Bulgaria

Bourgas, Bulgaria – the Black Sea?s Forgotten City

Bulgaria has fast become a favourite holiday destination with British holidaymakers; and with pristine ski resorts, beautiful beaches and low prices that undercut Western Europe, it’s easy to see why. Sofia, the country’s capital and Bansko, its premier ski resort, have been particularly big winners in the tourism game, attracting a large share of international travellers. But there are many other less known spots which are worth a visit.

The coastal city of Bourgas, for example, has often been overlooked and dismissed by tourists as being over-industrialised – and it makes sense as to why. Situated on the coast of the Black Sea, Bourgas is the fourth largest city in the country and a major economic and cultural centre. However, there are beautiful beaches within the city itself and it’s a major starting point for those who want to visit other seaside resorts in the area, such as Slantchev Bryag and Elenite Village to the north and Duni Village in the south. These areas are heavily geared towards tourism, offering the choice of some 90 hotels and 17 camp sites and drawing about 2.5 million foreign and domestic tourists every year.

Bourgas itself is an attractive city, and while it is large in size, it makes for a refreshing break from the crowds and commercialism of other seaside resorts in the area. The centre is very tourist friendly and provides an ideal base from which to explore nearby towns all along the Black Sea coastline. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy surfing or scuba diving, and those intrigued by Bourgas’ industrial history can visit the salt pans to learn how salt is made and refined.

Bourgas is also a city rich in culture and history, and was left largely untouched by the communist urbanisation – so tourists can enjoy its nineteenth and twentieth century architecture. The local people of Bourgas are also known for their artistic spirit, which is represented by various festivals throughout the year, such as the International Folklore Festival and the National Exhibit FLORA, as well as international contests for Latin and American dances. The Sea Garden Park is also well worth a visit, consisting of a large area of neatly tended flowerbeds, shady tree lined paths, a small zoo and an open-air theatre. It is one of the major recreational areas in Bourgas, stretching from the harbour along the Black Sea coastline to the northern end of the city.

The many attractions of Bourgas make it a fantastic holiday destination; however, the region’s stunning scenery also makes for a perfect opportunity to experience Bourgas and its environs by car. You’ll find that there are various facilities available for car hire in Bourgas, offer cars of various sizes – so whether you’re on a romantic break for two or travelling with your entire family, you’ll be able to sightsee in comfort. Hiring a car during your holiday in Bourgas will also make the city and its environs more accessible, allowing you to use your time to see more, rather than simply get from one place to another.

So whether you want a base from which to explore the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, or simply looking for a fantastic city to holiday in, Bourgas is an ideal choice. And if you hire a car in Bourgas, you’re guaranteed to make the most of your sightseeing experience.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria Apartment and Villa Rentals

Bulgaria probably wouldn’t be the first place you’d think of as a holiday destination.

But this great country is a popular location with many holidaymakers and is definitely worth exploring if you haven’t visited before. In summer, the seaside resorts are a major tourist attraction. In winter, there are some fantastic skiing opportunities in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria boasts a good mix of sun, sandy beaches, history and culture and some amazing landscapes. This country is ideal for a family holiday. What’s more, it’s perfect for a self-catering holiday, as there is a wide choice of holiday homes to rent here. Whether you’re looking for an apartment or villa, then you will find it in Bulgaria!

Not surprisingly, the Bulgaria Beach Resorts on the Black Sea coastline are very popular with tourists. This is a good area for a family vacation, as it offers some lovely sandy beaches, warm seas and plenty of attractions to keep everyone entertained.

Bulgaria is a great destination if you’re a sports lover, too, as there are plenty of activities you can do here. There are lots of water-sports available, such as jet-skiing, water-skiing, scuba diving, para-skiing, para-sailing, boating and fishing. Or if you prefer land-based sports, you could try your hand at tennis, mini-golf, cycling, horse-riding, volleyball or bowling.

Along the Bulgarian coastline there are many lovely sea resorts, such as Albena, Slanchev Bryag (Sunny Beach), Zlatni Pyasatsi (Golden Sands) and the Bulgarian Riviera.

