Today, Bulgarian beaches are the best in Europe in terms of price-quality ratio for family holidays in the summer, taking into account their proximity to Ukraine and an easy visa regime.
The most popular resorts in Bulgaria and the most suitable places for holidays with children at sea and for family holidays, characteristics of beaches, infrastructure, tips for choosing hotels. How to find comfortable private accommodation on the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria, on your own for a holiday in Bulgaria with children. Where to go to Bulgaria, which resort to choose. How to find budget accommodation on the Bulgarian coast.
Comfortable summer, a measured ratio of city attractions and nature, the Black Sea, developed infrastructure, low prices, budget healthy holidays at sea - all this is about the resorts of Bulgaria. My children grew up on them and at the moment, having visited two dozen countries on three continents, all other things being equal, they will choose Bulgaria without hesitation for the seventh or eighth time.
To date Bulgarian beaches are the best in Europe in terms of price-quality ratio for a family holiday in the summer, taking into account the proximity to Ukraine and an easy visa regime. Not to mention the pricing policy sea resorts of Ukraine already very close to Bulgaria and in some positions it even took a step forward.
All resorts in the text of the article are located in the order in which they appear on the map, first - those closest to Ukraine.
To travel to Bulgaria you need a visa. A Bulgarian visa allows you to transit through Romania. Multishengen is also suitable. Citizens of Ukraine and Moldova do not need a visa if they have a biometric passport.
Albena resort in Bulgaria
Ideal for children and family holidays. Wide beach, gentle entrance to the sea, many trees and very clean air. Located next to the Balta nature reserve. It is better to stay with children in the center of the resort, on the first line. Almost everywhere there are play complexes, swimming pools and mini-water parks, children's animation, amusement parks, slides.
How to find budget hotels in Albena resort
In addition to traditional hotels, a large offer of private villas with sea views, in the first line can be found on Booking.com
Resort Obzor
The longest beach on the coast, a calm and warm resort for families. There is a green park not far from the beach. This resort had very good reviews from my trusted friends, so I included it in the list.
How to find budget accommodation in the resort of Obzor
It is more profitable and faster to search for accommodation on websites of hotel reservation and search systems.
Resort Elenite
A classic gated resort with hotels on the first line, active entertainment and sports grounds on the hotel premises. There is a water park, swimming pools, attractions for children and evening discos for children.
Find hotels in Elenite resort ⇒
Find apartments and private housing on Elenite resort on Booking.com ⇒
Resort Sveti Vlas (Saint Vlas)
Located near Sunny Beach, a beautiful seaside resort with its own yacht club. Suitable for budget family holidays - there are many apartments here.
From hotels I can recommend - Paradise Beach with its own beach, including free umbrellas and sun loungers.
"...Saint Vlas and Sunny Beach are adjacent youth resorts with a large number of high-rise apartments, hotels, discos, bars, etc. There is a beautiful promenade, a marina with yachts, good beaches. The infrastructure is well developed.
From apartments I recommend - Victorio, 300 meters to the beach, budget, kitchen and other home amenities. 
Sunny Beach
Most popular resort in Bulgaria along with Golden Sands. Nevertheless, this is a budget place for a family vacation. There are many hotels of 2*-3* level. The main life hack of this place is not to settle in the center of the resort if you don’t want to join the company of British students and feel the “atmosphere” of frenzy and revelry.
Sunny Beach- this is the south Bulgaria, you can rest from the beginning of June. A free shuttle bus runs throughout the resort. Nearby ancient Nessebar– one of the most beautiful cities on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria.Find a hotel in Sunny Beach resort
Find budget accommodation and hotels in Sunny Beach resort ⇒
Please note the following hotels - Hotel Dune, Golden Dreams, Burgas Beach– animation, playgrounds.
The following hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis:
Trakia 3*+ And Trakia Plaza 4* they have a common territory, the hotels are distinguished by the comfort of their rooms, a swimming pool with slides and animation.
hotel Strandzha 4* – quiet area of the resort, first line, children's pool, animation.
Mercury 4* – mini-club, children's slide and swimming pool, animation
Chrysanthemum 4*– fresh rooms, children’s pool, mini-club, animation
Resort village Ravda
It's very close Ravda village, I mentioned him as the best resort in Bulgaria for children and family holidays. Pay attention to him.
Find accommodation or hotels in the resort of Ravda ⇒
Resort Pomorie
There is no such luxurious greenery as in St. Constantine and Helena, but the housing is a little cheaper and the sea is warmer due to the fact that the resort is located further south. Besides Pomorie- a balneological resort, even Israelis come here because of the cheapness. They say that the local mud is no worse than its “sister” from the Dead Sea.
Nearby are Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Burgas.
Find hotels or apartments in the resort of Pomorie ⇒
Hotels are worth looking for from the outside Grand Hotel Pomorie(as a guide). On the other hand, where it is hotel St. George– rocky beaches, it won’t be very convenient with children.
Festa Via Pontica Resort– a family resort, a little far from the sea, but captivating with the comfort and size of the rooms. Nearby there is a historical Via Pontica winery, which has been operating since 1932. The excellent rose wine is worth trying.
Resort Sozopol
– a calmer, more intimate town for family holidays with a beautiful ancient historical part. A good beach of great length - from the “cultured” one closer to the center to the wild nudist one in the remote part. There is also a large selection of catering - from shawarma to decent establishments on the embankment.
