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Bulgaria Travel Wiki
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Travel to Bulgaria
Bulgaria is vibrant, beautiful, and teeming with opportunities for you to explore during your next holiday. At first glance, this nation might seem like any other Eastern European nation that has communist influences dominating within its cities, but Bulgaria offers you something different: a story. Every block has a unique story to tell and when you visit this nation, you’ll be adding your story to the melting pot of so many others that make Bulgaria such a fascinating place to visit.
There are many places where the ancient lives which came before can still be experienced. Some of the oldest cities in Europe can be found in Bulgaria, giving you the chance to experience one-of-a-kind opportunities for exploration. With historical spots in some areas like Plovdiv dating back to the 7th century BC and even earlier, places like the Rila Monastery becomes adventures of a lifetime.
You can also see a number of breathtaking views thanks to the varying topography that Bulgaria has to offer. Hike up to see mountain lakes, come back to enjoy mineral water spas, and then have a hot stone massage so you’re ready to do everything again the next day. The impressive sights are just at the summit of a mountain. Folksy street art can be found around almost every corner as well.
With a nightlife that is comparable to the best that any other location in Europe has to offer, Bulgaria is a hidden treasure that is just waiting for a holiday of any length. Whether you’ve got a weekend to fill or you want an extended time away, this nation has everything you could ever want.
Best of Bulgaria.
If you’re looking for a cheap skiing holiday, Bulgaria is the perfect choice for you. Ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders and with snowfall until June in the highest peaks, make Bulgaria your skiing holiday destination this year. Bulgaria offers a good range of ski slopes, from beginner standard through to more challenging. Other things you can do here include sightseeing, as you check out some of the beautiful orthodox churches and monasteries that lie scattered across the landscape. Hiking and cycling are other popular pastimes. Unlike some of the steeper alpine ski regions, Bulgaria is known for its gently sloping mountains and as such, the country’s ski resorts are often well suited for beginners and advanced, young and old alike.
There are 3 main ski resorts in Bulgaria; Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo. Borovets is the largest and most developed ski resort situated in the Rila Mountains. With beautiful scenery and first rate ski schools, it is the perfect ski holiday destination if you’re looking to try out skiing or snowboarding for the first time. Pamporovo is the sunniest ski resort in Bulgaria. It is situated at the foot of Peak Snezanko in the Rhodopes Mountains. Ideal for family ski holidays, with modern facilities and lively après ski for those of you looking to kick back and have fun in the evenings. Or if you’re looking for something different, then Bansko is the skiing holiday destination for you. It is the newest ski resort in Bulgaria and offers more of a cultural experience in an ancient and unspoilt town at the foothills of the Pirin Mountain. Skiing holidays in Bulgaria are a great way to get a real cultural experience. So why not head to the Rila Monastery located between Bansko and Borovets for a taste of traditional Bulgarian culture.
Bulgaria is split down the middle by the eastern arm of the Balkan Mountains, known here as the Stara Planina. This picturesque mountain landscape lends itself well to outdoor sports, as well as featuring a number of popular tourist attractions, such as the war museum at Shipka Pass or the old capital of Veliko Tarnovo, just north of the mountains. When it comes to winter sports, Bulgaria has a lot to offer. You’ll be able to try your hand at skiing or snowboarding – even beginners are welcome to have a go and all the equipment you need can usually be hired out from a ski lodge. You’ll also be able to take in the spectacular view from a cable car ride through the mountains.
The ski resorts of Bulgaria are known for two things –the range of gentle beginner’s slopes on offer and the great value for money! The mountains of Bulgaria will provide the perfect backdrop for your next romantic break, as you take in a snow-covered landscape of rocky cliffs, pine forests and mountain lakes. You’ll find there’s plenty to do, during your stay in Bulgaria. The choice of winter sports on offer is extensive – skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing to name just a few – but you’ll also have the chance to go shopping or even indulge yourself with a trip to one of the country’s numerous spas!
Vacation in Bulgaria
Walking
While many visitors to Bulgaria rush straight for the beaches, there is also an awful lot on offer further inland. If you head up into the mountains for example, you’ll be able to find some superb terrain for hiking and walking trips. Around the Old Capital of Veliko Tarnovo for example, holidaymakers can enjoy a breathtaking landscape of mountains, forests and lakes.
