Bulgaria Package Holidays

The Future Looks Good for Travel to Bulgaria

2011-01-31T08:35:00.001-08:00

2010 was quite a year according to various surveys reporting on the nature of the travel market. Bulgaria featured very well indeed, supporting the idea that 2011 could turn out to be even better.

Perhaps the most notable success as far as Bulgaria is concerned is that it managed to reach the number nine spot on CNN’s list of top worldwide destinations for this year. Many other notable destinations reached the list too, with places including New York and New Zealand taking their own spots there. But Bulgaria’s inclusion shows that more and more people are realising just what a sensational place this is.

One of the most exciting things about a holiday in Bulgaria is that it can offer you lots of different things. For example it can provide you with a skiing holiday if you visit at the right time of the year. At other times you can pull on your walking boots and enjoy rambling through the mountains. As you can see, it really doesn’t matter what time of the year you want to go and explore what Bulgaria has to offer. You can always find things to do and lots of fascinating places to explore.

There is also a great degree of history here to appreciate. Tsarevets is a hill which also has a stronghold on it that dates back as far as 1185, although before then there was still ample evidence that people were there. This is a pattern that is repeated across Bulgaria, with hundreds if not thousands of years worth of history to explore. A visit to at least one local museum while you are there would be one of the best things you could do.

Veliko Tarnovo is a good example of a Bulgarian city you can explore as well. This is a compact city too, which offers still more benefits when it comes to getting from place to place.

This is just a snapshot of Bulgaria of course, but it shows just a few of the reasons why Bulgaria made it onto the top ten list as far as CNN is concerned.

Visiting Lovech in Bulgaria

2010-12-31T05:16:00.001-08:00

Bulgaria is a country that can lay claim to many ancient cities and towns. But while many of them stretch far back into history, few can go back quite as far as Lovech.

It is this length of history that makes it quite charming to go and see, partly because it opens up the opportunity to unearth lots of ancient sights and historical venues to go and see while you are there. This is a town that has plenty to share with you, so if you are staying just north of the central part of Bulgaria, make sure you have the time to go and pay it a visit.

The town is well known for being immensely attractive, and not just because of the sights you will see here in terms of the buildings either. During the spring time the flowers are in abundant bloom, and lilacs are particularly well known for sprouting here. Any visit to the town during the spring will be rewarded by some magnificent displays of lilacs that simply beg for pictures to be taken in abundance.

As you might imagine there is an old section of the town that is well worth a visit. But this is far from being the only sight worth seeing when you arrive in Lovech. In addition to this you can see the Covered Bridge, a most unusual sight that joins the older part of town to the newer part on the other side of the river. This bridge dates back to the 1800s, although the one you will see today is not the original. That one burnt to the ground in 1925, and was subsequently replaced a few years later with a new one.

The bridge is indicative of how exciting and unusual many parts of Lovech are found to be. Covered shops exist on the bridge so any walk from the old to the new in Lovech can be enjoyed along with a spot of shopping as well. If you have yet to see this delightful town in Bulgaria, perhaps now is an ideal time to do just that.

Exploring Koprivshtitsa

2010-12-01T07:31:00.001-08:00

Bulgaria is a country that is only now starting to be explored in many areas. As more and more people discover the secrets it holds, so it reveals yet more and convinces others to spend a holiday here as well.

Koprivshtitsa is a classic example of some of the amazing sights you can see in Bulgaria. You will find this pleasant town in the Sofia Province, nestled in the mountains and providing you with a wonderful experience and taste of Bulgaria itself.

Koprivshtitsa is known as a charming place and it has so many beautiful sights that you will be amazed at just how many times you will want to pull out your camera to capture them for later times at home. The buildings are quite eye catching, some more so than others. Many of them have painted exteriors, offering a splash of blue or some other colour to punctuate the landscape in some way.

This is a town where the architecture is almost a resident in itself. You will find it has a distinct blend of architecture hewn against the backdrop of mountains and greenery. Stone paths wind their way in between them to stitch them together and provide a cohesive whole. If you think this all sounds rather far fetched, wait until you see Koprivshtitsa for yourself. You will realise why it inspires you to try and find words and descriptions that adequately put this town on the map and in your mind forever more.

The Topolnitsa River runs through Koprivshtitsa, providing a further layer of beauty to add to the ones already there. Stone bridges provide crossing points here and there, and some of the houses standing nearby date back much further than you might imagine.

In some ways Koprivshtitsa is a testament to the history it has lived through. Although it still develops today, it also has plenty to remind us of the history it has seen. You will be amazed at how much you will fall in love with this town, as so many other people have before you. Don’t be surprised if you don’t want to leave!

Pavel Banya – What Secrets Does it Hold?

2010-11-02T05:55:00.001-07:00

You could say that every place on earth has its secrets. It would certainly seem to be the case with Bulgaria, where a small town called Pavel Banya has some delightful secrets worth uncovering.

The town is a relatively small one in comparison to the rest of Bulgaria, playing host to some four thousand permanent residents. Nestling right in the centre of the country it is nevertheless famous for one specific thing. Indeed many people do venture here when they go on holiday to Bulgaria, and it’s all due to the mineral springs that are here.

The natural presence of these springs goes right back to the Romans – and possibly well beyond that. The Romans certainly made good use of them and thankfully they haven’t stopped flowing. The mineral waters are said to be enormously helpful for alleviating symptoms of various ailments. This is especially true when referring to ailments that trouble the joints and similar parts of the body.

So in a sense Pavel Banya is at the centre of attention for more than being right in the centre of the country itself. The springs here are accessible for tourists in several different ways, and many people attest to their amazing properties. If you go back to explore the history of Pavel Banya it might surprise you to realise that there hasn’t been a civilisation in this area for as long as you might think. People came to use the mineral springs but they didn’t live here until a small group of people decided that living in the vicinity of the springs would give them regular and easy access to them.

Today you may find that Pavel Banya is a long way from wherever you were intending to spend some time while staying in Bulgaria. But do try and plan your time in the country so that you can visit Pavel Banya, if only for a day or two. This is especially advisable if you have ailments that the mineral springs could help. You may find Pavel Banya is one of the best places you could visit in the entire country.

Have You Planned A Visit To Nessebar?

2010-10-01T05:55:00.000-07:00

This is one of those resorts you might see spelt a few different ways. But however you read it you will be glad you came across it. The Black Sea coast in Bulgaria is always a great draw for many people, and Nessebar is one of the key resorts along this coastal region.

It may be a very popular addition to the modern selection of resorts in Bulgaria, but Nessebar also has a long history that is worth exploring while you are there. You can trace the history of Nessebar back all the way to the 6th century, and indeed some of its history is still standing to be seen today. Watch out in particular for the fortifications that will greet you when you arrive in the city itself.

Of course many people come to Nessebar for the spectacular beach, and once you see it for yourself you will see why. It is truly impressive and is regarded by many to be the best beach along the Black Sea coast in all of Bulgaria. Needless to say it tends to get rather busy in the city during the summer months, when people come from all over Europe to see what Nessebar has to offer.

It would be a mistake if you were to visit the city and do little more than relax on the beach though. It may be gorgeous but the city’s history is nothing short of fascinating, and it has plenty of attractions to tempt you with as well.

You can learn a lot about the past here simply by looking for the churches, many of which have been standing for centuries. Look out for the Old Bishopric, which has stood since the 5th and 6th centuries. Just imagine the history and events that have surrounded it since then.

The city also boasts some charming wooden houses, although of course they do not date back anywhere near as far as the 5th century. You’ll want to grab your camera to take pictures of them though, as they form part of the attraction that is Nessebar.

Choose Your Top Sights For A Weekend In Bulgaria

2010-09-02T03:54:00.001-07:00

Bulgaria is definitely an up and coming area when it comes to taking a holiday there for any length of time. It has lots of major sights and attractions that are worth seeing, and that means having to prioritise the ones you would like to see the most when you only have a weekend to spend there.

First of all you have to choose where in Bulgaria you want to be based for your visit. It’s no good picking half a dozen highlights to see if you then find they are spread out all over the country. Start with your base and go from there.

Sofia is popular with lots of people and it offers attractions including Mount Vitosha and Sofia Zoo. But Sofia is also right over to the west of the country so it won’t be the ideal spot to choose if you would prefer a weekend on the beach.

In this case you could opt for Varna. This has such delights as the remains of the old Roman Baths and the Archaeological Museum. These would be perfect to slot in between a spot of sunbathing. You can see many of the gold finds from the Varna Lakes area in the museum too, so it is definitely well worth a visit if you choose Varna as your base.