In the vicinity of Sozopol, for those who like privacy, I can recommend a couple of hotels.
ARKUTINO RESORT 4*- a cozy and very quiet hotel near , suitable for families with children, no discos, but organic products from the farm and a fresh Black Sea breeze. The hotel is located on a hill - you will have to go up and down often. Walking to the sea along a wooden boardwalk through the Dunes - this has its own romance.
LAGUNA BEACH RESORT & SPA 4*- on the other hand, it is located on the coast and is suitable for families for a long holiday. Apartments of varying sizes and prices, there are three-storey villas with kitchens and terraces, some are surprising in scale and luxury for Bulgaria.
Find hotels in Sozopol ⇒
Apartments and private housing
If you want to combine budget and home comfort, then my advice is to look for an apartment or other private housing in Booking.com - Sozopol
Resort Duni
Gated resort, for those who prefer a quiet reservation near the sea to noisy villages and resort towns, which includes a beach, sun loungers, restaurants, sports activities and a calm atmosphere.
A wide beach, sand dunes, picturesque nature and a thousand activities for lovers of outdoor activities, from darts to trails for skiing and mountain biking. All conditions for children from toddlers to 12 years old.
Feature of the resort- a local amphitheater, which by the end of the day turns into the center of evening life.
How to find budget accommodation in the Duni resort
Hotels in Duni convenient to search on the aggregator website Hotels Combined (Room Guru)- he is looking for the best priced accommodation on dozens of booking sites. 
How to get to Bulgaria
Fast- buy a ticket to Sofia or Burgas
You can book your flight on the airline website, but it’s better to use search engine site and buy a flight ticket Aviasales- low-cost air tickets around the world
Hotels Combined (RoomGuru)– allows you to save up to 20% when searching for budget accommodation, hotels and apartments as it searches all popular booking sites, including Agoda, Booking.com and others, offering the best price options
Booking.com– a familiar and convenient site for searching and booking accommodation around the world
Airbnb– the world leader in searching for apartments and apartments for travel, register using the link and get a cash bonus for your first booking
Rentalcars– a site for searching and renting cars all over the world with the possibility of free cancellation
They are very unique, but they also have something in common. For example, climate. In the country it is very soft, Mediterranean. The nature is beautiful, there are mountains, lakes and the sea coast. The story is also very interesting and sometimes exciting. That is why many tourists come here to relax.
Ancient cities
The cities of Bulgaria are mostly very ancient; there are many historical monuments preserved from the times of the ancient Greeks and Romans. The domination of the Turks and the subsequent liberation with the participation of the Russian army also left their mark. All cities of Bulgaria, despite a very long and complex history, are thriving today, tourism is developed here, including Orthodox tourism. The streets are well-groomed, ancient buildings harmoniously coexist with modern buildings. The list of Bulgarian cities where you can have a good rest includes Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas. They are the largest and most significant in the country.
Sofia
You need to start your review of Bulgarian cities with Sofia. This is one of the most beautiful and ancient cities in Europe. It is the largest in Bulgaria and is its capital. It is also the largest city on the Balkan Peninsula. Sofia is located in a basin on the outskirts of the Vitosha mountain range, the highest point of which is 2290 meters. The territory of the mountains belongs to a national park, where locals like to relax.
Sofia is a very old city; people already lived here 5 thousand years ago. Before our era, the Thracian tribe of Serds lived here, after which the city began to be called Serdika. In the 4th century, the father of Alexander the Great, Philip, came here and destroyed the city. The Romans ruled here for a long time, the city received another name - Ulpia, given by Emperor Trajan. This city was far from the last in the Roman Empire; Constantine the Great even wanted to move the capital here. Monuments from the times of the Thracians and Romans have survived in Sofia, although they are few in number. The city was destroyed first by the Goths and then by the Huns. It was restored by Emperor Justinian. Then the city was captured by the Turks. The modern name appeared only in 1382. The most important attractions are the Church of St. Sophia, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the rotunda of the Church of St. George, the archaeological complex with Roman architecture, and the Boyana Church.
Sights of Sofia
One of the most ancient monuments in Bulgaria is the Church of St. Sophia, it was in her honor that the city was named, Sofia means wisdom. The church was built back in 313. It was restored by Justinian the Great after the barbarian invasions. In the Middle Ages, it was the main temple where the bishop sat; later, during the rule of the Turks, it became a mosque for a certain time.
The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is famous. It is a symbol of liberation from the Turks. It was erected in honor of the Russian soldiers who died in the war and eventually liberated Bulgaria. This temple is located in the very center of Sofia, it is very beautiful, built of white stone, has many columns, friezes and cornices. It contains elements of Russian architecture. The decoration of the cathedral was done by the famous artist Vasnetsov.
Plovdiv
This city is the second largest after Sofia. Plovdiv itself is very picturesque; nearby are the Rhodope Mountains, which can be seen on the horizon. It stands on the Maritsa River. Due to the incredible beauty of the landscape and architecture, Plovdiv is called the city of artists. It was appreciated by the Greek poet Lucian. It is also called a city of contrasts, because its modern buildings are in amazing harmony with ancient buildings.
