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Bulgaria Travel Wiki

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Easy travel guide
Find general travel information, guides and “good to know”. Find the cheapest flights and best hotels offers in one click multi search engine - just click a city and discover the best of the country.

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!

City Guides

Click on a city for more information about the city, maps, tourist information, tours and what to see and do in the city.

Balchik

Balchik Travel Wiki Travel to Balchik You’ll find Balchick along the northern shores of the Bulgarian Black Coast, just a quick day trip from Varna.  It’s a sprawling community, built along a series of terraces that overlook the water, making it one of the most beautiful cities you can visit in the region. Originally founded as a Thracian settlement, the rich agricultural opportunities in the region helped the city developed into a melting pot of cultures. During your stay, be sure to...

Bansko

Bansko Travel Wiki Travel to Bansko Bansko is a well known ski and snow boarding resort in Southwest Bulgaria about 170 km from the capital Sofia and about 180 km from the city Plovdiv. Also outside the winter season is Bansko is a popular tourist destination as a starting point for a number of hiking trips and mountain bike routes in the Pirin Mountains, the Rila Mountains and the Western Rhodope Mountains. Travel and vacation in Bansko, Bulgaria Here you can find information about travel and...

Belogradchik

Belogradchik Travel Wiki Travel to Belogradchik Belogradchik is a small community that you’ll find in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains. It is right on the border of Serbia and is a quick day trip away from the Danube River. Despite its size, however, you’ll find that the exploration opportunities here are quite numerous indeed. The Belogradchik Rocks are a group of formations that are spread out along the mountains and some reach over 200m in height. They have also been...

Borovets

Borovets Travel Wiki Travel to Borovets Borovets, or Chamkoria as it was originally known, is a beautiful mountain resort community that is located on the northern slops of Rila. It’s just a short drive from Samokov and a day trip from Plovdiv or Sofia. Borovets is the oldest winter resort in Bulgaria, with a history dating to 1896. It was originally established as a community to be a place for hunting by the Bulgarian royalty, but its stunning location and access...

Burgas

Burgas Travel Wiki Travel to Burgas Situated on the Black Sea, Burgas is the center of the commercial fishing industry for its country, as well as being the home of one of the largest oil refineries in Europe. Situated next to a bay and surrounded by plenty of lakes, birding is a common reason to visit a city that literally translates to “fortress.” Over 60 endangered species of birds make the central city lake of Burgas home, so it is a chance...

Chepelare

Chepelare Travel Wiki Travel to Chepelare One could say that skiing and snowboarding is life in Chepelare. It is the home of the only factory of skis and snowboards on the entire Balkan Peninsula. You’ll find this stunning community in the central part of Rhodopes, along a river that shares its name, and part of its attraction is that it offers one of the longest ski runs in the region. Skiing is a tradition that dates back to 1954 in Chepelare, which is...

Golden Sands

Golden Sands Travel Wiki Travel to Golden Sands Located on the Black Sea and sitting right next door to a spectacular national park, Golden Sands is an extensive resort community. There are three basic reason why people should visit Golden Sands: there are very reasonable prices, the seascape and other surrounding vistas are spectacular, and the climate is conducive to have a relaxing time. Though many people choose to visit Golden Sands because of the golden sand beaches where they can frolic...

Koprivshtitsa

Koprivshtitsa Travel Wiki Travel to Koprivshtitsa Koprivshtitsa is a historic town lying on the Topolnitsa River among the Sredna Gora mountains about 110 kilometers from Sofia. Koprivshtitsa is a very popular tourist destination, specially know for the folk music festivalsand the authentic Bulgarian architecture and for its folk music festivals, making it a very popular tourist destination. Historically the town is known for being one of the centers of the April Uprising in 1876. In fact, the whole settlement is a protected national monument, supposed to reflect and define the achievements of the Bulgarian...

Nessebar

Nessebar Travel Wiki Travel to Nessebar Why should people visit Nesebar? Located on the Black Sea, this city began to flourish when it became a Greek colony around 400 BC. A stronghold city for whatever civilization had rule over it, Nesebar reflects these various civilizations today with traces of Byzantine and Greek influence throughout. Though the city isn't large by any means, the amount of World Heritage Sites that it contains has caused all of Nesebar to be considered a site. With...

