Cyprus is one of the most big islands Mediterranean Sea. He is as beautiful as the goddess of beauty and love Aphrodite, who emerged from the sea foam off the coast of Cyprus. Mountains, pine forests, citrus groves, golden beaches and mild climate create a unique image. The island is divided into two parts - Greek and Turkish. Hotels in Cyprus are mainly represented in the south - in the Greek part. Hotels

Türkiye is a popular choice of Russian and European tourists. Here affordable prices, excellent service and warm sea 6 months a year. Not only fans of beach holidays, but also lovers of educational excursions and nightlife enjoy spending their holidays in this country. It is especially good to travel to Turkey with the whole family, because the most comfortable conditions have been created here for children (even the smallest ones).

Emotional, temperamental Italy enjoys unabating popularity among tourists. Here you'll find world-favorite Italian cuisine, beautiful beaches and countless attractions and activities. Italy occupies the territory of the famous “boot” - the Apennine Peninsula. It includes large islands Sicily and Sardinia, as well as several small

Spain is located in southwest Europe. The coasts of this country are washed in the north and west by the waters of the Atlantic, and in the south and east - Mediterranean Sea. In addition to the mainland, the territory of Spain includes the Balearic and Canary Islands - popular places recreation. When choosing tours to Spain, travelers choose large cities - Barcelona, ​​Granada, Seville, Cordoba. Beach lovers

Holidays in Montenegro are chosen by tourists who want not only to get acquainted with the country’s culture and look at historical sights, but also to enjoy the magnificent nature. The plane flies from Moscow to Montenegro for 3 hours. Time in Montenegro is two hours behind Moscow. There are as many as 5 reasons to go to Montenegro Visa On the territory of the country

Much has already been written about this on the Internet, but some of the information is either not relevant or not entirely relevant.Therefore, I will try to write as much as possible important tips for those who are going on holiday to Bulgaria for the first time.

Where to start, you’ve probably already decided where you want to vacation, summer rest at sea, or in the winter in the mountains (you can also have a good rest in the mountains in summer),pilgrimage tourism, balneotourism (SPA procedures), or simply drive through picturesque places, villages and cities in Bulgaria.

Visa to Bulgaria. In any case, it is needed. Bulgaria is a country of the European Union, and you should get a visa (read the cost and terms of the visa).

Medical insurance for Bulgaria. For one month, approximate cost insurance will be about 2,500 rubles per person. It is best to get insurance from one of the large insurance companies with a good reputation.

Currency. The country is not part of the euro zone (yet), which means you need . It is better to immediately change rubles to levs. The exchange rate of the leva is tied to the euro and is always the same - 1 euro costs 1.95583 leva.

Advice: when changing money in Bulgaria, it is best to do it at exchange offices, and check whether they charge a commission. Banks exchange currency at a lower rate, and by converting a large amount you can significantly lose some of your money.

In addition, I do not recommend changing currency at the airport, because... The rate is always bad and there is a conversion fee. If you need to change, then change a small amount to get to the city, and then you can change it at the exchange offices.

It is best to withdraw money from terminals located inside bank branches!

Flight: It is better to buy air tickets in advance, so there is a chance to buy air tickets at a better price. As a rule, in summer there are many charter flights to Burgas and Varna. You can fly directly to Sofia only on regular flights with Bulgaria Air or Aeroflot.

Varna Airport: There is a stop for bus No. 409 next to Terminal 2; it travels through the center of Varna to the Golden Sands resort in 50 minutes. The bus ride to the city center takes 20 minutes ( Cathedral Varna). The same bus can also take you to the resort of St. Constantine and Helena. Interval – every 15 minutes from and to terminal 2 of Varna Airport. Who needs comfort there is a taxi.

Burgas Airport: There is a stop at the entrance of the airport; bus No. 15 stops and runs every 25 minutes. You can get there faster by taking a taxi.

Sofia Airport : The most convenient way is to use the metro. Almost without leaving the airport, you find yourself in the Sofia metro.

Line 1 of the capital's metro connects Sofia Airport with the city center and provides direct transport links between the airport and large residential complexes.

From Sofia Airport you can reach the city center in 18 minutes. With one transfer at the Serdika metro station from line 1 to line 2, in less than half an hour you can reach Central bus station Sofia or to Central railway station(they are nearby).Also, at the exit of the airport, taxis wait for their clients in a “live queue”.

Please note that taxi prices can vary greatly, so look carefully at what is written on the price tag, usually a sticker on the glass.

Mobile connection: Also, upon arrival, do not forget to buy a Bulgarian SIM card (each telecom operator has its own offices) with a package for using mobile Internet. The most favorable tariffs are offered by Vivacom, SIM cards with prepaid 10GB traffic for 15 leva, and there is no roaming in Europe, and if you need to go to another EU country, you definitely won’t have to overpay.

I think everyone has smartphones with installed programs for Internet calls and correspondence.

Accommodation prices in Bulgaria: prices for rooms in private houses and rooms in hotels are also very different. On average, a hotel room costs from 30 – 45 leva, and for 70 leva you can find very good number in hotels. Anything that costs more usually means better service and includes at least breakfast.

Also, the price can vary greatly depending on the season; in the so-called “high season”, high season, after mid-June, July and August, prices increase by an average of 20 - 30%.

