Business card of Bulgaria. Sights of Bulgaria. Seven Rila Lakes

Cyrillic is everywhere, it is more than in Russia. Ice cream is called with some childish accuracy "sweet ice". Our names are on every corner, there are many monuments to Russian people. There was also a mausoleum in the central square, but it was demolished. Even the sea we have in common - only for us it is in the south, and for them in the east ...
It was called - and is called - the 16th republic of the USSR, they even say that it is "not a foreign country." They lie, of course. If Bulgaria were not abroad, we would not strive to go there - neither 40 years ago, nor, even more so, now. Because we go abroad to get what we don't get here. And we buy there what is more expensive here. Or something that is not here at all.
Bulgaria and its real estate is the most understandable example of how it can be different. A little easier, obviously cheaper, but most importantly - much warmer. And still close. And also surprisingly familiar. Even if you have not been here yet in that life, when socialism was marching with might and main on the planet, and the chicken was not a bird.

... from the directory "Guide for residence - 2012"

Geography

The Republic of Bulgaria (Republic of Bulgaria) is located in the southeast of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. In the north, along the Danube, it borders with Romania, in the southeast - with Turkey, in the south - with Greece, in the west - with Serbia and Macedonia. In the east, Bulgaria is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The area of ​​the country is 110,912 sq. km.

The capital of the country is Sofia. Major cities are Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and Ruse. Administratively, the territory is divided into twenty-eight regions. The climate is temperate continental, in the south, especially in the valleys of the Struma and Mesta rivers, it becomes Mediterranean. The average temperature in January is from +2° to -2° C, in July - up to +25° C.

Bulgarian time is 1 hour behind Moscow time in summer and 2 hours in winter (+2 hours GMT)

In 2008, the number population of Bulgaria amounted to more than 7,606 thousand people. Mostly Bulgarians live in the country, who make up 83.9% of the population, Turks - 9.4%, Gypsies - 4.7%. Also Armenians, Russians, Romanians, Ukrainians, Greeks, Karakachans, Jews live in the country. As for religion, 82.6% of the country's population are Orthodox, 12.2% Muslim, 0.6% Catholic, 0.5% Protestant. The official language is Bulgarian.

History and politics

The Bulgarian state, the so-called First Bulgarian Kingdom, arose in 681. At the end of the XIV century Bulgaria was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Released after the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia in 1877-1878. After the Second World War, the People's Republic of Bulgaria was proclaimed, developing along the socialist path until the end of 1989, when the country emerged from the influence of the USSR. In the same year, profound economic and political reforms began in Bulgaria. Since November 15, 1990, the country has been called the Republic of Bulgaria.

Bulgaria has not participated in any wars since 1944, when Soviet troops drove the troops of Nazi Germany out of the country during World War II. There were no speeches against the Soviet Union in Bulgaria.

Today Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. The permanent supreme body of legislative power is the unicameral People's Assembly, elected for four years. The head of state is the president, elected on the basis of universal and direct suffrage for five years.

Bulgaria and Europe. Economy of Bulgaria

Bulgaria has been a member of the UN since 1955 and a member of the Council of Europe since 1992. On April 2, 2004 Bulgaria joined NATO. On January 1, 2007, the country joined the EU. Bulgaria should enter the Schengen zone in 2011-2012.

The monetary unit is Bulgarian lev(BGN).

Recent years have been characterized by rapid economic growth. At the moment, Bulgaria maintains the lowest prices in the entire EU, but gradually the standard of living begins to rise - it is expected that prices will go up. This factor ensures the constant interest of foreign investors in the country. Heavy industry, tourism, agriculture and logistics play a key role in the Bulgarian economy.

The Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is a popular destination for beach tourism. The country was one of the most important resorts for the socialist countries of Eastern Europe. In the 1990s, the industry experienced a recession, but now there is a real boom. The development of tourism is constrained by insufficiently high, compared with Western standards, level of service. Bulgaria compensates for this lack of hospitality of citizens and low prices. The bulk of tourists come from Romania, Germany, Russia, Great Britain, Poland, Scandinavian countries. There is a growing interest from tourists from Egypt and the UAE.

Main Bulgarian holidays (weekends)
January 1 - New Year.
March 3 - Day of the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman yoke.
April-May – Good Friday*
April-May – Easter*
May 1 - Labor Day.
May 6 - Day of St. George the Victorious, the official holiday of the armed forces of Bulgaria.
May 24 - Day of Slavic Literature and Culture.
August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin.
September 6 is the Day of the Unification of Bulgaria.
September 22 - Independence Day.
November 1 is All Saints Day.
December 6 - Constitution Day.
December 8 - Student's Day (day off mainly in universities).
December 25, 26 - Christmas.

