Bulgaria Area Guide

Stunning mountain landscapes combined with golden sandy beaches make Bulgaria ideal for tourism and it is fast becoming a genuine resort paradise offering year round opportunities. The Black Sea Coast on its Eastern border is famous for fine sandy beaches and the ideal summer temperatures of both water and air, making it a perfect summer resort, while the mountain areas offer excellent winter sports facilities, including skiing.  The capital city of Sofia is an interesting, vibrant city steeped in history and attracts many tourists year round, looking to enjoy city life, including the latest designer stores along with extensive dining and entertainment outlets.

Bulgaria is divided into twenty eight provinces and lies in South Eastern Europe, occupying the north eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. In the east, it borders the Black Sea with Romania to the north separated by the Danube River. Serbia, Montenegro and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are to the west and to the south are Greece and Turkey. The capital city of Bulgaria is Sofia. Bulgaria has a population of 7,450,349 (July 2005) and consists of 110,910 sq km of which 110,550 sq km is land and 360 sq km is water, with 354 km of coastline. The terrain is mainly mountainous with lowland in the north and southeast with the lowest point being the Black Sea at 0 meters and the highest point being Musala at 2,925 meters. Bulgaria is divided into 28 provinces.

There is something for everyone in Bulgaria. For those who like active holidays, there is swimming, skiing, riding, climbing, hunting, fishing, boating and so on. While if you prefer relaxing holidays there are sunny beaches, healing spas, monasteries, churches and interesting towns and villages.

It would be a shame to leave Bulgaria without exploring its amazing nature, ancient culture and endless beaches. There are high mountains with marvellous gorges and caves, clear fishing lakes and rivers, wide valleys and healing springs. The people are extremely friendly and the mouth-watering cuisine and wines should not be missed.

Just over 40% of the country is arable land with the main agricultural products being vegetables, fruits, tobacco, livestock, wine, wheat, barley, sunflowers and sugar beet. Despite its numerous tourist attractions Bulgaria is a poor country and many people live below the poverty line. The villagers mainly live on what they raise and preserve which is almost everything, even meat.

In 2007, Bulgaria joined the EU and today, after extensive harmonization  with EU legislation, investment property potential is very attractive to foreign investors.

The History of Bulgaria

A Central Asian Turkic tribe called The Bulgars merged with the local Slavic population in the late 7th century to form the first Bulgarian State. In the following centuries Bulgaria struggled with the Byzantine Empire to assert its place in the Balkans, but by the end of the 14th century the Ottoman Turks overran the country. Northern Bulgaria attained autonomy in 1878 and all of Bulgaria became independent in 1908. Having fought on the losing side in both World Wars, Bulgaria fell within the Soviet sphere of influence and became a People's Republic in 1946. Communist domination ended in 1989, when Bulgaria held its first multiparty election since World War II and began the contentious process of moving toward political democracy and a market economy while combating inflation, unemployment, corruption, and crime. Today, reforms and democratisation keep Bulgaria on a path toward eventual integration into the EU. The country joined NATO in 2004.

Travel to Bulgaria

Bulgaria is situated at a crossroads between Europe and Asia and is easily accessible by road, river and sea transport from a large group of countries. There are 4 international airports at Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna and Bourgas with regular flights from many local UK, European and worldwide airports.

Medical, Water and Vaccinations

A UK passport and medical card number plus an E111 is required to receive medical care in Bulgaria. Hospital treatment and other medical and dental treatment is usually free but payment will have to be made for medicines supplied by the public pharmacy. Bulgaria has put major reforms into place within its Health Service to conform with  EU regulations.
Drinking water in major towns is generally safe, though it may be wise to drink bottled water in more rural areas.

No vaccinations are required for travelers to Bulgaria from EU countries.

Information Required When Travelling to Bulgaria

Visas

Visas are required by all except the following: Nationals of EU countries for stays of up to 90 days within each six-month period (except nationals of Estonia, Ireland and the UK, who may stay for up to 30 days within a six-month period);

Note: UK nationals living overseas do need a visa.

