Holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a miniature state in the south-east of Europe, stretching out on the Balkan Peninsula, has unlimited opportunities in terms of the provided tourist services. Bulgaria is called a country for all seasons - in summer you can enjoy a vacation on the Black Sea coast, improve your health in balneological health resorts, lovers of winter entertainment will appreciate the ski resorts at very reasonable prices. Well, and, of course, tourists come to the country all year round to see firsthand the archaeological, cultural and architectural advantages of Bulgaria.

Sights of Bulgaria

Like any European country, Bulgaria is rich in various kinds of architectural finds. For a couple of weeks of rest it will be impossible to visit all monasteries, temples and fortresses, but they are definitely worthy of our attention.

The Tsarevets fortress is one of the symbols of the country, built in the historical part of Veliko Tarnovo on the Tsarevets hill. Now the fortress is an architectural and museum reserve, a unique place for tourists who wish to get acquainted with the history of Bulgaria.

In the 5-6th century on the site of Veliko Tarnovo there was a large Byzantine city, then a Bulgarian settlement arose here. In the 12th century, a fortress wall was built; unfortunately, only its ruins have survived to this day. The architectural complex includes the fortress itself, towers, gates, various buildings, temples and monasteries. Some buildings were seriously damaged during the attack of the Ottoman Empire, the restoration was completed just in time for the 1300th anniversary of the Bulgarian state - in the 80s of the last century.

One of the first points in any tourist guide in Bulgaria will be the legendary Rila Monastery - the spiritual center of the country and the main pilgrimage site in all the Balkans.

At 120 km from the capital, a grandiose architectural complex is hidden in the mountains, it includes: the six-story tower of Hrelyo, the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a library, a refectory and other monastery buildings decorated with magnificent ancient frescoes.

The Rila Monastery was erected by the followers of the hermit John of Rilski, who is revered in Bulgaria as a saint; now his remains are kept in one of the monastery buildings.

At the moment, there is a museum in the monastery, which houses thousands of ancient artifacts.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is another symbol of Bulgaria, it is the largest Orthodox church in the country and the largest in area in all the Balkans.

The cross-domed frame impresses with its unique majestic appearance, it occupies most of the area of ​​the same name and can simultaneously accommodate about 5000 thousand people, the bell tower of the cathedral is crowned with 12 bells, and frescoes, mosaics, stained glass windows, onyx, marble and gold are used in the decoration.

Euxinograd is a modest and exquisite palace that was once the summer residence of the royal dynasty, now the building, framed by greenery, is the seat of the government. Not only the palace itself is of historical value, but also a greenhouse, stables, a wine hut and a landscape park.

Asenov Fortress is one of the most visited medieval buildings in Bulgaria, erected on a lonely rock in the Rhodope Mountains, on the left bank of the river near Asenovgrad.

Archaeological excavations prove that the first settlements appeared here in the 9th century, when the fortress did not yet have a modern look, a tower stood on this place.

In 1231, during the reign of Ivan Assen II, the fortress was rebuilt and, in fact, was a feudal castle, decorated with frescoes, and was of great strategic importance in the fight against the conquerors due to its good location.

In the 70s of the last century, restoration work was carried out here and now the fortress is open to tourists.

Of course on this list of attractions the country does not end, you should definitely visit:

• Church of John the Baptist;
• Bachkovo monastery;
• Aladzha monastery;
• National Historical Museum of Bulgaria;
• The ancient fortress of Serdica;
• Varna Aquarium.

Beautiful places in Bulgaria

There is a wonderful place in the valley of the Tundzha River, which is called the heart of Bulgaria. All conditions here are favorable for growing the "queen of all flowers" - roses.

The Valley of Roses is a real paradise on earth, at dawn a fabulous picture opens up: the sun's rays fall on the fields strewn with flowers, and Bulgarian women harvest this crop so that later they will produce fragrant rose oil from the flowers, known throughout the world.

Pirin National Park is another wonderful creation of nature, a natural park located in the southwest of the country between two picturesque rivers. In Pirin, unlike each other, natural pictures are unusually combined - majestic coniferous jungles, mountain ranges, crystal glacial lakes and immense alpine meadows. Thanks to all these riches, the park is known throughout Europe and tirelessly welcomes guests to Bulgaria.

Rila Lakes are glacial lakes that cascade in a picturesque valley near the Rila Monastery. Each of the seven lakes has its own name, they are all different in width and depth, but they have one thing in common - the Rila lakes are natural wonders of nature. The lakes are connected by small streams where trout is found.

Another highlight of this area is the magnificent mountain waterfall Skakavitsa on the river of the same name of the reserve.

The ancient Bulgarian city of Nessebar is located on the Black Sea coast not far from northern Burgas. Nessebar is divided into two parts - New Nessebar is located on the coast, and Old Nessebar is on an elongated rocky peninsula.

Nessebar is considered the oldest town Europe, according to estimates, its history begins from the first millennium BC, once this place was a Greek colony. To this day, excavations are underway here, and part of the sunken city with antique architecture can be seen from a boat in good weather.

The symbol of the city is an old windmill, standing on the very shore, a little further off there is a monument to St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. The ruins of ancient Nessebar, as well as a huge number of churches, attract thousands of tourists at any time of the year.

The best hotels in Bulgaria

Most of the country's hotels are concentrated in Sofia and numerous resorts in Bulgaria, the cost of accommodation depends on the star rating of the hotel and the location on the coastline, therefore we cannot appreciate all the comfortable hotels, we will single out only those that are especially popular with guests.

