Shopping in Bulgaria: markets and shopping centers. Golden Sands Bulgaria prices Supermarkets Golden Sands Bulgaria
This is how the Golden Sands resort greeted us with such a gloomy sky and inhospitable sea: Aaaaarrr, see, it’s raining in the distance? Or even rain! Stunningly beautiful :). This is above Albena, the resort next to Golden Sands: Then a rainbow came out (do you see it? And I tried to take a photo, although it is almost invisible :))):
And after it, the weather pleased us almost all the days we were there (although I was glad for the rain).
Of course, on the one hand, Bulgaria is not entirely exotic for all of us, plus for me it is the same familiar Black Sea that I am used to in Odessa. But! In fact, the same sea here is different from the Odessa coast: there is an amazing natural combination - the sea and immediately along the shore there are dense coniferous forests that turn into low, but still mountains. Because of this, the climate is very mild, humid, with a special amazing air saturated with coniferous phytoncides; the sun does not burn the greenery - everything remains juicy and dark green, but at the same time very warm.
And the water! I’m used to the fact that in Odessa it has a brownish tint - both because of algae and because of pollution, unfortunately :(. And here! Clean, with incredible shades - sky blue, turquoise, milky blue, green-black, the sea is indescribably beautiful. The slopes to the beach are not steep, there are no sharp cliffs - everything is very comfortable, the beaches are wide enough, there is enough for everyone.
It's all about the coast on Golden Sands, but in other places it’s completely different - there are cliffs with thin beaches, there are also wide flat beaches: if you’re going to Bulgaria, pay attention to this, since comfort primarily depends on it (I, for example, really don’t I love cliffs).
50 shades of blue: Whoever does not apply sancrine to his back and at the same time swim in the sea for hours on a mattress will have the same white stripe in the middle of his back and will be burned like me :). Almost a skunk: Milk! This is after the waves rose White sand from the bottom and the water became this color. Are you also so happy in the water? I remind myself of a joyful idiot who is crazy with happiness: Blue milk: Stunning shades:
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Infrastructure
.So, on the one hand, Bulgaria is not exotic, because with this country we have almost one past, but in last years there are so many new things appearing here that one can consider it almost exotic, well, abroad for sure :). Golden Sands has an ideal infrastructure - there are many shops, great amount shops, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, entertainment for children, attractions, but not very many shopping centers - there is only one here, but still there is one (if necessary, they are in Varna, which is located 40 minutes drive from Zolotye sands).
Plus! Everything is perfectly maintained - smooth pedestrian tracks, beautiful green lawns, comfortable benches (there are many of them!), wonderful night lighting, and not only the paths are illuminated, but also the bushes, flowers and trees. In general, in terms of the level of saturation, all this reminded me of Pattaya in Thailand, only there are no huge shopping centers that were there, but here it is much, much cleaner (the cleanliness, by the way, is ideal), plus the sea is 100 times better (who has been to Pattaya , he will understand me).
Look (this is, of course, only a part - it is impossible to show everything in the photo):
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Illumination and perfect grass on the lawns: Paths and beautiful fresh pine needles, which are everywhere here and which completely captivated me - so much different types I haven’t seen it anywhere: A Ferris wheel with comfortable booths protected by plexiglass: The Eiffel Tower, which is visible in the distance, is a cafe: Here it is again: Oh, and these terrible fish have come here, devouring dead cells from human skin - “wonderful” peeling legs that I will never dare to take:.
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Hotels
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There are hotels here for every taste, and there are many of them and they are all of an excellent standard: firstly, they are all recently built, and secondly, they correspond to international standards. Here is "my" hotel:
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I lived in the 4* hotel "Elena" - and I have nothing to criticize it for, for its 4* it was wonderful, although when I saw reviews on the Internet about it, I was very upset, because it is very much criticized. I don’t understand who writes such negative reviews and for what purpose: they scolded everything - and what is dirty here, although the workers here are like bees, they cleaned everything and everything was clean; that the bed linen is from Soviet times, although this is not so - the furniture was beautiful and the bed was made with excellent white linen, which is just standard for modern hotels; and the food is not the same - although there was such delicious home cooking, plus variety, I don’t understand what kind of requests a person should have for him not to like it :(. And in one review I saw a complaint that boiling water can only be found in the morning, then no, no. Well, it’s funny: I made herbal tea several times a day (or rather, the bartenders made it for me) and there were no problems with either tea or boiling water - and all this was free, even though I could get up at 4 in the morning. and order tea or even coffee (I didn’t do that, but if I wanted to, there would be no problems). In general, we and our friends were satisfied with the hotel, and let such reviews remain on the conscience of the “writers.” Yes, I forgot. : this hotel is located on the second line: you have to walk about 7 minutes to the beach - for us it was a thrill, as I was glad that I could once again lose unnecessary calories.