Advice, the earlier you book a room, for example in spring for summer, the more favorable the price will be. In September, prices fall, there are many fewer tourists, the sea is warm, you can swim and sunbathe in silence.

Food prices in Bulgaria: Prices different, but in a regular restaurant, lunch for one person will cost on average about 20 - 30 leva, for this money you can order soup, main course, salad, bread, dessert, drink juice or take a glass of white (red) wine, or beer , a matter of taste. By the way, Bulgarian beer is very tasty, since the water in Bulgaria is suitable for brewing this drink.

The portions are an order of magnitude larger than in Russia. Therefore, if you order fried potatoes, one serving is enough for two. Salads and omelettes are also huge and they contain Bulgarian cheese. Remember that Bulgarians are very fond of feta cheese (sirene), they put it everywhere they can, so if you don’t really like the taste of feta cheese, it is better to check with the waiter in advance.

Transport in Bulgaria.

Taxi: the services are quite expensive, since the price of gasoline is much higher than in Russia (about 1 euro per liter (2 leva). The price for 1 km during the day is 1 leva, and at night it is more expensive than 1.18 leva. If you take from Varna airport to Zolotye Sands, it is about 25 km, the cost will be from 40 leva. Therefore, when you plan your budget, you must definitely take into account the costs of transport.

Urban transport : the fare costs 1 lev, the price is the same in all major cities in Bulgaria. In Sofia it costs 1.60 levs. Travel tickets can be purchased directly on the buses.

Car rental: If you are planning to travel around the whole country, or want to visit different places in Bulgaria, or just take a ride along the Black Sea coast, swim and sunbathe at different beaches and resorts, then it is best to rent a car.

It is better to order a car in advance from large companies. They have a large fleet of vehicles, so the choice of cars will be large. The paperwork takes minimal time, and you will receive your car immediately in the airport parking lot. You can return the car to another location; this will be discussed additionally.

Rental prices start from 50 levs per day, there is an initial payment of 200 Euros, the amount is blocked on the card, and when the car is returned, the money on the card will be available again. Some companies also take cash.

Choose a car with economical fuel consumption (an engine with an average fuel consumption of 4 liters per 100 km).

Bulgarian language: The language barrier, you won’t feel it much, because... Many Bulgarians understand Russian, but not all speak Russian. Still, it would be a good idea for you to learn the most frequently used Bulgarian phrases and words in advance. This will help you more easily establish contact and get help from Bulgarians.

Good mood: take it with you. You’ve probably already heard that Bulgarians shake their heads the other way around when they say “yes” and “no” (not as is customary with other people in the world), but you definitely won’t be able to confuse the answer “yes” with “no”. But, the phrase “to the right” in Bulgarian means “straight”, this is something you should definitely pay attention to, especially when they are explaining to you how to get somewhere.

the site wishes you have a great holiday In Bulgaria.

Bulgaria is an amazingly multifaceted country: here you will find sunny beaches at sea resorts, snow-covered ski slopes, picturesque natural parks, ancient monuments, delicious cuisine and excellent opportunities for health improvement for adults and children. The locals are friendly and hospitable, and the prices, which is important, are quite affordable - not at all European.

The country is located in South-Eastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. From the east it is washed by the Black Sea: the length of the sea coast here is 400 kilometers. Bulgaria's southern neighbors are Greece and Turkey, in the west the country borders with Serbia and North Macedonia, and in the north with Romania.

Bulgaria has always been a crossroads of roads from Europe to the Middle East and Asia, and therefore in all historical periods it was of interest to neighboring peoples who left traces of their presence on Bulgarian soil. There are the graves of Thracian kings, theaters of the ancient Greeks, ancient Roman stadiums, medieval castles kings of the First and Second Bulgarian Kingdoms, Ottoman mosques, etc. On the territory of present-day Bulgaria there are nine sites included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The natural landscape of Bulgaria is very diverse. Thus, the Balkan Mountains stretch across the entire territory of the country: from the farthest northwestern regions to the Black Sea coast. Mountains and river valleys occupy almost all western and southern regions countries. The highest peak Bulgaria and all of Eastern Europe is Mount Musala (2,925 meters above sea level), rising on the Rila ridge. In the south of the country there are lowlands and low mountains of Strandzha and Sakar, in the north the territory is low-lying, and in the east there is the Black Sea coast.

Current time in Sofia:
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From a tourist point of view modern Bulgaria is a diverse country that will appeal to lovers of several holiday destinations. In our guide to Bulgaria we will tell you about the best beach and ski resorts, the main attractions, and the most delicious dishes local cuisine. The time spent in Bulgaria will certainly be remembered by its guests, because, according to the local residents, their country is a paradise, as an old Bulgarian legend tells about this: “When God gave the peoples of the world their lands, he forgot about the Bulgarians. There's nothing left for them free land. And then he gave the Bulgarians a piece of heaven.”

How to get there

You can get to Bulgaria in the most different types transport - by air, by land and by water.

Airplane

The airplane is the most convenient way get to Bulgaria. The country has four airports: in Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna. Most scheduled flights operate in air harbor Sofia, and in the summer charters fly to Varna and Burgas, located on the coast.

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Story

People have settled on the territory of Bulgaria since ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous burial mounds, burial grounds and fortifications found by scientists.