Just down the coast from Varna you can visit a place called Burgas. This is arguably more relaxed and laid back than Varna. If you really want to spend some serious downtime exploring the local restaurants and so on, you can certainly do it here. You will also have plenty of historical sights to watch out for in this area, as it has a long and interesting history.

As you can see it is vital to figure out what kind of experience you want from your break in Bulgaria. It could be anything from a city break to something with sand, sea and a view of the Black Sea. Whatever you choose you cannot fail to be charmed by what Bulgaria has to offer.

Staying By The Sea In Burgas

2010-08-03T06:03:00.001-07:00

If you have never visited Bulgaria before, you might be wondering which locations are worth staying in. If you fancy heading for the east coast – the only part of Bulgaria that has a coast – you could opt to stay in Burgas. This can be found indented into the coastline about two thirds of the way down this side of the country.

However the point is what you will find there. This is a seaside resort and as such you will find plenty of suitable accommodation if you have a beach holiday in mind. The Sunny Beach resort is just a short distance to the north of Burgas if you are heading for this area.

But make no mistake - you have a good sized city to explore here too. In fact there are only three other cities in Bulgaria that are larger than Burgas, so you can see the opportunities there are to explore the streets and sights that will be laid out in front of you.

One of the key sights worth making time for is the District Museum of History. Many artefacts have been found in the area that date back hundreds of years. Some of them even go back as far as the Bronze Age. You can expect to see some fascinating exhibits when you visit the museum, as well as learning more about Burgas in general.

You can also look for the Sea Garden, which is a huge park in Burgas that draws lots of tourists to it as well as the locals. One of the best aspects of this is that it has a superb view out over the sea front, so it’s a good idea to take your camera with you when you go there. You’ll find many different places to stop and rest and watch the world stroll by, as well as grabbing some refreshments.

It’s no wonder that Burgas is such a well liked place for those looking for a beach based holiday in Bulgaria. It meets all the basic requirements you would expect – and throws in a lot more besides too.

Shopping In Sofia

2010-07-05T02:29:00.001-07:00

Even beach holidays don’t always involve lying on the beach all the time. Sometimes you just want to get out and about and spend some of that holiday cash, and if you are visiting Sofia in Bulgaria you are in one of the best places in the world to go shopping.

The good news for those who fret at the thought of shopping abroad is that Sofia is not one of the most expensive spots to shop in. You can actually get some delightful bargains here if you know where to look. Of course if designer clothes are what you’re after you can expect to spend some more money, but Sofia can cater for this as well. It might be wise to decide on your budget before you head out with your wallet or purse though, for temptations lurk around every corner.

Book lovers will delight in browsing through the book market in Ploshtad Slaveykov. What better place to test out your Bulgarian language skills than here?

If you would prefer a more up to date shopping experience you can try the mall as well. Lots of young locals love the mall and it can be more crowded at weekends when the locals aren’t working. You certainly won’t go hungry or thirsty in here because there are plenty of outlets offering nice snacks, meals or refreshments of all kinds.

The most notable thing about shopping in Sofia is the variety it offers you. We’ve already seen it has everything from market stalls to proper shopping centres. But don’t assume you won’t get a ton of variety in each area, because this is one of the things you will remember Sofia for. Watch out for outlet shops for instance, which are the best places to go if you want to bring home some designer items without paying the full price tag.

You are probably beginning to see now that figuring out a budget before you go shopping here is advisable for some very good reasons. Can you imagine going without one? While it would be nice it would also be very easy to max out those cards…

Visiting The St George Rotunda In Sofia

2010-06-03T02:59:00.001-07:00

Sofia is always a popular area of Bulgaria for tourists to see. And of course if you were going to visit this area you would want to see some of the most notable buildings in Sofia too, wouldn’t you?

To this end you must head for St George’s Rotunda. This is a Christian church and it is thought to be one of the oldest – if not the oldest – building in the whole of Sofia. It is thought to date back to the 4th century, having been built originally by the Romans. As you can imagine, it has seen a lot of history and changes during its long life, moving ahead now to become one of the key sights to see when you visit Bulgaria’s capital city.

The main building, as you would expect, is round. It has a perfect dome on top which rises up to a point and has a cross on the very top of it. Some of the other structures around the rotunda have been reduced to ruins, but you can still get an idea of what it may have looked like many centuries ago when it was first built.

The central dome is what holds the biggest secrets of the St George Rotunda however. It was in here that some frescoes were discovered in the 20th century, having been undiscovered for many centuries before that. Three distinct layers were eventually found here, consisting of some amazing detail and dating back over a thousand years in the case of the oldest one.

These are no tiny frescoes either. Some of them are over two metres in height, adorning the walls and taking your breath away when you see them. The good news is that the domed rotunda is free to see and go inside, so you must make sure you build this into a day out in Sofia. The frescoes are undoubtedly the highlight of your short tour of this building, and you will marvel at the skill and craftsmanship of those unknown people who toiled to create them so many centuries ago.

Cycling In Bulgaria

2010-05-05T05:47:00.001-07:00

If you are a lover of cycling it definitely pays to check out the opportunities there are for relying on pedal power in Bulgaria. There are two ways you can explore the country by bike – you can either hire a bike for the day to explore on your own, or you can book a cycling holiday for the entire time you are there.

Whichever option you go for, there is certainly a lot to look forward to once you arrive. For instance one of the main attractions in Bulgaria is Rodopi Mountain. This is an area loved by many cyclists and there are some good trails here to follow when you try it out.

If you are feeling ambitious there are opportunities to take part in proper mountain biking activities in Bulgaria as well. It certainly pays to find out as much as you can before booking a holiday in Bulgaria, because you might find a proper organised cycling holiday is the best way to go. If you want to see the best of the country from the saddle of the bike without worrying about the potential for getting lost, join a team and enjoy some company as well.

Bear in mind though that Bulgaria isn’t exactly flat. With mountainous regions to explore such as the Rodopi Mountain mentioned above, there is certainly a lot to get to grips with. In fact if you have this kind of holiday in mind, be sure to get some practice in before you leave home. It will make your holiday a lot more enjoyable and freer of saddle soreness as well.

If you like the idea of splitting the cycling with some walking as well, why not try an aptly named ‘bike and hike’ tour? These are available in Bulgaria and give you the chance to switch between the two modes of transport to see a lot of Bulgaria while you are there. Everything is planned for you so all you have to do is enjoy the experience. Can you imagine anything more wonderful than this? You can test out your pedal power and enjoy wandering along the roads and trails on foot as well. Perfect.

The Panagyurishte Treasure

2010-04-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

Bulgaria has been a place of intrigue and excitement in recent years. This is largely due to the fact that several treasures dating back to Thracian times have been accidentally unearthed in the country. What other treasures could be hiding within its midst that we are yet to hear about, one wonders?

Whatever the answer to that particular question might be, there is no doubt that there are now some amazing treasures that can be seen in the museums of Bulgaria. And one of the most notable ones of all is the Panagyurishte Treasure, which can be viewed in the National History Museum located in Sofia in all its golden glory.

The treasure itself was found back in 1949, as three brothers were working together in a tile factory. They eventually unearthed a total of nine items made from solid gold, which date back to the Hellenistic Age. Once they were brought to the surface and polished up they were seen for the amazing treasures they are. It is rare that such treasures are found; typically treasure troves contain gold coins and other items of jewellery rather than vessels and items which are of this kind of design.

The treasure is now housed in a glass box in the museum, lit beautifully to bring out their richness – as if they needed such help in the first place. It is generally regarded to be the centrepiece of everything displayed in this section of the museum, and many tourists visiting Bulgaria make time to see it when they are there.

The items were named after the town in which they were found – Panagyurishte. In fact if you pay a visit to that town you can also now visit a museum which has been specifically opened to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the find. The museum opened in 2009 and while it does not display the actual treasure it does have a fascinating replica which is worth seeing.

Ideally any trip to Bulgaria should take in both locations so you can see the real treasure and find out the story of the big discovery itself.

Visiting Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast

2010-03-04T00:20:00.000-08:00

The whole of the eastern side of Bulgaria is known as the Black Sea Coast, or sometimes the Black Sea Riviera. It’s not hard to see why so many people visit the area – either foreigners on holiday there or Bulgarians looking to enjoy one of the best parts of their country.

Around a third of this long coastline is filled with sandy beaches ideal for those looking to have a beach holiday. The aptly named Sunny Beach can also be found here, and it is well worth visiting. This is the place to go if you like having countless facilities close to hand. It has experienced much building over recent times and there are hotels, shops and restaurants by the dozen here.

