Bulgaria tourist information. Holidays to Bulgaria. Practical advice for tourists, everything you need to know. Which airport are we arriving at?

Bulgaria - beautiful country. She is small in size, but she has ancient culture, it has very picturesque landscapes, its people are very friendly, and they are warm and hospitable in the old-fashioned way. The country is located in southeastern Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. Bulgaria - not so popular tourist destination, like its southern neighbors Greece and Turkey, and this despite the fame of inexpensive Bulgarian Black Sea resorts, most of which are surrounded by stunning scenery and which have excellent sandy beaches where there is a sunny climate and a safe sea. However, tourism in Bulgaria is quite widespread, and all amenities have been created for tourists and holidaymakers.

Although the country is better known for its seaside resorts, the character of the country is well reflected in the country's impressive mountainous regions. Six very different mountain ranges Bulgaria varies from high mountains, with snow-covered peaks, to gentle green hills with forests, on the territory of which are located thermal springs And mineral resorts, and also among which there are valleys where the aroma of flowers and herbs is in the air. In the heart of the country is the Valley of Roses, thanks to which Bulgaria is one of the largest producers of rose oil in the world, and because of which Bulgaria is sometimes called the “land of roses”. At the foot of the Vitosh Mountains lies the country's capital, Sofia, which is famous big amount architectural monuments and museums. Among the rocky peaks of the Rila and Pirin mountains there are excellent conditions for skiing, in the territory ski resorts, and also here is the famous Rila Monastery and national park Pirin (which is an object World Heritage UNESCO) with a majestic landscape. The Balkan Mountains run through the entire country - a 530-kilometer chain that provides some of the... better conditions For hiking in Europe.

The history of Bulgaria can be traced throughout the country, in the country's old towns, ancient Thracian religions and jewels, decorated churches and monasteries, and the country's countryside settlements, which preserve the traditional beliefs of the people of Bulgaria. One of the country's greatest assets for visitors is its diversity, but whatever aspect a visitor to Bulgaria chooses to explore, you can always be sure of a warm welcome wherever you go.

As follows from all of the above, Bulgaria has all the conditions for tourism.

Basic information about the country

Time

Local time in Bulgaria is GMT+2 (GMT+3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).

Electricity in Bulgaria

Mains voltage in Bulgaria is 220 volts, 50 Hz.

Plugs and sockets in Bulgaria

A European two-pin plug and a “schuko” plug are used.

Language

The official language is Bulgarian, but English, German, and French are also spoken in resorts, hotels, and restaurants.

Health, vaccinations for a trip to Bulgaria

There are no major health risks in Bulgaria and no vaccinations are required to enter the country. However, tourists are always recommended to be vaccinated against hepatitis A and B before traveling to other countries, and they should also be vaccinated against typhus if they plan to eat in places other than hotels and restaurants, and visit places that are rare among tourists. Medical services can be expensive and payments are expected immediately. Local hospitals only have essential equipment and medications, and specialized treatment may not be available everywhere. Therefore, it is very important to take out medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation.

Tipping in Bulgaria

In restaurants it is customary to leave a 10% tip, and it is customary for porters in hotels and taxi drivers to leave change when paying. In a taxi without a meter, you do not need to leave change or tip.

Safety in Bulgaria

Most visits to Bulgaria occur without any trouble. Violent crime is rare, but casinos and nightclubs are often targeted by criminal gangs. IN central areas cities and Black Sea resorts operated by groups of young pickpockets. There are frequent cases of car theft.

Local customs and traditions

Foreigners should keep in mind that shaking your head means “yes” and nodding means “no”, although local residents they often make a discount for visitors due to ignorance of this circumstance; It doesn’t hurt to clarify the answer in words to avoid confusion.