Pre-Slavic period

Cities and regions

There are several options for dividing Bulgaria into regions.

For example, administratively the country consists of 28 regions, which, in turn, are divided into 264 communities. The names of communities and regions correspond to the names of the cities that are their administrative centers: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Ruse, Gabrovo, etc.

In accordance with EU Regulation No. 1059/2003, the territory of Bulgaria is divided into two first-order regions and six second-order regions. They are not administrative units and are created for EU statistical purposes only. These two regions are Northern and South-Eastern Bulgaria and South-Western and South-Central Bulgaria.

Tourists will be interested in another division of the country into regions related to geography, climate and recreational opportunities.

Black Sea coast

Most tourists go to Bulgaria for the sea and the sun, so the country’s 350-kilometer-long Black Sea coast is the most popular region. It is here that the famous Bulgarian resorts are located, which are considered one of the best in Europe. In summer they offer excellent recreational conditions for every taste and budget. The history of most cities and villages located on the coast goes back to the times Ancient Greece or the Roman Empire - this is evidenced by the archaeological monuments that are literally at every turn here.

The Bulgarian coast is divided into southern and northern parts by the Stara Planina mountain range and Cape Emine. The unofficial capital of the northern part is Varna, and the southern one is Burgas.

One of the most interesting resorts in Bulgaria from a historical point of view - Nessebar, founded in the XII - XI centuries BC. e. Its old town, picturesquely located on a small rocky cape, surrounded on all sides by the sea, is so rich in attractions that it is completely included in the list World Heritage UNESCO.

Not far from Nessebar there is another Bulgarian resort — Pomorie, founded in the 4th century BC. e. Today it is a famous balneological center with its own healing mud, which is famous for its beaches covered with volcanic sand. It is worth seeing the Antique Domed Tomb, the Historical Museum of Pomorie and the Salt Museum. Salt Lake and the reserve "Old Houses of Pomorie".

Central part of Bulgaria

The central region of Bulgaria borders Romania in the north along the Danube River, and Greece and Turkey in the south. The Balkan Mountains, also known as the Stara Planina, divide this region in half, being the longest and largest in area mountain range countries. It was the Balkan Mountains that gave the name to the entire Balkan Peninsula.

This area is part of the larger historical-geographical region of Thrace and is replete with historical monuments from that period. For example, the Panagyur treasure is one of the most famous artifacts of Thracian culture, or the Thracian tomb in Kazanlak of the 4th century BC. e. - UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to see

So, tourists should definitely see Old town of Nessebar. Nessebar (Nessebar) is one of the oldest European cities and probably the most beautiful city in Bulgaria. Founded more than 2,000 years ago, it lies on an 850-meter-long peninsula connected to land by a 400-meter isthmus. It is here that the old city center is located, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983, and since 1956 it has been a museum city. Almost 50 temples and other historical monuments are concentrated on the territory of the old center, among them are the Fortress Walls, Byzantine Baths, the Church of St. John the Baptist, St. Sophia, Christ Pantocrator, etc.

Also, tourists in Nessebar can see a part of the city that went under water several centuries ago - it is clearly visible from the shore in clear weather.

Attractions

Museums and galleries

Entertainment

Parks and Recreation

Leisure

Transport

Wellness holiday

Private guides in Bulgaria

Russian private guides will help you get acquainted with Bulgaria in more detail.
Registered on the Experts.Tourister.Ru project.

Things to do

Most often, tourists go to Bulgaria for beach holiday, health improvement and skiing, but in addition to this, the country has a lot of different types of pastime: diving, ecotourism, horseback riding, and cycling.

Beach holiday

Bulgaria is famous for its beach holidays; local seaside resorts are considered among the best in Europe. They are especially suitable for families with children: the beaches are well equipped, covered with fine golden sand, the entry into the sea is gentle, the water is warm, there are no serious storms and almost no strong currents. Many Bulgarian beaches are marked with the European sign of environmental cleanliness - Blue Flags.

At the same time, some beaches are dotted with darker sand - this means that it contains a lot of iron, and this composition has healing properties. For example, the beach areas of Pomorie are distinguished by dark sand, next to which there are a number of balneological health resorts. And the widest beaches in Bulgaria are in the resort of Albena: up to 150 meters wide.

At the same time, there are a few pebble beaches on the Bulgarian coast. They are located in the area of ​​​​Nessebar and Sozopol, and, as a rule, they are “wild”, not equipped. On some rocky shores, special concrete platforms are created for tourists.

Ski holiday

Ski resorts in Bulgaria are known throughout Europe for their high level of service and affordable prices.

The skiing season here usually lasts from November to March, and sometimes until early April. During this period, tourists have every chance to experience good snowy weather. Moreover, almost all ski resorts in the country are equipped with snow cannons - in case there is a sudden thaw in the middle of winter.

In general, the ski infrastructure of Bulgaria is very developed and deserves all sorts of praise, as does the picturesque nature in which the winter centers are located.

Ski resorts are located in the highest Bulgarian mountains - on the Rhodope, Pirin and Rila ridges, at altitudes of 900 - 2,600 meters. Almost all of them are suitable for skiers with a wide range of skill levels, with slopes of all difficulty levels. Ski schools operate on the territory of the complexes.

