountains. It’s not just a beautiful building—this place has been a spiritual and cultural center for Bulgarians for over a thousand years, and the frescoes and museum here are jaw-dropping. The kids love hearing the stories of monks, kings, and revolutionaries who once found refuge within these walls.

Rila Monastery

Sofia and Plovdiv are packed with interactive museums, like the National History Museum and Muzeiko, a children’s museum that makes science and history fun and hands-on. There’s also the Boyana Church, famous for its medieval frescoes, and the ancient fortress of Tsarevets in Veliko Tarnovo, where the kids can run around and imagine life as medieval royalty.

Honestly, if you’re worldschooling, Bulgaria is a goldmine. Every outing turns into a lesson—whether it’s art, history, or just learning how to navigate a new culture.

Year-Round Learning and Adventure

When the weather cools down, Bulgaria transforms into a winter playground. Ski resorts like Borovets and Bansko are super family-friendly, and there are even organized courses from Sofia that’ll take your kids up Vitosha Mountain for ski or snowboard lessons—perfect if you’re working and can’t take the whole day off. And if you’re into worldschooling meetups, Bansko has become a bit of a hub, with groups running winter-long programs and families from all over the world joining in. Worldschooling Bansko has run six consecutive winter hubs attracting families from all over the world and providing an array of activities including winter sports.

On top of all that, Bulgaria is packed with history—museums, monasteries, ancient ruins—which makes it a dream for hands-on learning. And the local homeschooling and worldschooling community is growing, with regular meetups, family festivals, and support if you’re new to the country.

A Few Realities

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. The language barrier can be tough at first, especially in rural areas, and things sometimes move at a slower pace. But honestly, we’ve found Bulgarians to be welcoming, and the lifestyle here is so accessible compared to much of Europe.

So, if you’re looking for a place where your family can slow down, connect with nature, dive into new experiences, and be part of a real community—Bulgaria might just surprise you. We came for the affordability, but we’re staying for the adventure—and for the endless opportunities to turn every day into a learning experience.