Pamporovo

Pamporovo Travel Wiki Travel to Pamporovo The winter resort Pamporovo is situated at the foot of Snezhanka peak (1926 meters) in the Rhodope mountain. Although it is mostly known as a winter destination, Pamporovo has a lot to offer to the tourists who decide to visit it during the summer. There are a lot of ecological paths suitable for walk tours in the region of the Rhodope mountain. They are some of the most attractive caves in Bulgaria. From Pamporovo there is a...

Plovdiv

Plovdiv Travel Wiki Travel to Plovdiv With a history that can be traced back over 6,000 years, Plovdiv is one of history's oldest cities. Located on the banks of the Maritsa River, this city has had numerous names throughout history, but despite that, Plovdiv has always been a center of economic development. With Roman sewerage and an advanced water system that was protected by a double wall, the importance of the city cannot be understated. What makes Plovdiv unique is that many...

Primorsko

Primorsko Travel Wiki Travel to Primorsko The beautiful Black Sea stretches out before you. The warm afternoon sun helps you relax as the warm sands caress your toes. When you visit Primorsko along the coast of Bulgaria, you’ll find yourself enjoying more than 2,300 sunshine hours that cast themselves down upon this community. Summer is the perfect time for a visit. The beaches near Primorsko are well-developed and give you plenty of access to the comforts you may want. You can rent a...

Rila

Rila Travel Wiki Travel to Rila Rila shares its name with the mountains that lie just outside its borders. Inhabited by the Greeks and the Romans historically, this small village brings history to your next holiday journey. The Rila Monastery, still home to about 60 monks, was founded in the 10th century and is one of the most important cultural monuments that Bulgaria offers. It is believed that the monastery was founded by St. Ivan of Rila during the rule of Tsar Peter...

Ruse

Ruse Travel Wiki Travel to Ruse As one of the largest cities in Bulgaria, Ruse provides visitors with almost everything their heart could desire.  Its central location to Bucharest, the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, and Sofia make it a wonderful option for a regional holiday adventure as well. You’ll find neo-Rococo and neo-Baroque architecture throughout the city, which has caused Ruse to earn the nickname “Little Vienna.” If you decide to stay in the city, you’ll discover that there are almost 300...

Sarafovo

Sarafovo Travel Wiki Travel to Sarafovo Sarafovo is one of the best places to stay if you wish to explore all that Burgas and Bulgaria offers right now. This neighborhood was originally founded as a settlement by Thracian refugees in the early 20th century and has managed to keep a small-town feel to it, despite its close proximity (10km) to the center of Burgas. Sarafovo is situated on a hill right along the coast of the Black Sea, so the views that...

Smolyan

Smolyan Travel Wiki Travel to Smolyan Located just off the border of Greece, Smolyan is a beautiful ski resort community that rests at the foot of the highest part of the mountains. Both Chepelare and Pamporovo are just north of this community and the community serves as a stopping point for those who do not wish to stay at the formal winter resorts. If you need a break from the outdoor sports that are offered in the region, consider a visit to the...
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Sofia, capital of Bulgaria

Sofia Travel Wiki Travel to Sofia As the capital city of Bulgaria, it offers many educational and cultural opportunities that simply cannot be found on a grander scale in the surrounding countryside. A relatively small city throughout history, it did not begin to grow or develop until it was declared to be the capital of Bulgaria in 1879. It does have a higher altitude than other cities in the country, allowing it to have a relatively cool Summer season, but this also...

Sozopol

Sozopol Travel Wiki Travel to Sozopol The Bulgarian Black Sea coast offers spectacular views all year long. At Sozopol, you’ll find one of the premier seaside resorts in the country, offering numerous activities to enjoy throughout the year in this ancient location. From May thru September, you’ll find sandy beaches graced by glorious weather waiting for your visit. Sozopol also features a festive cultural atmosphere, offering those who come a chance to embrace their local history and culture. The first settlements in...

Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach Travel Wiki Travel to Sunny Beach The biggest Sun resort in Bulgaria, with the longest and widest beach strip, and hotels spread along the beach and among the dunes. Situated in the southern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea Riviera.stretching along a beautiful semicircular bay facing east. Closed to the north by the descending ridges of the Balkan Range, thus blending sea and mountain in perfect harmony. The 8 km long beach strip, is with fine golden sand, clean water with...