Helena Park 5 * - a hotel located in the resort "Sunny Beach", is part of the hotel complex and is represented by two five-star hotels, immersed in the greenery of its own park. All buildings here are erected in the style of the Renaissance, there is a restaurant, bars, swimming pool, spa and sports ground on the territory. 236 rooms are divided into standard and suite, the apartments are equipped with everything you need. Great option for family holidays, entertainment programs are provided for children. All inclusive meals.

Flamingo Grahd 5 * is a relatively "fresh" ten-storey hotel built in 2008, located in the center of the Albena resort next to a sandy beach. In addition to an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa center, 3 bars, 2 restaurants and a nightclub, there is also a children's area with a pool. The hotel provides two types of meals "boarding" and "half board", meals for children are served separately. The spacious rooms are equipped with a kitchen. Recommended for a relaxing family holiday.

Melia Grand Hermitage 5 * is a chic place that will surpass all your expectations. One of the largest and most sophisticated hotels not only in the Golden Sands resort, but in the whole of Bulgaria. Located on a green hill among its own park. Guests are offered relaxation in a serene atmosphere, quality service and cuisine. The highlight of the hotel complex is the spa center with a variety of services, including top-class therapeutic and therapeutic treatments. There are several types of menus to choose from.

Royal Castle 5 * in the Elenite resort is one of the newest and most modern hotels on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. Built on the coastline on a mountain with stunning views of the bay, close to major attractions. The hotel offers an all-inclusive vacation, the rooms are luxuriously designed. A wide range of entertainment - sauna, hammam, steam bath, jacuzzi, swimming pool, fitness center, spa center, tennis courts and others.

Sol Nessebar Palase 5 * is part of the hotel complex and is located just 2 km from the ancient town of Nessebar. The hotel offers all-inclusive accommodation, as well as all the in-room amenities and entertainment at the water park with slides and attractions that lead to the pool surrounded by green trees. The 6 restaurants of the hotel serve national dishes from several countries.

Resorts of Bulgaria

Golden Sands is the most popular and largest resort on the northern coast of the Black Sea. It is known and loved by tourists from neighboring countries, where you can still relax, enjoy the healing air and conduct health-improving procedures (several mineral springs are used for medicinal and health-improving purposes) for a very affordable price.

The resort is a National Park, therefore, cleanliness is monitored here especially carefully, there is constant monitoring of the purity of water and air.

Albena is considered by many to be the most beautiful resort on the entire coast of Bulgaria - this is a real pearl of the Baltata park-reserve. In addition, it is an ideal place for families with children, general health improvement and improving immunity, because the largest balneological center in the country is located nearby.

Albena has the widest coastal strip, so there is never crowding in the resort. Forests grow around, so the air here is amazingly clean, and the local nature is captivating with its beauty.

Despite the well-developed infrastructure, an abundance of bars, restaurants and sea entertainment, the resort is still considered "children's", because all conditions have been created for them - playgrounds, kindergartens and centers have been built.

The resort "Sunny Beach" is the most developed and popular among tourists, it can be called the center of beach holidays in Bulgaria. Every category of guests will find something of their own here - young people are attracted by the nightlife, restaurants, discos and bars. Couples with children most often settle on the first line in hotels with high-quality service, visit shopping centers and water parks.

The beaches of "Sunny Beach", stretching for 6 km, are known for their clean golden sand, stunning dunes and gentle breezes that never change direction.

Features of Bulgaria

Bulgaria has always attracted Russian tourists, this is not surprising, because despite the individual characteristics of local residents, their mentality is similar to ours, so there are no special problems upon arrival. Modern Bulgaria, as immigrants from Russia note, is very similar to the Russian reality, but 10-15 years ago.

In any case, in order to feel comfortable in a foreign country, it is worth learning about some national characteristics.

• It is important to know that the gestures of consent-disagreement in Bulgaria are different from the ones we are used to. For them, everything happens exactly the opposite, to "no" they nod their heads up and down, and to "yes" - left and right. Of course, in hotels you are unlikely to have problems with the staff, but in the outback it is worth adhering to the basic rules.
• Many Bulgarian words are similar to Russian words, but do not be surprised when you realize that their meaning is sometimes very different, for example, the Russian word "right" here means "to the right", so be guided by the gestures where the person is pointing the hand.
• Often in Bulgarian villages you can see special memorial leaves on the facades of houses so that everyone passing by can pray for the deceased family members.
• Thrift and economy are the national traits of the Bulgarians, it is noticeable even in their homes - windows, doors and furniture have slightly different dimensions than in Russia. Everything that is produced in the country is smaller.
• The main national dish - tartor, is a mixture of cucumbers and sour milk, the rest of the dishes are a mixture of the characteristics of the cuisine of neighboring countries.
• Even with the separation of children and parents, financial affairs are conducted together.

How much will a vacation in Bulgaria cost

Main expense items:

• The last minute tour can be purchased at a very favorable price from 250 euros per person, while the quality of service will be decent.
• Car rental in Sofia - 40-45 euros per day plus gasoline, in resort towns the price is half as much.
• Prices for vouchers in travel agencies are very different - they differ from the most budgetary (300 euros for two) to expensive (3000 euros for two). Beach accessories will cost 2-3 euros, sea activities - 4-15 euros (for an hour of riding a banana or jet ski).
• A trip to the most famous Bulgarian resorts"Golden Sands" and "Sunny Beach" will cost about 1300 euros for two in the first case and 850 euros in the second.
• Prices for health resorts in Bulgaria also vary, the average cost is 450-500 euros for two.
• A hearty dinner for two within the resort area will cost 5 euros.