In many ways, Bulgaria is one of the forgotten countries of Eastern Europe and is unknown as a travel destination for Western European and North American tourists. Back in the days of communism, it was popular as one of the Soviet Union's most loyal allies. Although it was visited by many Eastern Europeans (attracted by its summer resorts at the Black Sea and the winter resorts in the mountains), Bulgaria remained closed for the rest of the world. In addition, the bureaucracy in the country contributed to Bulgaria inevitably becoming an infuriating destination.
Happily, all this is in the past. Firmly on the path to democracy, Bulgaria is trying to establish more favorable relations with the world. Alas! The ongoing 8 year conflict in Yugoslavia has led to a virtual interruption of the overland links with Western Europe. Tourists are avoiding the Balkan region but what they do not know is that there has been no military conflicts in Bulgaria since World War II.
Bulgaria is situated in Southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Its natural boundary is the Danube River to the North and the Black Sea to the East. To the South, its neighbors are the popular tourist countries Greece and Turkey. The climate is temperate continental with four distinct seasons.
Situated on a crossroads, Bulgaria has a comparatively well developed transport system. There are two large ports on the Black Sea and on the Danube and the well developed railroad network is complemented by a sufficient number of asphalt roads and several motorways. There are also 4 civil airports in the capital Sofia, and near Plovdiv, Varna and Bourgas.
The era of the monopolist of the Bulgarian tourist industry, Balkantourist, has long since passed and many hotels have been privatized. A lot of new cozy private hotels and restaurants have been built; there are private lodgings with good facilities in many of the villages. Facilitated by the Law of Tourism (1998), new structures of private companies are now being formed, ready to please the guest more than ever before.
A Black Sea Yacht
"What is there to visit in Bulgaria?", you may ask. Plenty! First, Bulgaria is famous for its variety of seaside resorts on the Black Sea coast, which provide great opportunities for recreation in June, July and August. Second, Bulgaria has gained world renown for its winter resorts, which offer excellent facilities for ski sports from December until March. But that is only the tip of the iceberg! Bulgaria is filled with sights and adventures for all types of travellers.
The proximity to Greece and Turkey, which are rich in ancient archeological remains, truthfully suggests the presence of such in Bulgaria as well: beautifully frescoed Thracian tombs; Roman baths, amphitheaters and fortress walls; Byzantine churches; old Bulgarian strongholds, churches and even rock sculptures as well as many other architectural and cultural monuments, a number of which are under the protection of the UN.
The balneological tourism in Bulgaria draws upon mineral springs, well-known even in antiquity - still standing today, the wall of the Roman fortress in Hissar was used to protect the Roman emperors being cured there!
A true pearl of Bulgaria's historical heritage are its Orthodox monasteries. Cuddled in picturesque scenery, with breathtaking murals on their walls, they have preserved the Bulgarian spirit, language and culture during the five centuries of Turkish rule.
Rich in mountains (highest peak Moussala 2925m), Bulgaria offers plenty of well-preserved scenery, much of which is in national reserves and parks. Access for hikers is facilitated by the abundant waymarks along numerous mountain routes (4 official European-hiking routes pass through Bulgaria) The creation of special waymarks for cyclists is now aiding the development of bicycle tourism.
In the comparatively virgin territory of many areas and in small mountain villages, the introduction of ecological rural tourism as an alternative form of recreation is already taking place and is just one of the many surprises awaiting you in Bulgaria.
Please visit
An ancient sculpture