* These two holidays are celebrated according to the church calendar. Good Friday is the two days of Easter Sunday. If Easter falls at the beginning of May, or the very end of April, the weekend in the country can drag on for more than a week. The church rule is: "Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring full moon." The spring full moon is the first full moon after the spring equinox. If this full moon is earlier than March 21, then the next full moon (+ 30 days) is considered Easter. If the Easter full moon falls on a Sunday, then Easter is celebrated on the following Sunday.

What is Bulgaria famous for?

Millions of Russian tourists love Bulgaria precisely for the opportunity to have an inexpensive vacation by the sea. Indeed, the prices are affordable. However, here, as in any resort country where it is customary to make money on tourists, one simple rule applies. Prices in cafes, restaurants, shops and shops located on the main promenade or in the very center of the resort will be two or even three times higher than in establishments hidden in the depths of the city. If you want to save money, get off the tourist trails.
Near the town of Kazanlak, in Central Bulgaria, is the famous Rose Valley. They say that picking flowers here is always accompanied by songs. Maybe that's why the essential oil produced in Bulgaria is considered the best in the world.
Russian and Bulgarian languages ​​are similar. If a local resident speaks his language slowly and clearly, you will understand him. Although Bulgarian has some funny "traps" for the translator. For example, "to the right" means "straight", "mountain" is "forest", and "table" is "chair". Even in the store, keep in mind that in Bulgaria only feta cheese is called “cheese”, and what we mean by this product is “kashkaval”.
Rakia- a traditional alcoholic drink popular in the Balkans. It usually has 40 “revs”, but homemade brandy can be stronger. It is prepared from a variety of fruits: plums, grapes, peaches, pears, figs and quince.
6000 years ago the first settlements appeared on the site of the Bulgarian Plovdiv. Today it is one of the oldest cities in Europe - it is older than Rome, Athens, Carthage and Constantinople.
When Bulgarians shake their heads, drawing a figure resembling an “infinity sign” with their chin, this means yes. And when they nod, it is - no!
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia
The largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. In recent years, its surroundings have been chosen by Hollywood filmmakers for filming films that allegedly take place in Russia. So in the action movie "Hitman" this cathedral was lit up as the main temple in Moscow.
Melnik
The smallest city in the country - its population is only 390 people. But it has preserved many architectural monuments, the city is considered a historical and cultural reserve, which supports traditional crafts, and a few kilometers from it is the famous Nativity Monastery.
website

Bulgaria is famous for its various resorts. There are in the country like long promoted, and very young, but rapidly conquering their potential tourists are small picturesque villages. They also go to Bulgaria improve your health, relax both body and soul. The seaside resorts of the country attract not only young, but also more mature vacationers who remember the hospitable fraternal Bulgaria.

Nessebar - the oldest city in Europe

Burgas is one of largest cities Bulgaria

quite attractive and inexpensive resort. There is a large seaport, international airport, railway and bus stations.

Burgas has beautiful clean beaches, a large seaside park (about 7 km) with an opera house and several museums. All this attracts many tourists to the city every year.

Despite the fact that the Internet is actively promising cheap shopping in Burgas, in fact prices there very rather big, truth good choice. The city itself, although large, is very beautiful.

Sunny Beach is the most expensive resort in Bulgaria

- one of the most popular and famous tourist complexes of the country. A city of incessant discos, built up with rows of countless hotels. Everything is expensive here. Prices in shops, restaurants, on the beaches, by taxi - several times higher than in Pomorie. And at the same time the resort is literally packed with people. The beaches, although clean, can often be seen seaweed on the shore (and in the evening they are thrown back into the water).

Awarded for the environmental benefits of water and sand blue flag.

On Sunny Beach there is a bus station. In the city you can easily order many excursions.

Balchik - city-botanical garden

Balchik - inexpensive but not too beautiful resort. We would not want to rest here all 14 days.

The popularity of Balchik is given by the fabulously beautiful summer residence of the Romanian queen in him. This is one of the main attractions of all Bulgaria, especially its seaside region.

The city is located in the north of the country and is the third largest seaport. We've been looking for a long time bus station in Balchik, but it turned out that his not anymore. Next to the old and abandoned building is a regular stop. On it hangs the schedule of buses, on which you can leave the city.