But, of course, there are many hotels on the first line, here are some of them, I photographed them for the future:
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This hotel hosts an amazing performance of aerial acrobats every evening - two guys and a girl spin/flip and make various figures right on a large building: they descend from the roof ( secured with safety ropes) and somewhere in the middle of the building they stop and begin to show their skills, the picture is creepy, but very beautiful and fascinating (also with music and lighting!). And in the same hotel there is a shopping center:
I didn’t take a picture of the name of this one, but I remembered the name - Marina Grand Beach:
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What to buy
.There is as much Chinese nonsense here as in all resorts - this is of little value, but rather absolutely priceless :). And there are quite a lot of Bulgarian goods here, although not all of them attracted me, but maybe someone will be interested:
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~ knitwear made from Bulgarian cotton. But it’s not all Bulgarian! Literally nearby there are a lot of practically the same clothes, but in China: the difference can be detected only after feeling the fabric - Bulgarian cotton is soft and dense, the stitches are even, Chinese is thin and more rigid, you yourself know what stitches. But still, I wouldn’t say that the quality is 5 C+, rather pampering, but it’s nice that it’s natural. I bought myself two T-shirts for home and leisure:
. ~ Bulgarian handmade lace: I’m indifferent to such things, but in general it’s a good thing, whoever likes it - this is lace heaven:
All sorts of stupid souvenirs and Turkish delight made from fruits and roses: Turkish delight with roses is absolutely amazing - you can’t eat a lot of it, but 1 slice gives an indescribable pleasure! But I bought it in supermarkets, not in stalls. Look what he is like, it’s just a fairy tale:
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Oh, white on top and transparent pink inside: More souvenirs: On the very first day I ran and bought a ton rose water- this is something that you should definitely take, since Bulgarian water is the coolest of all, that’s for sure :). How much happiness came:
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!!! There will be a separate post about cosmetic stores, rose water and my purchases, so don’t be upset that there are few jars in this post - soon there will be SO MANY of them that it definitely won’t seem like enough ;). It also makes sense to buy shoes, bags and leather jackets from Bulgaria - they are all made from very soft natural leather, which is made in Bulgaria, there are a huge variety of colors, shapes and types - somehow I didn’t think to take a photo, and I didn’t buy anything from this (only a small handbag), but in fact there is plenty to choose from (just be careful that it is Bulgarian leather, otherwise they might slip it in from China!). Oh, yes, and there is Pandora, which I couldn’t pass by and still bought myself a bracelet with a new pendant. I didn’t count on it... Then I’ll show you sometime, but for now here it is:
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That's all it seems :). Although I’ll show you a few more photos:
. Lavender! Although it has already faded, this plant is beautiful even in this form, and how these twigs/leaves smell! Beauty:
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The water is clear, and crabs and fish gather near the pier (do you see a crab? A small one:):
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I could sit and watch them for a long time, there are so many of them there! My husband constantly takes pictures of me like this, then shows me to look at the expression on his extremely enthusiastic face :). But it’s really interesting! I allowed myself a pina colada on the beach a couple of times, although in principle I’m against alcohol, sweets, and even more so on the beach. But rest is:
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By the way, there are no problems with the language here at all - Bulgarians understand Russian (not very well, but they will definitely understand you) and answer in broken, but still Russian. And they understand English in hotels. And of course, the Cyrillic alphabet makes me happy, even the cola here is “ours”: Sunsets: Also dairy milk and my amazing hat (for those who don’t remember: here
Bulgaria is called the land of roses. Therefore, products based on rose oil and water are considered traditional souvenirs.
In shops and supermarkets in Golden Sands you can choose from perfumes, creams, gels, shampoos, tonics based on rose oil and water. You can even buy jam and honey made from rose petals. Microdroplets of precious rose oil give soap, hand cream, tonic, shampoo, shower gel, and perfume samples a lasting pink aroma. I listed what we bought in the souvenir shop for mere stotinki - at prices ranging from 1 leva to 5 leva. We purchased perfumes from manufacturers from Central Bulgaria, where the Valley of Roses is located: Kazanlak, Karlovo, Plovdiv.