Golden Sands is a huge resort (in fact, it’s the largest one on the Northern Black Sea coast) and offers just about everything you want during your holiday. It also boasts some famous healing hot water mineral springs. Not surprisingly, this resort has a gorgeous beach, along with restaurants, bars, a good nightlife, sports facilities, water sports activities and more!

There are also lots of sightseeing opportunities around this area, such as the Aladzha rock monastery.

The city of Varna is not far away and offers some great attractions for visitors. There’s the Varna Museum of Archaeology, which is worth a visit. While you’re in Varna also try to get to Seaside Park, which is located by the beach. There are many interesting places to see within the park, including Seaside Baths, the Navy Museum, the Museum of Natural History, the Aquarium, the Astronomical Observatory and the Planetarium and Dolphinarium.

If you like touring around, then you could also check out Balchik, which is a small seaside town and would make a great day trip from your self-catering accommodation. You can take a stroll along the promenade of this lovely fishing town, see the royal summer palace and also the beautiful botanical gardens here.

Albena is another great resort and offers something for everyone, whatever their age or taste.

If you’ve got time, then be sure to visit Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria. It’s a great city to visit and has a wealth of attractions and facilities for tourists. There is no shortage of things to do in Sofia, whether you want to visit some interesting museums, take a relaxed stroll, do a spot of shopping or sample some traditional Bulgarian cuisine.

And if you don’t want to go on a beach or cultural holiday in Bulgaria, you can always go skiing in the winter months! This country is a fantastic destination for a skiing vacation.

Bulgaria

Skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria

Beautiful mountains. Quaint villages. Europe is filled with sights that delight tourists and locals alike and non more beautiful than Bansko, Bulgaria. Bulgaria in general is both beautiful and picturesque and is also rich in culture. A big part of that culture is to enjoy the natural beauty around them. And for a lot of people, that means skiing. Skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria is a great way to enjoy Bulgaria’s top ski resort area.

Why is skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria so special? Well for starters, it boasts a brand new ski resort area. The buildings are new and designed to allow the maximum comfort of the guests. The ski season also lasts for a while, up until May, and the area is blessed with plenty of snow to make the area desirable for skiers.

Generally, skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria is great for beginners, medium level skiers, and even experts. Snowboarders also enjoy the mountain. Are like I once was and considering skiing in Bulgaria? Here are some tips on booking and enjoying your ski vacation in Bansko.

When will you go?

If you have ultimate flexibility, the best time to go skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria is after it snows. This will offer the best snow conditions possible for your ski vacation. Other than that, the height of the ski season generally runs from December until May so choose whichever days are convenient for your trip. You can easily tie this in with a Christmas vacation, or for New Year’s.

Where will you stay?

There are a few options in terms of lodging during your ski vacation in Bansko. Your first choice is to rent a vacation apartment. These are perfect, especially if you have a lot of people or plan to stay for a more extended period of time. There are also hotels and you can stay in quaint, family run hotels or more expensive hotels. Keep in mind that you may want to make sure that the hotel price includes breakfast. This can save you money in the long run.

When you get there…

When you arrive for your skiing in Bansko, Bulgaria you may want to keep in mind that it is probably best if you book your hotel in advance. This is an upcoming ski resort that has grown popular over the years. This is especially important to keep in mind if you are traveling on a weekend or during a popular holiday time.

There are also other things to do besides skiing. Walk around the streets of Bansko and enjoy the atmosphere. This is the best way to get acquainted with the Bulgarian culture. Experience the food and the people and observe how the mountains have shaped their culture.

Bansko makes for a fun vacation. The best times to go are from December to May and if you have flexibility, try to go after a snow storm. The ski resort area is fairly new and has nice facilities. Many think that Bansko has the best ski resort area in Bulgaria. So if skiing is your passion, skiing in Bansko will not disappoint.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria – Attracting Tourists All Year Round

The people of Bulgaria make many claims: they invented the wheel, the digital watch and the Cyrillic alphabet. But whatever the locals say they have been responsible for in the past, there is no doubt that Bulgaria is witnessing a tourist boom in the present. Recent figures suggest that as many as three million tourists visit the country each year from all over Europe, including Russia, Romania and increasingly Great Britain and Ireland. With spectacular mountain scenery, impressive cities and great Black Sea resorts, Bulgaria has much to offer tourists – both in summer and winter.

