are developing at a rapid pace. New hotels are being built and old hotels are being reconstructed. Their comfort is increasing, approaching the European level. At the same time, the price for holidays in Bulgarian resorts is much lower. Another advantage is the relatively short flight, only 2.5 hours and close to the Russian language.
In Bulgaria, the local currency is the lion. Arriving at the airport, tourists need to exchange rubles for local currency. It should be changed only in the official exchanger. You should immediately pay attention to the exchange rate. The commission on the exchange amount can be 1% - this will be written in large letters in the exchanger. But, usually it concerns large sums, so read carefully, everything that is written in smaller letters. Small amounts can be changed with a percentage of 15-20. Be sure to keep your receipts when exchanging.
It is forbidden to export leva from the country, so all the remaining local currency will need to be exchanged for rubles, and for this you need to have a check from the exchanger. In large cities, rubles are accepted for exchange, you can first find out if our currency is accepted at the resort where you are eating. Local " business people»Can offer to change rubles at a very favorable rate. This should not be done, as for your currency you may be given old-style banknotes that have gone out of circulation.
There is another way to cheat. The exchange office sells magnets with the symbols of the European Union and the United States, and nearby is the price that tourists take for the exchange rate. As a result, the currency is exchanged at a very disadvantageous rate. Look for exchange offices with the inscription "no commission" - here you can change currency without commission. Tourists also need to know that they can get a VAT refund (20%) in the TaxFree system if they purchase goods of at least 1000 leva.
Hotels resorts
When buying a ticket with full board, you should keep in mind that there will be no variety of food. Better to take a voucher with breakfast or half board. You can get acquainted with local cuisine in numerous cafes and restaurants. If you are vacationing with children, you should choose hotels with a children's menu. Tourists should be aware that the second purchase in the same store can get a discount of 5 to 20%. Ask the seller about this, some may simply not inform you about it.
In recent years, a lot of funds have been invested in the reconstruction of old "Soviet" hotels. But the service is poor. Still, some "three rubles" suffer from nostalgia of Soviet times. Especially in cheap hotels, you can still find someone asking for documents. You can run into poor-quality room cleaning, miserable breakfast. Many of us think that since we are resting in southern country, then the juices here are of course only natural. This is not the case, they are often concentrates. Fruits, in such a hotel, should be washed before use.
Pay attention to how the hotel pool is cleaned. If this happens irregularly, and this can be found, then it is better not to swim in this pool. When leaving the hotel room, close the balcony and windows. In Bulgaria in tourist season there are thefts from the hotel. No one will enter the closed doors and windows, but the open balcony is a bait for thieves. Therefore, when choosing a vacation in 2019, in particular a hotel, think about what you need to pay attention to. Reviews of tourists will help to take into account all the pros and cons, help to avoid troubles on vacation.
About beaches, weather
To go on vacation in your own car, this is a certain independence, you can visit several resorts. Don't ignore paid parking lots. Car thefts and damages are quite common in Bulgaria. You should carefully consider the route and stops in order to protect yourself. Lovers camping must be attentive to the surrounding area. There are a lot of flying and crawling individuals here.
It is believed that this is almost our south and the sun is not as hot as in Turkey or Egypt. This is true, but in May and June, you should beware of sunburn and sunbathe only with a protective cream. According to tourists, the sea is not always clean. Also in August, jellyfish, algae and caterpillar-like insects can be found in the water. This is a seasonal phenomenon, but travelers should be aware of this. The Black Sea in the resorts of Bulgaria warms up by the end of June. In May, you can only bask in the already burning sun, and you will have to swim in the pool.
The beaches are mostly public, but you will have to buy sun loungers and tents. Prices are very different, a cheaper package of a sunbed and an umbrella can be purchased near an inexpensive hotel. But there is one drawback. There are many vacationers in Bulgaria on social packages, German pensioners. If this neighborhood does not bother you, then you can sunbathe on such a beach and save money.
About communication, shopping
There are no problems with telephone communication, you can call another country from a payphone installed on the street. To do this, you need to purchase a telephone card. Here you may encounter a problem when the cards of one company do not work in the telephones of another. Bank cards can only be used in the resort area. If you go inland, you don't need a bank card.
