• Location and climate
• Bulgaria can appeal to everyone's taste
• Why Bulgaria?
• Airports
• Food and Drinks
• Shopping
• Money
• Embassies

Location and climate

Bulgaria is situated in the South East corner of Europe and occupies the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. To the north it borders Romania, to the west the Republic of Macedonia and Yugoslavia. To the east the Black Sea, to the south Greece and to the south-east Turkey. Black Sea borders Bulgaria on the East and provides direct access to the Russian Federation, Ukraine and Georgia.
Founded in 681, Bulgaria is one of the most ancient states on the European continent, and the meeting point of Europe and Asia. With its unique geography positions, mild climate and extraordinary pristine nature there is no doubt, that Bulgaria is the best kept secret of Europe waiting to be discovered.

The climate in Northern Bulgaria is moderate continental, while the climate in Southern Bulgaria is intermediate continental tending to Mediterranean. The climate in the regions with an altitude of 1900-2000 m above sea level is mountainous and along the Black Sea coast it is maritime. The climate of the seaside regions is milder in the winter and cooler in the summer than the climate of the interior of the country. The average annual temperature is 10,50C, in winter about 00C. The lowest temperature - 38,30C - was measured in 1947.

The sea is clean and calm. In spite of the diversity of the marine fauna, you cannot find a dangerous animal able t o menace your life. The swimming is a unique experience, as the water is only in half so salty, but with the same temperature as in the Mediterranean.

The Bulgarian coastal stretch faces east and extends over 378 km, dotted with vast beaches covered with fine golden sand, and natural dunes - the majority of which have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for environmental excellence.

Long sunny days enjoy temperatures in summer of around 23°C to 28°C, while water temperatures range between 17°C and 25°C. There are more than 240 hours of sunshine in May and September, and more than 300 hours each for July and August.

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Bulgaria can appeal to everyone's taste:

• Active holiday? - Bulgaria has it - swimming, skiing, riding, climbing, hunting, fishing... (see Bulgarian Resorts)

• Chilling out and relaxing? - Amazing nature, sunny beaches, healing spas, monasteries and churches, hospitable towns and villages... (see Bulgarian Resorts)

Ancient culture, endless beaches and emerald sea, high mountains with marvellous gorges and caves, clear lakes and fish filled rivers, healing springs, tempting cuisine and wines, diverse flora and fauna... the attractions are unending.

The landscape of Bulgaria is very varied. Bulgaria has breathtaking mountain scenery. Great for hiking and sightseeing in the summer, and in winter, the mountain areas are increasingly better known for their excellent skiing.

One of its biggest skiing resorts - "Borovets" is in the process of having 40 million Euros spenton it funded by the EU to bring its standards in line with other world class skiing destinations.

Millions of Euros of EU money is currently being invested in developing Bulgaria's attractions and infrastructure. Projects include airport developments and road and rail upgrades,as well as schemes like the Beautiful Bulgaria Project.

Bulgaria boasts a 354 km coastline. Ranging from rocky coves to large open sandy beaches, ideal for family bathing – and in summer the Black Sea is warmer than the Mediterranean!

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Why Bulgaria?

The competitive edge

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Airports

Travelling to Bulgaria is becoming increasingly easier. With the following airports flying daily to Bulgaria:

All London airports . Aberdeen . Belfast . Birmingham . Bristol . Cardiff .
Edinburgh .Glasgow . Manchester . Bournemouth. It is a two and a half hour flight to your choice of Bulgaria's four international airports.

• Sofia (capital)
• Plovdiv ( for the skiing resorts)
• Burgas (for coastal destinations and beach resorts)
• Varna (for coastal destinations and beach resorts)

The locations of all of the airports, with their road and rail links makes it easy to travel throughout Bulgaria.

Return airfares from the UK to Bulgaria start from as little as 120 pounds and with interest being shown from budget airlines these prices should hopefully fall.

Once in Bulgaria, travelling around is remarkably cheap and easy. With its safe and clean train system, travelling from Sofia to Varna cost around 7paunds return. (An equivalent journey would be London to Manchester).

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Local food is delicious and so cheap that you will be forgiven overindulging.

There is an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, succulent meals and freshly caught fish.

Some typical Bulgarian cuisine includes "kebapcheta" made of minced pork, stuffed vine leaves, musakka, "tarator" cold summer soup, yoghurt and "Shopska" salad with the famous Bulgarian white cheese.

There are some excellent locally produced wines and spirits, and nothing can beat a cold beer at 20-25p a bottle.

Bulgaria is renowned for its excellent vineyards and wine they produce, exporting all over the world.

Bulgaria has forged an excellent reputation for its wines, to the extent that Bulgaria is the second largest exporter of bottled wine in the world, surpassed only by France. Its red wines are the best known, being produced from the Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon varieties - high quality, rich, and Bordeaux-like.

Whites are also produced from renowned varieties such as Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling as well as from the local: Misket, Ottonel, and Dimiat.

Typical costs of eating and drinking

• Tea From 10p
• Coffee From 30p
• Lunch for two From ?2
• Bottle of wine From ?1
• Bottle of beer From 20p
• Ice Cream From 30p
• Soft Drink From 30p

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Shopping

We have many reports from visitors that shopping in Bulgaria represent excellent value. Jewellery, bags, jeans, trainers and shoes are amongst the popular purchases by tourists on the prowl for a great holiday deal.

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Money

The monetary unit is the Lev. You get approximately 3 Levs to ?1. We recommend that you take Sterling or Euros to exchange, as you will get a better rate than if you use travellers cheques. Please also ensure that the notes are not damaged or defaced, as you may experience problems exchanging them.

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