The Rhodope Mountains offer a year-round tourist experience with superb skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and extreme sports in the summer. For winter sport enthusiasts the Bulgarian nirvana is Pamporovo in the Smolyan Province, some 260 km from the capital of Sofia. Surrounded by lush pine forests, the resort boasts modern hotels, great facilities and 25km of ski runs all at an altitude of a minimum of 1620 metres above sea level. Winters at Pamporovo are not severe and an average of 150 days of snowfall each year allows for an extended skiing season.

Due to its great resort infrastructure that includes many great bars and restaurants, Pamporovo also proves very popular in summer. The region is littered with many natural caves especially around the rivers of Arda, Shirokolushka, making villages there and those close to the town of Smolyan very popular with extreme sports fans.

Black Sea summer resorts at Burgas and Varna are attracting tourists in their droves, especially at the biggest Black Sea resort of Sunny Beach, located between Ravda and Sveti Vlas. Bulgaria holiday villas are in demand in the resort and others around this region such as Golden Sands resort near Varna, next to the national park of the same name. The resort has been in existence since 1957 but in recent years has seen an upgrade in its hotels, restaurants and bars as it attracts more tourists from Germany, Scandinavia and the UK.

The rapid development that the expansion of tourism in Bulgaria has generated has also triggered a property boom. Villas in Bulgaria are becoming a must-have item, not only due to the opportunities afforded for great holidays but also because of their capital value. Whether as a holiday retreat or as an investment and property, accommodation in Bulgaria is in demand and has become the target of many a speculator, with prices predicted to rise exponentially over the next ten years.

Bulgaria

Spending Any Kind of Cheap Holidays at Bulgaria

If you haven’t decided where to spend you holidays yet, then I say you can visit Bulgaria. Be it for a summer or winter holidays, Bulgaria has a lot to offer you. With its 300 km coastline along the Black Sea and several beach resorts and small villages, your summer holidays will be fantastic. Bulgaria is also a mountainous country that will fit into your winter holidays. Its three major ski resorts are Pamporovo, Bansko, and Borovets.

Pamporovo is located in the southern part of Bulgaria which is about 100km away from the Plovdiv, the second largest city in the country. Pamporovo is situated in Rhodopas which is considered to be the most pristine and beautiful mountains in Bulgaria. Bansko is the largest among the three ski resorts, located 120 km away from Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria. It is also situated in the intersection of three mountains, Pirin, Rhodopa, and Rila. Borovets, on the other hand, is just 60 km away from Sofia which makes it easily accessible to tourists. It is dominated with the large needle tree called Bor – where Borovets got its name.

With those three major ski resorts, your winter holidays will be so much fun. You can have a great experience with nature and a great skiing opportunities to enjoy when you spend your holiday vacation in Bulgaria.

For a summer vacation, you can enjoy the sun and the sand at Bulgaria’s long Black Sea Coast. The stunning beach will give you a more relaxing feel and atmosphere. The beach is calm that makes them ideal for children to play and swim. There are also hotels and resorts where you can stay during your holiday at Bulgaria.

The inland attractions of Bulgaria are also accessible even if you stayed by the beach. You will admire the Roman ruins, ancient castles and monasteries and even vineyards. If you want more nature adventures, there are networks of hiking trails that you can go to and explore the lush mountains and forested landscapes. The Rila and Pirin Mountains are inhabited by bears, rare birds, lynx and other kinds of wildlife.

Getting around the country is very easy. You can do it by bus, train, taxi, or car. You can visit the multicoloured monasteries museums and villages. Take a look at the National Reviva architectural treasures and Roman remains. Roam around its lovely parks and enjoy the night life at Bulgaria with its sociable afresco bars.