The main disadvantage, is that get there from Balchik directly to the same Nessebar or Burgas impossible. Necessarily need to change in Varna.

Golden Sands - a hot resort in Bulgaria

Golden Sands is one of the biggest resorts in the country. Prices here a little lower than in Sunny Beach, but the weather is usually very hot. The sun bakes simply unbelievably, because the mountains do not allow fresh air to break through, so it is often stuffy here.

Great fit for young people and nightlife lovers. This resort will not let you get bored - music and fun does not stop around the clock. But there is one downside here - descent to the beach and entrance to the sea not so gentle, as in Sunny Beach or Nessebar due to the mountainous terrain.

Varna - cultural and historical heritage of Bulgaria

Varna is also popular resort Bulgaria. This is a huge, lively city with a lot of parks, shops and squares. It’s impossible to say that everything here is very cheap, but you can’t name particularly high prices either.

Varna is an important economic and cultural center with its own airport and well-established ferry service. it the biggest port city in Bulgaria.

Varna has big bus station, from which you can leave in any direction - both in Bulgaria itself and in other countries of the world.

Obzor is a young resort village

In this town we were only passing through, but it seemed to us cute and inexpensive, let and a bit boring. Obzor is developing rapidly and soon promises a luxurious vacation for any category of tourists.

Prices On him much lower than in the popular resorts of the country. in the town there is a bus station.

Sea a little warmer than in neighboring Golden Sands. Great for holidays with children. Obzor has a children's camp with a water park and an amusement park.

Ravda is a resort for calm tourists

— small village, which is located next to Nessebar and actively built up. This is a developing resort, so prices here a little lower but not much to look at either. In the central part of the town in front of the city hall, there is a nice the fountain.

There is a water park and an amusement park in Ravda. Beaches clean, tidy, with all conviniences. Ravda is coming for a budget holiday and recreation with children.

Aheloy - the city of expensive hotels

Aheloy - small cozy resort town on the coast of Bulgaria. Despite the fact that he himself is quite far from the sea, many expensive hotels, besides which there is nothing at all.

coasts Aheloy clean and well-groomed, there are also balneological resorts. Suitable for a family holiday, because the resort is located in an ecologically clean and calm region of Bulgaria.

From the authors

Bulgaria in fact very contrasting country. Cheap resorts here are no worse than expensive ones, we like them even more. They just haven't been released yet. For example, Pomorie is cozy and beautiful, prices are extremely low, and Sunny Beach is exclusively for people who want to spend money quickly - a slightly ugly jumble of hotels and nightclubs. List of inexpensive resorts, compiled solely from our experience and impressions, is approximately as follows: Pomorie, Balchik, Varna, Burgas, Obzor.

A lot of in Bulgaria and expensive resorts. And if some charge for beautiful landscapes, the antiquity of the city and the Bulgarian flavor (which is understandable), then others simply pull money out of you, like a vacuum cleaner. To promoted and not even very cheap we would include: Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Nessebar, Ravda, Aheloy.

Bulgaria: make yourself at home!

​Perhaps, it is difficult to imagine a more welcoming and hospitable country than Bulgaria. Here they will always support the conversation, smile at the child, suggest where it is better to go. The almost complete absence of a language barrier helps to quickly establish contact and enjoy your vacation, discovering new facets of this amazing country day after day. By the way, any season goes to Bulgaria: it is good both on a July day, when the sea sparkles in the sun, and on a January morning, when the snow glitters on the peaks ... It remains only to find out which Bulgaria is to your liking.

Beach

The main summer advantage of the country is its golden sandy beaches. In all resorts they are free and public, and you have to pay for the rental of sun loungers and umbrellas (with the exception of some hotels). The length of the beaches is 130 km, while there is a division into the northern coast (resorts of Varna, Albena, Golden Sands, St. Constantine and Elena) and the hotter south (Sunny Beach, Burgas, Sozopol, Nessebar).

Holidays with children in Bulgaria are ideal - a convenient shallow entrance to the sea is almost everywhere. The large resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands are suitable for both families and youth companies - there are plenty of opportunities for active pastime and nightlife. Those who are looking for a relaxing holiday in Bulgaria will surely enjoy Sozopol, democratic Obzor, romantic Nessebar, cozy Tsarevo, as well as All Inclusive hotels in Albena.