It will not delight shopping lovers, the goods are mainly Turkish, you can buy local souvenirs in the form of a magnet or handicrafts of local artisans and Bulgarian Rose cosmetics. In large supermarkets, they can cheat if you take bulk products (fruits, vegetables), then weigh them at the checkout. Here you need to be more careful and check the numbers in the check with the real weight. In small shops, this is more difficult. If you are eating with a child, you should take into account that the choice of baby food in supermarkets is small and you may not find the brand you need.
There is an opinion that everything is very cheap in Bulgaria. And so it was, until the rate of the dollar and the euro crawled up. Now it's not so cheap anymore. Especially on famous resorts... Be sure to check with the tour operator, and everything about the hotel where you want to relax. Very often, a vacation can be ruined by a construction site nearby. And construction is going on everywhere and this creates inconvenience. There is little or no entertainment for children.
Before you go on a trip to the sunny beaches of Bulgaria, you should get acquainted with the unusual traditions, prohibitions that exist in this resort country... You need to be very careful in studying the laws, traditions, mentality of the inhabitants of the country you want to go to, otherwise there is a possibility of numerous misunderstandings, fines or curious situations that can ruin your vacation. For foreigners it all looks ridiculous, but for the residents of Bulgaria - the usual rules. 
1. Bulgarians are a very tolerant and very restrained people. They are very friendly towards foreigners. But a tourist should know that Bulgarians really do not like criticism, they even hate it. To avoid any misunderstandings, it is better to praise them both in the case and just like that, otherwise you can easily become a party to the conflict. 
2. Bulgarians will never correct you when you say something in Bulgarian, such is the educated people. But if you say a few phrases correctly, this event is very surprising for them, because foreigners who have been living in Bulgaria for more than 10 years have not learned to speak Bulgarian correctly.
3. In the bazaars, the tourist will not find any stalls with products of his own production (smoked, milk, cheese or meat). This is prohibited by law. You can only trade vegetables and fruits. In rare cases, Bulgarians do it, but somewhere in the province. So, you should forget about homemade food for a vacation in Bulgaria.
4. A categorical refusal among the inhabitants of Bulgaria is very discouraged, so it is better not to ask a Bulgarian how to get somewhere, even if he does not know the route, he will have to lie to you. So, you are not very surprised at the deception, because it is indecent to refuse here.
5. Do not trust similar words from our dictionary, always specify what is being said, for example, using English. After all, the word "T-shirt" among the Bulgarians means "mother", and, for example, "straight" means that you need to turn "left", but the word "roll" means "bride". These incidents can appear against the background of the same sounding words that have different meanings.
6. Gestures in Bulgaria are the most incredible difference between them and foreigners. Be careful with a simple nod of your head, because in Bulgaria this means that you strongly disagree with something. And moving your head left and right means that you agree with everything. Such a confusion of gestures has long been rooted in the mentality and history of the Bulgarians and has provoked more than one hundred misunderstandings. Remember this too. It is not enough to know about it, you still need to get used to it.
7. It is also forbidden in Bulgaria to smoke in public places, so those who like to smoke a cigarette will have to look for specially designated places for this action. The fine for violation is from 150-300 euros. 
8. Surprisingly, because of the heat, restaurants in Bulgaria have a break from 15:00 to 18:00. You will not be able to dine at the restaurant at this time, they are closed during this period. We'll have to eat at the diner. 
9. In Bulgaria it is forbidden to take pictures and photographs of churches, mosques, military installations, and border zones, airports.
10. It is also prohibited to import or export the national currency. Be prepared to exchange currency at a special state office (the commission for this service is set at about 10% of the amount).
11. About cars, too, should be said. If you decide to travel on own car, remember that tinted windows of the front doors and windshield are prohibited in Bulgaria. In Bulgaria, you can rent a car, however, if you have reached the age of 21, if you have an international license and only if your driving experience exceeds 2 years of driving. It is also prohibited to drive on the roads of Bulgaria in cars with studded tires.
12. Bulgaria has incredibly hospitable people who welcome guests and generously set the table for their arrival. But it is important to know that in this country it is not customary to visit without gifts. Gathered for a visit - take a gift be sure, this is considered good form. The main thing is not the price value of the gift. It can be inexpensive, but bought from the heart. 