Fridge magnets are in great demand among tourists due to their attractiveness and low cost. In Golden Sands they sell magnets with views of the sea, cities, roses, landmarks, inscriptions and wishes.
Ceramic products are in demand - bowls, pots, plates, jugs, mugs, teapots, salt shakers, sugar bowls. We bought a teapot for 12 leva and a stewing pot for 10 leva with an original ornament, which always contains “kapki” (drops). We also bought for 8 leva a ceramic mug with landmarks: Varna, Nessebar, Balchik and the Albena resort.
Pay attention to the embroidered woolen tablecloths - red, green and white - in Bulgarian cafes and restaurants. They go well with Bulgarian ceramics. True, tablecloths are a bit expensive: 15 – 20 leva. We bought four red napkins with national embroidery for 2 leva each. A teapot with a Bulgarian ornament on an embroidered red napkin looks great and the aroma of tea reminds us of Bulgaria.
In general, Bulgarian textiles and knitwear are distinguished by their quality and inexpensive price. The most common products are linen tablecloths, towels, napkins, shirts, blouses, and bed linen. I liked a white 100% cotton T-shirt in a store on Golden Sands. The body feels good, and most importantly I liked the application in the form of a map Black Sea coast Bulgaria with all the resorts and memorable places, many of which I visited.
Bulgarian dolls are a good gift. For a little girl, it is better to buy a doll in national clothes. Dolls in strange shaggy clothes with and without masks - kukeri (mummers) - have, according to popular belief, protective functions.
In souvenir shops you can buy a witch in a pointed cap, similar to Gingema and Bastinda from the fairy tale “The Wizard emerald city" But I was very impressed by the big witch, who began to giggle evilly and wave her broom when clapping her hands. This doll is a good gift for a mother-in-law. Much better than the ball-like spiny fish. These fish are sold in abundance, which means there is a demand for them.
The works of wood carving masters are beautiful. It is interesting that in Bulgaria this art is practiced exclusively by men. Wooden boxes, spoons, wall plates, and clocks with scorched roses will create home comfort.
Art lovers can bring watercolor or oil paintings of Bulgarian landscapes or landmarks from Golden Sands. An interesting gift would be an individual or group portrait drawn by an artist, of whom there are many on the artist street. The cost of a portrait is from 90 to 390 leva, depending on the number of persons depicted there.
A colorful reminder of the Black Sea will be beads made from white and colored shells, which look great on a tanned neck. Necklaces, earrings and bracelets made from shells also look beautiful. Well, silver items generally look great on skin with a southern tan. Silver products in the Golden Sands resort are sold in many shops.
Rarely does anyone leave Bulgaria without taking with them a bottle - another of excellent Bulgarian wine or something stronger - rakia or cognac. We were no exception - and took with us the five-star Pliska cognac. I also liked the cost of a bottle of cognac in the Nectar store on Artists Street - about 10 leva (200 rubles). Try buying 5-star Bulgarian cognac in Russia for 200 rubles!
In shops on Golden Sands, a bottle of red wine “Kadarka” and white wine “Tamyanka” cost around 3 leva (60 rubles).
Bulgarian moonshine - rakia - is not for everyone. It is best to buy grape brandy. But there are plum, apricot, cherry and apple brandies. At the Magura cafe on Golden Sands I drank Pescherska brandy. I recommend it – it’s good! For dinner at a picnic restaurant near the town of Kavarna, we poured grape brandy from a barrel. With Shopska salad and Bulgarian chicken, the classic rakia went with a bang.
For exotic lovers, it will be interesting to take with you anise mastic - a strong drink of 40 - 50 degrees and mint liqueur - menta. But these are very exotic drinks.
On a hot sunny day, or even in the evening, it’s good to have a glass of beer. At Golden Sands I drank light beer “Bolyarka”, “Zagorka” and “Shumenskoye”. Give it a try. I think you'll like it.
In the Soviet Union, getting to Bulgaria and buying something in local stores was considered a great and rare success. Today, Russians have access to shopping all over the world. But, despite this, shopping in Bulgaria is a very interesting activity, and all thanks to the Balkan markets and the European abundance of shopping centers and malls. In general, there is something to spend money on in these parts, and you can shop both in large cities and at resorts. The good news is that although joining the European Union forced prices for goods in Bulgaria to rise, they still remained very attractive, especially if you buy locally produced products.
