Bulgaria, located on the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, was under Ottoman rule for 500 years. It emerged in 1878 as a monarchy, and then, after the Second World War, fell (quite happily) under Soviet rule for another 50 years. Now a member of the European Union (since 2007), it is a fascinating country to visit and closer to the UK than you might think; increasingly cheap flights to Bulgaria take only three hours.
Not yet in the eurozone, Bulgaria offers great value for money for those seeking sun on the Black Sea coast, skiers searching for fresh snow in Bansko and second homers hoping to pick up cheap property. There are airports in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Burgas and Gorna Oryahovitsa.
The country has ancient cities with Unesco-listed attractions (including Kazanluk Tomb; the Ivanovo Rock Churches; and Rila Monastery), a slow and laid back way of life, and wild landscapes (Rila, Rhodopes, Balkan and Pirin Mountains), and Sofia, its charming, green and open capital.
One thing to remember before searching for Bulgaria flights, is the locals' habit of shaking the head for yes and nodding for no.
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Unless you visit for skiing, summer is the most comfortable time in Bulgaria, with low humidity and temperatures averaging 24 degrees Celsius; winter temperatures average around zero.
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Peak Season:
Peak season at the coast is, naturally, summertime, with most visitors arriving off their flights to Bulgaria between late June and early September. Bulgaria’s ski resorts are emerging as some of the best in Europe. The ski season runs from late December through to Easter. Sofia is a year-round destination, busiest in the summertime and around Christmas.
Off Season:
Low season fares apply at the seaside resorts around Varna for most of the winter. The weather is less good, but the scenery is still appealing.
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Buses are faster than trains and the network far more extensive, however, it can be confusing working out where they are going and where you need to get off, as many drivers will only speak Bulgarian. There are two train lines between Sofia and Varna and Sofia and Bourgas. Service is fairly poor.
Bulgaria Air flies between the main destinations of Sofia, Varna and Bourgas.
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- Sofia is one of the oldest capitals in Europe and it is filled with historic monuments. Increasingly popular as a city-break destination thanks to a host of low-cost airlines offering flights to Bulgaria, the city has many attractions for tourists. The Alexander Nevski Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and supposedly the most photographed building in Bulgaria. When you visit the church, don’t miss the flea market, held in the square in front.
- Varna is the starting point for holidays in the Golden Sands region. As well as the stunning beaches, there are a number of interesting destinations around the town. The Stone Forest, or Pobitite Kamani in Bulgarian, is, as the name suggests, a naturally occurring “forest” of stones. Limestone pillers, around ten metres tall, cover an area of approximately 13,000 square metres.
- Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city, situated in the centre of the country. One of its main attractions is the incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. It is still in use today for concerts and operas during the summer months. A Verdi Festival takes place annually. Book tickets for events at the tourist office.
- Located on the southeast coast, Bourgas is the second-largest seaside town. The city beach is huge. Take a walk along the pier, with views of the sea, port, beach and city.
- The festival of Martenitsa takes place on March 1 and is the Bulgarian celebration of the start of Spring. Bulgarians give each other red and white spring or wood dolls, called martenitsi. These are tied to the wrist or pinned to clothes and worn until the person sees a stork for the first time that year – a sign that winter will not last.
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Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds or onward or return tickets in addition to other documents needed for the next destination. Valid health insurance is required. All visitors to Bulgaria must register as foreigners at a local police station within five days of arrival. This registration is usually done as a matter of course through the hotel or accommodation establishment. Visitors are advised to check this, as a dated registration slip has to be submitted when leaving the country. Immigration and entry regulations are very strictly enforced. From January 2006 all children entering Bulgaria are required to have their own passport. Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least six months on entry for those requiring a visa, and three months on entry for visa exempt nationals other than those from EU countries, whose passports must be valid for period of stay.
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UK passport holders, endorsed British Citizens, do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days in a six-month period. Passports should be valid for three months beyond the period of intended stay. Other UK passport holders require a visa and a passport that is valid for at least six months.
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