Whatever kind of holiday you want to take, Bulgaria has a lot to offer. If you want to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, it has 3 major resorts to offer you. Its beautiful and long sandy beaches will give you a great summer holiday that you want as well. Aside from that, you can also explore the beauty of the country.

You can spend a cheap holiday at Bulgaria as well. There are available cheap holiday packages all over the internet that may cater to your holiday needs. This will save you from any inconvenience in planning your trip because everything will be set for you.

Bulgaria

Romantic places in Sofia, Bulgaria

There are few people who really now Sofia. But, if you take the time and go for a walk in the old districts you’ll find a lot of interesting things to see. The air is fresh and as is Sofia almost a city without cars, there are a lot of places where you can go freely and without fears as a pedestrian. There are few bad apartments to find is this modern city and we could only recommend you just to have a look on the internet for the place of you dreams. As there are a lot of special websites where you can find and pick very beautiful and central located apartments with a romantic twist.

The old castle up the hill at the end of the big shopping street is one of the best places to stay for a romantic and luxorious day and night. The old fashioned hill is surrounded by immens oakthrees who’ll let you feel as small and tiny as possible. There’s no rush here and if you would like to stay for a hwile, there are special arrangements to book for weddings and special parties.

On the other bank of the river Danube are the old and small villages where you can stay at peoples homes for almost nothing. The farmers are friendly and are always willing to show you there crops and animals. If you like the peace of the countryside and would like to relax a little outside the city, than this is the place to stay. No hussle with money paying upfront or expensive dinners. Just sit and wait till the pans are on the fire. People here like to sing and dance and would like it very much if you would join them in their excitement.

For a romantic night at one of the ski-resorts on the Vitosha mountain we would like to advise you to book far upfront. Because the Bulgarians like to ski and will be there almost whole summer. Especially because the snow is as white and fresh as almost on no other mountain in Europe. This because the Bulgarian government keeps everything as tidy as possible and will even fine you for throwing a sigaret on the street. Don’t worry, if you see the beauty around you, you’ll automatically will understand this and addept to the sunny side of Sofia.

The best time to visit the city and it’s parks is during the nights. All the lights will sparkle and the people start to wake up from their daily worries. Dancing couples on the streets, singing old ladies on the banks of the river and a lot of young people going into the city.

Bulgaria

Travel Tips To European Countries: Bulgaria

About the county

Officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria or Bulgarian Republic, Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country lying in Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe bordering the Black Sea to the east, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south. Bulgaria also borders Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia along the sea. The largest and the capital city is Sofia. The country may be very small in area but it is rich in ancient culture, picturesque locales, down to earth and friendly people who provide the warmth and hospitality of old days. Bulgaria is known as “Land of Roses” due to the largest production of roses here. Although Bulgaria is known mostly for its sea resorts much of the actual country can be explored in great mountain regions, with many ski resorts a perfect destination for skiers. With unique customs, spectacular crafts, colorful festivals, folklore and so on Bulgaria has it all to take the imagination of visitors by surprise and excitement.

Population & Languages

The population of Bulgaria is roughly 7.4 million and the official language being spoken is Bulgarian. Turkish and Roma are also spoken by considerable percentage of the population.

Electricity

The voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. The types of plugs used are Round pin attachment plug and “Schuko” plug and receptacle with side grounding contacts.

Geographic Location

It lies in Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe bordering the Black Sea to the east, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south. Bulgaria also borders Turkey, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia along the sea. Bulgaria is strategically located near Turkish Straits making it the control point of key land routes connecting Europe to Middle East and Asia.

Climate

The climate of Bulgaria can be termed as temperate with hot and dry summers and cold and damp winters. Summer temperatures average around 75°F (24°C) and winter temperatures average about 32°F (0°C). The ideal time to visit Bulgaria is summer.

Local Customs
Like any other country Bulgaria has its own customs too and normal courtesies should be followed. Handshaking is customary. Dress should be conservative but can be casual. Souvenirs from home country are appreciated if invited to home. Here is Bulgaria, a nod of the head means ‘no’ and a shake of the head means ‘yes’. Tipping up to 10 to 12 percent is customary for all services including restaurants, bars, clubs, taxis etc.

