Discover Bulgaria - the perfect destination for the independent traveller who loves adventure! Hike in the Rila Mountains, soak in the curative mineral springs or sun yourself by the Black Sea...
At the crossroads of Europe, cresting the Balkan Peninsula and facing the Black Sea, Bulgaria has a long and colourful history. Nomads and merchants, conquerors and settlers have left their footprints in Bulgaria's soil, but sadly it has often been forgotten or ignored by travellers. For over 40 years as a member of the Soviet Bloc, Bulgaria remained little known and difficult to visit. But in 1990, it put paid to its communist past and turned its gaze towards Western Europe.
In the ensuing years, Bulgaria has enthusiastically embraced capitalism and democracy and opened its arms to tourists. It is a country in transition, with countless citizens flocking to the cities. Yet in the countryside rural life goes on at an unhurried pace reminiscent of the 1950s. Crime and corruption have not permeated Bulgaria (as they have in some former Eastern-bloc countries), nor have increasing numbers of tourists meant that cities have become over commercialised. And the strife that has racked other Balkan countries has never affected Bulgaria - it is a safe and hassle-free destination.
Many tourists come on an all-inclusive package holiday, and stay at one of the developed Black Sea beach resorts such as Albena, the self-proclaimed 'sports capital' of Bulgaria. It is possible to escape the tourist hordes, however, and find a secluded piece of sandy beach even during the peak season in July and August. And budget travellers can stay in small villages or larger cities along the coast and day trip to the beach resorts.
From about mid-December to mid-April, Bulgaria's four major ski resorts usually offer plenty of snow. While facilities may not be world-class, costs are substantially lower than almost anywhere else in Europe. the scenery is superb along any of the 37 000 kilometers of marked hiking trails across pristine national parks and reserves. There's even great hiking (and skiing in the winter) only a 30-minute bus ride from the centre of the capital, Sofia. Other summer activities include mountain biking, horse riding and caving. If the physical activity gets too much, visit one of the plethora of health centres, where mineral-spring pools and mud baths are said to cure rheumatism and relieve stress.
Sofia is a cosmopolitan city with dozens of churches, museums and art galleries to explore. The charming old towns of Plovdiv and VelikoTarnovo just ooze historical ambience. Other picturesque towns and villages, like Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna and Shiroka Luka, are prime examples of the glorious architectural style typical of the Bulgarian national revival period of the 18th and 19th centuries. Many houses and public buildings throughout the country have been lovingly restored and cherished.
Bulgarians love festivals, whether it's traditional fire-dancing, family weddings or religious occasions at local churches and regional monasteries. Many special events invlove making bread, wearing traditional costumes and drinking copious amounts of palatable local wine. These days, many festivals cater mainly to tourists and take place between June and September.
Even if you are not religious, you are likely to be impressed by any of the country's 160 monasteries, often large, shrouded in mist and in remote mountains. History enthusiats are bound to be excited by the remnants of numerous occupying empires such as Roman amphitheatres, Thracian tombs and Turkish fortresses. Culture buffs will enjoy local opera, ballet and theatre, and some of the 200 and more museums and art galleries throughout the country. To realx, do what every Bulgarian seems to do in the summer: sit in a cafe, chat, drink, smoke and watch the world go by.
Most travellers visit Bulgaria as part of a jaunt around Eastern Europe and/or the Balkans, but there is enough to justify a visit of at least one month - coincidentally, this is the lenght of the free visa given to most visitors at borders and airports.
Bulgarians are justifiably proud of their country, and eager to show it off to visitors. Almost everyone in the tourist industry speaks English, French or German. However, it is worth spending an hour or two brushing up on a few Bulgarian words and phrases and, in particular, learning the Cyrillic alphabet.
Bulgaria is easy enough to get around independently, whether by public transportation or rented car, but organised tours are also available. And while some of the hotels, roads and buses, for example may not be up to the standards expected in Western and Northern Europe, Bulgaria is excellent value - you could end up spending about 75% less than you would in, say, France, Germany or Switzerland. Foreigners tend to be charged at least twice as much as Bulgarian to stay in hotels and visit tourist attractions but the cost of food, drink and public transport is remarkably cheap. There are few hostels and camp sites worth recommending but one enjoyable way to cut costs and meet a Bulgarian family is to stay in a room at a private home. Hikers can also stay in private huts and some monasteries have accommodation in converted monastic 'cells'.
All in all, Bulgaria boasts plenty of things to see and do, from ancient monasteries to world-class beaches. It is an unexpensive, safe destination, waiting to be discovered. So hurry up and visit Bulgaria, undoubtedly one of Europe's best-kept secrets.