Thanks to the unique mineral springs in the Black Sea resorts, there are opportunities for balneological treatment. Wellness baths, relaxation procedures, mud therapy, SPA procedures are waiting for you in first-class hotels in Pomorie, Burgas, Golden Sands, the resort of St. Constantine and Elena.

Climate

The main territory of Bulgaria has a continental climate with cold winters and hot summers. Closer to the Black Sea, it turns into the Mediterranean, so it is always warmer here. In summer, the seaside resorts of Bulgaria will delight you with sunny days and temperatures in the region of 25-30°C. The swimming season starts in June and ends in September, the water temperature at this time is 22-28°C.

The weather in Bulgaria in winter depends on the region. If the coast at this time is damp and there are often storms, then in the mountains there is snow and many sunny days. The air temperature from December to February fluctuates in the mountains from 0 to -10 ° C, although jumps in one direction or another are not excluded.

Ski slopes

Winter resorts in Bulgaria are suitable for family tourists and skiers with different levels of skiing, while affordable prices and the hospitality of local residents make them one of the best options for outdoor activities. The ski season lasts from early December to April.

There are three main skiing regions in the country - Borovets, Bansko, Pamporovo. Borovets is located at the highest peak in the Balkans, Musala, and its slopes (58 km) are located at an altitude of 1350-2560 m. This resort in Bulgaria is distinguished by attention to snowboarders: there is a snowboard park and 18 km of slopes for skiing on the board.

In Bansko, the total length of the slopes is 75 km, they are located at an altitude of 990-2600 m. Alpine skiing and snowboarding competitions are often held here, and this puts Bansko on a par with the best European resorts. Pamporovo, in turn, boasts a large number of sunny days. There are 37 km of slopes, as well as the best fan park in Bulgaria, which is supported at the state level.

Every resort has ski and snowboard lessons, and the ski school in Pamporovo is recognized as one of the best in Europe. Mineral springs near the resorts make it possible to complement the winter holidays in Bulgaria with SPA procedures and wellness holidays and make it truly unforgettable.

Currency

Bulgarian Lev. If you are planning a holiday in Bulgaria, take the euro with you - it is more convenient to exchange this currency for leva. It is better to do this in banks, as exchange offices may charge additional fees, so check the final amount in advance. The resorts have ATMs, and many establishments accept bank cards for payment. But you can’t do without cash only: cash will be needed, for example, to leave a tip in a cafe (10% of the bill) or thank the hotel staff for the services (1-2 leva).

The shops

Resorts in Bulgaria offer a traditional tourist assortment - accessories for a beach holiday, bright ceramic bowls and plates, local wine and Kashkaval cheese, as well as leather goods. Cosmetics based on rose oil are very popular - from handmade soap to creams and oil perfumes. Also, jam is also made from the petals of the Bulgarian rose, and this delicacy can also be a great gift. Have free time: shops in resorts and large shopping centers are usually open from 9.00 to 22.00.

Kitchen

Arriving on vacation in Bulgaria, you should try the famous Shopska salad with fresh vegetables and cheese, hot bean soup and cold soup “tarator”, puff pastry “banitsa” with various fillings, meat stew “guvech”, dolma, stuffed peppers with rice, traditional raw smoked sausage and, of course, sour-milk products. Restaurants serving Bulgarian cuisine in an authentic setting are called “mehana”.

From alcoholic drinks in Bulgaria, various variations of rakia, refreshing liqueur Menta Cave, anise mastic and local wines are popular. Of the sweets, Turkish delight, sweets made in Plovdiv, ice cream and frozen yogurt with local honey or jam are especially good.

Transport

You can get from one city to another in Bulgaria by train or, which is cheaper, by bus. You can buy tickets at the bus station and on the bus itself. Timetables are usually available at stops. In order to avoid cheating in a taxi, it is better to use official services (as a rule, they have yellow cars) and follow the meter from the moment you land. There are also domestic bus routes in major cities and resorts. The fare is 0.6-1 Bulgarian lev.

To rent a car, you need an international driver's license. Driver must be over 21 years of age. Drunk driving is a serious punishment.

life hacks

• A nod from side to side in Bulgaria means “yes”, and a nod up and down means “no”. Indigenous people have been communicating with each other for 5 centuries.
• Many restaurants and small supermarkets do not accept bank cards, so change rubles to Bulgarian leva in advance.
• You can buy a SIM card with 3 GB of Internet for 1 month in the baggage claim area at Burgas Airport. In the city, a SIM card will cost more.