Ecotourism

Bulgaria is famous for its national parks, there are eleven of them in the country. These places are exceptionally suitable for ecotourism.

For example, the Rila National Park is very popular among tourists, on the territory of which the famous Rila Monastery, “Bulgarian Jerusalem”, and the unique natural attraction of the Seven Rila Lakes are located. The park was equipped with an area for intensive tourism, where trails for cycling, walking and horseback riding, recreation centers, etc. were created.

Another famous one national park— Pirin, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It was founded in 1952 to preserve its unique ecosystem. There are picturesque glacial lakes, karst caves, fir and beech forests, the age of individual trees in which reaches five hundred years.

Among the most unusual national parks in Bulgaria is the Belogradchik Rocks Park, located near the borders with Serbia and Romania, near the city of Belogradchik. There is a unique fortress of the same name, the largest in Bulgaria and probably the most unusual: its bizarre shape is explained by the fact that man-made structures were inscribed into pre-existing rock formations.

The oldest national park in Bulgaria is located on Mount Vitosha near Sofia. It was founded in 1934 to preserve the local uniqueness Pine forest. Today the park is one of the favorite recreational places for residents and guests of Sofia - it is called the “lungs of the capital”, and also the “roof of Sofia”. There are a lot of camp sites and holiday homes here, there are cable cars and hiking trails.

You can read about other protected areas in Bulgaria in the Reserves section.

Other active recreation activities

In addition to hiking in the national parks of Bulgaria, this country has a lot to offer tourists. For example, they are very popular among guests horse riding tours. This journey will be less tiring than hiking, and communication with horses will bring a lot of positive emotions. Horse riding routes are offered in almost all mountainous areas countries - in the Balkan Mountains, in the north of Stara Planina, etc., and on the coast. For example, the famous riding club works in Albena.

Another popular type of active pastime is bike tours. Bulgaria's mild climate and comfortable weather make this method of traveling around the country very pleasant. Tourists go to cycling routes not only in national parks, but throughout the entire country to see as much as possible at once interesting places. You can rent a bicycle at almost any hotel in the resorts of Bulgaria.

Recently, the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria has been actively developing diving. Thus, the largest dive center in the country is located in Nessebar, near the old pier. Despite the fact that the underwater world off the Bulgarian coast is not as picturesque as, for example, in Egypt or the Maldives, there are a number of interesting dive sites - wrecks (sunk ships) and ancient cities that sunk long ago.

Health tourism

Bulgaria is a famous destination in Europe for health tourism. There are at least five hundred springs with healing properties. mineral water, on which hospitals and sanatoriums were built. All of them are equipped last word medical equipment, they employ experienced professional specialists.

At the same time, medical tourism is also developed in Bulgaria. There are medical centers specializing in the treatment of various diseases and rehabilitation programs in almost all sea ​​resorts. The big advantage of local clinics is the absence of a language barrier for Russians and affordable prices by European standards.

Event tourism

Throughout the year it takes place in Bulgaria. Firstly, tourists can catch religious holidays, such as Orthodox Christmas or Easter. Secondly, at the end of May - beginning of June, the country hosts a traditional Rose Festival, dedicated to the main folk craft - growing oilseed roses.

If you are planning to visit Balchik in August, you can go to Marine Festival. Its dates vary from year to year and should be checked on the event website.

Connection

mobile connection

Currently mobile connection in Bulgaria it is represented by three operators:

• A1 (formerly M-Tel)
• Vivacom
• Telenor

SIM cards are sold in the offices of these operators in every Bulgarian city and at all airports. The purchase procedure is simple, but foreigners will need a foreign passport for registration.

Each operator has tariffs with and without a subscription fee. With a subscription fee, call minutes are cheaper, but the contract will have to be concluded for at least a year. For tourists for short trips, prepaid tariffs (“prepaid packages”), especially from Telenor and Vivacom operators, are more suitable, since they are much cheaper than A1, the oldest mobile company in Bulgaria. Remember that the validity of the SIM card is automatically extended for a year from the date of the last top-up.

The cost of outgoing calls to Russia per minute of conversation averages from 0.37 leva to 0.72 leva. Cards are replenished with vouchers in denominations of 5, 6, 10 and 20 leva.

The coverage of Bulgarian mobile operators is more or less the same. Connection in everyone major cities and on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is good and stable.

Internet

As for the mobile Internet, Bulgaria is completely covered by at least 3G communications, and all cities and resorts have a stable 4G signal.

Mobile communications, although relatively expensive, are popular among tourists. Basically, these are prepaid tariffs for a certain number of megabytes for a certain period. For example, Vivacom has an Easy Traffic package for 30 days, which includes 20,000 MB of Internet, it costs 20 levs (about 10 euros).

Wi-Fi networks are available in public places major cities: at train stations, in city squares. Hotels of 4-5* categories provide guests with free Wi-Fi; in hotels of a lower star rating they may ask for a fee for Internet connection. In addition, you can “catch” Wi-Fi in cafes and restaurants in Bulgaria.

Buses operating on intercity lines are also equipped with free Wi-Fi hotspots.