Water Sports
For many people, the beaches of Bulgaria will be one of the country’s largest attractions. Head anywhere along the Black Sea coast, and you’ll be able to enjoy fine sand, warm, crystal clear waters, and a good provision of facilities such as sun beds and parasols. The resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands in particular, are geared up towards group trips. At Golden Sands you’ll find the Aquapolis water park, offering an excellent selection of slides and flumes, in addition to a number of different splash pools and bathing areas. In the coastal city of Varna you will also be able to visit the Sea Gardens, a peaceful stretch of park which can be found just behind the beach.
You will be able to find a superb range of water sports on offer at coastal resorts such as Golden Sands and Sunny Beach – ranging from water skiing to scuba diving in the Black Sea! However, these aren’t the only water sports that Bulgaria has to offer. Head inland and you’ll be able to have a go at rafting on the Struma River, or sailing on the mountain lakes near Veliko Tarnovo.
Mountain Biking
With so many miles of unspoiled mountain scenery, it should be no surprise that mountain biking has become a popular pastime in Bulgaria! Head to destinations such as Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo or Shipka in the Balkan Mountains, and you will be able to find plenty of places to hire bikes, as well as miles upon miles of scenic mountain trails.
Rock Climbing
Those looking to try their hand at rock climbing during their holiday to Bulgaria will find some superb spots to try along the Yantra Gorge. Located just outside the city of Veliko Tarnovo, the gorge offers breathtaking scenery looking out over the river valley and the old castle beyond… as well as a selection of climbing courses that range from beginner to expert difficulty levels.
Discover
There are some great options when it comes to planning a day out in Bulgaria. You could visit the picturesque Sea Gardens in Varna, or even head to the Greek ruins at Nessebar! If you’re looking for a taste of the local culture, then cities such as Bourgas and Varna boast a wide selection of museums and galleries that you’ll be able to visit as well. The aviation museum in Bourgas makes for a fascinating trip, while the coastal town of Nessebar offers some of the best-preserved ancient Greek architecture in Europe.
Spas
One great way to pass your holiday in Bulgaria would be to indulge yourselves with a spa treatment! At Pomorie you will find the country’s most famous mud treatment resort, while the city of Varna was built upon natural hot springs – here you can enjoy a range of luxurious treatments at a selection of spas, or even bathe in the springs themselves!
Travel resources
Below you can find usefull travel resources for your visit to the country
Weather Online
Official holidays
When are holidays and no working days in the country ?
Date | Holiday | Remarks |
---|---|---|
1 January | New Year's Day | Fixed |
3 March | Liberation Day | Fixed |
1 May | Workers' Day | Fixed |
6 May | Saint George's Day | Fixed |
24 May | Slavonic Literature Day | Fixed |
6 September | Unification Day | Fixed |
22 September | Independence Day | Fixed |
1 November | National Awakening | Fixed |
24 December | Christmas Eve | Fixed |
25 December | Christmas | Fixed |
26 December | Christmas | Fixed |
Orthodox Good Friday | Orthodox Good Friday | Variable |
Orthodox Easter | Orthodox Easter | Variable |
Which are the largest cities ?
Listing of the most important and largest cities in the country
Rank | Name | Pop. | State |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Sofia | 1204.685 | Sofia |
2 | Plovdiv | 338.153 | Plovdiv |
3 | Varna | 334.870 | Varna |
4 | Burgas | 200.271 | Burgas |
5 | Ruse | 149.642 | Ruse |
6 | Stara Zagora | 138.272 | Stara Zagora |
7 | Pleven | 106.954 | Pleven |
8 | Sliven | 91.620 | Sliven |
9 | Dobrich | 91.030 | Dobrich |
10 | Shumen | 80.855 | Shumen |
11 | Pernik | 80.191 | Pernik |
12 | Haskovo | 76.397 | Haskovo |
13 | Yambol | 74.132 | Yambol |
14 | Pazardzhik | 71.979 | Pazardzhik |
15 | Blagoevgrad | 70.881 | Blagoevgrad |
16 | Veliko Tarnovo | 68.783 | Veliko Tarnovo |
17 | Vratsa | 60.692 | Vratsa |
18 | Gabrovo | 58.950 | Gabrovo |
19 | Asenovgrad | 50.846 | Plovdiv |
20 | Vidin | 48.071 | Vidin |