• For those who do not know who the Gabrovites are. Gabrovians are residents of Gabrovo, a region of Bulgaria. Judging by the anecdotes, some of them are big misers. Overthrift and greed are the main themes of jokes about Gabrovites. Gabrovets was selling boiled corn near the entrance to the bank, and soon collected a large sum of money. At the end of the season, an acquaintance asked him to borrow ten leva. “You see, friend,” said the seller, “when I opened the tray here, we signed an agreement with the bank so as not to compete. The bank pledged not to sell the corn, and I pledged not to lend money.

• What is no longer famous? humor is dead?

• humor about residents

• The Gabrovites were unsurpassed misers!

• Jokes about Gabrovians)

• I'm not a dinosaur, but I know that humor fairs)))

• Tailless cats.

• Uncle.. Humor..

• "Golden Sands"

• resorts and wine

• Such a sunny brandy

• tomatoes, the language is similar to Russian (there is such a joke: Bulgarian is Russian, which is spoken by small children) they say "no" - they nod their heads (lower their eyes), "yes" - they turn (to the one they want to hear)

• Fruits and vegetables are very tasty in Bulgaria. In many countries fruits and vegetables taste like plastic.

• Resorts, ecology, high quality of natural products, affordable standard of living.

• bulgartabak

• golden sands, cold houses, traitor people.

• brothers like prostitutes

• There is a country, but there are no Bulgarians. They are Turks.

• famous for the fact that we once freed her from Turkish slavery, but then she behaved like a whore, it would be better not to send our soldiers to die.

• ugh, creatures.

• When we were in Bulgaria, we went to the market in Varna and shouts from everywhere: Bulgarian banana, Bulgarian banana! I think that for a banana, it turned out that they call melon that way)).

• I think - everything is the same - the same srach, the same weeds and inexplicable love for alcohol!

• Grapes are growing, you could see in the photo, Bulgarians sometimes communicate on the grape website

• I was once interested in real estate in Bulgaria. There are cheap village houses, and all these houses are characterized by knocked-down poles such as a canopy over the yard, that is, over the summer, the grapes completely entwine this entire "canopy", it turns out a shade with bunches of grapes. Approximately so.

• Let the Bulgarian invite me to his real Bulgarian dacha, I will look with pleasure.

• I was in Bulgaria and even in a real Bulgarian village on an excursion. Bulgarians are very good, kind, hardworking people, but they live like ours, everything is different, mostly not very rich. Therefore - vegetables, grapes, fruit trees, flowers of course

• Bulgarian pepper.

• I can definitely say that he has cucumbers and tomatoes there. I remember back in Soviet times we had a full ass in the provinces with food. Having our own meat processing plant in the city, we never saw sausages. And we went to St. Petersburg by train. they brought a jar or two of Bulgarian pickled cucumbers with tomatoes for their sausage. They were small, unlike ours - 5 cucumbers in the whole jar ..

• I personally really liked Bulgaria. Famous "brands" of Bulgaria: Monument "Alyosha", Shipka, the famous Gabrovo with a museum of humor and laughter, I really liked the town of NESSEBAR (located on an island near Sunny Beach) - old small streets, peace, beauty and silence. Dancing on coals - in a restaurant (national show in Gabrovo). For lovers of "active recreation" - brandy "Slynchev Bryag" and "Pliska". And, of course, the famous resorts - Sunny Beach (Burgas) and Golden Sands (Zlaty Pyaski, Varna). And the prices will pleasantly surprise ( much cheaper than Europe.) Have a nice trip and new experiences!

• hospitality, sea, antiquity, wine and rose oil))

• "Golden Sands"

• resorts and wine

• with its resorts, golden sands, good climate and the hospitality of its people

• Such a sunny brandy

• In addition to the above, if we talk about gifts, then Bulgaria is famous for roses, they are added to various dishes, such as Turkish delight, and rose oil is also popular, which is actively used for cosmetic purposes. For example, my Bulgarian shampoo "Damascene": the smell is pleasant, and the effect will please.

• rose oil ... perfumery based on this) there is nothing more interesting in principle) in any case, I did not find it for myself)

• yeah, there's nothing special about it. rose oil if only..

• Ostrovsky, I think everyone is a famous person!

• It is named after the Bulgarian revolutionary, and there is also the Church of Peter and Paul with golden domes, well, very beautiful!!!

• Associated with summer and relaxation.)

• the name of a not unknown poet!

• Named after the famous doctor.

• In spring and autumn, impassable and impassable mud!