What to buy
First of all, you should know in advance what is worth buying and what is not. This applies to any country, including Bulgaria. If we talk about souvenirs and other trinkets for the soul, then the best thing you can buy here is local products and alcohol. For example, only in resort towns You can find honey in small clay pots; the markets have a huge selection of local sweets and spices. An excellent gift is sujuk. This is a local veal sausage that is sold well packaged in all supermarkets. Main alcoholic drink- rakia, a huge selection of which is offered by markets and shops in Bulgaria. Another specialty is mastic. This is a strong herbal tincture. For lighter drinks, you can buy wine - from homemade to vintage, which, by the way, is no worse than French.
Locally produced clothing, especially linen, is also inexpensive here. Shopping in Bulgaria is also good for those who are concerned about buying shoes: they are inexpensive and the quality is excellent. Moreover, the products are made mainly of leather. The same is true with clothing: local production is of very high quality, and on the outskirts of any large city there are huge outlets where you can replenish your wardrobe for the whole family for little money.
Local cosmetics based on rose water and oil also deserve attention. It is sold in shops, pharmacies, supermarkets and all shopping centers. Moreover, this is not only skincare, but also medicinal and decorative cosmetics.
Where to buy: markets or shopping centers?
There are a lot of shopping centers, markets, and small shops in Bulgaria. You can buy almost any goods there. Stores with locally produced clothes and shoes are quite cheap, especially outlets in big cities, but don’t expect special discounts from global brands. Prices in Bulgaria for brands sold in branded departments (for example, Zara or Mango) are the same as in Russia. Although there are sales here, that’s when you can buy something decent for little money.
The advantage of markets is not only their color, but also the opportunity to bargain. Sometimes you can discount up to 20 percent from the original price. But in small shops and shops it is inappropriate to bargain; the prices there are fixed. However, be sure to look into these when shopping in Bulgaria. sunny Beach, Golden Sands and other resorts cannot boast of large malls, but it is in such shops that all the most interesting things are sold.
Sofia
A big city with, of course, many shops and markets. Large shopping centers, popular among tourists, are located on Vitosha Boulevard. This is a central pedestrian street, along which there are many shops, restaurants and benches. The shopping gallery near the Palace of Culture also deserves attention. You can buy everything at once in Sofia’s largest mall, Paradise Center Sofia. Here you can find clothes from world and Bulgarian brands, furniture, books, children's goods, entertainment, and even the only rooftop amusement park in the city. It is quite possible to spend the whole day here.
Sofia also has such a feature as shopping streets, all the shops on which specialize in one type of product. This is very convenient if you want to buy something specific. For example, Exarch Joseph Street specializes in the sale of shoes.
The outlets that we have already mentioned are scattered throughout the city, but the largest selection is in the Sofia Outlet Center on Tsaregradskoe Shosse. There are a huge number of international ones here - Convers, MEXX, Kenzo, S. Oliver and many others. All collections are from previous years, and the prices are very attractive.
Speaking about markets in Sofia, one cannot fail to mention the oldest one - Women's Pazar. They say that it has been in effect since the Ottoman yoke. Be that as it may, today it is located in the very center of the city, restored and offers its visitors local products and souvenirs.
Another interesting market is located near Women's Market, on Maria Luisa Boulevard - this is Hali, which has been operating for two centuries. This is not only a place where you can buy souvenirs and food, but also a historical and architectural landmark of the capital.
Varna
This Big City, which, like Sofia, has many places where shopping in Bulgaria is possible. Look for the largest stores between the Drama Theater and the Black Sea Hotel. In the old part of the city there are expensive shops and boutiques, and on Varenenchika Boulevard the prices are more reasonable. The next points for shopaholics are Independence Square and Prince Boris Street. The large mall is located right behind the bus station building, this is the Varna Grand Mall.
If, while in Varna, you want to take a stroll through the bazaar, go to Drin Street, there is a market where, by the way, they accept not only but also currency - dollars and euros.
Golden Sands
The Golden Sands resort is located near Varna, so large shopping centers and markets are located there. But also in resort area there is somewhere to spend money.
First of all this resort place famous for its silver jewelry. Look for them in shops scattered along the coast. As for clothing, you will have to go to Varna for brands, but the production of local factories is presented here in abundance and inexpensively.
Shopping in Burgas, Bulgaria
It is a major port city and is promoted by many tour operators as a cheap shopping mecca. Please note that shops in Burgas are only open from 10 am.
Mostly all the interesting shops are concentrated on Aleksandrovskaya Street and Bogorodya Street, which crosses it. Be careful: sellers who know about the glory of their city and how popular shopping in Burgas (Bulgaria) are, try to cash in on gullible tourists and pass off Turkish and Chinese items as locally produced goods, and even at high prices. Nevertheless, we recommend visiting the Burgas Plaza shopping center, although it is located at the opposite end of the city.