13. Punctuality is not for the residents of Bulgaria. Be sure if you make an appointment with someone local in 10 minutes, this means that you will meet much later - in 2 or 3 hours. Here, no one adheres to temporary "accuracy", therefore, you will not be scolded for being late.
These are the features in beautiful country Bulgaria. With this knowledge, you can safely go on a journey, now no curiosities threaten you!
Bulgaria is an amazingly multifaceted country: sunny beaches of seaside resorts, snow-covered ski slopes, picturesque natural parks, ancient monuments, delicious cuisine and excellent opportunities for the improvement of 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 spread over 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 on Serbia and North Macedonia, and in the north on Romania.
Bulgaria has always been a crossroads from Europe to the Middle East and Asia, and therefore in all historical periods was of interest to neighboring peoples who left traces of their stay on the Bulgarian land. There are tombs of Thracian kings, theaters of ancient Greeks, ancient Roman stadiums, medieval castles of the kings of the First and Second Bulgarian Kingdoms, Ottoman mosques, etc. On the territory of present-day Bulgaria there are nine objects included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The natural landscape in Bulgaria is very diverse. So, the Balkan Mountains stretch across the entire territory of the country: from the most distant northwestern regions to the Black Sea coast. Mountains and river valleys occupy almost all western and southern regions of the country. The highest peak In Bulgaria and throughout Eastern Europe is Mount Musala (2,925 meters above sea level), towering on the Rila ridge. In the south of the country there are lowlands and low mountains Strandzha and Sakar, in the north the territory is low-lying, and in the east is the Black Sea coast.
Current time in Sofia:
(UTC +3)
From a tourist point of view, modern Bulgaria is a diverse country that will appeal to fans of several holiday destinations. In our travel guide to Bulgaria, we will tell you about the best beach and ski resorts, the main attractions, the most delicious dishes local cuisine... The time spent in Bulgaria will surely be remembered by its guests, because, according to local residents, their country is a paradise, an old Bulgarian legend tells about this: “When God gave the peoples of the world their land, he forgot about the Bulgarians. There is no free land left for them. And then he gave the Bulgarians a piece of paradise ”.
How to get there
You can get to Bulgaria by a variety of modes of transport - by air, by land and by water.
Aircraft
The plane is the most convenient way get to Bulgaria. There are four airports in the country: in Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna. Most of the regular flights go to the Sofia air harbor, while charters fly to Varna and Burgas, located on the coast, in summer.
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History
People have settled on the territory of Bulgaria since ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous burial mounds, burial grounds and settlements found by scientists.
Pre-Slavic period
Cities and regions
There are several options for dividing Bulgaria into regions.
For example, the country is administratively divided into 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 the Regulation of the European Union No. 1059/2003, the territory of Bulgaria is divided into two regions of the first order and six regions of the second order. They are not administrative-territorial units and are created for EU statistical purposes only. These two regions are North and South-East Bulgaria and South-West 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 km 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 the summer they offer excellent conditions for recreation 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 sites that are literally at every step.
The coast of Bulgaria is divided into southern and northern parts mountain range Stara Planina and Cape Emine. The unofficial capital of the northern part is Varna, and the southern one is Burgas.
One of the most historically interesting resorts in Bulgaria - Nessebar , founded in the XII - XI centuries BC. e. Its old town, picturesquely located on a small rocky promontory, surrounded on all sides by the sea, is so full of attractions that it is fully 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 Dome Tomb, the Pomorie Historical Museum and the Salt Museum, Salt Lake and the reserve "Old houses of Pomorie".
Central part of Bulgaria
The central region of Bulgaria in the north along the Danube River borders with Romania, in the south - with Greece and Turkey. The Balkan Mountains, also known as Stara Planina, divide this region in half, being the longest and largest in area mountain range country. 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 Panagyurskiy treasure is one of the most famous artifacts of the Thracian culture, or the Thracian tomb in Kazanlak of the 4th century BC. e. - a 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 certainly the most beautiful city in Bulgaria. Founded over 2,000 years ago, it sits on an 850-meter long peninsula connected to the 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 has been a city-museum. Almost 50 churches and other historical monuments are concentrated on the territory of the old center, among them - Fortress walls, Byzantine baths, churches of St. John the Baptist, St. Sophia, Christ the Almighty, etc.
