Bulgaria’s capital usually brings to mind associations with hearty Balkan cuisine that is best washed down with an invigorating glass of rakia (local fruit brandy). But Sofia’s food scene has undergone bold transformations in recent years. Blending imagination, tradition and laid-back spirit, the taste of Sofia is ever-evolving and waiting to be rediscovered.

Bulgaria’s capital usually brings to mind associations with hearty Balkan cuisine that is best washed down with an invigorating glass of rakia (local fruit brandy). But Sofia’s food scene has undergone bold transformations in recent years. Blending imagination, tradition and laid-back spirit, the taste of Sofia is ever-evolving and waiting to be rediscovered.

Hopping in the car and going on a drive through the stunning dreamscape of the Balkan Mountains or along the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea is a bit like a fairytale. Read ahead to embark on four scenic drives through the region’s immaculate beaches, epic mountain ranges, ancient castles and unspoiled valleys.