Varna is also located on the Bulgarian Riviera, and this alone makes a good place to head for. It boasts the city and the beach, so you really do have the best of both worlds.

The area of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is divided roughly into two by those who know it best. If you split it into the northern and southern halves you can decide where to go according to the weather. Typically speaking you will find it slightly warmer the further south you go in this area, although the difference in the range of temperatures is not enough to be hugely noticeable. If you like it a few degrees cooler though, head for the northern areas and beaches there.

There are plenty of other attractions in this area too, including Nessebar. This is an ancient city and it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. You will find the aforementioned Sunny Beach here, as well as the remains of a stronghold that once protected the area.

As you can see there is plenty to keep you amused when you head for the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. There is a reason why this area is one of the main attractions in Bulgaria, and when you explore it for yourself you will see why it will always be one of the most popular spots.

Why Visit Varna?

2010-02-02T03:38:00.001-08:00

Bulgaria offers plenty of different venues for an alternative holiday destination abroad. And one of the most popular is Varna.

You’ll find Varna on the eastern coast of Bulgaria, and many previous visitors refer to it as a gem. This is probably largely because it has a lot to offer to all visitors. For example a visit to the Petrified Forest is well worth it. The Pobiti Kamani reserve is filled with limestone columns which look very much like a forest of trees. They weren’t actually trees however; they are simply the remains of an ancient seabed and what was left behind after it disappeared.

Elsewhere in Varna you can visit the beach. This is quite simply a stunning beach and once you have descended the Primorski Park steps to reach it you can spend the day enjoying everything it has to offer. For example why not take a dip in the sea, or perhaps enjoy one of the mineral water pools you will also find there?

The good thing about Varna is that it has a lot to offer all year. The summer is particularly popular of course because there are more hours of sunlight to soak up. But no matter when you visit you will find plenty to see and do.

Primorski Park itself is worth a look when you are heading down to the beach or coming back from it. It has been there for over a century and it provides another place to sit and relax and watch the world go by in Bulgaria. You can’t miss the Aquarium either as this is in the same place, so if you want to get inside and out of the sun for a while you should definitely give it a try.

This only really touches the surface of the myriad of events, locations and venues you can explore in Varna. But you will see that it offers a wide range of activities and things to see and do while you are there. If you want a holiday that can offer you a bit of everything and nice weather as well, Varna certainly delivers.

Are You Up For Some Skiing In Bulgaria?

2010-01-04T06:13:00.001-08:00

It’s that time of year where many people start thinking about going on a skiing holiday to blow away those Christmas cobwebs.

But wherever you might be thinking of going, there is a good chance that Bulgaria won’t have been somewhere that would have sprung to mind. That could change now though, because you are about to find out a bit about a place known as Bansko.

This is the top ski resort in the country, and it attracts plenty of visitors. The city of Bansko is very picturesque so you’ll have plenty to explore when you aren’t out on the slopes seeing how good (or not!) your skiing skills really are.

If extreme skiing and snowboarding is your thing you’ll certainly find some great trails and opportunities to test your mettle here. Pirin Mountain is where all the action can be found and enjoyed, and you’ve got a good choice of two main centres too. These are Shiligarnika and Chalin Valog. Either way you’ll get a great break and a great chance to experience the slopes of Pirin Mountain for yourself.

As far as ski resorts go this is quite a new one. But with that said it isn’t lacking in all the things you would hope to find in a top resort. It says a lot for the location that it has risen to be the most popular resort in Bulgaria, so bear that in mind when you come to book your holiday here.

And of course no matter what kind of budget you have there are lots of choices when it comes to your accommodation too. If you love the idea of putting your sore and aching feet up in luxurious surroundings once you’ve finished on the slopes for the day, you’ll find something worthwhile here. And those on tighter budgets can find some great bargains too.

If you have never been skiing before don’t worry – Bansko is one of the best places to go to get started on the right foot. And you’ll get to see some of the best parts of Bulgaria too. What could be better?

Views Of Vitosha Mountain

2009-10-21T02:23:00.001-07:00

Do you love mountainous regions of the world? If you do you’ll love what the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, has to show you.

This is where you will find the mountain called Vitosha. But this isn’t the kind of mountain you will view from afar and take pictures of as it towers over the capital. It is the kind of mountain that can provide you with an active holiday and plenty to explore. It’s more than just accessible – it is a beacon that draws in tourists from a long way away.

Part of the mountain is now a national park, giving you the opportunity to enjoy summer walks and hikes around the area. Be prepared to see a lot of wildlife too if you can keep reasonably quiet!

But of course when it comes to the snowy season this mountain transforms into one of the best known skiing resorts in Bulgaria. It is highly desirable as a place to ski for two main reasons:

• Sofia is just a stone’s throw away, giving you the best of the capital while still providing good ski conditions nearby.
• It is the highest Bulgarian resort there is, providing plenty of opportunities to make sure you get the best of the snow and the slopes.

If you like popular resorts then head for the best one on Vitosha Mountain – Aleko. This resort is ideally set up for skiing regardless of whether this is your first time or you are a seasoned expert. And with views of the Bulgarian capital below, you are never far from the more built up parts of Bulgaria either.

As such the mountain provides activities for everyone to try their hand at. You don’t like skiing? It’s not a problem – head for the national park instead and enjoy all that it has to offer. This is why Sofia and the Vitosha Mountain area is such a popular one for holidaymakers to head to. There aren’t many mountain regions that are good for people who don’t go skiing – but this one certainly does fit the bill.

Largest Ancient Water Reservoir Found in Bulgaria's Perperikon

2007-08-21T02:47:00.000-07:00

20 August 2007

The largest ancient water reservoir on the Balkan Peninsula was uncovered in the Thracian town of Perperikon in Bulgaria.

The reservoir is 12m long, six metres wide and six metres deep and has a capacity of 270 000 litres, archaeologist Nikolai Ovcharov said, as quoted by netinfo.bg. The structure was carved in the rocks on the top of Perperikon.

Perperikon had two other reservoirs, which, together with the new discovery, make archaeologists believe that tens of thousands of people lived in the town.

In mid-August 2007, archaeologists also found four huge earthen jars, 1.2m in depth, with a storage capacity of 200 litres. The inhabitants of the town probably stored wine in them.

A display area would be made for the jars and they would become one of the attractions at Perperikon, Ovcharov said.

According to Ovcharov, Perperikon had magnificent planning, strong fortress walls and tens of two-stored houses of stone.

easyJet to Add Bulgaria to Route Network

2007-08-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

8 August 2007

easyJet has announced an expansion to its network that includes its first route to Bulgaria.

Flights from London Gatwick to the Bulgarian capital Sofia will begin on November 6, and new connections from Liverpool to Lisbon (from November 2) and Innsbruck (from January 8) will also be offered.

The three-times weekly flights to Sofia will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, with prices beginning at £50.98 return, including taxes.

Sofia was founded 7,000 years ago and is one of Europe's oldest cities. Its attractions include the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National History Museum, and the city's vibrant café culture.

The new Liverpool to Lisbon route will operate four times per week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with fares available from £38.98 return.

Flights from Liverpool to Innsbruck will depart three times per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, costing from £45.98 return.

The new routes are part of a wider European expansion from easyJet that also includes flights to Marrakech from Geneva, Basel and Milan.

Separately, on August 3 the airline announced a new carbon offsetting scheme allowing passengers to invest in United Nations-certified environmental projects.

Large Spa Complex to be Built in Bulgaria's Varshets

2007-07-24T02:15:00.000-07:00

9 July 2007

The Bulgarian town of Varshets will boast a large spa and balneology complex, to be completed by August 2009.

The complex will cover 5000 sq m with a total built-up area of nearly 15 000 sq m, Pari daily reported.

The plan envisions a five-star hotel and a holiday apartment complex. It will also have entertainment attractions, a multi-functional congress centre and various business facilities.

The region of Varshets is attractive in terms of location and nature, Stascommerce Invest head Dragomir Gatev said.

Varshets is in northwestern Bulgaria and is famous for its healing mineral springs.

Bozhentsi

2007-07-02T07:27:00.000-07:00

A neat village in a small valley, Bozhentsi lies 16 km east of Gabrovo. Having preserved the spirit and atmosphere of the Bulgarian National Revival, it produced remarkable master masons, potters, farriers, and weavers that had made it known far and wide for its beauty.