• Too smooth, the trucks have not rolled over for a long time ... with gingerbread)))))

• Godzilla passed by

• It has a huge shopping and entertainment center with more than 1,000 shops and cafes.)

• named on the anniversary of the 800th anniversary of Moscow, next in honor of Sofia Kovalevskaya))

• that I live on it))

• a lot of russians :)))))))))))))

• In addition to my mother, with whom I live (and sometimes travel together), there are no more relatives, so this problem is not worth it. I bring magnets and some snacks to work. A magnet is a must, even if the place runs out)))

• They asked for water from the KMV))) They secured it!

• You won’t believe me, but I don’t bring anything to anyone! As well as myself - I feel sorry for the time for shopping ... And no one is offended and no one is waiting for gifts from abroad - everyone travels by themselves.

• Plates, tea, mama spices, ceramics

• Ceramic vases, plates, coinage, canvas bags depicting places of rest.

• Mostly cups, local sweets, coffee.

• I collect figurines of piglets, respectively, I look and try to bring them from those countries, they are food. Just returned from Greece - brought 21 pieces. And relatives - also in their interests.

• I have three directions - coins, bells ... and lately - wristwatches)

• magnets are sacred - for myself and my mother (the only thing I collect is magnets from my travels))) For my husband's mother - a plate on the wall (they already have a whole wall of these plates))) Dad sometimes orders motorcycle equipment, because in Russia some things are worth unreasonably expensive. Well, everything else depends on the circumstances. I don’t carry a lot, I don’t drag rubbish))

• No magnets anywhere. Well, this is how relatives can be offended)) Plus, we also try to bring sweets. We always bring something, mostly wooden, to the "memorial wall". For example, an elephant from Thailand or the Mayan calendar from Mexico, masks of pagan gods..

• We bring various figurines, balls with snow, and various foreign sweets.

• Approximately the same as Ersh. Plus, we have friends who are collectors (someone collects bells, someone collects coins from different countries, etc.), so I'm looking for souvenirs for them based on their interests.

• We often bring magnets to ourselves. And so we usually carry few gifts. Only toys for children and something tasty (beer, wine, sweets), otherwise you can buy everything in Russia, and it’s hard for us to carry suitcases, we’re without men (((

• Mostly local delicacies, cosmetics .. and I don’t even bring magnets for myself ..

• Oh, yes, everywhere the standard set. Lace, silver, icons, ceramics. In all countries. I bring you something delicious. Olives, cheese, jamon, rose jam, coffee, tea, sweets, smoked fish, butter, and other local products. Aromatic oils, perfumes and alcohol from duty free, locally produced soaps, all kinds of cosmetics, fragrances for linen, bath products. National clothes, slippers, hats, harem pants, overalls, beads, earrings, a nose ring and a leg bracelet. And something the area is famous for. Murano glass candy, Kyiv cake, Scandinavian-patterned mittens, Tatar chak-chak, amber jewelry, Pavlovsky Posad shawl, Wedgwood porcelain, an ebony figurine. And my relatives bring me from all countries and cities - figurines and pictures of cats.

• it all depends on where we are going))) but since we have been going to Bulgaria for two years in a row, everything has been calculated for a long time: for whom gloves, for whom a bag, for whom cream)))

• Calendars with local landmarks, plates and mugs with local views.

• There are 16 kilometers from Zolotye to Varna, there are many different shops - a lot of everything from rose oil, pottery and embroidery are quite original. in general, I think you will definitely find something interesting))

• I was there during the Soviet era. The resort was very good - the sea, the sun, the people were friendly, the food was delicious ... You can bring national Bulgarian souvenirs - hand-woven napkins and products from this linen, leather purses 9 suitable for mobile phones), but ceramics are especially good - this is nowhere else no (you can buy whole sets, and individually cups, vases, plates, etc.). Warmly recommend!

The Republic of Bulgaria is located in the east of the Balkan Peninsula. It has become a favorite holiday destination for tourists from different countries. The country is known not only for its beautiful beach and ski resorts, but also for a huge number of natural, cultural and historical monuments.

Country Description

Until November 15, 1990, the country was called the People's Republic of Bulgaria. Today, the word "folk" has disappeared from the name. The population is 7.5 million people. The capital is the city of Sofia. Bulgaria's closest neighbors are Greece, Serbia, Turkey, Romania, Macedonia.

In the east, the territory of the country is washed by the waters of the Black Sea, which connects it with Ukraine, and the Dardanelles and Bosphorus straits - with the Mediterranean countries. Bulgaria is one of the smallest countries located in Europe, its area does not exceed 111 thousand square kilometers.