Business and entrepreneurship in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, building business relationships is very important. Therefore, face-to-face meetings are preferable to telephone, fax or email communications. Russian is sometimes used in business, and English is becoming increasingly popular, but translation services may be required. When meeting each other, it is customary to firmly shake hands and exchange business cards; clothing should be conservative; you should be punctual. Opening hours are generally from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Communications in Bulgaria

The international access code for Bulgaria is +359 followed by telephone code the required city. The code for Sofia is (0)2. From Bulgaria you can connect directly to 58 countries by adding the prefix 00 to the phone number. Calls to countries that cannot be connected directly must be made through an operator at 0123. In Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths, calls require a special card, which can be purchased at kiosks. There are also telephone exchanges in the country, which are located at post offices. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe where there are no peak or off-peak times for calls. The country has mobile operators GSM, and several Internet providers. IN big cities There are more and more Internet cafes.

Cash, money, credit cards in Bulgaria

Money of Bulgaria, what is the currency in Bulgaria

Credit cards in Bulgaria

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, and Visa cards are accepted in large cities, major hotels, and car rental companies, as well as in some restaurants and shops, mainly in Sofia. However, Bulgaria is still a cash-dominated country.

ATMs in Bulgaria

ATMs are widespread in Bulgaria, although it is best to check with your bank about cash withdrawals before traveling. Not every ATM in Bulgaria accepts all foreign cards. It may take more than one attempt to successfully withdraw money from an ATM.

Traveler's checks

These checks are accepted at major hotels and restaurants, although cash payments are much more common. To avoid additional costs due to exchange rates, tourists are advised to take traveler's checks in US dollars or euros.

Bank opening hours

From Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 16:00.

Currency restriction

The import and export of local currency is prohibited. The import of foreign currency is not limited, provided that the amount is declared upon arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount specified upon arrival in the country.

Currency exchange

Tourists and holidaymakers are advised to exchange money in Bulgaria in banks, in large hotels, and in independent exchange offices, where the exchange rate is clearly marked. You should not be tempted by the “more profitable rate” offered by the money changers on the streets. No store, bank, or exchange office will accept damaged, torn, or too dirty foreign banknotes.

Duty free in Bulgaria (duty free)

Bulgaria is part of the European Union. If you are arriving in the country from another EU country, there are no restrictions on the quantity or value of goods and items you import, provided that what you import is for personal use.

If you are entering Bulgaria from a country that is not part of the European Union, the following items are allowed to be imported duty-free for persons over 17 years of age:

200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 gr. tobacco;
4 l. wine or 16 l. beer or 1 l. alcohol with a strength above 22% or 2 liters. alcohol with a strength of up to 22%;
other things and items worth up to 430 euros for those arriving by plane and by sea, or 300 euros for those arriving by any other means.

Can it be like in Turkey? Is there anything to see there? Do you need a visa? We answer the most popular questions about holidays in Bulgaria.

There are three main reactions of tourists that a travel agent has to deal with when working with a Bulgarian destination:

Full acceptance: “yes, we decided to start with Bulgaria,” “let’s repeat Bulgaria,” “we love Bulgaria, we are planning to vacation there for the 3rd, 5th, 10th time.” Usually, oriented tourists start a conversation with such phrases. Easy, fast and relaxed.

Complete denial: “not Bulgaria.” You should not sell a vacation in a country to which a potential tourist has formed a strong and categorical “no,” negative, or denial. Or you need to spend time breaking the stereotype with ironclad arguments.

Gradual acceptance of the destination as a good alternative: “let's look at Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria.” This is the kind of request that we most often have to work with and gradually lead the tourist to the fact that Bulgaria is an excellent budget alternative to more expensive summer destinations.

And “budget” in this case does not equal “cheap”. This is equivalent to the good level and quality of recreation that you will receive in other countries, only in Bulgaria it will be more accessible.