It is one of the oldest in Europe, the first settlements date back to the Neolithic era, people lived here back in the sixth millennium BC. It is known that in 1200 BC the Thracians lived here. Then Philip II of Macedon conquered it and gave the name to the city - Philippopolis. Plovdiv was also called Odris at that time, the name can be seen on ancient bronze coins. Already in the new era, the Romans came here, and Roman buildings from those times have been preserved in the city. Then the city received the name Trimontium or “city on three hills.” An amphitheater and an Odeon remain here from the Roman Empire. Then the Byzantines came, and the Thracian Greeks were also here. It is interesting that the city has never been completely destroyed or completely abandoned by its inhabitants in its entire long history.
Varna
Varna is a port city, it is spoiled by the attention of tourists, since it is also a resort, and at the same time a financial center and cultural capital. This beautiful city is located in the northeastern part of Bulgaria. It has become a resort thanks to its beautiful sea views, sandy beaches and exotic plants. This is one of the largest cities in Bulgaria in terms of population (more than 300 thousand people). The photo shows beaches, high-rise buildings and a port. This is a developing city, where the ruins of Roman baths happily coexist with massive buildings of the socialist period.
From here you can get to Lake Varna, where excursions are organized to show tourists the ruins of the ancient basilica.
This city is very ancient, like many other cities in Bulgaria. It was founded by Greek colonists in the sixth century BC, at that time the Greeks were actively exploring the coasts of the Aegean and Black Seas. Then the city received the name Odessos. Thanks to its very convenient location, it has become one of the most important ports on the Black Sea. The city was conquered by Alexander the Great, but managed to regain its independence and even become even more prosperous. Then the Romans came here and Bulgaria became part of the Roman Empire. At that time, a huge number of buildings were built, the ruins of which can still be seen today. These were temples, theaters and baths (or Roman baths). Then the city passed into the hands of the Byzantines and was destroyed in 626. After the defeat, it acquired a new name of Slavic origin, which has survived to this day - Varna. It came under the rule of the Turks and was liberated, like other cities in Bulgaria, only after the Russian-Turkish war.
The attractions of Varna include the “Driven Stones” - stone columns that are located 18 kilometers from the city.
Euxinograd also deserves attention - it is the residence of the royal family on the seashore.
Tourists often visit the Seaside Park. It is located on the seashore, there are many alleys, flower beds, various sculptures and fountains. There is a dolphinarium, a zoo and a terrarium. The park also has its own beach.
Roman baths or baths have been preserved since the 2nd century. They occupy a vast territory and are located in the very center of the city among residential buildings.
Believers, especially Orthodox Christians, will be interested in: the Assumption Cathedral, the Armenian Church of St. Sarkis and the Aladzha rock monastery.
Burgas
This is one of the largest cities in Bulgaria, it is the largest in the south-eastern part of the country. In fourth place in terms of population. This is one of the cities in Bulgaria on the Black Sea coast. It is located on the shores of the Burgas Bay. The city is surrounded on three sides by lakes: Burgas, Mandra and Atanasovsko. Once upon a time, the city of Pyrgos was founded by the Greeks on the site of Burgas, then the Roman city of Deultum was here.
Tourists come to Burgas for its beautiful beaches and warm climate. In addition, it has its own historical attractions. Here you can see the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Deultuma, which are located 17 km from modern Burgas. The ancient settlement of Akve Kalide is also known - it was a fortified settlement of the Thracians. It is also called Thermopolis or Therma. Perhaps due to the fact that thermal waters come to the surface here. Famous personalities such as Philip of Macedon, Emperor of Rome Justinian, and Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent visited here.
In Burgas you can visit a peacock farm. Several dozen birds of incredible beauty live here. Excursions are organized here, which are popular. Breeding these birds is a very labor-intensive process, but it is worth it, as peacocks are very beautiful due to their plumage. By the way, there are not only common green birds here, but also snow-white ones.
And - colorful cities located in the center of the country, between the Black Sea resorts and the capital. The main attraction of Veliko Tarnovo is medieval, and Plovdiv is famous for its ancient cities, which are more than 4000 years old.
Resorts in Bulgaria
The main asset of the country is the Black Sea beach resorts, scattered along the coast from north to south. No less famous are also ski resorts in Bulgaria.
Perhaps the largest and most famous beach resort. First of all, it is famous for its wide sandy beach, which has enough space for everyone. Some consider him to be the best resorts in Bulgaria. The coastline is 100 m wide, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers, along which numerous entertainment options, restaurants and hotels are scattered.
One of the very first beach holiday destinations in the country. Albena is located next to the large city of Varna, where the airport is located.
Known for its clean and golden sand. A special feature of Sunny Beach is its close location to the Bulgarian resort town of Nessebar, which is one of the central attractions of the entire country.
Ski resort in Bulgaria, located in the region of Sofia and Plovdiv. Bansko is located at an altitude of 930 meters above sea level. The total length of the pistes is 65 km, of which the longest piste is 2600 m. The resort is suitable for both beginners and professionals.
Answering the question " which resort in Bulgaria to choose?”, we can say that all beach vacation spots have a wide sandy beach equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers. If you are not a hotel guest, then most likely a sun lounger and umbrella will be provided for a fee, about $20. The best season for vacation is from June to September.
The Republic of Bulgaria is a state in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, occupying 22% of its territory. The area of the country is 110,993.6 km². From the east, Bulgaria is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The country borders on Greece and Turkey in the south, Serbia and Macedonia in the west, and Romania in the north. The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia, other large cities are Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas.
