Lake Atanasovsko, located just north of Burgas, is a coastal salt lake known for its vivid pink hues. The Instagram-ready colours are caused by the microalgae Dunaliella salina. Spanning a vast area, the lake is divided into two sections. The northern part is a protected nature reserve, home to over 300 bird species, including rare and endangered waterfowl like Dalmatian pelicans and white herons. The southern section is used for traditional sun-and-shovel powered salt production, yielding around 40,000 tons annually. The lake’s high salinity and mineral-rich mud are believed to have therapeutic properties, attracting visitors seeking natural remedies for skin conditions, arthritis, and other ailments. A designated birdwatching shelter near the lake’s edge offers observation spots for wildlife enthusiasts. Access is restricted to marked paths to preserve the delicate ecosystem. With its unique blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance, Lake Atanasovsko is a remarkable destination on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.

Dubrovnik’s baroque Assumption of the Virgin Mary Cathedral was built in the 18th century over the earlier Romanesque Cathedral dating to the 12th century, which was destroyed in the great earthquake of 1667. The Treasury inside the cathedral houses 132 relics of saints dating from the 11th to the 19th centuries. The priceless head, arms and leg relics of St Blaise that were crafted by Dubrovnik goldsmiths date between the 11th and 12th centuries.

Treasury of wines from Maribor and its surroundings The Old Vine House Winery is a true treasure trove of Maribor wine-growing districts, as it represents around 55 local winemakers who contribute to the collection of more than 200 different wine labels, including the Oceanus sparkling wine that matures for several months at the bottom of the Bay of Piran, earth-ripened orange Dolium wine and the like.