Black Sea CoastThe Bulgarian
Black Sea Coast, stretching for 236 miles (380km), is a popular destination for thousands of Bulgarians as well as foreign visitors every summer, with warm sea temperatures, a sunny climate, picture-perfect white sand beaches, modern resorts and a favorable exchange rate.
Although the coast has long been associated with large characterless complexes catering to European package tourists that are far removed from the reality of
Bulgaria, there are plenty of little hotels with private beaches and holiday villages offering a villa-style Mediterranean
holiday. Seaside towns invite a more independent vacation with plenty of family-run guesthouses and a wealth of bars and restaurants that add local flavor and character. The coast is also one of the best spa regions in the country and resorts offer the added attraction of mineral baths, mud treatments and thermal springs.
Clean beaches, safe swimming and wide sandy beaches characterize the northern Black Sea Coast with the lively town of
Varna a good base from which to explore the surrounds. To the south lie picturesque bays and unusual rock formations, and the trawler port of Bourgas flanked by the old Greek fishing villages of Sozopol and Nessebur.
Climate: The Maritime climate along the coast is characterized by warm, sunny days from May to October with mid-summer air temperatures averaging 83°F (28°C) and sea temperatures ranging from 73-77°F (23-25°C). The wettest months are June, October and December. Winter is cold, although milder than the interior of the country where the snow falls heavily, and many of the resorts shut down for the season.
MountainsThe natural beauty of Bulgaria is specially striking to first time visitors, and in particular it is the dominance of its magnificent mountains, ranging from sharp snow-covered peaks and icy blue lakes to cool forests, bio-reserves and varied flora and fauna that really impresses the traveller. Among the heights are large ski resorts and mineral spas, quaint traditional villages, monasteries, and many opportunities for hiking, cave exploration and ecotourism.
More than half of Bulgaria is hilly or mountainous; the average elevation is about 1,575ft (480m). The Balkan Mountains in the central region cross the country from west to east, while the irregular Rhodope Mountains form the southeastern border with
Greece, with the Rila and Pirin Mountains at their western end. Every mountain has its own characteristic appearance and fascinating prospects. The Rila Mountains are the most majestic and boast the country's highest peak, Moussala (9,596ft/2,925m), Bulgaria's most famous monastery, Rila, and the country's oldest ski resort at Borovets. The greenest and prettiest mountain range is the Rhodopes, which is home to Pamporovo, the largest ski resort, as well as plenty of culture and folklore centered on the town of Momchilovtsi, which is the most popular place for ecotourism. Museum villages in the Balkan Range also offer excellent possibilities for ecotourism and are a showcase for the hospitality and warmth of the Bulgarian people. With hundreds of lakes, deep valleys and rugged peaks, the Pirin Mountains are probably the most beautiful and are home to a variety of rare plants protected within the
Pirin National Park. The most frequented mountain is Vitosha, with the capital city
Sofia at its foot, and is popular for winter holidays and skiing.
Climate: Winters are cold with heavy snowfall in the mountains with average January temperatures of 23°F (-5°C) in the valleys and ski resorts, and up to -4°F (-20°C) on the high peaks. Snow cover usually lasts for five or six months (December to April) on the north slopes of higher mountains, or until the end of February, and is over five feet (1.5m) thick. Summer temperatures vary from 57 to 66°F (14 to 19°C).
SofiaLocated in the
Sofia Valley, the capital city of Bulgaria lies at the foot of the Vitosha and Lyulin Mountains, and is the center of the country's political, business and cultural life.
Founded over 7,000 years ago around numerous hot and cold mineral springs, which are still available today, Sofia has flourished and declined around a variety of civilizations. It is one of the oldest settlements in
Europe and numerous archaeological, cultural and historical monuments from its rich Thracian, Byzantine, Roman, Slav and Turkish history have been preserved among the modern edifices, the blend of the new and the old lending a charming quality to the capital.
Despite its modern, cosmopolitan nature, Sofia has a laid back atmosphere and the proximity of Mount Vitosha, offering a myriad of recreational opportunities on the city's doorstep, adds to the relaxed feel of the city. Like any capital city, Sofia also has a wealth of museums and galleries, and boasts plenty of cultural entertainment.
Getting Around: The center of Sofia is easily accessible by public transport, which includes buses, trams and trolleybuses. Buses run from 5am until midnight and until 1am for trams. Single trip tickets can be purchased before boarding as well as on the vehicle and must be punched once aboard. It is not practical to travel into or around the city center by car as parking spaces are limited and traffic can be a problem. Taxis are cheap and easily available. Tariffs are shown on the vehicle window.
Climate: Sofia's climate is one of its main attributes. Situated on an open plain only 1804 feet (550m) above sea level and ringed in by the Balkan and Vitosha Mountains, summers days in Sofia are warm and sunny with temperatures occasionally soaring above 86°F (30°C). Winters are cold and snowy. December and January are the coldest months and July and August are the hottest months. The capital receives 25.6 inches (650mm) a year with most rain falling in the summer months.