The first settlements on the territory of present-day Bulgaria appeared in the 4000s BC. e. - the Thracians settled in the north of the Black Sea coast in the vicinity of Varna. In the 500s BC. e. Greeks, Byzantines and Turkic tribes come to the Balkans. And in 15 BC. e. The territory of present-day Bulgaria is part of the Roman Empire.
The history of Bulgaria itself begins in 632, when Khan Kubrat concluded a military-tribal alliance of the Bulgarians and neighboring tribes after liberation from the power of the Turks. In 681, the Bulgarian Khan Asparuh founded the First Bulgarian Kingdom, which after a couple of centuries expanded its borders to the empire of Charlemagne in the west, and to Constantinople in the south. Then Byzantium conquered Bulgaria, and from 1018 to 1186 the country was under the rule of Emperor Vasily the Bulgarian Slayer.
As a result of the uprising of the brothers Asen and Peter, the territory of the lower Danube separated from Byzantium and the Second Bulgarian Kingdom was formed with its capital in Tarnovo, which lasted from 1187 to 1396. At the end of the 14th century, Bulgaria was captured by the Ottoman Empire.
As a result of the Russian-Turkish war of 1877-1878, the territory of Bulgaria was liberated, and the so-called period of the Third Bulgarian Kingdom began. Over the next 30 years, Bulgaria fights for the reunification of its territories scattered as a result of military conflicts, as well as for independence, which it receives only in 1908, when the Bulgarian Prince Ferdinand takes the royal title.
In 1912-1913, Bulgaria participated in the Balkan Wars, although with varying degrees of success. In the First World War, the country takes the side of the Entente, and, having been defeated, loses a significant part of its territories and access to the Aegean Sea. In World War II, Bulgaria was an ally of Germany, and after the victory of the Soviet Union on September 15, 1946, it was proclaimed a People's Republic, the development of which follows the socialist path.
Political changes in the country began in 1989; in 2004, Bulgaria became a member of NATO, and in 2007 - a full member of the EU.
Current time in Sofia:
(UTC +3)
Today's Bulgaria is a popular and, importantly, relatively inexpensive tourist destination. Tourism is the most important source of income for the country. Guests are attracted by both the summer and winter resorts of the country, as well as the cultural and natural attractions of Bulgaria: on its territory there are 9 sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
How to get there
Airplane
The most convenient way to get to Bulgaria is by plane. There are international airports in the cities of Sofia, Varna, Burgas. There are many regular and charter flights from Russia (from Moscow, Yekaterinburg, St. Petersburg and other cities) to Bulgaria.
Regular flights from Moscow to Sofia are operated by airlines "" and "". Travel time is 3 hours. The airline "" organizes regular flights to Varna and Burgas in the summer. Flight duration is 2.5 hours. Airplanes of the airline "" fly from St. Petersburg to Varna, Burgas and Sofia in the summer season.
From Ukraine in the summer season, vacationers are delivered to the Bulgarian coast by bus charter flights of various tourist operators from Kyiv, Odessa, Lvov and Donetsk. In addition, in winter there are buses from Ukraine to the ski resort of Bansko.
Train
The train is not the fastest, but certainly the safest transport to Bulgaria. You can get from Moscow to Sofia by train 59 M (“Bulgaria Express”), departing from Kievsky railway station at 08:36. The train travels through Ukraine and Romania. The train arrives in Sofia at 9:25, travel time is 50 hours 49 minutes. In the summer, there are trailer cars Moscow - Varna (from June 12 to September 9, 2012) and Moscow - Burgas (from June 16 to September 3, 2012).
You can get from St. Petersburg to Varna by train 051B “Cherno More”, departing from Vitebsky station at 19:08 and arriving in Varna at 9:50. The train travels through Belarus, Ukraine and Romania. The train runs from June 8 to September 7 (2012) once a week on Fridays, travel time from St. Petersburg to Varna is 63 hours.
The fare and train schedule should be checked with the official.
The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is a major transport hub in southern Europe. Trains from Sofia depart to Belgrade (twice daily), Athens (daily), Budapest (daily), Istanbul (daily). The cost of travel on international trains is low: a compartment to Istanbul (600 km, 16 hours travel) will cost 37 euros, to Belgrade - 30 euros (10 hours), to Budapest - 60 euros (20 hours), etc.
International transport in Bulgaria is managed by the agency "" at. Ticket prices and routes must be checked on the website or at the offices of the Rila company at all major train stations in Bulgaria.
Ferry
You can also get from Ukraine to Bulgaria by sea: there is a weekly year-round ferry line Ilyichevsk - Varna. The ferry travel time is 30 hours. Ticket prices and schedules should be checked on the company's website.
Automobile
From Moscow to Varna - 1937 km. The road route to Bulgaria from Russia, like the railway route, runs through Ukraine and Romania. You can bypass Romania using the Ilyichevsk-Varna ferry. The ferry route is 200 km shorter, but takes 12 hours longer.
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Climate and weather in Bulgaria
The climate of most of Bulgaria is temperate continental, with snowy winters (from -2 to -5 °C) and dry, hot summers (from +25 to +28 °C).
In the northern regions of the country the weather is colder and rainier than in the southern regions. In southern Bulgaria and on the Black Sea coast, the Mediterranean climate prevails, with mild winters and warm summers (the weather in Bulgaria in the summer is very pleasant - in July-August +23-30 ° C).