Also, tourists in Nessebar can see a part of the city that went under the water several centuries ago - it is clearly visible from the coast in clear weather.
sights
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and recreation areas
Transport
Private guides in Bulgaria
Russian private guides will help you learn more about Bulgaria.
Registered on the project Experts.Tourister.Ru.
Things to do
Most often, tourists go to Bulgaria for beach vacation, recreation and skiing, but in the country, in addition, there are a lot of different types of pastime: diving, ecotourism, horseback riding, and cycling.
Beach vacation
Bulgaria is famous for its beach holidays; local seaside resorts are considered one of 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 there are almost no strong currents. Many Bulgarian beaches are marked with the European environmental friendliness label - Blue Flags.
At the same time, some beaches are dotted with darker sand, which means that it contains a lot of iron, and such a 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 resorts. And the widest beaches in Bulgaria are in the Albena resort: up to 150 meters wide.
At the same time, there are also a few pebble beaches on the Bulgarian coast. They are located in the region 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 vacation
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 to early April. During this period, tourists have every chance to catch good snowy weather. At the same time, almost all ski resorts in the country are equipped with snow cannons - in case there is a sudden thaw in the middle of winter.
General infrastructure ski Bulgaria it is highly developed and deserves all praise, as is the picturesque nature, in the bosom of which there are winter centers.
The ski resorts are located in the highest Bulgarian mountains - on the Rhodope, Pirin and Rila ridges, at an altitude of 900 - 2600 meters. Almost all of them are suitable for skiers of all skill levels, with slopes of all difficulty categories. 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 extremely suitable for ecotourism.
For example, the Rila National Park is very popular with tourists, on the territory of which the famous Rila Monastery, "Bulgarian Jerusalem", and the unique natural landmark of the Seven Rila Lakes are located. The park was equipped with an area for intensive tourism, where paths for cycling, hiking and horseback riding, recreation centers, etc. were created.
Another famous national park - Pirin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 not far from the borders with Serbia and Romania, near the town 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 the man-made structures were inscribed in the already existing rock formations.
The oldest national park in Bulgaria is located on Vitosha Mountain near Sofia. It was founded in 1934 to preserve the local unique pine forest... Today the park is one of the favorite recreation 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 tourist centers and rest houses, there are cable cars and hiking trails.
You can read about other protected areas in Bulgaria in the Reserves section.
Other active recreation
In addition to hiking in the national parks of Bulgaria, this country has a lot to offer tourists. For example, they are very popular with guests. horse tours... This journey will be less tiring than hiking trip, and communication with horses will bring a lot of positive emotions. Horse riding routes are offered in almost all mountainous regions of the country - 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 way of traveling around the country very pleasant. Tourists go along cycling routes not only in national parks, but also throughout the country to see as much as possible at once interesting places... You can rent a bike in almost any hotel in the resorts of Bulgaria.
IN recent times on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is actively developing diving... So, the largest diving 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 places for diving - wrecks (shipwrecks) and ancient cities that have gone under water long ago.
Health tourism
Bulgaria is a well-known European destination for health tourism... There are at least five hundred springs with healing mineral water, on which hospitals and sanatoriums are built. All of them are equipped with the latest medical technology and are staffed by 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 seaside resorts... A big plus of local clinics is the absence of a language barrier for Russians and affordable prices by European standards.
Event tourism
During the year in Bulgaria takes place. Firstly, tourists can catch religious holidays, such as Orthodox Christmas or Easter. Secondly, in late May - early June, a traditional Festival of rosesdedicated to the main folk craft - the cultivation of oil-bearing roses.
If you plan to visit Balchik in August, you can get to Marine Festival... Its dates change from year to year, they should be clarified on the event website.
Communication
mobile connection
Currently, mobile communication in Bulgaria is represented by three operators:
- A1 (formerly M-Tel)
- Vivacom
- Telenor
SIM cards are sold at the offices of these operators in every Bulgarian city and at all airports. The purchase procedure is simple, but foreigners will need a passport for registration.