Bulgaria - alternative:

Family holidays on ALL (all inclusive) in Turkey, Greece and Egypt. First of all, by the price segment, secondly by the climatic factor (very hot and humid conditions are not suitable for everyone summer season in Turkey and a very hot, albeit dry season in Egypt), and Greece is traditionally in a different price segment. Bulgaria is ideal for families traveling with a child for the first time. Especially with a baby (infant). A short flight (1 hour 45 minutes), one time zone, the dry and comfortable climate of the Black Sea, products that we understand and national cuisine in general, a gorgeous sandy strip of a long coastline - all this is ideal for the quick and relatively easy adaptation of children of different ages.
Prestigious youth holiday. Who doesn’t dream of unreal parties in the clubs of Ibiza or Mykonos, or at least Lloret de Mar? But while dreams are being dreamed, and the soul and body are right now eager to go to a sea party in the techno style or to an “open air-disco-party” or to super-fashionable clubs or foam parties, then why not - Golden Sands and sunny Beach are waiting for you at numerous parties where, to your surprise or not, you will encounter a huge number of tourists from different parts of the world who will confirm to you that in Bulgaria a club holiday is just “wow”!
Healthy holidays on European resorts, Israeli resorts, in Crimean health resorts. Several balneological resorts with hydrogen sulfide springs and healing mud, the availability of balneo-hotels and spa treatments attract fans of this type of recreation to Bulgaria.

Do you need a visa?

Bulgaria is a visa destination. A national Bulgarian visa is issued in 7-10 working days with a minimum package of documents. The cost of the consular fee is 60 euros for an adult, for children under 12 years old - free. In 2012, Bulgaria allowed entry into the country on Schengen visas, but there is a mandatory condition - the visa must be multiple-entry.

When is the season in Bulgaria?

The summer season in Bulgaria officially lasts from June to October. This is how the flight program of charter flights from Minsk is planned. There is absolutely no need to be afraid of the first dates of June and the last dates of September. Climate change has added a strong + to the temperature. The season is gradually increasing, but prices on these dates drop significantly, as does the flow of tourists. High season begins at the end of June and lasts until the end of August, characterized by increased demand and rising hotel prices.

What airport are we arriving at?

On the coast there are two new and modern airport arrival – Varna ( Northern part coast) and Burgas (southern part of the coast). The transfer time depends on where you are arriving. Find the Obzor resort on the coast map - this is exactly the middle, all resorts north of Obzor - fly to Varna, all resorts south - to Burgas. What about the Review? – more often and more conveniently to Burgas. Taking into account the advantage of two airports on the coast, transfers to the main resorts rarely last more than an hour, usually 30-40 minutes.

Is the north coast colder?

The temperature difference is very relative, but at the very beginning and at the end of the season you can pay attention to this; the distance from Varna to Burgas is only 130 km. But the microclimate will be different. North coast- “green and wet” due to forests and national parks, and here South coast– more “steppe and dry”. However, place the main emphasis on choosing a resort that is suitable for you, and not a part of the coast.

Best Family Resorts?

Albena, Sunny Beach, St. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, Nessebar, Sozopol – great amount The hotels in these resorts operate on an all-inclusive concept and offer a range of services and infrastructure for this type of vacation. Over the past 10 years, many hoteliers have either moved hotels and adapted concepts or continue to develop in this direction. Most large hotels, chain hotels(eg RIU, Sol) and gated communities work this way.

Are there hotels like in Turkey? We want it like in Turkey!

There are three large closed-format resorts: Albena, Elenite and Duni. The concept of recreation here is virtually all-inclusive in every hotel, and the infrastructure is focused on proper recreation for adults and children at the hotels themselves (complex area, sports grounds, water parks, amphitheaters for shows, disco bars and spa centers).
As for the Dune complex, it is even better than in Turkey. One of the most popular and recommended gated resorts for quality family vacation in the middle and high price segment.

Where to get treatment on the coast?

It is very important to know that there are two types of balneotherapy on the coast; based on the treatment profile and indications, choose the place that suits you. Resorts with hydrogen sulfide and mineral springs: St. Constantine and Helena, Riviera club complex, Rusalka and Albena resort complex. And here the best resort Pomorie is still considered a place for mud therapy, although you can order mud applications at any of the spa centers on the coast. But there is no other such specialized hotel like anywhere else. A unique hotel with a professional approach to treatment and recovery. Chelsea football players and other sports stars periodically undergo rehabilitation courses here (argument?).

Where are the best parties?