Nationals of Chile, Iceland, Malaysia and Norway for stays of up to 90 days within a six-month period; Nationals of Andorra, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco, New Zealand, Switzerland, USA and Vatican City for stays of up to 30 days within each six-month period; Nationals of Croatia, Korea (Rep), Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic of), Romania, San Marino and Tunisia.

Vaccinations

No vaccinations are required from European countries

Time Zone

Bulgaria is 2 hours ahead of GMT in winter and 3 hours ahead of GMT in summer

Electricity

In Bulgaria the voltage is 220 volts AC (50 cycles). Plugs are of the round two-pin continental type, while lamp fittings are the screw type.

Weights and Measures

Metric system

Tel. Dialing Code

00 + 359 + area code + tel.

Tourism and Natural Factors of Bulgaria

The natural charms of Bulgaria are becoming better known as increasing numbers of tourists visit and enjoy the great range of outstanding beauty to be found here. With an ideal climate for both beach and ski holidays, stunning mountain scenery and exciting city life, Bulgaria boasts a wealth of natural charms which provide a solid base for its property industry.

Tourism plays a large part in Bulgaria’s economic success story and it has become the fastest growing tourist economy in Europe, representing some 12% of Bulgaria’s GDP today. With this kind of growth in the tourist sector and property prices still at a low, it is not surprising that Bulgaria has become one of the world’s most exciting emerging property markets and it is currently attracting interest from investors all over the world.

• "Blue Flag" Beaches - Bulgaria boasts stunning beaches along the Black Sea coast. No less than eleven of these beaches have obtained the "Blue Flag" and account for 354 km of the coastline.
• Mountain Trails - Bulgaria contains around an incredible 37,500 km of hiking paths and mountain trails, making it a firm favourite with ramblers and explorers. These trails run through many stunning locations with breathtaking views.
• Roman, Greek And Thracian Historical Attractions - Bulgaria is composed of a unique blend of cultures and can boast nine UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific & Cultural Organisation) world heritage sites
• Top Ski Resorts - Bulgaria offers world class skiing facilities and excellent ski resorts, namely Bansko and Borovets. Bansko is the most established of the two, while Borovets is newer and larger. Borovets has experienced a great deal of infrastructure improvements aimed at helping to improve its strong bid for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games. Read more about Bulgaria ski resorts
• The Capital City of Sofia – Not only does the city offer an interesting cultural heritage and a ski resort to attract tourists, it now has a new facet to boost its economy: just prior to EU accession, the capital experienced a huge influx of diplomatic staff and multinational corporations investing in the city, all with international, top-end standards to keep and high demand for quality accommodation. The entire population of Sofia has found a whole new appetite for luxury items, shopping malls and a better lifestyle typical of any vibrant European city today and investors are today identifying this trend as a outstanding opportunity for investment.
• Short Flight Times From Europe - Due to its geographical location, Bulgaria is only a short flight of from major European cities and budget airlines are offering travel to Bulgaria easier than ever. Bulgaria is 2 hours and 45 minutes flight time from London.
• Borders With Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Montenegro And Turkey - Sharing its borders with many other countries, Bulgaria has taken a little from each to form an interesting and unique culture of its own.
• Low Population Density - Bulgaria is a sparsely populated country roughly the same size as the United Kingdom but its population is only around 7.45 million. Major cities like Sofia are more heavily populated but a feeling of space predominates.
• Warm Air Temperature in Summer - On the Black Sea coast the average air temperature during the summer months is 27°C and water temperature is around 22°C.
• Mineral Springs - Bulgaria is also home to around 500 natural springs of various mineral contents, which are increasingly popular as tourist destinations

Bulgarian Ski Resorts

Bansko

Bansko has the best snow record and the longest ski season (15 Dec - 15 May) of all Bulgarian ski resorts. During the last couple of years this resort has been under a massive investment drive with new hotels and resort facilities being constructed. A brand new resort area with luxury apartments (available for purchase and/or rental) is being developed just opposite the Gondola.