Each operator has tariffs with and without a subscription fee. With a monthly fee, call minutes are cheaper, but you will have to conclude a contract for at least a year. Tourists for short-term trips are more likely to use prepaid tariffs ("prepaid packages"), moreover from Telenor and Vivacom operators, as they are much cheaper than A1, the oldest mobile company in Bulgaria. Remember that the validity period of the SIM card is automatically extended by one year from the date of the last refill.
The cost of outgoing calls to Russia per minute of conversation is on average from 0.37 levs to 0.72 levs. The cards are replenished with vouchers of 5, 6, 10 and 20 leva.
The coverage of Bulgarian mobile operators is more or less the same. Communication in all major cities and on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is good and stable.
the Internet
As for the mobile Internet, Bulgaria is fully covered by a minimum of 3G communications, and there is a stable 4G signal in all cities and resorts.
Mobile communications, although relatively expensive, are popular with 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 areas major cities: at train stations, in city squares. Hotels of 4-5 * categories provide guests with free Wi-Fi, in hotels of lesser stars they may ask for a fee for connecting to the Internet. In addition, you can "catch" Wi-Fi in cafes and restaurants in Bulgaria.
Where to live in Bulgaria
There is a wide variety of accommodation options in Bulgaria. You can stay in a hotel, apartment or rent a private house.
Since in recent years, holidays in Bulgaria have become more and more popular destination among tourists, in the country, old hotels are being reconstructed and new ones are being built - as a rule, of 4-5 * categories, the level of service in which meets world standards. These hotels have beautifully decorated and equipped rooms, a vast territory, a wide range of sports and entertainment activities for children and adults.
Moreover, in Bulgaria there are many inexpensive three-star hotels, which are suitable for guests planning to have an active holiday: to explore local attractions, sunbathe, swim, and often go hiking.
Cozy family hotels with several rooms are also very popular. The prices are low, and the comfort and quality of service are decent. It is in such places that you can get acquainted with the life of local residents and enjoy their leisurely pace of life.
In addition, independent tourists can always find suitable apartments in Bulgaria. These can be private apartments in cities and resorts, or houses with several rooms, which are convenient for those traveling with several children or a large company. Such accommodation is suitable for independent tourists seeking more freedom on vacation: you are going to cook for yourself, do not want to depend on the hotel's opening hours, want to see more interesting places in the country, etc.
You can choose and book accommodation in Bulgaria using the Booking.com service. Do not forget that by booking a hotel using the links with Turistern.Ru, you will receive a cashback of 4% of the booking amount.
The hospitable country offers wonderful beaches, inexpensive hotels, hotels, it is suitable for spending a fun 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 by the slopes of the Pamporovo and Bansko mountains, in summer the Black Sea caresses everyone who wants to sunbathing... Oddly enough, Sofia, the capital, is not the most beautiful city 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:
The Republic of Bulgaria occupies 22% of the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. In the south, it borders with Turkey, Greece, in the north with Romania, in the west with Macedonia, Serbia, in the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The area of \u200b\u200bthe state is only 110,550 sq. 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, one price is indicated on the signs (it is not known whether it is a purchase or a sale). You will be offered a receipt, offered to sign. After the operation, you find on your hands one and a half times less money than expected (for example, in the receipt, two numbers "changed" places and instead of the promised 193 leva, it turns out 139). No requests, threats will return the money given back: you signed the receipt voluntarily.
Political system:
parliamentary republic.
Traditional religion:
orthodoxy.
Climate:
from moderately continental to the Mediterranean in the south.
Weather:
lovers of sunbathing on the beach are most pleasant to relax in this picturesque region in the second half of summer, when the temperature is between 23 ° C and 30 ° C. At this time, you will not languish from the unbearable heat, your vacation is unlikely to be overshadowed by rainy weather, since the rains brought by northwestern and western winds are typical for the first half of summer. The beginning of autumn is a dry season.
HOLIDAY IN BULGARIA
If you are interested in historical monuments and excursions, visit Bulgaria from May to October. The swimming season continues in September.
Visa
The state is a member of the European Union, and therefore a visa is required. The embassy does not issue Schengen: this republic is not included in the zone list. But if it is already open, then since 2012 it is allowed to enter the territory of this state on your visa, which costs 60-65 euros.