One can see here preserved and restored houses of inimitable Revival Period architecture. Featuring among its landmarks are: the old coffee house, the Church of Prophet Elijah (1839), the school from 1872, the museum. Of great interest is also the richly illustrated exhibition with the logo “Remembered in history are the mad heads and generous donors”.

Most of the restored houses provide good accommodations and conditions for holidaymaking.

Every year, the Autumn in Bozhentsi plein aire is held early in September, while from June to September there is an exhibition and bazaar of works of art.

For more information visit www.bulgariatravel.org

Bulgaria Emerges as Retirement Hotspot

2007-06-05T01:39:00.000-07:00

4 June 2007

Bulgaria is now attracting a considerable amount of investment from retirees and property tycoons, according to new research.

Figures from the Bulgarian National Bank reveal that foreign individuals and companies spent €310 million on real estate in Bulgaria during the first three months of the year. This represents an increase of 63 per cent on the same period last year.

According to the Sofia Echo, foreigners bought Bulgarian properties worth €1.1 billion in 2006, but the new figures from the Bulgarian National Bank indicate that 2007 will surpass this figure comfortably.

Bulgaria's Black Sea coast is often compared to the Costa del Sol but properties in the region can typically be acquired for much less money then in Spain. It is partly for this reason that many of Bulgaria's more developed towns and villages are appealing to retirees seeking a bargain.

Sofia has proved similarly popular, aided by accession to the EU, and many analysts have speculated that prices in Bulgaria will continue to rise in the years ahead.

Retirees from around the world have also poured money into Bulgaria's ski resorts, which are becoming increasingly popular each year. Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo are all well-established ski resorts and the properties built around these areas have been exceptionally popular with investors and those hoping to retire abroad.

Bicycle Routes to be Created in Bulgaria's Capital

2007-05-08T05:33:00.000-07:00

7 May 2007

Six main bicycle routes will be created in Sofia to serve the needs of cyclists in the city and to promote the bicycle transport as a healthy, environmentally friendly and feasible alternative to the common transport methods in Bulgaria, as well as to contribute to traffic reduction.

This is one of the things Sofia city council has obliged the administration of mayor Boiko Borissov to do, following a proposal by municipal councillors Borislav Borislavov (Union of Democratic Forces) and Orlin Ivanov (Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria, known by its Bulgarian acronym of GERB).

The proposal was created and submitted by a civilian bicycle union formed from representatives of society and the ecological non-government organisations EcoObshtnost (Bulgarian Environmental Partnership foundation), BikeArea, Za Zemyata and CVS, and supported by National Students Eco-Parliament and the national club Bi-Bit Street Safety. With full consensus, on April 17 the city’s committee on children, youth, sport and tourism accepted the proposal.

The routes are planned to connect the central part of Sofia with the outlying districts. Borissov’s administration has been given two months to develop a project for bicycle lanes, starting from the intersection of Alabin Street and Vitosha Boulevard. The permanent paths will be continued in six directions: southern – National Culture Palace (NDK), Yuzhen (South) Park; south-western – Russki Pametnik (Russian Monument), Hipodrouma, Krasno Selo, Buxton borough; south-eastern – Vassil Levski stadium, Park-Hotel Moskva, Mladost, Studentski Grad; northern – Central Train Station, Nadezhda; western – Sveta Troitsa, Zapaden (West) Park, Lyulin; and eastern – Orlov Most with offsets to the boroughs Slatina-Druzhba and Poduyane-Levski.

Also included in the proposal was the setting up of bicycle parking lots in the neighbourhoods of all 40 municipal schools through which the routes pass, as well as at metro stations.

Sofia city council is also expected to require Borissov’s administration to provide for bicycle lanes when new streets are being planned, while routes will also be created by transformation of old roads. According to Borislavov, if the lanes are part of the project, there will be no problem to integrate them in the project’s realisation, and construction of such lanes could be financed with the money appointed for the streets’ construction or renovation.

The city council will also require Borissov to establish a general bicycle traffic scheme for Sofia and to publish its map.

Among the other requests of Borislavov and Ivanov is the “improvement of driving culture and respect towards cyclists in Sofia”.

“I have an ambition to also propose a draft bill similar to this, of countries like Denmark and The Netherlands, in which exist laws for cyclists. In this way there will be regulations for them not only in Sofia but in the whole country,” Borislavov said. “If even a small part of the people who drive a car use a bicycle, harmful gas emissions will go down.”

Bulgaria Opens Summer Tourism Season Earlier Than Usual

2007-04-30T02:26:00.000-07:00

10 April 2007

In 2007 Bulgaria opened the tourism earlier than usual in order to have more time to promote vacation opportunities in the country, head of the State Agency for Tourism (SAT) Anelia Kroushkova said.

On April 20 Kroushkova attended the opening of the season in Sunny Beach resort, together with Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev.

Stanishev’s presence showed active state support for the development of the tourism sector, Kroushkova said.

The industry deserves respect since tourism forms 14 per cent of the GDP, said Kroushkova.

On April 20 representatives of the sector will sign a memorandum for the creation of a confederation of the Bulgarian tourism. NGOs will try to achieve consolidation and come up with unified position on major issues in the sector through the creation of the confederation.

Representatives of some tourism companies said that such confederation is unnecessary. Unified policies can be achieved without the setting up of a separate entity, they said.

Sofia Can Compete With Most Popular Congress Tourism Destinations: Joseph Halbherr:

2007-04-10T06:45:00.000-07:00

10 April 2007

Sofia can compete successfully with the most popular destinations of congress tourism, chairman of the Bulgarian Organization for Congress Tourism Joseph Halbherr said, the organization announced. Halbherr acquainted journalists with the opportunities of MICE /Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions/ tourism.

He said that top destinations are Vienna, Singapore and Barcelona. Halbherr explained that Bulgaria could compete with the best destinations for congress tourism in Europe. However, the Bulgarians should start realizing that each one of them can become a “seller” of the destination.

Three Low-Cost Air Companies Start Flying to Bulgaria by June 2007

2007-03-27T07:59:00.000-07:00

20 March 2007

Bulgarian aviation market will soon welcome three new low-cost air carriers.

Germany’s German Wings will start flying to Bulgaria on March 27 2007, Dnevnik daily said. The company launches flights from Cologne to Sofia three times per week.

Greek charter air company Sky Express will fly from Sofia through Thessaloniki to the island of Lesbos twice a week. The company plans to launch flights from Sofia to the island of Crete in the summer of 2007.

Italian Air Italy would start operating in Bulgaria in June 2007, Dnevnik said. Air Italy will offer flights from Sofia to Verona.

Bulgarian air carriers said that the interest of low-cost companies in Bulgaria resulted from the country’s EU accession.

Another reason was the safeguard clause imposed on Bulgarian aviation. According to the clause Bulgarian air carriers are treated as 'third party' companies on the joint European aviation market until the country meets safety requirements.

Dnevnik said that the number of passengers of low-cost companies to pass through Sofia airport alone was expected to raise by 15 per cent.

Balkans Tourism Boost in 2007

2007-03-20T04:05:00.000-07:00

14 March 2007

Bulgaria and Romania’s inclusion into the European Union in 2007 is expected to result in a major boost to tourism for Eastern Europe, and in particular the Balkans region, reports leading online holiday company.

Bulgaria is bracing itself for a 10% rise in foreign tourists during 2007 as a total of 5.6 million are expected to visit. Joining the EU increases the visibility of a country as a tourist destination. In fact, even while Romania prepared for EU entry in December, the positive effects were apparent as tourism was up 20% whilst Bulgaria boosted tourism in 2006, earning the record breaking amount of nearly €1billion.

This has even prompted travel agents to hire travel consultants with unique knowledge of Eastern Europe in order to deal with specific Balkans holiday enquiries.

The increase, according to directline-holidays Sales Manager Alex Pilkington, points to a bright future for tourism in the Balkans, “Eastern Europe tourism in general, particularly in the Balkans, has been gaining popularity - and represents great value-for-money when compared to its western European counterparts”.

Tourists are realising Balkans holidays offer the best of both worlds from sunny beaches to world class ski resorts and are among the countries offering the lowest prices for package tours.

With an increasing number of Britons choosing activity holidays and most of them turning to the mountain slopes, a boom in Bulgaria skiing holidays has followed, with directline-skiing Product Manager Natasha Akram reporting the reasons for this boost, “Bulgaria offers the most affordable winter sports holidays available in mainland Europe today, with Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo the most popular resorts.”

