Sofia, Bulgaria

Sofia is one of the most beautiful capital cities of Eastern Europe: it is the capital and the largest city of Bulgaria, a country located in the southeastern part of the European continent. The city is situated in the western region of the country, in a valley near Vitosha Mountain. The metropolitan area of Sofia covers roughly 1,311 km² (about 506 square miles) and the elevation of the city is around 550 meters (about 1,800 feet). Sofia lies approximately 340 km (about 211 miles) west of the coastal Bulgarian city Burgas. The city is also relatively close to several Balkan capitals: Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia, is about 174 km (108 miles) southwest of Sofia. 

Thanks to its location in the heart of the Balkans, Sofia is surrounded by several mountain ranges. To the south lies Vitosha, while to the north are the northern Balkan Mountains; to the west and northwest lie ranges such as the Lyulin Mountains. This setting gives Sofia access to many natural landmarks and panoramic mountain views. The central part of the city remains in the plain of the valley, while some well-known neighborhoods and districts include Krasno Selo, Izgrev, Sredets, Oborishte, and others.