The hospitable country offers wonderful beaches, inexpensive hotels, it is suitable for spending time with a cheerful company and a quiet family vacation. This is the choice of people who know how to combine quality rest with reasonable costs. In winter, ski lovers are attracted to the slopes of the Pamporovo and Bansko mountains; in summer, the Black Sea caresses everyone who wants to sunbathe. Oddly enough, Sofia, the capital, is not the most beautiful city a republic famous for its historical monuments, cozy fishing villages, a large water park, fields of sunflowers and roses.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BULGARIA

Capital: Sofia.
Location: 22% of the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula is occupied by the Republic of Bulgaria. In the south it borders with Turkey, Greece, in the north with Romania, in the west with Macedonia, Serbia, and in the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The area of ​​the state is only 110,550 square meters. km, the population is slightly more than 7.3 million people.
Official language: Bulgarian, many speak English, German, Russian is often spoken.
Currency: BGN - Bulgarian Lev. Be careful when exchanging currency. Many exchange offices lure tourists with an attractive leva exchange rate. In most cases, the signs indicate one price (it is not known whether it is a purchase or a sale). You will be offered a receipt and asked to sign. After the operation, you find in your hands one and a half times less money than expected (for example, on the receipt two numbers “swapped” places and, instead of the promised 193 leva, you get 139). No requests or threats will return the money given back: you signed the receipt voluntarily.
Political system: parliamentary republic.
Traditional Religion: Orthodoxy.
Climate: from temperate continental in the south it becomes Mediterranean.
Weather: For those who like to sunbathe on the beach, the most pleasant time to relax in this picturesque region is in the second half of summer, when the temperature ranges from 23°C to 30°C. At this time, you will not languish from unbearable heat; your vacation is unlikely to be overshadowed by rainy weather, since rains brought by northwestern and western winds are typical for the first half of summer. The beginning of autumn is a dry time.

HOLIDAY IN BULGARIA

If you are interested historical monuments and excursions, visit Bulgaria from May to October. The swimming season continues into September.
Visa
The state is part of the European Union, and therefore a visa is required. The embassy does not issue Schengen: this republic is not included in the list of zones. But if it is already open, then since 2012 it is allowed to enter the territory of this state with your own visa, which costs 60-65 euros.

Getting around Bulgaria

Automobile
You are allowed to drive a vehicle from the age of 21; you must have an international driver's license. Be prepared for the fact that driving a car on highways is not an easy task, because the quality of the roads is very poor, warning signs are often absent, and a huge part of local motorists do not try to follow the rules traffic. But if you are not afraid of all these disadvantages, rent a car, and it will be very convenient for you to move along the intended route.
Railway transport
One of the advantages is the prices, which are thirty percent lower than bus trips. Among the shortcomings: the trains are old, the toilets are most often in very poor condition, air conditioning is a rarity and is more the exception than the rule, and it is cold in the carriages in winter. For more comfortable travel will have to buy expensive tickets on trains of international lines, partially passing through the country.
Taxi
Usually these are cars painted yellow with a price list attached to the side windows. For your own safety, it is better to call by phone, since illegal immigrants do not bear any responsibility for your life. If the cost of the trip is “negotiable”, then you can bargain. Usually the price depends on the time of day and location; payment is most often made by meter.
Urban transport
In all populated areas you will ride on buses and trolleybuses, sometimes trams; in the capital you have the opportunity to use the metro line. The downside is still the same - old models, as well as overcrowding, especially during rush hour. The standard of intercity buses is much higher, tickets can be purchased from the driver, prices are affordable, the staff is polite, and the interiors are clean.
Water transport
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the local landscapes and admire the sights, then you should not refuse boat trips along the Danube and the Black Sea. The price of such a trip will be slightly higher than the cost of tickets for city transport, but, in general, the price list for boat trips is much lower than at other European resorts.

Attractions Bol garii

If you plan not only to sunbathe, but also to see the sights of the country, you should pay attention to most beautiful places republics.
Nessebar
This is truly a gem Black Sea coast. The city was founded in the first millennium BC. Here you can see the remains of four dozen churches built of stone in the fifth century. Windmill- a symbol of Nessebar known to every tourist.
Melnik
Less than four hundred people live in Melnik; it is the smallest town in the country. Walking tour main street It will only take you a minute, but this is a city of winemakers, and therefore wine tasting in local taverns will truly turn your head. For this reason, visit the Rozhen Monastery before tasting.
Valley of Roses
Between Sredna Gora and Stara Planina there are thirty kilometers of flower fields. Kaanlik has a Thracian tomb and a rose museum. You'll get unforgettable experience, if you arrive in the Valley at dawn in early June. Try spending the night in this splendor and watch the rosebuds open in the morning. In a couple of days you will be taught how to collect buds. If you are lucky enough to visit the Rose Festival, you will see parades of local residents in ancient Greek, Thracian, and Roman costumes. You will look at the election of Queen Rose, who will shower the people with rose petals while sitting on the throne (the throne with the queen will be carried by local young people).
Sozopol
This and sea ​​beach, and a fishing village. Here you can watch the unloading of the day's catch and sunbathe on the rocks, of which there are many located along the shore. Just forty years ago, the Apollonius Amphitheater, built in the distant second century AD, was discovered. A landslide moved layers of earth and happy Bulgarians found this most important landmark of the country. At the beginning of September, a cultural festival takes place here; at this time, the city always gathers a lot of spectators, and the amphitheater’s seats are occupied by a large audience.
Rila Monastery
To the south of the capital is the so-called Bulgarian Jerusalem. You will be amazed not only by its appearance, but also by the harmony of the interior decoration. The monastery is surrounded by forested mountains.
Plovdiv
About six thousand years ago the second largest Bulgarian city was founded. The Roman amphitheater, which is very well preserved, is admirable. Here you can wander through the hills, check out various museums and galleries, enjoy colorful houses and excellent architecture in general. Don't miss the Dervish Monastery, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, the Dzhumaya Mosque, and the Hissar Kapiya Gate.