Rains in Bulgaria are brought by western and north-western winds, the annual amount of precipitation in the lowlands is 450-600 mm, in the mountains - 850-1000 mm, mainly in the first half of summer. In the Black Sea region, June is the rainiest month of the year. The driest time of the year is the beginning of autumn. The tourist season in Bulgaria lasts from May to October.
Cities and regions
Administrative division
Conditional division Administratively, Bulgaria is divided into 28 regions - main administrative-territorial units, which, in turn, are divided into 264 communities. The names of communities and regions correspond to the names of the cities that are their administrative centers. The regions are governed by "regional governors" who are appointed by the Council of Ministers. 28 regions of the country: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Sofia region, Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Varna, Veliko Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa, Yambol.
Conventionally, Bulgaria is divided into 4 regions: Central Bulgaria, Northwestern Bulgaria, Mountain Region, Black Sea Coast.
Central Bulgaria
Central Bulgaria is the central part of the country, bordering on the north with Romania along the Danube, and on the south with Greece and Turkey. The Balkan Mountains (or Stara Planina Mountains), the longest and largest mountain range in Bulgaria, divide Central Bulgaria in half.
The largest city in the region is Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria. Being a center of industry, science and culture, surrounded by vineyards, Plovdiv preserves many historical monuments, including a large number of ancient ruins.
Not far from Plovdiv is the most famous Bulgarian balneological resort - Hisar, known already in the ancient Roman era.
Among the large cities of Central Bulgaria, it is also worth mentioning the city of Veliko Tarnovo, which was the residence of the Bulgarian kings from 1186 to 1393, and has preserved its unique medieval flavor.
Northwestern Bulgaria
Northwestern Bulgaria is a region of the country bounded in the north by the Danube and in the south by the Rila Mountains. The natural attractions of Northwestern Bulgaria are two picturesque caves - Magura and Ledenika, which attract tourists.
Attractions
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and Recreation
Leisure
Transport
Wellness holiday
Private guides in Bulgaria
Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Bulgaria in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.
Things to do
Beaches of Bulgaria
Beach holidays are the main type of tourism in Bulgaria. Almost all Bulgarian resorts have sandy beaches, many of them have been awarded blue flags of cleanliness. Entrance to them is usually free, but umbrellas and sunbeds can be rented for a fee. So, the cost of a sun lounger is from 6 BGN, an umbrella – from 4 BGN.
The most popular beaches in Bulgaria
Skiing
Bulgaria has been a popular destination for budget ski holidays for many years. As a rule, all guidebooks and tour operators offer three main ski resorts - Pamporovo, Vitosha and Borovets. And for good reason - snow suitable for skiing lies in these places from late December to mid-March. But on the slopes of Vitosha you can safely count on skiing until mid-April. Vitosha is also home to the most difficult trails in Bulgaria.
Any of the listed resorts offers a large number of hotels and bases for renting ski equipment. If you pre-book a hotel and agree on a rental, the cost of the room becomes significantly lower than for unexpected guests.
The price of lifts is constantly growing and starts from 30 leva per day. Although by European standards this fee is considered quite low. It is most profitable to purchase a subscription, but first you need to clarify which devices are covered. The fact is that some of the lifts are private and do not serve tourists with a subscription.
On weekends, all ski resorts in Bulgaria are full, especially those located in close proximity to major cities. For example, in Vitosha you can find yourself at the end of a long line, since this resort is located only 15 minutes from Sofia. Local residents are very fond of winter sports, so choose “Samokov” for skiing in Borovets on weekdays.
Hiking
Hiking is considered the next most popular after beach and ski holidays in Bulgaria. , the season of which starts in June. The Rila, Pirin and Rhodope mountains are best suited for long hikes. Route maps can be purchased at any bookstore. There are many well-developed, equipped routes in these mountains. There are specialized shops along the route where you can replenish your supply of food and water, and there are also equipped huts for overnight stays, where you can spend the night or rest and wait out the bad weather for just 3-4 leva. Most hiking trails are only open in summer. When going for a walk in the mountains, be sure to listen to the weather forecast, because even in the middle of summer at high altitudes, the weather can suddenly turn bad.
Bike
For those who do not like to walk, but come to relax in the mountains, Bulgaria offers a relatively new type of tourist holiday - mountain biking, which is gaining popularity. All hotels for skiers offer excellent mountain bikes for rent in summer. For example, hotels “Rila” or “Samokov” in Borovets, “Pamporovo” or “Finlandia” in Pamporovo and “Pirin” in Bansko.
Golf
Over the past 10 years, the development of golf has become a priority in the field of tourism and entertainment, since in this climate it is possible to play golf up to 9 months a year. And if 10 years ago there was not a single golf course in the country, now there are 8 of them, equipped with everything necessary:
The venues compete fiercely with each other, and the entertainment itself is not cheap - from 60 leva per round. The best course is located 25 km from Sofia - this is St Sofia Golf Club and Spa. Another course of the same category (par - 72) is located on the Black Sea coast in Balchik - Black Sea Rama Golf.
Fishing
This type of recreation is popular throughout the country. Freshwater fishing in the Rila Mountains gives the opportunity to catch carp, mullet, pike and pike perch at any time of the year, with the exception of the spawning season (May).