The town of Bansko is situated near the river Glazane in the north-eastern foot of the Pirin Mountains, just below the highest and most beautiful part of the range. It is 160 kilometers away from Sofia and 6 kilometers from the town of Razlog. In addition, you can drive to the Greek Aegean Sea Coast in under 2 hours, enabling you to ski in the morning and sun bathe in the afternoon. Bansko has developed into a favourite ski & snowboard destination, thanks to the excellent ski facilities combined with the unique architecture and historical significance.

The town of Bansko is located on 925 m above sea level, and its skiing area is 2000-2600 m above. The Pirin Mountain has a predominantly Alpine character and its highest peak is in the area of Vihren, at 2914 m.

The ski pistes are located in two main ski centers; The Chalin Valog and Shiligarnika. They are approximately 10 kilometers above the town on the northern slopes of Pirin, and are easily accessible on the new Gondola lift which starts from Bansko. The total length of the marked pistes is 65 kilometers.

The resort has excellent snow conditions with great snow cover from December right through to May. Fourty Four Techno-alpine snow cannons cover most of the slopes to extend the season as much as possible in the later weeks. The condition of all Pistes is maintained by twelve Kassbohrer slope maintenance vehicles. Thus the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers and will suit both beginners and experts alike. In addition, Snowboarders are well catered for, with jumps available to boarders of all abilities. For the advanced skiers, Slalom and Giant slalom runs are available and Bansko also offers a cross-country track with a total length of 5 km. A 3 km ski run Rollbahn track is situated just 2 km from the main town.

Borovets - Bulgaria's Oldest Ski Resort

The oldest Bulgarian winter resort is Borovets with a history of skiing competition from 1896. Today Borovets is the biggest and most modern resort in Bulgaria, having benefited from massive recent and ongoing investment. It is situated on the conterminous Borovets Col and on the northern slopes of the Mousala ridge in the eastern part of Rila. Huddled in venerable pine woods 1390 m above sea level (with highest pistes at 2600 m) makes it a perfect place for relaxation and recreation. Winter in the resort is mild but of course with lots of snow! The average temperature during the coldest month January is 4.8ºC. Usually the slopes of Borovets have snow cover from mid December through to April.

Borovets is also easy accessible- 12 kilometers long first class road connects it with Samokov; Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) is just 72 kilometers away. There is a regular bus transport as for Samokov every 30 minutes.

The excellent equipment for ski sports attracts thousands of mountain lovers from Bulgaria and from foreign countries. Varying in difficulty and length among Fourty five square kilometers of terrain, the Pistes are grouped in three regions; the Sitnqkovo & Martinovi Baraki pistes, Markudjik and Qstrebec. The pistes on Qstrebets are considered the best, and are the location for all competition taking place in Borovets. The resort is a regular host of various winter sports competitions. It has twice hosted World Cup competitions in Alpine skiing. Its biathlon track is one of the best in Europe.

The massive investment allocated by the Bulgarian Government for Borovets is testament to the commitment Bulgaria.

The first phase, expected to be completed by 2007, should double the accommodation capacity of the resort. The second phase concentrates on constructing tourist facilities in the area enclosed by the Iskur River, Samokov and Borovets. This will be preceded by approving a cadastral plan, an environmental impact assessment and a comprehensive spatial development plan. Building of more facilities at an altitude above 1400m above see level is planned in the third phase of the concept.

In its February 5 issue, The Financial Times ran a story about Bansko. The newspaper’s correspondent Kerin Hope wrote that investment in Bansko and its surroundings had transformed it into “one of the shiniest ski resorts in new Europe”. “There are 17 ski runs in the resort, including a 16 km run from beneath the Todorka peak down to the outskirts of town. As foreigners grow more familiar with Bulgaria, pouring money into holiday homes along the Black Sea coastline and investing instead of renting as expatriates in Sofia, it seems only natural that ski resorts would be next in line for a property spending spree.

Meanwhile, hotels in Pamporovo were almost 100% full, the Pamporovo 21 Century hoteliers’ association said. This is the most successful winter season in five years, said Georgi Georgiev, who chairs the association.

The number of tourists has increased by 22% compared to the same period of 2004. The hotels are almost full and 70% of the guests are foreign tourists from the UK, Ireland, Sweden, Serbia and other countries.