Climatic conditions

The Republic of Bulgaria has a mild temperate continental climate. It has four distinct seasons. The Mediterranean influence is especially felt in the southern regions. The average annual temperature does not exceed +10.5 °C. In January, the average temperature is around 0°C. In summer, the thermometer does not rise above +30 °C.

Religion

Orthodox Christians make up 86.7% of the population, 13% are Muslims. The Church of Bulgaria is autonomous, headed by a patriarch.

Saints of Bulgaria

Residents of Bulgaria venerate saints canonized by the church. Among them:

• St. Vlas is the patron saint of cattle breeders and Togovtsy.
• Saints Constantine and Elena are mother and son. Constantine was the emperor of the Roman Empire, who made the state a Christian monastery.
• Enravota (Boyan, Warrior) - the first martyr of Bulgaria.
• Naum, who, together with Cyril and Methodius, promoted writing and religious culture.
• Clement of Ohrid is a follower and like-minded person of Cyril and Methodius.
• Boris I proclaimed Christianity the state religion in 865 and is known as the Baptist of Bulgaria.
• Peter I made the Bulgarian Church independent from Constantinople.
• Gorazd Ohridsky was a student of Methodius, after the death of his teacher, he became an archbishop in Moravia instead of him.
• Dimitry Basarbovsky is revered as a reverend who is able to heal.
• Anastasius Strumitsky is a martyr. Bulgaria celebrates his memorial day on August 29.
• Paraskeva Serbskaya is known and revered for her ascetic lifestyle.

Bulgaria: language

The official language in the country is Bulgarian. It belongs to the Slavic group. The ancient writings of the Slavs are written in Cyrillic, which was created by Cyril and Methodius. Its letters and signs are borrowed mainly from the Greek alphabet. It is this Cyrillic alphabet with slight changes that exists from ancient times to the present day among the entire Orthodox Slavic people. Bulgarian Cyrillic is easy to read. Neither phonetics nor pronunciation causes difficulties.

Capital of Bulgaria

The center of Bulgaria keeps a huge cultural heritage. First of all, it is the ancient capital of Bulgaria - Veliko Tarnovo - and the current capital. This city amazes tourists with its originality and beauty.

The city of Sofia is one of the oldest in Europe. Since ancient times, it has been famous for its thermal and mineral springs. The founding of the city dates back to the 1st century AD. At first it was called Serdika. It was a major administrative and commercial center of the Roman Empire, and then of Byzantium. In 447 Serdika was destroyed by the Huns.

The second birth of the city took place a hundred years later. By the beginning of 809, it was part of and was first renamed Sredets. It received its modern name at the end of the 14th century.

When Sofia was captured by the Turks (1382), it became the second largest craft, trade and cultural center on the Balkan Peninsula after Constantinople. In December 1877, the city was liberated by Russian troops from the Turkish yoke and since 1879 became the permanent capital of Bulgaria.

This magnificent city is known for its attractions. Many of them are monuments of national importance. For example, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is located on the square of the same name in the capital. A magnificent structure of white stone and granite was built in honor of the liberation of Bulgaria. In addition, all visitors to the country should visit the rotunda of St. George, the Cathedral of St. Resurrection, the Church of St. Nicholas, the luxurious Banya Bashi mosque, and the archaeological museum.

Varna

The city of Varna (Bulgaria), together with the surrounding areas, is located on the Black Sea coast. This is not only a popular Bulgarian resort, but also the cultural center of the country.

The Republic of Bulgaria is famous for its unique historical monuments. The sights of Varna are many museums that store historical exhibits and documents.

The Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is considered to be the symbol of the city. In Varna, you can visit the Seaside Park. It houses the Palace of Sports and Culture, a dolphinarium, a zoo, a planetarium, a museum of nature and an aquarium. The archaeological museum is of great interest to tourists. Its pride is a large collection of gold items, which dates back to the VI millennium BC.

No less interesting are the sights of the suburbs of Varna. Here you can visit the palace of Evksinograd, which is surrounded by a luxurious park, and a beautiful valley. It is called the "stone forest" because of the huge (up to 6 m high) columns, whose age, according to experts, is fifty million years.

The Republic of Bulgaria, whose sights cannot be explored in one trip, treats its history very carefully. We will try to present you the sights of the country that are of the greatest interest to tourists.