Balkans favourite Croatia has grown to become a destination to rival traditional Western European destinations thanks to superb resorts, a wonderful coastline and an exceptionally sunny climate. Croatia holiday destinations such as Brac, Dubrovnik and Makarska are currently very popular.

Budget airlines have also attracted tourism to Eastern Europe with no-frills air carriers increasing the number of flights they offer, whilst competition is expected to bring prices down further. One of the reasons for more flight options is that after EU entry, aviation companies no longer need government permission to secure landing rights.

For more information visit http://www.focus-fen.net

Bulgaria Emerging as Destination with Intriguing Past, Bright Future

2007-03-06T05:02:00.000-08:00

25 February 2007

Bulgaria, a beautiful mountain-filled country with great wine, ski slopes and the Black Sea's best beaches, sometimes gets lost amid the attention given to such East European stars as Croatia, the Czech Republic or Hungary.

But things are changing. In the past few years, leagues of "new Bulgarians" have moved in, namely British retirees who have snatched up century-old villas in mountain towns and beachfront property for as little as $15,000.

Now that Bulgaria has joined the European Union — as of January 1 — many Bulgarians are eager to look ahead from their pokey, post-communist economy. But they'll quickly boast to visitors that seeing Bulgaria means sampling its past.

Best for this is Veliko Turnovo, Bulgaria's capital from 1185 to 1393 and now a lively student town of 73,000 in the hills of the Stara Planina (as the Balkan Mountains are called). About 3 1/2 hours east of Sofia, Bulgaria's capital, Veliko Turnovo still looks a bit like the city of the czars it was built to be.

On the east edge of town, sprawling across Trapezitsa Hill, stands the triumphantly walled Tsarevets Fortress, built between the fifth and 12th centuries. At its far eastern end is "executioner's rock," from which the guilty once were pushed; these days the traffic moves the opposite way, as grazing goats clamor into the fortress grounds.

The fortress overlooks the snaking Yantra River, which cuts a sharp S through town, squeezing through steep hills lined with centuries-old homes and cobbled streets. Just up from the river is Gurko Street, Veliko's oldest street, where you can visit an 1861 banker's home at Sarafkina Kashta (88 Gurko St.).

Up two streets is the wee Rakovski Street (Veliko's "arts-and-crafts street"), lined with shops selling wooden knickknacks. In one I met long-haired student craftsman Stanislav, who lit up when he heard my English and invited me to an all-night birthday party in the woods across the river.

When we made it there later, a group of students had huddled around a fire. We talked about rap, globalization, Crazy Horse and travel, before Stanislav's friend Miro, perhaps seized by the moment, burst into a Bulgarian folk song. "This is why we love Veliko," Stanislav said at one point. "Midnight picnics with friends, wine and music."

For more information visit azstarnet.com

Visitors from Bulgaria, Romania Still Need Visas

2007-01-30T02:10:00.000-08:00

Citizens from the EU's newest states still require visas to travel to Canada, though one envoy is encouraged by visa changes for diplomats.

Romanian and Bulgarian citizens visiting Canada will require visas, despite the two countries' entry into the European Union earlier this month.

Melanie Carkener, a spokeswoman for Citizenship and Immigration Canada, confirmed that the visa requirement for Romanian and Bulgarian citizens is still in place, but declined to mention when it will be lifted. The move to stay the visa requirement lumps Romania and Bulgaria together with six other eastern European EU member countries whose citizens are still required to get visas to travel to Canada.

Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary all joined the EU in May 2004.

They all dropped their respective visa requirements for Canadian visitors to their countries in accordance with EU regulations. However, Canada did not reciprocate the move, only dropping the visa requirement for visitors from Cyprus, Slovenia, Malta and Estonia.

Last October, the EU released a report assessing the issue of visa reciprocity with the six countries whose citizens are subject to Canada's visa regime. It concluded that Canada is reluctant to recognize the competence of the EU's visa policy and insists on a bilateral approach with these countries.

Romanian Ambassador to Canada Elena Sava Stefoi said her country has discussed the issue with Canadian officials and has also raised Romania's concerns with EU authorities in Brussels. However, she stressed that since Romania is now an EU member, it will be dealt with in that context.

"I don't think it's a matter of dispute, and I think Canada will adjust its policy," she said.

"I hope it will come sooner than later."

Dimiter Dimitrov, chargé d'affaires at the Bulgarian Embassy in Ottawa, also said Canada hasn't lifted the visa restriction for Bulgarian citizens.

"What I can tell you is that Bulgarian passport holders need visas to come to Canada," he said.

However, Ms. Stefoi says she is encouraged by a recent decision by Canadian officials to lift the visa restriction for Romanians carrying diplomatic passports. She also said Romania and Canada have reached a mutual agreement to fast track the visa application process for Romanian entrepreneurs visiting Canada on business.

In March, the EU is scheduled to release another report on visa reciprocity with Canada. However, it is unclear whether Romania and Bulgaria will be included in the report.

Roy Christensen, a spokesman for the European Commission in Ottawa, said he has no information on whether either country will be included in the March report, but stressed the Commission is ready to assist if need be.

Number Of Travels Abroad Unchanged After Bulgaria's EU Entry

2007-01-08T07:20:00.000-08:00

The number of Bulgarians traveling abroad is almost unchanged since the country became EU member state on January 1 2007, a Bulgarian news agency (BTA) survey among leading tourism agencies showed.

More people traveled than usual but this was typical for the holiday season, Bulgarian National Radio reported.

In December and January mostly students and tourists traveled abroad, representatives of tourism agencies said.

The actual travel figures could be estimated after January 15. Agency representatives said that the demand for tickets for the period after mid-January was not higher than usual.

Highest number of Bulgarians were interested in travel to Prague and Spanish cities. More than 90 per cent of these people were workers.

The number of illegally traveling workers was higher to Spain, as it was one of the most attractive foreign destinations for Bulgarian labourers, the report said.

Bulgaria's Revenue from International Tourism Increases

2007-01-08T06:23:00.000-08:00

8 January 2007

A total of 4 839 746 foreign citizens visited Bulgaria over the January-November 2006 period, the State Agency for Tourism said. This is 5.54 per cent higher compared with the same period of 2005. Of this figure, 4 103 268 of these foreign citizens visited Bulgaria for recreation and vacation without the children indicated in parents’ passports.

According to preliminary data, revenue from international tourism (without transport) for the first 10 months of 2006 came to 1 886 200 000 euro, or 4.2 per cent more than in 2005. Costs of Bulgarian citizens travelling abroad in the same period stood at 999 800 000 euro, a 13.34 per cent rise year-on-year. In the January-November 2006 period, Bulgarians took a total of 3 847 683 trips abroad, or a 1.85 per cent decline year-on-year. The largest number of Bulgarian citizens travelled to Turkey.

European Union countries continue to be Bulgaria’s most important generating market for international tourism with a relative share of 52.23 per cent.

The end of the year saw the appointment of Yordan Radev as chairman of the Bulgarian Convention and Visitors Bureau. Radev, who has been executive director of the International Fair – Plovdiv since 2001, is expected to help this new segment of Bulgarian tourism to develop at a fast pace.

An example of such spurring on might be the new Sofia-Vienna route offered by the low-cost air carrier Sky Europe. The flights, occurring on a brand new Boeing 737-700, will start on March 26 and will be available every day of the week except Sunday. Passengers might be using the brand new terminal of Sofia Airport, which officially opened on December 27.

Spanish Ferry Group to Invest in Bulgaria's Tourism

2007-01-02T05:06:00.000-08:00

The golf course near Sofia city will be extended with another 881 decares under a contract signed by the Spanish Ferry Group.

Ferry Group President Manuel Ferry Sanchez intends to make extension of the sport complex in the Katina village signed a contract for the purchase of land on Wednesday.

Sofia Mayor Boyko Borissov, State Administration Minister Nikolay Vassilev and the Ambassador of Spain Fernando Arias attended the signing of the contract.

"We chose Bulgaria because we believe the country has a tremendous potential in the tourism area, which is one of the first conditions for developing golfing", Sanchez said after putting his signature on the contract.

The project, worth EUR 150 M, includes the construction of a big sports and tourist complex, equipped with a golf course, pools, tennis courts, hotel, shops, etc.

Ferry Group is a group of family companies, some of them with more than 30 years of experience in different sectors.

For more information visit Journey: Bulgarian Travel Directory

Celebrate Cinema in Bulgaria

2006-12-18T03:28:00.000-08:00

Holidaymakers planning to fly to Bulgaria next spring could check out the Sofia International Film Festival between March 1st and 11th.