Resorts in Bulgaria

The most inexpensive resorts Ravda, Kamchia, Lozenets are considered, Sunny Beach, Burgas, Kiten, Kranevo, Obzor. Dear ones - Sozolol, Rusalka, Golden Sands, Varna, St. Constantine and Helena, Elenite, Nessebar. Quiet family holiday awaits you on the beaches of Tsarevo, Rusalka, Ahtopol, Kavarna, Obzor, Kamchia. For entertainment and developed infrastructure, you should go to Golden Sands, Albena, Sunny Beach, Varna, Burgas, Sveti Vlas.
Golden Sands
The most popular, albeit youngest, resort in the country. There are more than fifty hotels located near the coast. Many shops, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and a variety of beach activities will brighten up your leisure time. If you choose this place to relax, visit the old chapel of John the Baptist, visit mountain monastery Aladzha, have fun in a huge water park. On an excursion to the Chiflika complex, you will get acquainted with ethnographic exhibits, taste national cuisine, taste brandy and wine, and also take part in local rituals and games.
sunny Beach
The needs of every vacationer are taken into account here: many shops where you can order goods for every taste and buy wonderful souvenirs, an open-air cinema, discos, attractions, and a casino variety show. Physical fitness can be maintained on basketball, volleyball and tennis courts; there is a riding school, mini golf and fitness rooms, and various water attractions. Not far from the resort is Nessebar, and it is also worth visiting the ethnographic village of Veliko Tarnovo.
Albena
A quiet resort, it will be comfortable for a family to relax here. It is famous for its unusual nature: a combination of liana forest and sea landscape. There is a historical museum and icon gallery, a lot of entertainment for children, and there is also a huge balneological center in the Dobrudzha hotel.
St. Constantine and Helena
In these beautiful lands you can not only relax, but also improve your health. There are many indoor and outdoor swimming pools filled with mineral water. On the beaches you can also take a shower with mineral water. Hydrogen sulfide sources are not suitable for everyone, because they may have contraindications and also be repulsive with their pungent odor. But your hair, skin, nervous system, and your entire body will thank you for this voluntary torture. In this place, even in extreme heat, it is easy to breathe thanks to the abundance of trees. The infrastructure is well developed.

Ski Bulgaria

Borovets
Several centuries ago, this city was a favorite hunting ground of kings. Here you can find the most convenient and longest routes, and you will be offered trainers ordinary people, but real athletes, Olympic winners. Many hotels high level, evergreen forests, fresh air, the knowledge that kings once spent their leisure time here - all this makes your vacation unforgettable.
Bansko
What gives this small town its special charm is its location among high mountains. The city has its own history and architectural monuments, so this ski resort is the most popular in Bulgaria.
Pamporovo
In the middle of the mountains there is this cozy place, decorated with mighty leis. If you are visiting this country for the first time, be sure to go on an excursion to the Bachkovo and Rila monasteries, the Asenova Fortress, visit the capital, and the speleological museum in Chepelare will be of interest.

What to bring from Bulgaria

Mastic and brandy
These are alcoholic drinks that can be given as gifts to colleagues and friends. This forty proof brandy is distilled from fruit juice. Rakia can be melon, plum, grape, apricot, pear, etc. It will be interesting for a tourist to go to the factory for a tasting and directly buy a product there that will appeal to their taste. Mastic is a drink of real strong drinkers, as its degree rises from 47. This alcohol, made from fennel and anise, can knock even an experienced taster off his feet.
Rose oil
All women will be delighted with cosmetic products made from the well-known oil (perfumes, face and body creams, aromatic soaps, etc.). When purchasing a product, remember that it must be in sealed bottles and have a registered certificate. Liqueurs and delicious jams are made from flower petals.
Icons
Local craftsmen are famous for their icons made on linden or cypress boards. The paints used to depict the holy face are based on egg yolk. The art of Bulgarian icon painting is over a thousand years old. You can buy goods both in numerous shops and at cathedrals and monasteries.
Ceramics and wood
These are truly high-quality, beautiful dishes worthy of your kitchen. Pottery has been a national art. Buy original wooden bowls for meat dishes, barrels, wine glasses, jugs for compote, milk.
Spices
The gift will please your relatives. This is an aesthetically packaged multi-colored salt with various herbs, it is called “sherena salt”. Kimion is in demand among visitors, as it is suitable for almost all dishes. Gastronomic balms, vinegar tinctures, all kinds of bottles and jars with spices are displayed in the windows of street shops and large stores.
Goodies
All those with a sweet tooth love oriental sweets. Everywhere you can see many beautiful boxes with different types of Turkish delight, which has already become a national product. In addition to sweets, buy cheese, which is superior in taste to what our supermarkets offer.
Local residents and hotel staff will always tell you where you can order the product you want to purchase.