Moving around Bulgaria
Car
It is allowed to drive vehicles from the age of 21; you must have an international driving license with you. Be prepared for the fact that driving on highways is not an easy task, because the quality of the roads is very low, warning signs are often missing, and a huge part of the local motorists do not try to comply with the traffic rules. 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 planned route.
Railway transport
Among the advantages - prices, which are thirty percent lower than bus travel. Disadvantages: trains are old, toilets are often in a very poor condition, air conditioning is a rarity and rather an exception than a rule, it is cold in the carriages in winter. For a more comfortable journey, you will need to buy expensive tickets on trains of international lines, partly passing through the country.
Taxi
Usually these are cars painted yellow, on the side windows of which a price list is attached. 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 the day and the area, payment is most often made by the counter.
Urban transport
In all settlements you will take a 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. Level intercity buses much higher, tickets can be purchased from the driver, prices are affordable, the staff is polite, the salons are clean.
Water transport
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the local landscapes and admire the sights, then you should not give up the boat trips along the Danube and the Black Sea. The price of such a trip will slightly exceed the cost of tickets for public transport, but, in general, the price list for boat trips is much lower than in other European resorts.
Attractions Bolgary
If you plan not only to sunbathe, but also to see the sights of the country, you should pay attention to beautiful places republics.
Nessebar
It is truly a gem the 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. The windmill is a symbol of Nessebar known to every tourist.
Melnicke
Melnik is home to less than four hundred people and is the smallest town in the country. Walking walk it will take you only a minute along the main street, 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-kilometer flower fields. Kaanlak has a Thracian tomb and a rose museum. You'll get unforgettable experienceif you arrive in the Valley at dawn in early June. Try to spend the night in this splendor, and in the morning watch the rosebuds open. In a couple of days, you will be taught to collect buds. If you are lucky enough to visit the festival of roses, then you will see parades of local residents in ancient Greek, Thracian, Roman costumes. Look at the election of the Queen of the Rose, who will shower the people with rose petals, seated on the throne (the throne with the queen will be carried by local young people).
Sozopol
This is both a sea beach and a fishing village. Here you can watch the unloading of the day's catch, sunbathe on the rocks, which are very abundant along the coast. Only forty years ago, the Apollonius amphitheater was discovered, built in the distant second century AD. The landslide moved the layers of the earth and the happy Bulgarians found this most important landmark of the country. At the beginning of September, a festival of culture is held here, a lot of spectators always gather in the city at this time, and a large audience takes the place of the amphitheater.
Rila Monastery
To the south of the capital is the so-called Bulgarian Jerusalem. You will be amazed not only by him appearance, but also the harmony of interior decoration. The monastery is surrounded by mountains covered with forests.
Plovdiv
The second largest Bulgarian city was founded about six thousand years ago. The Roman amphitheater, which is very well preserved, admires. Here you can wander through the hills, look into various museums and galleries, enjoy colorful houses and excellent architecture in general. Do not ignore the dervish monastery, cathedral Dormition of the Theotokos, Jumaya Mosque, Hisar Kapiya Gate.
Resorts of Bulgaria
The most inexpensive resorts Ravda, Kamchia, Lozenets are considered, Sunny Beach, Burgas, Kiten, Kranevo, Obzor. Expensive - Sozolol, Rusalka, Golden Sands, Varna, St. Constantine and Elena, Elenite, Nessebar. A quiet family vacation 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 the youngest, resort in the country. There are more than fifty hotels not far from the coast. Lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and a variety of beach activities will brighten up your leisure time. If you have chosen this place for recreation, visit the old chapel of John the Baptist, visit the mountain monastery of Aladzha, have fun in a huge water park. On an excursion to the "Chiflika" complex you will get acquainted with ethnographic exhibits, taste dishes national cuisine, taste brandy and wines, as well as participate in local rituals and games.
sunny Beach
It takes into account the needs of every vacationer: there are many shops where you can order goods for every taste and buy wonderful souvenirs, a cinema right in the fresh air, discos, attractions, casino variety shows. Physical fitness can be maintained on basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, a riding school, mini golf and fitness rooms, various water attractions... Not far from the resort is Nessebar, also worth a visit ethnographic village, Veliko Tarnovo.