In our club. Everything here is simple and not simple. You will have to be between two fires, or rather between Golden Sands and Sunny Beach. Golden Sands has a higher level of resort positioning and rating in Europe, which means prices will be higher, but the prestige of some places will also be higher. Whole planes of European tourists fly in for a “disco & bar tour” style vacation. There is not a single person in Golden Sands who has not heard about the Arrogance Music Factory club or the PR club, or the Go-Go girls club.

But Sunny Beach is about to catch up with Golden Sands, because there is a whole paradise here, or rather a beach - Cacao beach and the club of the same name, as well as another legendary club - Bedroom Beach. Armin van Buuren lit up the night at the open air sunny beach. And you? Of course, the choice of clubs is now huge (this includes Orange, Mania and many other clubs in the very center of the large resort coast). And the clubs amaze with their sound technology, style and creative parties.

Where to rent an apartment in Bulgaria?

Apartments in Bulgaria? Yes Yes Yes! This is a separate category of accommodation facilities. As a rule, these are new modern complexes of different levels with “apartment-type” rooms for family holidays or recreation big company for any period, even long. And here special attention should be paid to the very modern and truly beautiful resort- St. Vlas. The St. Vlas apartments stand out in terms of quality because the resort is more accessible for a free-form holiday (without being tied to all-inclusive meals) than the neighboring Sunny Beach, is beautifully designed and has a huge number of rave reviews in the “here is like in Europe” style.

Where else to look for apartments on the coast? – in Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sozopol, Obzor.

How many resorts are there in Bulgaria?

25 main resorts along the entire Bulgarian coast from north to south. A coastline In Bulgaria, from the border with Romania to the border with Turkey is 354 km. Impressive, isn't it?

Is there anything to see there?

In the ancient land of the “golden apple”, i.e. in Bulgaria, there are 11 cultural and natural monuments UNESCO. You could end here, but catch the “must see”: the city of Nessebar, the city of Balchik and the palace of the Romanian Queen in the Botanical Garden, monasteries (Aladzha, Rilsky, St. George, etc.), the city of Sozopol, the first capital of Bulgaria - ancient city Veliko Tarnovo, the city of Plovdiv and the modern capital Sofia. If that's not enough, to the south is the border with Turkey, which means you can expect a one or two day trip to Istanbul, and to the north is the border with Romania - and magnificent Bucharest - easily. And don’t forget about the short seasonal “aroma” excursions: the Valley of Roses or lavender fields near Varna. Plus a huge variety of active, entertaining, educational excursions (jeep safari, “Bulgarian village”, wine tasting, fishing).

What is the currency in Bulgaria?

Bulgarian lev (BGN) with a rigid peg to the European currency: 1 euro ~ 1.95 Bulgarian. left The stability of the exchange rate and the national currency is precisely what ensures the low level of prices within the country. There are ATMs everywhere, and almost everywhere you can pay by card. Exchange offices have been operating officially for a long time; there is no threat of fraud during exchange transactions in official places. Safety in the country is another plus of holidays in Bulgaria.

What to bring from Bulgaria?

Souvenirs: rose oil and cosmetics from the Valley of Roses (can be bought at any resort, in specialized stores or sections in supermarkets); Bulgarian embroidery: tablecloths, clothing items; silver products (we recommend shops and stores in old Nessebar); spices and seasonings - yes, the same Sharena salt or variegated salt, the aroma of which permeates all Bulgarian “mekhanas” - traditional restaurants. And, of course, Bulgarian wines (you can’t return from the country without the legendary “Mavrud”) and rakia. Finally, grab some ceramics - they have very good ones!

What will surprise us?

For example, the cutest national peculiarity Bulgarians mean that when they deny, Bulgarians nod their heads up and down, and when they agree, they nod right and left, i.e. “yes” is “no”, and “no” is “yes”. So watch your hands.

The Bulgarian ice cream will surprise you, the beaches will surprise you, the prices will surprise you, the tsa-tsa will surprise you - the Bulgarian national dish made from small sea fish - you will be surprised by the Bulgarian lavender, you will be surprised by the golf riviera in Kaliakria, you will be surprised by the Dunes, you will be surprised... people who were able to create resorts of such a scale with European quality mark.