Sea fishing is always available. In the Black Sea there is a small dog shark that can be caught from a boat at a distance of 4 km from the shore. Most tour operators working with Bulgaria organize all types of fishing.
Wellness in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a recognized health tourism destination. There are more than 500 thermal springs in the country, next to which sanatoriums and health centers equipped with the most modern medical equipment have been built. Experienced doctors offer comprehensive programs for healing and rejuvenation, while not only thermal water from the springs is used for medicinal purposes, but also healing mud from the estuaries and lagoons.
The main balneological resorts in Bulgaria
Treatment in Bulgaria
Even without medical tourism, Bulgaria is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from Russia. Unfortunately, a visa is required to enter, but people seeking to improve their health as quickly as possible are unlikely to consider this a sufficient barrier. But the pluses are in order in Bulgaria. Firstly, it is a familiar and almost native culture, a very insignificant or simply absent language barrier and reasonable prices. Bulgaria is not Israel, therefore, from the point of view of medical tourism, it is famous not for its clinics, but for its traditions of spa treatment. In tourist centers there are a large number of high-quality and inexpensive medical centers where you can undergo a variety of health and rehabilitation procedures. Our fellow citizens are well known to such balneo-mud resorts as Sunny Day, Golden Sands, Pomorie, Saints Constantine and Helena, Albena, Velingrad and others, where Europeans and Russians often come for treatment. If the disease is quite serious and requires treatment in a clinic, then Bulgarian hospitals, with a fairly high quality of service, can offer fairly reasonable prices compared to Western Europe.
- Medical Center for Plastic Surgery
- Doctor Emil Liev Medical Center
- Diagnostic center "18 - Sofia"
National parks
Bulgaria has many environmental protection zones, including national and natural parks and reserves.
- Central Balkans National Park
Unique karst caves (over 200 in total) can be seen in the Vrachanski Balkan nature park, magnificent mountain landscapes in the Sinite Kamani nature park, and unique nature and historical monuments in the Rusenski Lom and Shumensko Plateau nature parks. .
More information about all of Bulgaria's protected areas and ecotourism opportunities can be found at.
Getting around the country
Bulgaria has a well-developed network of roads and railways. Tourists can travel by rented car, taxi, regular bus or train.
In cities, in addition to buses, public transport is represented by trolleybuses and trams; in Sofia there is one metro line. The cost of a single ticket for all types of transport in different cities is approximately 0.7 BGN, travel in the Sofia metro is 0.5 BGN. A pass for five days will cost a tourist about 10 BGN, for a month - 30 BGN. The resorts have intercity single tickets of different frequencies.
Trolleybuses and buses run from 5:00 to 24:00, trams - until 1:00. Tickets can be purchased at bus stops, newsstands and from the driver. The ticket must be validated in the bus, trolleybus or tram. Controllers work on the lines.
Bus
The bus is the most convenient transport in Bulgaria; the network of bus routes covers the entire country. The fare depends on the distance, for example, from Burgas to the Sunny Beach resort a one-way bus ticket will cost 3 BGN (travel time is about 20-30 minutes), to the St. Konstantin and Elena" - 2 BGN, etc.
Bus transportation within the country is carried out by various transport companies, including Biomet (internal intercity lines).
Buses heading to the capital of Bulgaria arrive at Sofia bus station. Buses to Varna arrive, respectively, at Varna bus station. The general schedule for all bus stations in Bulgaria can be found on this website.
Railway
A network of internal railways connects almost all Bulgarian cities. Rail transport is the cheapest passenger transport in the country. Trains in Bulgaria are quite comfortable: there are double compartments of the first class, four-seater compartments of the second class and seated soft carriages (classes I and II). Train schedules and tariffs can be found on the Bulgarian Railways website. Trains heading to the capital of Bulgaria arrive at Central railway station Sofia .
Taxi in Bulgaria
In Bulgaria there is no single telephone number for calling a taxi and there are no uniform tariffs for travel either - all regions and cities have their own taxi companies that set their own tariffs. In Bulgaria, it is not customary to “vote” with a raised hand; you can call a car by phone to the address or take a taxi at the rank.
There are no private taxis in the country, only licensed ones. All cars are yellow in color with traditional checkered marks, with a price tag on the windshield and a yellow illuminated inscription “taxi” on the roof, and are required to be equipped with meters. Approximate tariffs for a taxi ride are as follows: calling a car to the address and the initial payment is about 0.79 BGN (at night from 22:00 to 6:00 - 0.99 BGN), then for each kilometer of the journey there are about 0.60 BGN (at night - 0.70 BGN). For one minute of downtime you will have to pay 0.22 - 0.27 BGN. During the summer season on the coast, taxi fares can be much higher.
To avoid being a victim of deception, when getting into a taxi, remember the initial meter readings.
You can order a taxi by phone from Bulgaria Taxi, OK Taxi, BG Taxi and others.
Automobile
To rent a car in Bulgaria or drive on the country’s roads in your own car, the driver must have an international driver’s license and insurance. There are branches of all leading international car rental companies in major cities, airports and resorts.
When entering Bulgaria by car, foreigners are charged a road toll. The payment system is not organized; as a rule, the fee amount is assigned arbitrarily. Payment is most often made in hard currency, so it is advisable to have cash in euros or US dollars.
Roads in Bulgaria are of acceptable quality. The following speed limits apply: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside and 120 km/h on expressways. The permissible alcohol content in the driver’s body is up to 0.5 ppm.