City of Nessebar

This is a real city-museum, which is located on a picturesque peninsula. Its attractions will not leave anyone indifferent. The area of ​​Nessebar is about one square kilometer. Nevertheless, more than 40 churches were built in this territory at different times. However, today tourists can only see the churches of St. Savior and St. Stephen, which are perfectly preserved to this day.

Plovdiv

The Republic of Bulgaria is known for many very ancient cities all over the world. For example, the city of Plovdiv, located on a hill. It was founded six thousand years ago. Walking around the city, you can see ancient towers built at different times, a large Roman amphitheater, many monuments and museums.

Rupite area

Those who wish can visit the Rozhen Monastery, which was founded in 1220. This is one of the oldest monasteries in the country. The shrine of the monastery is the icon of the Virgin Eleusa, which the parishioners consider miraculous.

Dobarsko village

This small alpine village, located at the foot of the Rila Mountains, seventeen kilometers from Bansko, represents the natural attractions of Bulgaria. Centuries-old pine forests, picturesque meadows, alpine plateaus, mountain streams. Here you will be invited to a rural house and treated with national dishes and homemade brandy. A visit to this reserved village makes a strong impression.

Seven Rila Lakes

Another unique natural monument that the Republic of Bulgaria is proud of. This is a group of glacial lakes. Even in July, they are often covered with ice and snow, and blooming meadows surround them. The lakes are located one above the other. They are connected by beautiful waterfalls.

Monastery Aladzha

We are sure that the mysterious rocky monastery will surprise many. The monastery was founded in the XIV century and today is one of the main attractions of Bulgaria. The monastery is located 14 km north of Varna, not far from the Golden Sands resort. This rock abode, in which the functions of different rooms are clearly visible, is an excellent place for pilgrimage, ecological and

Which beach to choose?

The beaches of Bulgaria at all resorts are municipal. But the coast is leased to private owners. Therefore, equipment on the beaches is paid: umbrellas, sun loungers, mattresses, folding tables and chairs, catamarans, etc. In this article we will present you the most popular

Golden Sands is the largest resort in the country. It is located in the north of the Black Sea coast. This is a real Mecca, where lovers of active tourism prefer to relax.

The beaches of Albena are 150 meters wide and stretch for seven kilometers. The sea in this area is very warm and calm, besides, it is not too deep: at a distance of two hundred meters from the coast, the depth is no more than one and a half meters. The climate is quite comfortable: the summer air temperature is not higher than +28 °С, and the water temperature is +25 °С.

The beaches of Sveti Vlas are located north of Sunny Beach, they are quite deservedly called a corner of paradise. Luxurious landscapes, impeccably clean air, slopes of a mountain range covered with dense vegetation, unique scents of roses - all this creates an extraordinary atmosphere. Those who want to retire from the hustle and bustle of the modern city will feel comfortable here. In addition, this place is perfect for a relaxing family holiday. The coast is divided into several beaches, which are covered with fine golden sand.

The central beach of Sozopol is very nice and cozy. It's free. According to vacationers, this is a corner of peace and solitude. Tourists are pleased with the local clear water, the sea protects the peninsula of the old city from the waves.

The beaches of the complex of St. Helena and Constantine, which are located on the shore of the bay between Golden Sands and Varna, are covered with fine quartz sand. The width of the beaches is not too great, and their length is about 3 km. The seabed is quite flat, and there are no depth differences.

The Duni resort has a beach 4500 meters long and over a hundred meters wide. The sand is golden and fine, like on most Bulgarian beaches. There are small dunes. The sea here is calm, with a flat bottom. The depth increases smoothly, so it is comfortable to relax here with children.

Burgas Bay is known to tourists from all over the world for its beautiful golden sands, gently sloping bottom, and impeccably clear water. The width of the beach reaches 100 meters.

Beach "Harmani Beach" is located in the new town of Sozopol. Unlike the Central Beach, it is wider and longer, so it is much freer. Nearby there are numerous bars, restaurants, cafes. Entrance to the beach is free, and renting sun loungers and umbrellas will cost you $2.

Tours

Today, many Russians are happy to purchase tours to Bulgaria. Their prices are quite reasonable. Rest in a sunny and hospitable country meets European standards.

Before purchasing a ticket, you should take care of a visa. The best time to visit the country's resorts is June-September and January-March.

We inform those who are going to buy tours to Bulgaria. Prices for tours in the winter season of 2016 start from 23,602 rubles (seven nights, departure from Moscow). Information on prices for the summer season is not yet available.