Discover Bulgaria - the perfect destination for the independent traveller who loves adventure! Hike in the Rila Mountains, soak in the curative mineral springs or sun yourself by the Black Sea...
At the crossroads of Europe, cresting the Balkan Peninsula and facing the Black Sea, Bulgaria has a long and colourful history. Nomads and merchants, conquerors and settlers have left their footprints in Bulgaria's soil, but sadly it has often been forgotten or ignored by travellers. For over 40 years as a member of the Soviet Bloc, Bulgaria remained little known and difficult to visit. But in 1990, it put paid to its communist past and turned its gaze towards Western Europe.
In the ensuing years, Bulgaria has enthusiastically embraced capitalism and democracy and opened its arms to tourists. It is a country in transition, with countless citizens flocking to the cities. Yet in the countryside rural life goes on at an unhurried pace reminiscent of the 1950s. Crime and corruption have not permeated Bulgaria (as they have in some former Eastern-bloc countries), nor have increasing numbers of tourists meant that cities have become over commercialised. And the strife that has racked other Balkan countries has never affected Bulgaria - it is a safe and hassle-free destination.
Many tourists come on an all-inclusive package holiday, and stay at one of the developed Black Sea beach resorts such as Albena, the self-proclaimed 'sports capital' of Bulgaria. It is possible to escape the tourist hordes, however, and find a secluded piece of sandy beach even during the peak season in July and August. And budget travellers can stay in small villages or larger cities along the coast and day trip to the beach resorts.
From about mid-December to mid-April, Bulgaria's four major ski resorts usually offer plenty of snow. While facilities may not be world-class, costs are substantially lower than almost anywhere else in Europe. the scenery is superb along any of the 37 000 kilometers of marked hiking trails across pristine national parks and reserves. There's even great hiking (and skiing in the winter) only a 30-minute bus ride from the centre of the capital, Sofia. Other summer activities include mountain biking, horse riding and caving. If the physical activity gets too much, visit one of the plethora of health centres, where mineral-spring pools and mud baths are said to cure rheumatism and relieve stress.
Sofia is a cosmopolitan city with dozens of churches, museums and art galleries to explore. The charming old towns of Plovdiv and VelikoTarnovo just ooze historical ambience. Other picturesque towns and villages, like Koprivshtitsa, Tryavna and Shiroka Luka, are prime examples of the glorious architectural style typical of the Bulgarian national revival period of the 18th and 19th centuries. Many houses and public buildings throughout the country have been lovingly restored and cherished.
Bulgarians love festivals, whether it's traditional fire-dancing, family weddings or religious occasions at local churches and regional monasteries. Many special events invlove making bread, wearing traditional costumes and drinking copious amounts of palatable local wine. These days, many festivals cater mainly to tourists and take place between June and September.
Even if you are not religious, you are likely to be impressed by any of the country's 160 monasteries, often large, shrouded in mist and in remote mountains. History enthusiats are bound to be excited by the remnants of numerous occupying empires such as Roman amphitheatres, Thracian tombs and Turkish fortresses. Culture buffs will enjoy local opera, ballet and theatre, and some of the 200 and more museums and art galleries throughout the country. To realx, do what every Bulgarian seems to do in the summer: sit in a cafe, chat, drink, smoke and watch the world go by.
Most travellers visit Bulgaria as part of a jaunt around Eastern Europe and/or the Balkans, but there is enough to justify a visit of at least one month - coincidentally, this is the lenght of the free visa given to most visitors at borders and airports.
Bulgarians are justifiably proud of their country, and eager to show it off to visitors. Almost everyone in the tourist industry speaks English, French or German. However, it is worth spending an hour or two brushing up on a few Bulgarian words and phrases and, in particular, learning the Cyrillic alphabet.
Bulgaria is easy enough to get around independently, whether by public transportation or rented car, but organised tours are also available. And while some of the hotels, roads and buses, for example may not be up to the standards expected in Western and Northern Europe, Bulgaria is excellent value - you could end up spending about 75% less than you would in, say, France, Germany or Switzerland. Foreigners tend to be charged at least twice as much as Bulgarian to stay in hotels and visit tourist attractions but the cost of food, drink and public transport is remarkably cheap. There are few hostels and camp sites worth recommending but one enjoyable way to cut costs and meet a Bulgarian family is to stay in a room at a private home. Hikers can also stay in private huts and some monasteries have accommodation in converted monastic 'cells'.
All in all, Bulgaria boasts plenty of things to see and do, from ancient monasteries to world-class beaches. It is an unexpensive, safe destination, waiting to be discovered. So hurry up and visit Bulgaria, undoubtedly one of Europe's best-kept secrets.