Gas stations operate in all cities and on main roads. The cost of 1 liter of gasoline (95th) is just over 1 euro.
In the event of an accident, the driver of a car with foreign registration is required to remain at the scene of the accident until the traffic police arrive.
Air
Domestic air traffic in the country is more intense in the summer, when passenger traffic flows from the capital Sofia to airports on the country's Black Sea coast - Varna and Burgas. Four Bulgarian airlines operate domestic passenger air transport - Bulgaria Air, Bulgarian Air Charter, Air Via and Air Sofia.
Communication
Bulgarian belongs to the group of South Slavic languages and is related to Serbo-Croatian, Russian, Polish, so if you know any of these languages (or any other Slavic language), there will be no problems with communication. In fact, the ancient Bulgarian language (better known as Church Slavonic) is considered the ancestor of all Baltic Slavic languages. Some words and/or phrases may also be understandable to Western Europeans, since the Bulgarian language contains quite a lot of borrowings from other languages (French, German, Turkish, Italian and especially English).
It is also important to remember that the Bulgarians, unlike most other peoples, shaking your head means "yes" and nodding means "no". So it's better to rely on the words "yes" and "no" than on head movements. Bulgarians often say ciao instead of “goodbye” and merci instead of “thank you”.
Minor languages, including Turkish and Romanian, are used mainly by national minorities.
Most Bulgarian youth have at least a basic knowledge of English or another foreign language (usually Russian, but some are proficient in French, German or Spanish) and often even learn a third language. Those born before the mid-80s most often speak Russian, German (due to close ties to East Germany) and/or Serbo-Croatian and Slovenian, and usually have very limited knowledge of English.
Kitchen
Bulgarian cuisine was formed under the influence of the culinary traditions of the local Slavs, but did not escape the influence of Greek and Turkish cuisines. At the same time, Bulgarian cooking is distinguished by a special piquancy given to it by hot seasonings, an abundance of vegetables and a passion for open fires and earthenware.
The range of dishes on the Bulgarian table depends on the season. So, in winter it is customary to start a meal with a large portion of the first hot dish (“bob” - bean soup, “trample soup” - creamy soup with meatballs, etc.). In the summer, salads appear on the table, for example, the famous “Shopska salad” (tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, sweet peppers with feta cheese), as well as the first cold dishes - “mlecha salad” (yogurt with cucumbers, walnuts and garlic) or “tarator” (yogurt with cucumbers and walnuts). Among the appetizers, specialties worth mentioning are “kashkaval pane” (fried cheese rolled in breadcrumbs) and “jurkanata kopriva” (crushed nettles). Cabbage rolls called “sarmi” are very good in Bulgaria.
The basis of most main dishes is fried meat. It is used to prepare “mashana skara” (assorted roast), “kebabche” (fried sausages), “kyufke” (meat in dough), as well as a great variety of other equally tasty meat dishes.
Fish is also present on the Bulgarian table, but it is more popular on the Black Sea coast, and dishes made from it are often more expensive than meat. Bulgarian “plakia”, prepared from freshly caught fish, is very tasty.
Bulgarians eat breakfast mainly with “banitsa” - warm pies with cheese, feta cheese or cottage cheese.
It is customary to end the meal with desserts, which receive a lot of attention in Bulgarian cuisine. It is worth trying the local pastries: cakes with raspberries or strawberries, cakes with whipped cream and caramel, fruit salads.
In Bulgaria it is customary to drink both coffee and tea. Coffee is aromatic and strong, it can be found everywhere and at any time of the day. Local tea is natural, it is infused with herbs (bilk) or fruits (fruits). Freshly squeezed juices are also very popular.
Among alcoholic drinks, first of all, it is worth mentioning Bulgarian wine. Winemaking is one of the most ancient crafts in Bulgaria: local wine was valued even in the ancient world. Famous grape varieties such as Cabernet, Merlot and Chardonnay are grown in Bulgaria. Experts believe that red Bulgarian wines can easily compete with Bordeaux wines, and white wines with California wines. The most popular Bulgarian wines are “Gamza”, “Bear Blood”, “Kadarka”, “Bull Blood”, “Pamid”, “Melnik”, “Khan Krum Traminer”, “Galatea”. According to Bulgarian tradition, it is customary to drink red wine in the months that have the letter “r” in their names, and white wine in the rest.
Good quality beer is also brewed in Bulgaria; local brands are “Kamenitsa” and “Zagorka”. Connoisseurs of stronger drinks should try the local brandy - grape, plum, peach, quince. The strength of Bulgarian rakia is 36-55°. Another local alcoholic drink is mastic (with the taste of marshmallow grass). One of the best varieties of mastic is “Peristera” with a strength of 42°.
There are a huge number of public catering outlets in Bulgaria - from small eateries and private cafes to chic restaurants in upscale hotels. You can have a democratic and tasty meal in a self-service cafe by simply pointing to the dish you like, without having to study the menu.
The national restaurant is called mehana (Bulgarian tavern), the waiters will be dressed in traditional costumes, the menu will consist of Bulgarian dishes, and the meal will be accompanied by live folk music. Bulgaria also has many Chinese and Italian restaurants and pizzerias.
More discerning tourists should visit first-class restaurants in large hotels, where they can taste European or international cuisine at high prices.