Nessebar
Despite the very modest size of the city, very successful shopping in Bulgaria is possible here. is very close, so while relaxing at this resort, visit Nessebar. Many European and local brands, clothes, shoes, souvenirs - the choice is very large. Sales, like everywhere else in Europe, are in July and January, but discounts can actually reach 70 percent.
In the old part of the city (landmark - Father Paisiy Street), pay attention to the souvenir shops with local crafts. Prices for silver, ceramics, and leather are lower here than in Sofia or Burgas. But it’s better to look for clothes in stores in the new part of Nessebar. There are fewer tourists there and prices are lower.
- On the pages of information resources dedicated to the topic we are considering (shopping in Bulgaria), reviews unanimously speak about the simply indecent cheapness of goods. In fact, many of these reviews are outdated. Of course, prices here are lower than in Europe, but you won’t be able to buy good things for next to nothing, don’t even hope.
- Most shops and markets open around 9 am and close by 6 pm. Shops in Bulgaria often close for lunch, but, of course, not in large malls.
- It is appropriate to bargain at the market, and you can pay in levs, dollars and euros.
- The advice is not so much about trading, but will be very useful in communicating with the seller: remember that Bulgarians express denial by nodding their heads, as we agree, and vice versa.
- And if shopping in Bulgaria somehow doesn’t suit you, then you can take a bus to neighboring Istanbul.
Prices for trips to the Golden Sands resort
Ticket to Bulgarian resort Golden Sands can be purchased from 9,000 rubles per person for 7 nights. The package includes round-trip air tickets, transfer to the hotel and back to the airport, hotel accommodation in single room, breakfasts and health insurance. I bought such a ticket this year, I found it not a day before departure, but three weeks, so it can’t be called a last minute tour.
In this case, to purchase a tour, I used a tour booking service. I not only advertise this resource, but recommend it to everyone: organized tourists, unorganized (independent) travelers. Here you can not only find great deals on tours, but also save on air tickets. For example, last year I bought a tour to, although I had to go to (Burgas airport), but a one-way ticket cost about 14 thousand rubles, and a four-day tour cost me about 8 thousand, so I only used the ticket to like a one-way ticket, I already bought a return ticket three weeks later at the well-known Aviasales.
Food prices in Golden Sands
You won't go hungry in Bulgaria. For Russians, of course, after 2014, Bulgaria became more expensive, the cost of products in stores in Bulgaria and Russia was almost equal, due to the change in the exchange rate of the ruble to the euro (the exchange rate of the Bulgarian currency BGN has not changed significantly for about 10 years - 1 € = 1.90-1 .97 BGN).
Prices on the resort beaches
The beaches of the Golden Sands resort are equipped with all the necessary equipment for a comfortable stay - sun loungers, sun umbrellas, changing rooms, showers, etc. Entrance to all beaches is free, but there are paid and free areas. In paid areas it is prohibited to use your own umbrellas, which can be bought for 20 levs in any store. The cost of an umbrella and a sunbed is 10 levs, a mattress for a sunbed is 3 levs.
Cost of services on the beaches:
- Umbrella, sun lounger, mattress – 10+10+3 lev;
- Tent – from 40 lev;
- Banana ride – from 20 levs;
- Catamaran – from 20 levs;
- Bicycle rental – from 5 levs;
- Water skiing – from 25 levs;
- Windsurfing – from 30 lev;
- Boat trip – from 100 levs;
- Toilet – 1 lev.
Prices for excursions from Golden Sands
There are almost no historical attractions at the resort itself. Very close, within two kilometers, to Golden Sands in the forest thickets natural park there is a medieval rock monastery of Aladzha.
Local travel agencies offer excursions both within the republic and to neighboring states. Depending on desires, interests and budget, each tourist will certainly be able to choose a route that suits his needs.