The festival displays numerous works of film from local, regional and international filmmakers at cinemas throughout Sofia, and aims to promote features that are both "significant and innovative".

With plenty of categories to choose from, audiences will be able to experience films in a number of different genres from the Balkans and beyond.

As well as focusing on works from Bulgaria, there will also be sections for the rest of Europe and the world, together with categories for short films, documentaries, and retrospectives and tributes.

Visitors to Bulgaria should also take the opportunity to explore the rest of Sofia between showings; as one of the oldest cities in Europe, it boasts a plethora of historical sights and attractions.

For more information, see http://www.cinema.bg/sff/

Ski Resorts Open Seasons with New Attractions

2006-12-18T02:52:00.000-08:00

The furious rush for rapid technical equipment of the winter resorts seems to be at its end. The rate that Bansko has set has fallen down, and the other two big centers for ski-tourism, Borovets and Pamporovo, have not invested in the development of lifts and facilities for the preparation of the new season.

The three resorts have placed the accent upon the cleaning ski-tracks and the cultivation of the soil, and also upon the accompanying attractions. Even with the prices of the lift cards, things have calmed down this year and a minimal increase is expected. Out of the first three, it is Chepelare that is beginning to develop on a larger scale, where there were two new ski-tracks built and a number of attractions.

British Snooker Star Loves Bulgarian Property

2006-11-28T06:29:00.000-08:00

Bulgarian property has been attracting the type of property investors who may have never considered buying property abroad. Snooker star Willie Thorne is one such potential buyer, he has recently set his heart on buying a house in Bulgaria.

'Mr Maximum', as he is known in the snooker world because he holds the record for maximum 147 breaks, hopes to pot a house at Lighthouse Golf Course at Balchik.

Just 20 minutes away from Varna and the airport, Willie is hoping to buy a 180,000 pound, three bed-roomed house with three bathrooms set right on two new courses designed by top players.

And according to the December issue of Quest Bulgaria, the specialist English monthly magazine about Bulgaria and Bulgarian property, he just needs the agreement of his second wife, the 1985 Miss Great Britain, Jill Saxby.

Willie, now 52 and from Leicester, went to the country on a whistle-stop tour having been persuaded by a property developer friend of his about the possibility of introducing snooker to the country.

'They play a game called pool billiards but snooker is unheard of,' said the TV commentator and current World Senior Snooker Champion during his trip. 'I hope to introduce the sport to this country and, perhaps, in the future hold a championship here.

'But while I was here I decided to look at some property. Spain and the other countries are so expensive - here you can't spend 30 pounds on a dinner if you tried,' Willie, snooker's former world number seven, adds.

'It might catch up with the other European hotspots eventually but at the moment it's so cheap,' he said.

'The house I'm looking at is between two golf courses; Ian Woosnam has designed one of them and Gary Player the other; they are spending a fortune. The house has a small garden and a pool - ideal when we bring our five kids over here.'

No mean golfer - he plays off a 10 handicap - Willie is planning ahead. 'If I move here I'll play every day. But getting my wife to agree is the thing,' he said.

'I've only been over here for a few days but from what I've seen, I love it and I think when I bring her out, Jill will too.

'Bulgaria is the new Spain and I like it very much. If I buy, it will be for summer use - a holiday home - and we're back again before Christmas.

'The other advantage is the travel. It's just 20 minutes from the airport so when the cheap flights start I'll be able to hop on an aircraft in the Midlands and be here in just a few hours.'

And Willie, who owns a snooker club in his home town of Leicester, is looking to open a club in Bulgaria.

'Not a seedy back street beer hall like many think of snooker clubs, but somewhere nice where you can bring your friends for a drink, for food and of course for a game,' he said.

Said Chris Goodall, MD of Quest Bulgaria, 'Willie is just one of many celebrities who can see the attractions Bulgaria has to offer. Property prices are still good with the cost of living very cheap. And the country itself is beautiful with a great deal going for it.'

Bulgaria's Tourism Revenue to Rise by Five Per Cent- Tourism Agency Head

2006-11-20T09:27:00.000-08:00

10 November 2006

Bulgaria's tourism revenue would rise by at least five per cent, head of the State Agency for Tourism (SAT) Mario al-Djebouri told Darik Radio.

Djebouri presented the results of Bulgaria's participation in the World Travel Market forum that took place in London.

The presentation of Bulgaria's balneology and spa tourism was in the focus of this year's World Travel Market, said al-Djebouri.

Bulgaria's presentation at the exhibition was a success, al-Djebouri said. The country had a modern and functional stand, he said.

A number of the Bulgarian exhibitors that took part in World Travel Market have already sold some of their tourism packages.

Djebouri said that additional funds were needed for the promotion of Bulgarian tourism opportunities. SAT needed at least 2.5 million leva until the of 2006 to promote Bulgaria's tourism.

For more information visit Expat in Bulgaria

New Ski and Golf Centre to be Built in Bulgaria

2006-11-13T08:54:00.000-08:00

An extravagant new ski and golf centre, designed to bring in tourists from around Europe, is to be built in Bulgaria it has been announced.

It will be built in the Kulinoto area near Bansko resort, the centre will be aimed at year-round tourism, reports the Dnevnik Daily.

The ski area alone will boast 20 installations, with 20 kilometres of lift routes and ski tracks measuring 60 kilometres long.

The golf area will include a hotel, clubhouse, commercial complexes and a golf playground.

Currently Bankso is Bulgaria's primary ski resort with a season lasting from December 15th to May 15th, the longest of any Bulgarian resort.

Bansko is approximately 160 kilometres away from the capital of Sofia and a mere six kilometres from Razlog. The resort has only come to the attention of skiers in the last decade or so, but in that time has become one of the most popular in Europe.

For more information visit Bulgarian Properties

EU Airports Tighten Hand Luggage Restrictions

2006-11-07T06:29:00.000-08:00

5 November 2006

New European Union restrictions on liquids carried in hand luggage will come into force in all airports within the bloc on Monday.

Rules affect only hand luggage and restrict the amount of liquids that one can take through the security checkpoints and then onto aircraft. Travellers may carry travel-sized toiletries that fit comfortably into a one litre, clear re-sealable plastic bag.

Liquids include gels, creams, oils, perfume, lotions, aerosols liquids, hair and shower gel, pressurised containers including shaving foam, other foam and deodorants, pasts including toothpastes, liquid / solid mixtures and any other items of similar consistency.

Passengers can carry larger amount of prescribed liquid medications, baby food and diabetic glucose treatments, which have to be declared at the airport screening point.

Exceptions do, however, include baby food and medicines, which do not need to be put in the bag. Mothers might be asked to taste the baby food and passengers carrying medicines may need to show a doctor's prescription and taste their medicine.

The measures will apply at all airports in the European Union until further notice.

Meanwhile, an information campaign is under way through the media informing passengers what they can and cannot take and leaflets will also be handed out at the airport. In addition, warning signs are being put up around the airport in prominent areas so as to forewarn passengers of the new system.

Bulgaria Ski Season 2006-2007

2006-10-30T05:51:00.000-08:00

Bulgaria offers a great range of ski resorts for those who share an interest in skiing and other winter sports. Holidays to Bulgaria's best ski resorts of Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo as well as few smaller resorts like Chepelare and Vitosha are available.

No matter where you come from, we can provide complete travel arrangements for your holiday to Bulgaria from:

Hotel reservations

Flights

Transfers to/from the resorts

Ski equipments rental

Lift pass

Ski/ snowboard schools for adults/ children and beginners/ intermediate skiers.

Festivals and Customs in Bulgaria

2006-10-23T05:14:00.000-07:00

Every year on the 1st of March, the Bulgarians give each other 'martenitsas' - small figures made of white and red threads, a symbol of the awakening, of spring, health and happiness. In late May and early June every year, the rose-picking season starts in the Valley of Roses which stretches between the Balkan Range and the Sredna Gora Mountains.

Rose-picking starts at dawn, before sunrise and before the rose fragrance has had a chance to disappear. The Bulgarian oleaginous rose yields 70 percent of the world's attar of roses used by every well known perfume company as an essential component of its products. This is the time of the Festival of Roses, celebrated with carnivals, processions, folk songs and dances in Karlovo and Kazanluk on the first Sunday in June.

For more information visit Travel Bulgaria

Wizz Air Service From London Luton

2006-10-10T04:11:00.000-07:00

Wizz Air now offers flights from Luton to either Bourgas (Summer only) or Sofia in Bulgaria, providing passengers with a low-cost option for flying to Bulgaria.