Some UK tour operators have already signed contracts for next year, the hoteliers’ association said. The contracts indicate growing interest in the skiing resort and an expected increase of 15 to 30% in the number of tourists next winter.

Healthcare in Bulgaria

Although some initial emergency medical treatment may be given free of charge, British nationals are currently likely to be charged for the majority of medical expenses incurred whilst in Bulgaria, including tests and investigations, medication and overnight stays in hospital, whether state or private.  The situation is due to change by late 2007, since Bulgaria’s inclusion in the EU, allowing all EU tourists to receive free healthcare services.  You will need to provide your  passport and also their medical card which is available from the department of health in the UK before you can receive free treatment in Bulgaria.

The Bulgarian healthcare system has suffered from under funding in past years and its facilities are now slowly catching up with Western European nations.  During the transition, many expatriates are taking out strongly recommended comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover the full period they are in the country, which should include Medivac to the UK if necessary.

Facilities in most Bulgarian hospitals are adequate and medical care is considered to be acceptable, although specialised equipment/treatment may not always be available and the majority. There are hospitals, clinics and medical services in all major towns and cities of Bulgaria but be aware that in hospitals nursing care can be limited, as is much of the staff’s knowledge of English.

Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) - There have been no reported cases of Bird Flu (also known as Avian Influenza) in Bulgaria during the current series of outbreaks.
There are no other hazardous health issues that expatriates living in Bulgaria need to be aware of but those who are moving or travelling to Bulgaria are advised to get an up to date tetanus injection and consider Hep A and Typhoid as well.

Cuisine in Bulgaria

Bulgaria's cuisine is influenced by its neighbouring Balkan countries of Yugoslavia, Greece and northern Turkey. Combinations of these traditions create the Bulgarian food we know today.

Traditional food includes Bulgarian bread, pickled vegetables, salads, soups, stews, casseroles, stuffed vegetables, kebabs, spicy sausages and cheese dishes. Add to this, lots of garlic, onions, oil and spices.

Bulgarians particularly like salads - a salad and rakia (Bulgarian spirit/schnapps, usually made from grapes) are often an obligatory start to the meal. But be warned, this stage of the meal can be a very drawn-out process lasting up to an hour

Yoghurt is very popular and eaten most days. In fact, Bulgaria is said to be the home of yoghurt and Bulgarian yoghurt is thought to have curative properties.

Meat, fish and vegetarian dishes are served with rice or bulgar wheat. Vegetables include aubergines, beans, cabbage, carrots, corn, courgettes, cucumbers, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes and olives.

Favourite desserts are pancakes, baklava, baked apples and fruit: apricots, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, grapes, melons, raspberries, strawberries, peaches, pears, plums and quinces.

Typical Dishes

BREAKFAST:

Banitsa- flaky dough and cheese pastry, sometimes with spinach, leek or onion. Delicious when fresh in the morning, rather than microwaved in a bar.

Kozu'nak- bread-like, with sugar spread on top. Very good with yogurt.

Bo'za- made from millet and tastes like puffed wheat cereal, in a brown liquid form. Looks like chocolate milk, so it's better to check what it is before buying it. According to veteran expatriates, it is best with a shot of vodka or whisky added to it.

LUNCH:
Salads are eaten as this is normally the lighter meal of the day.

Shopska salad- cucumbers, tomatoes, and white cheese.

Russian salad- potato salad with mayonnaise.

Kartofi salad- potato salad with vinegar.

Toasted sandwiches- bread and meat or cheese cooked in a sandwich press with a selection of salads.

DINNER:
Shishche- shish kebab, pork or beef.

Kyufte- ground pork and spices in patty form.

Kebapche- same as kyufte but in sausage form.

DRINKS:
Alcohol is very much a part of Bulgarian culture. Many people drink alcohol and it is drunk at any time of the day and for every occasion.

Beer- preferred Bulgarian beers are Zagorka and Pleven. Make sure it is nice and "studena" (cold).

Wine- this is high quality and low in price. Wines from Preslav, Novi Pazar, Suhin Dol, Melnik and Khan Krum (Shoumen Region) are considered to be the best. Sungularski Misket (dry white) is a very popular wine.