Attractions

Sofia
* St. Sofia Church
* St. George Rotunda
* Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
* National Ethnographic Museum

Mountains
* Village of Momchilovtsi
* Pirin National Park
* Rila Monastery

Travel

By Air – The national airline of Bulgaria is Bulgaria Air. Other international airlines operating from Bulgaria include Bulgaria include Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Airlines, British Airways, El Al Israel Airlines, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, MALEV Hungarian Airlines, Olympic Airlines and Swiss Air. Sofia International Airport EAD (SOF) is the biggest airport which is like six miles east of Sofia. Other international airport is Varna International Airport (VAR) located in the western outskirts of the city about five miles from Varna.

Sea – The important international ports are Bourgas and Varna along the Black Sea.

River – Ferries can cross into Romania from Vidin to Calafat.

By Rail – Sofia is connected to Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest, Thessaloniki, Paris, Vienna, Munich and Berlin through frequent services of trains.

Duty Free Items
1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
2. 1 liter of spirits and 2 liter of wine; 50g of perfume and 100g of eau de toilette
3. Gifts and personal use items.
Prohibited Items
Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, pornography, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria Holiday Destinations – Which One?

Bulgaria Holiday Destinations – Which One?

There is much to do and see in Bulgaria and you are sure to be able to design the perfect holiday for your needs. The mountainous areas provide quality places to hike or ski and the cities offer cultural and historical opportunities. The beautiful Bulgarian Black Sea coast is a world class stretch of resorts offering sandy beaches and water sports.

If you are looking for top notch skiing in the winter and great hiking in the summer look no further than Bansko. It enjoys a climate of short summers and long, snowy winters. The skiing here is less expensive than at some of the other resorts yet no less fun. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and of course, shop.

Borovets is the most popular of the ski resorts in Bulgaria. Besides great skiing there are plenty of things to do and see along with many restaurants, cafes and shops for your pleasure. There are also a number of places to rent ski equipment and in summer, the hiking is considered to be quite good here as well.

In Pamporovo the main activity in winter is the downhill skiing and the numerous slopes cater for all abilities. Located in the Rodopi Mountains, this resort area also features great hiking in the summer. The area caters to families and so is a good place to bring your first time skier.

The Bulgarian Black Sea coast offers dozens of resorts each with their own unique blend of beach and sightseeing opportunities. Sunny Beach is the largest of the beach resorts, with plenty of water sport activities such as water skiing, wind surfing, swimming, parasailing and jet skiing. There are beautiful expansive beaches with hundreds of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars along the way. Golden Sands is another popular beach resort choice and delivers just what it says it will – golden sand beaches.

Varna is the largest Bulgarian city on the Black Sea. There are many restaurants and activities to keep you busy here. It is also a great central location to start from when traveling to many of the seaside resorts. Varna is home to several large and interesting museums, churches and parks. The National Naval Museum is located near the city beach and houses an impressive array of naval artifacts. The Ethnographic Museum is one of the country’s best while the Archaeological Museum has over 100,000 objects and offers English captions. Primorski Park is a large attractive green space featuring a planetarium, zoo park, terrarium and dophinarium.

Whether staying in the mountains or near the shore, holiday rentals can be found to suit your every need. From a private villa to a seaside apartment, rentals can afford you the ability to stay close to the beach or mountain yet the privacy you desire. Rentals often have their own pools and may offer access to private beaches.

Conclusion

Whether you plan to holiday in the mountains or at the beach, Bulgaria is likely to have a resort to suit. From the world class ski resorts of Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets to the sandy delights of Sunny Beach and the cultural riches of Varna, Bulgarian resorts offer competitively priced accommodation and a wealth of cafes, restaurants and shops.

Bulgaria

What is the best skiing / snowboarding area in Bulgaria?

I’m looking to go skiing with my girlfriend in March 2010.
We dont have much money so we’re thinking Bulgaria will be the ideal location. We want to go snowboarding all day then head out for a few drinks and a bit of boogy at night!
Which out of Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo would suit us best?
Any recommendations for hotels, resteraunts, pubs and clubs would be appreciated.

THANKS!