Purchases
Holidays in Bulgaria can be combined with shopping in shops, shopping centers, bazaars and markets. Since Bulgaria is a country of inexpensive holidays, you can also do quite affordable shopping there. Thus, the necessary beach wardrobe at the resorts can be purchased for only 100 BGN: cotton white trousers - about 25 BGN, skirts - 30-32 BGN, shirt - 25 BGN, sandals - 12-18 BGN, etc. In cities, in comparison with resorts, prices are even lower.
Most shops are open from 9:00 to 19:00, in resorts - until 22:00. Grocery stores are often open around the clock, as indicated by the “Non-stop” sign. Working days are from Monday to Friday, Saturday is a “short day”, Sunday is a day off.
Bargaining in Bulgaria is only appropriate in markets.
In the capital of the country, Sofia, shops are concentrated along Vitosha Boulevard and in the gallery in front of the NDK Palace of Culture. In Varna, the shopping area stretches from the Black Sea Hotel to the Drama Theatre, in Burgas - around Alexandrovka Street.
Most often, tourists in Bulgaria buy authentic souvenirs: clothes with embroidery, linen fabrics, lace napkins, rugs, essential oils and rose water from the Valley of Roses, wooden icons from Bulgarian monasteries, handmade copper and silver items. You can also find a wide variety of pottery and leather goods, both locally produced and imported from Greece or Italy.
Among edible souvenirs, guests of the country prefer to buy raw smoked sujuk sausage, spices, honey in clay pots, and local sweets (Turkish delight, halva, kozinaki). It is also worth purchasing “alcoholic” souvenirs - Bulgarian wines and rakia.
In Sofia, the main shopping street is Vitosha Boulevard. The best place to buy souvenirs is the second floor of the Central Department Store and the underground passage between the Presidency building and the Yellow Bridge. There are two second-hand book markets on Count Ignatiev Boulevard.
Several modern shopping centers have been opened in Sofia, among which “” and “” stand out, located, however, on the outskirts of the city.
Varna can be considered a real shopping center in Bulgaria. This is probably the best selection of shops in the whole country. From Independence Square to Tsar Liberator Boulevard there are stores of all major international brands. And, what’s most interesting, next to them (sometimes on the opposite side of the street) there are stores with cheap counterfeit products under the same brands. And the market in front of the cathedral is the best place to buy lace and embroidery from Bulgaria.
Connection
A call to another country or city in Bulgaria can be made from any street pay phone. The machines operate from Mobika telephone cards (blue cards and payphones) and BulFon (orange cards and payphones), which can be purchased at post offices, newsstands, mini-markets and hotels.
- The international dialing code for Bulgaria is 359
- To call Bulgaria, you need to dial: 8 - 10 - 359 - area code - subscriber number.
- To call from Bulgaria: 00 (beep) - country and city code - subscriber number.
- To call from Russia to Bulgaria on a mobile phone: 359 - subscriber number.
Mobile phones in Bulgaria support GSM 900/1800 communication standards. When planning to make calls in Bulgaria, check roaming rates with your mobile operator.
You can also use the services of local operators, the largest of which are M-Tel and Globul. Calls throughout the country from these operators will cost about 8 rubles per minute, incoming calls are free. It is better to call Russia using the Globul package, where the cost of a call will not exceed 20 rubles per minute. These mobile operators also provide mobile Internet services.
In addition, access to the Internet in Bulgaria can be obtained in numerous Internet cafes, which are available in most major cities and tourist centers. Large hotels and shopping centers also have Wi-Fi access.
Useful phone numbers
Safety
Bulgaria is a completely safe country for holidays. Tourists should follow standard precautions: store large sums of money and valuables in the hotel safe, and carefully monitor personal belongings in crowded places.
When communicating with local residents, it is worth remembering that when saying “yes,” a Bulgarian shakes his head from side to side, and when saying “no,” he nods his head.
When relaxing on the coast, do not overdo it with sun exposure, do not forget about protective equipment and hats.
Outside tourist areas, use common sense. That is, you should not openly show that you have money and dress like an obvious tourist. Take care of your belongings and do not walk around the outskirts of the city at night, especially in Sofia. In the evenings, avoid dark streets - stepping into a hole in Bulgaria is more dangerous than being robbed.
Some beaches in Bulgaria may be closed due to packs of stray dogs, which are found throughout the country and are often little more than a nuisance; it is best to stay away from them.
Most foods are completely safe to eat. And of course, try to avoid areas that clearly don't look clean enough.
Tap water is completely harmless; it is quite possible to wash vegetables and fruits with it, but for drinking it is better to boil it. Natural mineral water is quite cheap and widely available. Since Bulgaria is a mountainous country, natural springs are in abundance and many villages have one or more mineral water springs.
Where to live in Bulgaria
You can find inexpensive hotels in Bulgaria in almost all cities. Luxury hotels are in most cases located in big cities. In the mountains there are many villas and mountain huts that can be rented. You can also stay overnight in almost a dozen monasteries. In addition, there is a huge number of various villas and guest houses.
Bulgaria is famous for offering quality, affordable accommodation to all fans of rural and ecotourism in charming small towns both in the mountains and on the coast. As for standard hotels in Bulgaria, our service will help you, which will tell you about all the nuances of hotels, services in the room and on site, show photographs and much more. The service is called “Hotels in Bulgaria”.