Bulgaria - most beautiful country, it is impossible to list all the attractions of which in one article. It is famous for its resorts, rich history, architecture (especially cathedrals and monasteries), and products of folk crafts. But the country's most important asset is its impressive landscapes.

Summer is the long-awaited time for vacations. Some people dream of finishing the repairs, for others fate has prepared a place in the garden beds, but for the lucky ones there is a direct road to the sea.

In our unstable times, when in the resorts of Turkey and Tunisia the situation is not at all stable, and often revolutionary, you want peace and confidence that when you wake up in the morning, you will not become a hostage. Although such difficulties and dangers are just for the Russian person.

In a word, where to relax, everyone decides for himself, but our choice fell on Bulgaria. Why?

Firstly, it was the first time our whole family traveled abroad, and Bulgaria seemed to us beautiful country, where you can start traveling abroad.

Secondly, the climate of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is similar to the climate of the Russian coast, and we hoped that our little daughter would not have to experience acclimatization.

In favor of Bulgaria was the fact that the Bulgarians are the same Slavs as we are, and speech, similar to Russian, pushed the boundaries of communication.

The main contingent of vacationers in Bulgaria are: Romanians, Moldovans, Ukrainians, Germans and Russians. There are far fewer English-speaking tourists, Spaniards and Italians.

If you are going to Bulgaria for the first time, then this article is just for you. We will tell you what you must take and what you should not take under any circumstances. We are confident that our recommendations will help you pack the most necessary luggage and be prepared for any situation. Only helpful information first-hand, since we just returned from a trip a week ago.

The Atlas Hotel, which will be the subject of a separate review article, was waiting for us on the second line of the Golden Sands, famous since the times of the USSR. But before we talk about the holiday itself, important information about what you need to take with you on a trip.

In addition to the tour itself, be sure to issue health insurance! No matter how confident you are in your health and the health of your loved ones, insurance is a must, and we were convinced of this when our daughter got sick.

Choose your insurance company carefully; the difference between regular and cheap insurance from an unknown company is minimal! But you shouldn’t save money in this case. We have witnessed when a doctor refused to provide assistance due to the fact that their medical institution does not work with such an insurance company.

Full business class life insurance, which includes expenses of 30,000 euros, cost us only 10 euros. Agree, not like that expensive price for confidence.

An additional cost when traveling to Bulgaria will, of course, be a VISA. Its price is significantly higher than the Turkish one and is 65 euros per person. Children under 5 years old inclusive also apply for a visa, but it is free for them.

“What currency should I take with me to Bulgaria?” - this is one of the most asked questions. In Bulgaria national currency are "lion". Its exchange rate is strictly tied to the euro exchange rate, and if you take euros on the road, you will not go wrong.

You can also exchange leva at home in Russia, but, as a rule, this currency is not available at exchange offices, and you need to order it. You will have to wait several days. So, if at the very last moment you are puzzled by the question of what currency to take with you to Bulgaria, then it is better to take the euro.

The best and safest option is to exchange currency with your guide. Yes, it is “a little illegal”, but you will 100% not be deceived. In addition, their rate is very, very favorable. It is advisable to change all your cash at once, so as not to run around to exchange offices later.

About exchangers, you will often hear stories from your guides about how often they cheat. They are also called “deceivers”. Yes, the signs of all exchangers display very favorable exchange rates, however, in reality you will receive less money than you expect. Or you may even receive banknotes that have long since gone out of circulation. All kinds of asterisks, small print and other tricks of currency swindlers will ruin your mood, so it’s better to change your currency with a guide or at the hotel.

If you have rubles with you, they can be easily changed at the hotel reception.

For clarity, we give an example of the currency exchange rate in Bulgaria, Varna, Golden Sands.

For VISA card holders, not everything is smooth either. We experienced this ourselves. Having taken part of the currency in euros and left part on the card, we planned to exchange money at the right time using a plastic card. Imagine our bewilderment when at our Atlas hotel our card was not read. It was also not possible to read the data from the card at the Admiral Hotel, where everyone is sent to exchange currency, even the guides.

You probably thought that our card simply did not work, but we easily made purchases with it. A call to Sberbank support shed light on what was happening. It turns out that the terminals that were in the hotels did not support the chip installed in the card.

I managed to withdraw it through an ATM. By the way, using the Google map, we were able to find only 2 (two) ATMs in Golden Sands! If you are planning a trip to Golden Sands, then you need to know that the best ATM is located on the back side of the Admiral Hotel building next to the Raiffeisen Bank office. Accident or not, the office itself is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time.

Hotel "Admiral".

By the way, about local time: it differs from Moscow by exactly one hour. And when in Moscow (Samara) it is 12 o’clock in the afternoon, then in Bulgaria it is 11 o’clock in the morning.

How much money should you take with you? This is at your discretion and wallet, but if you are planning shopping and going to cafes and restaurants, then you will be pleasantly surprised by the prices - they are the same, as in Russia, at least in Samara.

Out of ignorance, on the day of departure we rushed to buy “beach ensembles” for the sea at the Kirov market, imagine our surprise when, going for a walk along the shopping streets of Golden Sands, we saw better and more fashionable resort items for the same money.