Tourism in Bulgaria has been bringing back wonderful memories for fans of this unusually sunny and friendly country for decades. Anyone who has visited it at least once will definitely return here again and recommend this vacation spot to their friends. Tourism and recreation (Bulgaria) are incomparable resorts, not inferior in level to the best European destinations. The subtleties of tourism (Bulgaria) are such that you can’t help but fall in love with this country: there is a pleasant climate, excellent tourist services, and you can talk for hours about the people who will welcome you warmly and hospitably. Quality rest and tourism in Bulgaria requires different prices, since everything depends on the month of stay, for example, usually the cost of hotel accommodation in the second half of August is slightly higher than in other summer months, but from the end of August the price decreases noticeably. Excellent tourism in Bulgaria is in great demand, and in the month of August it is amazing how good it is. You can reduce your vacation costs by booking a trip in advance, several months before your planned vacation. Tourism in Bulgaria is not only about beaches and water procedures, but also getting to know amazing traditions and unique history. Excursions to Balchik are very popular among tourists, because it is here that one of the pearls of the country is located - Queen Mary’s Castle and its amazing design Botanical Garden. The southernmost representatives of fauna, or rather cacti, grow in it. A whole alley of these special plants has been grown by the hands of gardeners, and the height of the prickly beauties reaches almost 4 meters. In addition to these exotic guests, about 600 species of other plants are planted here.

Tourism in Bulgaria - reviews

Tourism in Bulgaria always deserves positive reviews. They are always full of gratitude for a great vacation, since here, along with famous beaches and vacation spots, there are a lot of cozy towns that you can visit during your stay in the country. You can get acquainted with the history of the country, as well as entertain yourself with “rural” and “wine tourism”. Reviews about this country are no less enthusiastic if we're talking about O national cuisine, O large quantities local well-ripened, juicy fruits and vegetables. It should be noted that Bulgarians are adherents of everything “their own”, especially when it comes to food. If you're in Bulgaria, be sure to try dairy cheeses - this is a separate page on the country's cuisine. Good feedback about hotels and the private sector are always justified. Bulgaria is being updated and prettier before our eyes; it is equally comfortable to relax here both with your family in a small boarding house and with a group of young people, because the hotels are distinguished by a high level of organization active leisure. The main highlight of Bulgaria is its sandy, well-groomed beaches. Black Sea coast is a total of 378 km. Always positive reviews from tourists after visiting resorts such as Golden Sands, Albena, Sunny Day, Rusalka, Kranevo and many others. The European Union has awarded such famous and visited places as Sunny Day, Elenite, Riviera, Dunes, Pomorie and some others for excellent ecology with the sign of environmental cleanliness. For families with children, as a rule, they choose Sunny Beach, a resort located near the town of Nessebar. Children will be safe, and parents will be comfortable on the beach, 10 km long and about 40 meters wide, which is closed by picturesque sand dunes. Golden sand and a daytime air temperature in summer of 22-30 degrees Celsius will allow you to relax perfectly, without leaving any chance of getting bored. You can relax in these places from the second half of May until October. This real paradise entertainment for children, there are a lot of squares with playgrounds, quiet parks full of birds - everything sets the mood for recovery and positive emotions. Pleasant information for tourists is that in Bulgarian resorts the beaches are free, and besides that, they are all well-maintained and safe. The cost of a sun lounger will be approximately $2.5, and umbrellas - from $1, the prices are affordable, as is the rest in general. Tourism in Bulgaria is a real holiday that will forever remain in the heart of anyone who has ever visited this generous land.

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 of holidays in Bulgarian resorts is much lower. Another advantage is a relatively short flight, only 2.5 hours, and the language is close to Russian.

In Bulgaria the local currency is Lev. Upon arrival at the airport, tourists need to exchange rubles for local currency. You should only change it at an 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 capital letters in the exchanger. But, usually this concerns large amounts, so read carefully everything that is written in smaller letters. Small amounts can be exchanged for you with a percentage of 15-20. Be sure to keep receipts when exchanging.