Jozsef Varadi, Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air said: "We are very happy to have started the low fare revolution in Bulgaria and now we are offering more routes and more low fares to the people of Bulgaria and those who wish to visit this beautiful country. We are strengthening our market leadership in the low cost airline sector in Bulgaria."

Bulgarian Cuisine

2006-10-10T04:07:00.000-07:00

Bulgaria is a relatively old state. It was founded in 7th century a.d. From that time until the 18th century Bulgarian people used to eat the usual Europeans food: meats, fish, bread, raw fruits and vegetables. By the end of the 19th century Bulgarian people developed their specific cuisine.

Basic ingredients in the Bulgarian kitchen are:

1. Meats: pork, beef, lamb, chicken, fish.

2. Dairy products: the main type of milk Bulgarians eat is plain yogurt.They prepare it generally from cow milk, but you can get yogurt made from sheep milk or buffalo-cow milk, which are much more tasty than cow yogurt. Almost everyone in Bulgaria eats yogurt every day - from age of 3 months until his/her death. There are two main kinds of cheese: feta (white cheese) and yellow cheese. Feta is two types: cow feta and sheep feta. Bulgarians preferto use cow feta in cooking and to eat sheep feta. Yellow cheese is used as in the U.S. You can buy original Bulgarian feta in Mediterranean stores in the U.S.

3. Rice, corn, beans, lentils.

4. Vegetables: potatos, cabbage (green and red), carrots, tomatos, green peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, garlic, zucchini, pumpkin, onions (yellow and green), peas, celery, spinach, cauliflower, lima beans, lettuce, radishes,turnip, gumbo, mushrooms, olives.

5. Fruits: cherries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, apples, peaches, pears, plums, apricots, watermelons, melons, grapes, quinces, edlars.

6. Nuts: peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, chestnuts.

7. Spices: parsley, mint, savory, paprika.

8. Herbs: many different, from thyme to milfoil. They are used in cooking and for herb teas.

All these basic ingredients are grown in Bulgaria. By the end of the last century Bulgaria extended its economic connections with Middle and West European countries. This way, little by little, people in Bulgaria started to use some common European foods like pasta, mayonnaise, cream, and also some fruits and vegetables which are not grown in the country. Today the Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture of typical Bulgarian courses and common all world foods.

In the restaurants you may purchase steaks, chops, hamburgers usually roasted, broiled or barbequed with garnish from potatos, beans, salad and Bulgarian type of salsa called luttennitza. In the largest cities of the country there are special restaurants for fried chicken, fish, pizza, spaghetti. In the capital, Sofia you can taste in a special restaurants German, Russian, Italian, Korean,Vietnamese, and Japanese food. Travelling in the countryside you can always buy near the road 'kebbabchetta' and 'kyuftetta' - Bulgarian barbequed hamburgers with oblong or round shape. Home cooking is more varying and depends on many factors, but the most important one is the family cooking tradition.

A distinctive feature of Bulgarian home cooking is that you start with the cooking of the meat and gradually adding all other ingredients. At the end of the cooking you have completely finished the course in one saucepan. This method saves time, especially if you work from scratch.

Bulgarian Wine

2006-10-10T03:58:00.000-07:00

Bulgaria is gaining reputation as a producer of high quality affordable wines. Up until 1990 the wine industry in Bulgaria was state-owned and was operated by Vinprom and exported by its subsidiary Vinimpex. In the 1980's import of American and Australian know-how laid the ground for production of high quality wines in Bulgaria. Coupled with centuries old traditions and enormous natural potential this tendency bore fruit and Bulgarian wines are gaining popularity among consumers in Western Europe, United States, Canada, and even as far as China and Japan.

After the fall of the totalitarian states in 1990 privatization of state owned companies and land restitution went under way in Bulgaria. At first at slow pace it is now gaining speed especially after UDF (Union of Democratic Forces) came into power in October, 1996. Results followed suit. Land is being returned to its original owners and many wineries are privatized or ready for privatization and sale. If the process continues uninterrupted and there is no other alternative, the chances are that Bulgarian wines will get more and more competitive on the basis of high quality and moderate prices.

Nightlife in Sunny Beach

2006-10-10T03:57:00.000-07:00

What then, has Bulgaria got to offer party people? Enough. You can if you want spend your whole time in Bulgaria partying everyday from dusk till dawn. There are places like Zlatni Pyasatsi (by tourists called Golden Sands), that have on every corner a club or disco where can find all you need; these places are ideal for the real clubber; open till 5 or 6 am.

Other places with good nightlife are Sofia, Plovdiv and Sunny Beach. The nightlife in Sunny beach has everything you could want from a wild techno-disco, a normal disco, a bar or a small pub. Which place is best depends on what you are up for, so just get out there and try it.

Beaches in Sunny Beach

2006-10-10T03:56:00.000-07:00

Sunny beach itself prides itself upon being awarded the Blue Flag award and you will certainly find it doesn't disappoint.Mainly sand, though some shingle areas, it stretches for around 5 miles so there is always plenty of space even in high season.

It is extremely popular with families as the beach shelves gently into the sea so it is safe and ideal for small children as well as being a great place to build those sandcastles!For the bigger kids there is a wide variety of watersports which will be sure to keep everyone amused.

Cost of Living in Bulgaria

2006-10-10T03:55:00.000-07:00

Bulgaria is one of Europe's lowest cost countries to live in and most importantly, to holiday in.As a rough guide, a bottle of beer can cost less than £1.00 , a bottle of wine around £3.00 and a meal out for four starts from just under £30.00

It's hardly surprising then that so many holidaymakers are choosing to come to Bulgaria each year and finding that their money goes much further than in the UK. Hundreds too are finding this lifestyle so hard to resist that they are beginning to buy property in Bulgaria at a fraction of the prices that the Brits are used to paying in holiday destinations such as Spain, Portugal or France.

Bulgaria Offers Very Attractive Investment Opportunities

2006-10-10T03:54:00.000-07:00

11 November 2004

A cultural treasure trove stuffed to bursting with the ancient monasteries, churches, mosques and Roman and Byzantine ruins, and located in the very heart of the Balkan Peninsula is Bulgaria. Investors Provident have recently launched their investment section on Bulgaria and offers its clients some very diverse and high capital growth investment opportunities. Since its escape from the yoke of communism, Bulgaria has struggled to join the modern world. It became a member of NATO in 2004 and is due to join the European Union in 2007.

With the Black Sea to the east, Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, and Greece and Turkey to the south, it's a country that retains a charming mixture of the old and the new. The capital of Bulgaria is Sofia. Almost completely rebuilt after the bombings of World War II, its city centre has a weird and wonderful mix of architecture; right down to a yellow-brick boulevard. North of Sofia is the Balkan range, Bulgaria's longest mountain chain, which flows down to the Danube. For the sun and sea, the Black Sea coast offers some of the best in rest and relaxation at affordable prices.

The southern section of the coast is home to picturesque bays, spacious beaches, dunes and a warm sea.There are no words to describe the phenomenal rise in property prices taking place in Bulgaria's tourist areas. Some developers have seen their tourist property complexes rise in value in excess of a colossal 100% in a year! Even if spread across the board, it still averages out to a sizeable capital growth of 35%. But why this discovery after all these years? Since the collapse of communism in 1989, Bulgaria has been opening itself to the West, and its natural attractions have not gone unnoticed.

This is hardly surprising given that Bulgaria offers long sandy beaches, summers of clear blue skies and a warm Mediterranean style sea only two hours flight from the UK. This, coupled with a phenomenally low cost of living, and its transition to a fully functioning market economy has made Bulgaria one of the major hotspots within Eastern Europe. Where else would you get a delicious three-course meal for two with a bottle of good local wine for 8 pounds?

Overview of Sunny Beach

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Sunny Beach is a town on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, located approximately 35 km north of Burgas in Obshtina Nessebar, Burgas Oblast. It is Bulgaria's biggest and most popular holiday resort, and is home to over 120 hotels. It has been undergoing continuous expansion for many years.

Sunny Beach has a very small permanent population, but during the summer the town is home to many thousands of tourists. The main strip of high-rise hotels backing onto the beach is several kilometres long and extends along a wide bay between Sveti Vlas and Nessebar.

The resorts construction began back in communist times, in 1958. Construction works began at a site, where two old wells supplying Nessebar with water in ancient times and during the Middle Ages, had been.