Varna

Varna Travel Wiki Travel to Varna Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Varna is sometimes referred to as the Las Vegas of Bulgaria because of the density of resorts that adorn the coast. Why is Varna such a popular tourist destination? Blue skies, warm sunshine, and golden sands adorn miles of coastline that reach out to the shimmering waters of the Sea. Much of the economy of this city is based on the service industry, which means you'll have access...

Travel resources

Below you can find usefull travel resources for your visit to the country

Weather Online

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Biggest City Bulgaria

Facts about Bulgaria, Biggest city What are the name of the biggest city Bulgaria, and how big are city by population. Easy overview of the informations in the sortable table below. Please note that the informations comes from various sources,if you are using the informations professional you should get confirmation that the figures are actual. Last update august 2017

Bulgaria Holidays

Bulgaria Public Holidays See the calendars for national Bulgaria holidays year by year. Find and just click on the year you for which you need more information about Bulgaria holidays, and the calendar for the year will open. When is the non working days for the year. Public / national days, see the calendar for the country here.
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Cultural Events & Festivals in Bulgaria

InVideo: Bulgaria is a country that offers a lot of festivals and cultural events through the year, get inspitation for an event in this cool video Video: Bulgarian Travel
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Geography and facts, Bulgaria

Bulgaria, geography and facts explained Geograhy, facts, local customs and foodie guide. All explained in videos 8 to 15 minutes, very good, informative and funny videos that will ensure you see the videos to the end. The videos are produced by Geography now, thanks for the videos and keep up the good work.

Money Bulgaria, Local Currency, Lev

Money in Bulgaria (notes and coins) Bulgaria legal tender is called Lev (BGN). 1 Lev = 100 stotinki. Coins in circulation: 1 and 2 Lev 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 stotinki coins Notes in circulation: 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Lev notes. National Bank of Bulgaria

National Tourist Information Bulgaria

Traveladvisor in Bulgaria: Are you going on a vacation you can get lots of free and professional help, traveladvice and information from the National Tourism Organisation. Discover the country and the cities getting the most out of your vacation with the professional help from the people who knows their country and their culture the best. Bulgaria Tourism Authority WEBSITE FACEBOOK TWITTER YOUTUBE FLICKR About Bulgaria Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country lying in Balkan Peninsula in Southern Europe bordering the Black Sea to the east, Serbia and the...
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Rila. Rila Monastery

Top class Travel TV. Interesting history and good travel ideas delivered to you in professional short travel tv clips presented and narrated by Rick Steves.
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Sofia. Layers of History and Diversity

Top class Travel TV. Interesting history and good travel ideas delivered to you in professional short travel tv clips presented and narrated by Rick Steves.

Official holidays

When are holidays and no working days in the country ?

DateHolidayRemarks
1 JanuaryNew Year's DayFixed
3 MarchLiberation DayFixed
1 MayWorkers' DayFixed
6 MaySaint George's DayFixed
24 MaySlavonic Literature DayFixed
6 SeptemberUnification DayFixed
22 SeptemberIndependence DayFixed
1 NovemberNational AwakeningFixed
24 DecemberChristmas EveFixed
25 DecemberChristmasFixed
26 DecemberChristmasFixed
Orthodox Good FridayOrthodox Good FridayVariable
Orthodox EasterOrthodox EasterVariable
Bulgaria

Which are the largest cities ?

Listing of the most important and largest cities in the country

RankNamePop.State
1Sofia1204.685Sofia
2Plovdiv338.153Plovdiv
3Varna334.870Varna
4Burgas200.271Burgas
5Ruse149.642Ruse
6Stara Zagora138.272Stara Zagora
7Pleven106.954Pleven
8Sliven91.620Sliven
9Dobrich91.030Dobrich
10Shumen80.855Shumen
11Pernik80.191Pernik
12Haskovo76.397Haskovo
13Yambol74.132Yambol
14Pazardzhik71.979Pazardzhik
15Blagoevgrad70.881Blagoevgrad
16Veliko Tarnovo68.783Veliko Tarnovo
17Vratsa60.692Vratsa
18Gabrovo58.950Gabrovo
19Asenovgrad50.846Plovdiv
20Vidin48.071Vidin