Albena
Quiet resort, here it will be comfortable for a family to relax. It is famous for its unusual nature: a combination of liana forest and sea landscape. Here it is historical Museum and an icon gallery, a lot of entertainment for children, as well as a huge balneological center in the hotel "Dobrudzha".
St. Constantine and Helena
On these the most beautiful lands you can not only relax, but also improve your health. There are many indoor and outdoor 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 repel with their pungent odor. But your hair, skin, nervous system, and the whole body as a whole will thank you for this voluntary torture. In this place, even in extreme heat, it is easy to breathe due to the abundance of trees. The infrastructure is excellent.
Ski Bulgaria
Borovets
Several centuries ago, this city was the favorite hunting ground of the kings. Here you can find the most comfortable and longest tracks, and as coaches you will be offered not ordinary people, but real athletes, Olympic winners. Lots of high quality hotels, evergreen forests, fresh air, the realization that kings once spent their leisure here - all this makes the rest unforgettable.
Bansko
This small town gives a special charm to 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 is this cozy place, decorated with mighty lei. If you have visited this country for the first time, be sure to go on an excursion to the Bachkovo and Rila monasteries, the Asen fortress, visit the capital, the speleological museum in Chepelare will seem interesting.
What to bring from Bulgaria
Mastic and brandy
These are alcoholic drinks that can be gifted to colleagues and friends. This forty-degree brandy is distilled from fruit juice. Rakia can be melon, plum, grape, apricot, pear, etc. It will be interesting for a tourist to get to the factory with a tasting and directly buy goods that they like. Mastic is a drink of real krepchaks, as its degree rises from 47. With such an alcohol made of fennel and anise, even an experienced taster can be knocked off his feet.
Rose oil
All women will be delighted with cosmetic products made from the well-known oil (perfumes, face and body creams, fragrant soaps, etc.). When buying a product, remember that it must be in sealed vials and have a registered certificate. Liqueurs and delicious preserves are made from flower petals.
Icons
Local craftsmen are famous for their icons made on linden or cypress boards. Egg yolk is the basis of the paints used to depict the holy face. 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.
Pottery and wood
These are really high quality, beautiful dishes worthy of your kitchen. Pottery has been a national art for more than one hundred years. Buy original wooden bowls for meat dishes, kegs, glasses for wine, pitchers for compote, milk.
Spice
The gift will delight your relatives. It is 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 balsams, vinegar liqueurs, all kinds of bottles and jars with spices flaunt on 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 feta cheese that tastes better than the one offered by our supermarkets.
Where you can order the product that you want to purchase, they will always prompt locals and hotel attendants.
Bulgaria - beautiful country, it is impossible to list all the attractions in one article. She is famous for her resorts, and rich history, and architecture (especially cathedrals and monasteries), and products of folk crafts. But the country's most important asset is its impressive landscapes.
Before departure at the airport
If you bought tourist voucher to Bulgaria, then a flight to this country is waiting for you. You must arrive at the airport two hours before the start of your flight, because check-in usually ends 40 minutes earlier than the departure.
A trip to Bulgaria can also be by bus. In this case, you must arrive at the meeting point of the group half an hour before the scheduled departure of the bus.
Required documents
It is imperative that you have a passport with a visa stamped in it (the validity period of your passport must not be less than 180 days from the day you end your trip).
If you are accompanied by a child aged five years and older, then he must not only be entered in your passport, but also his photograph must be pasted.
If you have been entrusted with a trip to someone else's child under the age of 16, then you must have permission from both parents, certified by a notary and a child's birth certificate.
Also, you will need insurance policy, air tickets, voucher and bank reference, if for each person during export there are more than three thousand European currency.
If necessary, then power of attorney for a child.
So, you have the whole package of documents in your hands, you go to registration on your own, passing passport control, and in 40 minutes you are ready to fly to Bulgaria.
Flight time is 1 hour 30 minutes. The baggage allowance is 20 kg.
There are no visa problems when traveling to Bulgaria. Its cost is 35 euros. The visa is opened within a week. You will not be interested in intimate details. For example: what account do you have in the bank, or what salary you receive.
When you are in Bulgaria, if there is a loss of any document or baggage, you must immediately notify the host guide. They will help you with your problem.