Overview of Sunny Beach

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The climate of the area is Mediterranean, explaining Sunny Beach's popularity with tourists since before the fall of communism. Since that time the resorts popularity has grown among German holidaymakers, who add to the already large numbers of Bulgarian and Russian visitors. More recently, Sunny Beach has begun to attract the attention of British and Scandinavian tourists, for whom it is a more affordable alternative to the established Mediterranean resorts.

Attractions for tourists include the beach, watersports, nightlife, and the nearby historical site of Nessebar. Sunny Beach is popular for both families and young people. The Golden Orpheus International Festival of Popular Song, the Decade of Symphonic Music, part of the International Folklore Festival, fashion-shows and various beach competitions are held there.The English name Sunny Beach is not an invented marketing term but a translation of the town's Bulgarian name. Similarly, Sunny Beach is known in German as Sonnenstrand.

Windsurfing in Bulgaria

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The Bulgarian part of the Black sea is not very popular as a windsurfing destination as the sea is usually calm with no high tides. However there are few sites that are turning into windsurfing sites at certain periods of the year. This sport is getting even more popular in Bulgaria via the several windsurfing competitions throughout the year. Generally the best time for windsurfing in Bulgaria is from early spring till late autumn.

During the hot summer months the wind is stronger late in the afternoon. However September is considered to be more suitable for high speed lovers as the wind is better.

Almost every major holiday resort along the Bulgarian coastline has at least one surfing club, which can offer you equipment and even a few tips if you are beginner. Sunny Beach, Albena, Golden sands and Sozopol are definitely sites which worth to be visited if you want to combine the sport with great nightlife and comfortable high class hotels.

Tourists who are tempted by the untouched and still virgin nature should definitely go further south. The vicinity of Sinemorets offers a few really magnificent sites suitable for windsurfing. Six kilometers south of the village is Silistar- bay and cape. The water is crystal clear and the view is unforgettable. Cape Silistar is in the protected area of the natural sightseeing Dokuzak. North of Sinemorets is the so called Northern Beach of the village which will just leave you breathless. It is a picturesque sandy stripe right between the quiet flow of Veleka River and the Black sea tides. Further north just next to Tsarevo is camping Arapia famous for its perfect conditions for windsurf.

The camping offers basic facilities for those who wish to open a tent or bring their own caravan. Recently a new four star hotel was build nearby for tourists who don't want to miss the comfort. However there is no asphalt road to the coast. People reach it after some 5 kilometers of black road. Camp sites Smokini, Zlatna Ribka and Gradina are situated in the vicinity of Sozopol and are offering wonderful conditions for windsurf lovers.

For more information visit Beach Bulgaria

Bulgaria General Information

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Location

Bulgaria is situated in Southeast Europe and occupies the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. To the north it borders on Romania, to the west on the Republic of Macedonia and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, to the east on the Black Sea, to the south on Greece and to the southeast on Turkey's European part. Area: 111.000 sq km.

Relief

Extremely varied: large plains and lowlands, low and high mountains, valleys and lovely gorges.

Climate

Temperate continental with clearly marked four seasons. A Mediterranean influence is felt in the country's southern regions. The average annual temperature is 10.5C. The average January temperature is around 0C. Average summer temperatures rarely exceed 30C.

Population

7,973,673

Languages

Bulgarian, English, German, French and Russian is spoken in the country's resorts, hotels and restaurants.

Alphabet

Cyrillic. Signs along international motorways, in airports and resorts are also spelled in Roman letters.

Religion

86.6% of the population are Orthodox Christians, 13% are Muslims. The Bulgarian Church is autonomous and headed by a Patriarch.

State government

Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic with democratic government.

Official holidays

January 1 - New Year, March 3 - Bulgaria's Liberation from Ottoman rule - the National Day Easter - one week after the Catholic Easter May 1 - Labour Day May 6 - Bulgarian Army Day May 24 - Day of Bulgarian Enlightenment and Culture and the Slav Script September 6 - Bulgaria's Unification, September 22-independencence Day December 25-26 - Christmas

Capital

Sofia (pop. 1,141,000)

Large Cities

Plovdiv, Varna, Veliko Turnovo

For more information visit Beach Bulgaria

What can be Found at Sunny Beach

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A wide semi-circular bay facing east an over 8 km long beach strip, 30-60 m wide fine golden sand, natural dunes, a clean and gently sloping sea no dangerous fish 1700 hours of sunshine from May trough September.

The average daily temperature in summer is 27C. It consists of 108 hotels with over 27 000 beds, holiday villages, campsites - over 130 restaurants, entertainment and folk-style spots, night clubs, bars, discos, cafes medical and recuperation centres.

There are also kindergartens, children's playgrounds, children's pools, fun and games, an open-air theatre and an outdoor cinema.

A shopping centre, arts and crafts bazaars, farm produce, regular boat and bus connections to the district centre of Bourgas are also available.

For more information visit Beach Bulgaria

Climate in Sunny Beach

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The Maritime climate along the coast is characterised by warm, sunny days from May to October with mid-summer air temperatures averaging 83F (28C) and sea temperatures ranging from 73-77F (23-25C). The wettest months are June, October and December. Winter is cold, although milder than the interior of the country where the snow falls heavily, and many of the resorts shut down for the season.

Bulgarian Mountains

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Rila Mountains

Rila is the highest mountain in Bulgaria and on the whole Balkan Peninsula. It is a part of the Rila-Rhodope Massif and occupies its north-east end. Rila seems to be a piece of the Alps thrown into the heart of the Balkans with its 130 Alpine peaks above 2000m, glacial valleys and lakes. The snow cover on the parts of average altitude and the Alpine parts often exceeds 2m.

Eastern Rila is the highest part of the mountain where one can visit Rila's highest mount-Moussala (2925m) and the 10 top peaks, and the highest lake in Rila-the Glacial lake (2709m). Northwestern Rila is the home to some of the symbols of Bulgarian alpinism and mountaineering-Malyovitsa and Kupenite peaks, and the biggest and significant lake groups, the most famous and scenic of all - the 7 Rila lakes.

The most of the chalets and high mountain shelters are in this part of the mountain. Many marked tourist hiking trails and high-mountain rock climbing tours originate from here.

The Balkan Range

The Balkan Range cuts right across the country - from the border with Serbia to the Black Sea coast, a forbidding mountain known to the Bulgarians as Stara Planina or the "Old Mountains".

The 550km-long granite Balkan Range has become emblematic of Bulgaria - a birthplace of the Bulgarian nation-state and a place where Bulgarian traditions and culture have been preserved during the Ottoman occupation. It is also a climatic barrier between north and south Bulgaria with more snowfalls on its northern slopes than on the southern.

Average temperature around Mount Botev, the highest peak (2376m), are -8.9C in January, and 7.6 in July. Its 29 peaks above 2000m, some of which definitely Alpine, are of great interest to tourists and climbers. The numerous alpine formations in the western part of the mountain-caves, rocks, gorges, attract extreme climbers and mountaineers.

The Central Balkan range is the highest with the most tourist chalets and high-mountain huts. Hundreds of tracks have been marked, most of them leading to important historic and cultural places. A landmark is the National Park "Central Balkan" with 10 biosphere reserves under the protection of UNESCO.

Rhodope Mountains

The Rhodope mountains, the most lyrical Bulgarian mountains, is located in the most southern part of the country. The Rhodope mountains are one of the oldest mountains in Bulgaria - the land where panpipes, Orpheus and the Orphic Cult originated, a region rich in gems and ores, mild oval forms and rounded wooded peaks, picturesque villages and hospitable people.

Very interesting are the karst areas with their deep river gorges, large caves and specific sculptured forms. What is typical for the Rhodope mountains is that they are the most populated mountains in Bulgaria which together with the mild climate and the numerous mineral springs, provides essential advantages for the development of tourism. The best conifer woods in Bulgaria can be found here, as well as 15 natural reserves, some of which protected under UNESCO. The highest peak is Golyam Perelik at an altitude of 2191m.

For more information visit Moto Roads

Black Sea

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The Black Sea is an inland sea between southeastern Europe and Asia Minor that is part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is connected to the Mediterranean Sea by the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, and to the Sea of Azov by the Strait of Kerch. There is a net inflow of seawater through the Bosporus, 200 sq km per year.

There is an inflow of freshwater from the surrounding areas, especially central and middle-eastern Europe, totalling 320 square km per year. The most important river entering the Black Sea is the Danube.

The Black Sea has an area of 422,000 square km and a maximum depth of 2210 m. Countries bordering on the Black Sea are Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia (including the breakaway region of Abkhazia). The Crimean peninsula is a Ukrainian autonomous republic.