It is prohibited to take levs out of the country, so all remaining local currency will need to be exchanged for rubles, and for this you need to have a receipt from the exchanger. IN major cities Rubles are accepted for exchange; you can first find out whether our currency is accepted at the resort where you are going. Local “business people” may offer to exchange rubles at a very favorable rate. This should not be done, since for your currency they may give you old-style banknotes that are out of circulation.

There is another way to cheat. At the exchange office they sell magnets with symbols of the European Union and the USA, and next to it is the price that tourists accept as the exchange rate. As a result, the currency is exchanged at a very unfavorable rate. Search exchange offices with the inscription “no commission” - here you can change currency without commission. Tourists also need to know that they can receive a VAT refund (20%) in the TaxFree system when purchasing goods for at least 1000 leva.

Resort hotels

Buying a ticket from full board, you should keep in mind that there will not be a variety of food. It is better to take a trip with breakfast or half board. Get acquainted with local cuisine You can visit numerous cafes and restaurants. If you are vacationing with children, you should choose hotels with a children's menu. Tourists should know that on their second purchase in the same store, they can get a discount of 5 to 20%. Ask the seller about this, some may simply not inform you about this.

IN last years a lot of money is being invested in the reconstruction of old “Soviet” hotels. But the service leaves much to be desired. Still, some “three rubles” suffer from nostalgia of Soviet times. Especially in cheap hotels, you can still see that everyone who enters is asked for documents. You may encounter poor quality room cleaning and a pitiful breakfast. Many of us think that since we are vacationing in southern country, then the juices here are of course only natural. This is not true, often these are concentrates. It is better to wash fruits in such a hotel before eating.

Pay attention to how the hotel pool is cleaned. If this happens irregularly, and this can happen, then it is better not to swim in this pool. When leaving your hotel room, close the balcony and windows. In Bulgaria, hotel thefts occur during the tourist season. No one can penetrate closed doors and windows, but an open balcony is a bait for thieves. Therefore, when choosing a vacation in 2020, in particular a hotel, think about what you need to pay attention to. Reviews from tourists will help you take into account all the pros and cons and help you avoid troubles on vacation.

About beaches, weather

Going on vacation in your own car is a certain independence; you can visit several resorts. Don't ignore paid parking. Car theft and damage are quite common in Bulgaria. You should carefully consider your route and stops in order to protect yourself. Fans of camping should be attentive to the surrounding area. There are quite a lot of flying and crawling species 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 sunburn and sunbathe only with protective cream. According to tourists, the sea is not clean everywhere. Also in August you can find jellyfish, algae and insects that resemble caterpillars in the water. This phenomenon is seasonal, however travelers should be aware of it. The Black Sea in Bulgarian resorts warms up by the end of June. In May, you can only bask in the already burning sun, but you will have to swim in the pool.

The beaches are mostly public, but you will have to buy sunbeds and awnings. Prices are very different; a cheaper package of a sunbed and umbrella can be purchased near an inexpensive hotel. But there is one drawback. In Bulgaria there are many holidaymakers on social packages, German pensioners. If this neighborhood doesn’t 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 calling card. Here you may encounter a problem when cards from one company do not work in telephones from another. Bank cards can only be used in the resort area. If you go inland, then bank card you won't need it.

It will not please those who love shopping, the goods are mostly Turkish, you can buy local souvenirs in the form of a magnet or crafts from local artisans and Bulgarian Rose cosmetics. In large supermarkets they can deceive you; if you take loose products (fruits, vegetables), they weigh them at the checkout. This is where you need to be more careful and check the numbers on the receipt with the actual weight. This is more difficult to do in small shops. If you are eating with a child, then 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. This was the case until the exchange rate of the dollar and euro began to rise. Now it's not so cheap anymore. Especially on famous resorts. Be sure to check with the tour operator everything about the hotel where you want to relax. Very often, a vacation can be ruined by construction nearby. But construction is going on everywhere and this creates inconvenience. There is very little or very poor entertainment for children.

Tourists accustomed to elite resorts in Europe are unlikely to enjoy a holiday in Bulgaria. There are few palm trees here, the sea is not replete with corals and exotic things. If, no matter what, you want to spend your vacation on Bulgarian resort, choose the place where your friends have been and find out more reviews.