A Guide to Keeping Cool in a Bulgarian Summer: Traditional and Practical Tips for Your Home

Summers in Bulgaria can be hot, especially in July and August when temperatures regularly climb above 30°C. While many newer buildings have air conditioning, older Bulgarian homes were designed to stay cool naturally. Whether you live in a city apartment or a village house, these traditional and practical methods can help you beat the heat without relying on electricity.

Work with the sun, not against it

The most effective way to keep a home cool is to stop heat from entering in the first place. In Bulgaria, that starts with shutters. Many houses and older apartment blocks have wooden or metal exterior shutters known as kapatsi. Close them on the sunny side of your home during the day—especially on south- and west-facing windows—to block direct sunlight. Inside, draw light-coloured curtains or blinds as a second barrier. At night, once the outside air cools, open everything to let the heat escape and the cool air in.

If you have a balcony, consider adding a retractable awning or training climbing plants like grapevines or morning glory on a trellis. These create natural shade and can lower the temperature on the balcony and the room behind it.

Encourage cross-ventilation

A gentle breeze can make a huge difference. To create cross-ventilation, open windows or doors on opposite sides of your home. If the layout allows, place a fan near an open window facing inward to pull cooler outside air through the room. In the evening, set a fan in a window blowing outward to exhaust warm air. Remember to close windows and shutters again in the morning before the day heats up.

Use the building's thermal mass

Many Bulgarian homes have thick brick or stone walls that absorb heat slowly. During the day, keep these walls shaded and the interior dark; they will stay cooler than the outside air. At night, open windows to let the walls release stored heat. If you have a basement or ground-floor room, it will naturally be the coolest spot—use it for sleeping during heatwaves.

Stone or tile floors are also your friends. Splash a little water on them in the evening; as it evaporates, it cools the room. Avoid rugs and carpets in summer, as they trap heat.

Adjust your daily rhythm

Bulgarians have long adapted their schedules to the heat. The afternoon nap or siesta is common in rural areas, with the hottest hours (roughly 2–5 p.m.) reserved for rest. Plan errands and outdoor activity for the early morning or late evening. When cooking, choose meals that require minimal heat—salads, cold soups like tarator, and grilled foods are summertime staples. If you must use the oven, do so in the evening when you can open windows to release the heat.

Cool your body, not just the room

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective. Keep a spray bottle of water in the fridge and mist your face and arms. Soak your feet in a basin of cool water. Place a damp cloth on the back of your neck. Drink plenty of water and herbal teas like linden or mint, which are popular in Bulgaria and can be served cold. Avoid heavy, fatty meals and alcohol during the day, as they raise body temperature.

Embrace the evening air

As the sun sets, step outside. Bulgarian towns and villages come alive in the cool of the evening. Join the razhodka—the traditional evening stroll along the main street or in the park. The air is fresher, and the social atmosphere is a welcome distraction from the heat. When you return, your home will have had a chance to cool down with open windows.

By combining these time-tested methods, you can stay comfortable all summer long, even without air conditioning. Not only will you save on electricity, but you'll also live more in tune with the natural rhythms that have shaped Bulgarian life for generations.