Rakia- Bulgarian fruit brandy, often made from plums or grapes. It is the national drink and rather strong. Rakia is said to "cure" stomach pains, cancer and hangovers.

As with most activities in Bulgaria, going out to a restaurant is great value for money. Breakfast may set you back € 2.50 (£1.75) and a typical 3 course lunch, a mere €5.00 (£3.50).

Driving in Bulgaria

Cars may be reserved online or hired from the airports upon arrival as well as in the major cities. Average cost is between 180 and 300 Euros per week, including unlimited mileage, tax and insurance.

Road conditions for drivers in Bulgaria are very different from those in Western Europe. However, by comparison, the safety of public transport is relatively good. Road travel has been greatly modernized in anticipation of EU membership in 2007 and in line with development of the country’s infrastructure.

Roads are fair in the cities, but can be poor in rural areas. Beware of frequent rock and land slides in the mountains and livestock and animal drawn carts constantly present hazards on these roads.

There is always dangerous and heavy truck traffic along the two-lane routes from the Greek border at Kulata to Sofia and from the Turkish border at Kapitan Andreevo to Plovdiv. You should expect long delays at border crossings.

Speed limits are 50 Km/hr in the cities/towns, 90 Km/hr out of town and 120 Km/hr on the motorways. The same speed limits apply for motorcycles. Motorcyclists must drive with helmets and with lights on at all times.

Licenses:

To drive in Bulgaria you can use your national license, preferably accompanied by an international one. If you leave your passport with a hotel reception, you would be well advised to ask for a copy (or take the original) if you are renting a car.

Rules of The Road:

At unregulated crossings, the driver on the right has the right-of-way, but this rule is frequently ignored.
Right turns on red lights are not permitted unless specifically authorized.
You are required to drive on the right and overtake on the left.

Beware!

Drivers of late-model sedans (BMW, Mercedes, Audi) are known to speed and often drive dangerously.

If someone flashes their lights at you it means that they expect you to get out of the way and not that they are going to let you go first, like back home. It also is also used as the all-Bulgarian warning: “Police ahead”!

Finally, bear in mind that horse-drawn carts, motorcycles and scooters can sometimes be found on major roads and travel at night without lights. You will need to be very alert when driving at night.

In case of emergency, drivers should contact the police at telephone number 166 and/or the Roadside Assistance at telephone number 146. For an ambulance, please call 150.

Crime and Police in Bulgaria

Bulgaria suffers from its fair share of petty street crime and this is especially prevalent in busy cities. Pick-pocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded streets or markets. It is easy to avoid being a target by using common sense measures:

Dress conservatively Do not wear expensive looking jewelry Avoid the appearance of affluence Travel light. You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less tired and less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended. Carry the minimum amount of valuables necessary for your trip and plan a place or places to conceal them. Your passport, cash and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you have to carry valuables or money, try to hide them in several places rather than putting them all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags, bum bags and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves.  Inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest are somewhat safer. One of the safest places to carry valuables is in a pouch or money belt worn under your clothing. Leave nothing visible in a parked car.

Typical Incidents

Con artists - can be common on public transport and in train or bus stations. They pose as “instant friends” or government officials. There have been incidents where tourists have been drugged and robbed after accepting Valium tainted drinks from these new acquaintances. Always ask “officials” for identification.

Racism - as in many countries, people with dark skin have sometimes been victims of hostile attitude and ethnic slurs.

Taxis - can sometimes overcharge tourists, particularly at Sofia airport and the train station. To avoid this, use reputable taxi companies whose cars have meters and clearly marked rates. Pre-negotiate a fare to avoid excessive payment if a metered taxi cannot be found.

Car theft - the main targets are four wheel drive vehicles and luxury cars. Very few are recovered.

House robbery - happens in Bulgaria, as with properties anywhere in Europe today. In modern developments today, security personnel are on duty and modern security systems are in place.  For other property, you would be well advised to put bars on your windows, change the lock on your newly purchased property and be vigilant about locking doors and windows when away. Remember to get a contents insurance policy.

It is worth reporting a crime immediately to the police as they do help recover money and valuables on some occasions.