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A holiday in Bulgaria is popular with tourists from all across Europe and from Russia. They flock to the grand strands of the Black Sea Coast for simple relaxation and a first-class suntan. In the winter months the appeal of hot sand gives way to the allure of soft snow as skiers and snowboarders head for the mountain slopes for a ski holiday in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria caters admirably to its 'snow bunnies' and 'beach bums', but there's so much more to discover about this intriguing place. The Bulgarian countryside invites exploration. Outside the hotspots mentioned above, tourists are still few and far between and it is replete with treasures - natural and man-made. UNESCO has recognised nine sites in Bulgaria as important enough to be placed on the world heritage list. That's an impressive number for such a small nation.
Bulgaria has a long and complicated history and has bequeathed architecture galore, from ancient Neolithic and Thracian times to the present day. Bulgaria is rich in religious art, displayed in over 100 incredible Orthodox monasteries, many of which are still living religious communities, but these vie with the 19th-century National Revival architecture as the country's piece de resistance. This physical embodiment of a newborn spirit that flourished in the wake of independence from Ottoman power is uniquely Bulgarian and can be seen at its best in several 'living museums',where a thriving contemporary populace breathes life into the protected stones and wood.
Bulgaria is a land of wide-open spaces, panoramic vistas and natural abundance. Farming still moves with the rhythm of the seasons and often at a pace of one horse-power (with real hooves) rather than the many of the internal combustion engine. The tools of yesteryear are still common in Bulgaria; scythes for reaping and wooden pitchforks for turning the hay. Everything Bulgarian operates on a more human scale.
Bulgarian mountains are a salient feature of the landscape in Bulgaria and they entice you to discover their hidden passes and sparkling lakes along numerous forested trails. Bulgaria has several eminent national parks and nature reserves protecting rare ecosystems. Bird life abounds all year round and there are still small populations of wolves and bears.
Bulgaria will see rapid development over the next few years and it will be a big change for the whole population. Visit now and you'll get to experience the blooming of a fresh, new and captivating destination, and you'll beat the rush that's sure to follow.
When to Visit Bulgaria
Bulgaria calls itself a year-round destination, and it is true that it provides activities throughout the year, but be aware that many attractions and activities are highly seasonal. The Bulgarian Black Sea season lasts from May to October, with an ultra-busy period late June to the end of August. In the winter the coastal resorts are deserted and almost all hotels are closed.
The Bulgarian skiing season runs from December to April, though there's often enough snow left in May to enjoy a few runs, especially in Bansko (which has the best snow record). Most package tours to the ski resorts stop just after Easter, so you'll need to travel independently to ski after that date.
Hiking can commence in the mountains of Bulgaria almost as soon as the snows have melted, and stops as the snows arrive. It can be hot for walking in July and August, but spring and autumn are ideal seasons. The same is true for general touring or visits to the capital.
Most of Bulgaria enjoys a covering of snow in the winter, and because it sits at the boundary between two massive weather systems it can be prone to extremes of every condition. Impressive thunderstorms can happen at all times of year and rain is also a year-round possibility.
Bulgarian Areas to Visit
Because Bulgaria is a multi-dimensional destination, you've got lots of options on where to visit. The Black Sea is an obvious attraction to beach lovers and families, while the mountains offer endless outdoor pursuits and fantastic landscapes. Although the capital Sofia would never claim to have the historical sights of Prague, for instance, it is a likeable city still operating at a people-friendly level and you'll find some exceptional highlights. It's certainly an interesting city-break destination.
For general sightseeing, Bulgaria is a compact country and there's something remarkable in every region, whether it be an impressive monastery, a historic village, mineral springs or traditional artisans. You could easily combine some or all of these into a two-week holiday, or spend longer and savour your favourites.
How to Get Around Bulgaria
Bulgaria has limited domestic air services because the distances are not
great, the infrastructure is too expensive and the demand isn't there. The only viable route is the Sofia/Black Sea service and you can travel all year round to Varna and Burgas, with more services running May-October only.
Trains are a good way to get to the main Bulgarian cities and towns. It's possible to tour from Sofia to Plovdiv, Veliko Turnovo, Ruse, Varna and Burgas on trains of reasonable quality, but it does mean that many of the country's most interesting sites (certainly the monasteries and most of the mountains) will be out of reach.
Really the only way to see the best of what Bulgaria has to offer is to take to the roads. This is a bit of a 'Catch 22', since the roads are generally in poor condition but those willing to drive will reap major rewards, because then small villages and quiet mountain footpaths are yours to explore.
If you don't want to drive in Bulgaria, chartering a car with driver, or a taxi, for the day is an affordable option. This way someone else is taking the strain of driving but you still control the itinerary. This could easily be combined with train travel, so that you use major towns as a base to explore by charter vehicle. Alternatively, take a coach tour to the various attractions. The disadvantage of this is you hand over control of the visit to your tour guide.
What to Wear in Bulgaria
Layering is the byword in Bulgaria. Summer temperatures reach the mid 30°C, so light cotton or breathable clothing is advised, but even in August if you intend to head to the hills it's wise to carry a warm layer (a fleece is ideal). Spring and autumn could still be warm, so keep the light cotton outfits, but a couple of warmer layers, especially for the fresher evenings, and even one cold weather option should be part of your wardrobe. In the winter months warm and waterproof clothing are a must throughout the country but especially in the mountains.
A special word about Bulgarian monasteries. The monasteries are not as strict as their Greek counterparts in enforcing a dress code. Shorts and vests seem not to be a problem. However, it is still wise to wear, or carry with you, items of clothing that will cover the thighs and shoulders. Remember these are supposed lo be spiritual places where the demure dress of the monks should be a pointer to your own clothing.
Culture Shock Bulgarian Red Tape
Foreigners must register with the police during their stay in Bulgaria. If you are staying in a hotel this will be done for you and you will receive a document from the hotel to confirm your stay. This document must be handed to the customs officer when you leave the country. You must have documentation lo cover each night of your stay, so if you are touring around make sure that each hotel provides one.
Bulgarian Language
Most people working in the tourist industry will speak some English, but it's a little more challenging in the countryside where, at present, you'll need to brush up on your body language to navigate successfully.
You'll find that maps, road signs and guidebooks don't have standard Roman spellings for many towns - this is because it's difficult to translate the sounds of some Cyrillic letters directly into English.
Dual pricing
Although Bulgaria is a cheap destination to visit, it's become common practice in hotels and same restaurants to charge foreigners a different (higher) rate. Bulgarians earn a fraction of the average western salary and few get the chance to travel even within their own country, so foreigners are generally considered to be wealthy.
The best way to get a better deal on hotel rooms is to pre-book through a travel agent. Rack rates can be reduced considerably but it obviously means you've got to pre-plan your whole itinerary.
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