So, if you are planning shopping before your trip, it is better to buy everything on the spot. You will have less luggage, and you will also get better quality items made in Turkey and Bulgaria.

Set aside money from your budget immediately for gifts and souvenirs. There are all kinds of magnets, plates and other souvenir paraphernalia in abundance. Their prices are as follows:

Small magnets from 1 leva.

Plates on a stand from 6 lev.

Large decorative plates from 18 levs.

When communicating with Bulgarians, you will be surprised how easily you will understand each other. The older generation speaks Russian very well and even without an accent, but the younger generation often inserts English into the conversation.

If your hotel only provides breakfast, then lunch and dinner can be spent in a cafe on the embankment. Big variety national cuisines will not leave gourmets indifferent. Here you can find Mexican, Italian, Georgian and Russian cuisine and, of course, Bulgarian national cuisine.

If you are an avid fan, then you will not miss a match of your favorite team. Matches of Russian teams are broadcast in cafes and on large monitors.

Prices in the cafe are very affordable, and all cafes have promotions like “buy 2 cocktails and 3 for free”, “buy 1 pizza and Coke for free”.

A clean embankment with good-natured sellers, departments with souvenirs, clothes and barkers in cafes, who are not as intrusive as in stories about Turkey, make a walk along it fascinating.

Eiffel Tower Cafe.

There are a lot of artists on the embankment who practice this style of drawing, such as realistic, which cannot be distinguished from photography.

You can leave your photo to the artist, and for 80 levs (about 1,700 rubles) he will amaze you with his skill. Several independent photographs of loved ones can be collected into one family portrait. The price we quoted is for one portrait drawn in pencil. If we are talking about a color drawing, then the price is correspondingly higher.

Gambling people will love the casino, the scale of which is amazing.

There are a lot of shops for adults, a lot of tattoo parlors where you can get both a real and temporary tattoo for yourself and your child.

A small “tattoo” costs from 6 levs (about 130 rubles).

In general, when converting prices to a rate that is understandable to us, Russians, simply multiply the price by 20. Well, for those who are strong in mental calculation, then by 22 rubles.

Fast food lovers will love the presence of McDonald's on the beach. Speaking about the beach, it is impossible not to mention that the beach in Golden Sands, as in all of Europe, is the property of the city, and there are no fenced hotel areas on it.

There is a rope stretched along the entire length of the beach; it separates the paid part of the beach from the free one. The distance of 3-5 meters from the sea to the rope is free, and it is always filled with vacationers. All other areas are paid. Payment is required for the sun lounger, mattress and umbrella. Daily rental of a complete set for one person will cost 19 levs. With our money, this is about 420 rubles for a comfortable time.

As a rule, the paid area is always empty; only a few afford such comfort.

An exception to the rules is the beach area, which belongs to the Astera Golden Sands hotel. Sun loungers and umbrellas are provided to vacationers at this hotel free of charge not only by the pool, but also on the seashore.

The beach is empty starting at six o'clock in the evening. Either all the vacationers, 99.9% of whom on the beach go to the hotel for dinner, or the setting sun and evening winds give vacationers goosebumps.

There are no annoying sellers of “churchkhela” and other food on the beach. During our seven days of rest, we only saw a souvenir seller and a photographer a couple of times, by the way, without a boa constrictor and a monkey!

The photo is taken right on the beach and the price for a 15x20 photo is 10 levs (220 rubles).

When going to Bulgaria, be sure to take warm clothes: a blouse, pants, etc. In the evenings, and especially at night, it is a little cold, and the sea winds subside only at 8-9 o’clock in the morning.

In order not to repeat our mistakes, we will list those things that we took with us, but never wore or used.

1. Iron - although it was purchased specifically for the trip (a lightweight camping iron), we never had to use it. It is humid outside at night and hot during the day. Just leave things on the balcony overnight and hang them on hangers in the morning.
2. Hairdryer The hotel had an excellent hairdryer with good power. But this is not in all hotels and not in all rooms, depending on your luck.
3. Evening high heel shoes. The best shoes for relaxation are flip flops; you can grab ballet flats or moccasins for evening walks.
4. Skirt, shorts, sundress and pareo for the beach - one pareo is enough, which will replace your skirt, shorts and even a sundress. Moreover, it does not wrinkle, is easy to wash and dry quickly, and it also takes up minimal space in your luggage!

Simplify your vacation, take everything to the minimum! Buy everything you need locally.

Perhaps the only thing we haven’t talked about yet is roaming in Bulgaria. Of course, we monitored which SIM card to go with and what the prices for calls and SMS were before the start of the trip.

If you do not activate special services and tariffs, then the price of a minute of conversation with Bulgaria will be around 69 rubles. You can find out more about the tariffs on the websites of mobile operators. Our choice was between the following tariffs:

Advantageous “Multipass” service for roaming in Bulgaria.

The choice was obvious - Beeline and its “Multipass” promotion with 5 rubles per minute of conversation. Most of the money spent in roaming was on calls to Sberbank support service. For seven days of rest we spent about 600 rubles on cellular communication in roaming.

If you manage to find more favorable rates, then write to us, it will be useful for your next trip, and we definitely want to go to Bulgaria again!

We will tell you where to go and what to see in our subsequent articles, and if your