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Name of excursion / Duration (better to check on site) |
Cost from the tour operator / Bulgarian prices travel agencies indicated in levs (BGN) |
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Nessebar – the city of forty churches / from 9.00 to 18:30 |
70/38 |
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Cape Kaliakra + Balchik ( Botanical Garden) / from 9.00 to 16:00 |
59/45 |
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Bulgarian village (customs and traditions) – Stone forest– Longoz Nature Reserve / from 9.00 to 16:30 |
–/59 |
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Pomorie – Sozopol / from 8.00 to 19.00 |
–/60 |
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Nessebar – Sozopol / from 8.00 to 19.00 |
99/60 |
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Veliko Tarnovo / from 8.00 to 20.00 |
160 (Rose Valley – Shipka – Veliko Tarnovo) / 70 (Madara Horseman Nature Reserve – Veliko Tarnovo – Arbansi) |
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Pliska – Madara Horseman Nature Reserve / from 9.00 to 16.00 |
– /40 |
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Klimansky Paradise - Aladzha Monastery / from 9.00 to 13.30 or from 13.30 to 19.00 |
– / 40 |
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Stone Forest - Kamchia Nature Reserve / from 9.30 to 16.30 |
79/58 |
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Varna – Aladzha Monastery / from 9.30 to 16.30 |
– / 25 |
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Varna – Dolphinarium / from 9.00 to 13.30 |
55 (adults), 38 (children) / 45 (adults), 35 (children) |
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Romania. Bucharest – Sinaia – Bran – Peles / two days |
249 / — |
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Romania. Bucharest / one day |
110/60-86 |
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Türkiye. Istanbul / one day |
149/127 |
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Türkiye. Istanbul / two days |
200/180 |
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Greece – Kavala – Sveta Gora – Athos / two days |
349 / — |
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Jeep safari / from 10.00 to 16.00 |
68/55 |
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Pirate party / from 9.00 to 13.30 / from 13.30 to 17.30 |
60/59 |
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Bulgarian evening / from 19.00 to 23.00 |
63/55 |
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Diving/immersion for 40 min – 1 hour |
– / 99 |
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Yacht – picnic / from 9.00 to 17.00 |
74/70 |
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Boat trip / from 19.00 to 21.00 |
79/35 |
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Fishing / from 9.30 to 14.30 |
50/45 |
As a rule: children under 3 years old are free, under 12 years old 50% discount. Exchange rate 1 euro = 1.90-1.94 levs. Prices from tour operators for excursions are higher than from local (Bulgarian) travel agencies, which are located at every turn in Golden Sands.
Car rental prices
From Golden Sands to historical sites or just interesting places You can only get there with transfers or by purchasing an excursion: Stone Forest, Kamchia Nature Reserve, Cape Kaliakra, Nesseber, Sozopol, Momin-Skok waterfall and much more. In some cases, renting a car will be cheaper and more convenient. The cost of renting a car at the resort averages from 30 euros per day in high season The longer the rental period, the lower the cost, but you need to book a car in advance. To search for a car, you should contact one of the well-established car booking services or compare the cost and conditions of renting a car on three services at once and choose best conditions reservations:
- Top Rent A Car – the largest national Bulgarian car rental company;
- — international company for car rental all over the world;
- myrentacar - cooperates with local rental companies in Bulgaria, Georgia, Montenegro and other countries.
If you decide to rent a car, then keep in mind that the roads in Bulgaria are not the best. The road from Golden Sands resort to Varna has many turns, ups and downs. In addition, there are areas where the road at the side of the road has collapsed, but there may be no warning road signs, so both drivers and pedestrians simply need to be careful on the road.
If you are traveling with a child under 12 years old, do not forget about a child seat or booster seat, otherwise the fine will be 50 levs (20 euros). If you get behind the wheel while intoxicated, prepare for a fine of 500-1000 levs (250-500 euros) or imprisonment. Wrong parking– 20 (10€) levs, parking in a space for disabled people – up to 200 levs (100€), speeding from 20 levs (10€), forgot to fasten seat belts for yourself and passengers – 50 levs (25€), talked on a mobile phone while driving without a hands-free device – 50 levs (25€), did not turn on the low beam – 20 levs (10€).
Car rental in Golden Sands resort at the best prices:
Shopping lovers should take into account that renting a car can cost them much less than taking part in a tour of the shopping centers of Bulgarian cities, first of all . If travelers want to do excursion around the country, to visit several places remote from each other at once, renting a car is the most economical and convenient option.
Considering that the Golden Sands resort is considered privileged in Bulgaria, then to meet a large food market we never succeeded. Perhaps because this is simply not necessary, according to local entrepreneurs, since many people come here to hang out and not to eat fruit. In addition, there is basically nowhere for a large market to be located. After all, the territory of this resort is a mountainous area with densely growing vegetation. And the small space that has been reclaimed from forests and mountains is occupied by hotels and roads.
Where can you buy fruits and vegetables at the Golden Sands resort?
1) Fresh fruit can be bought at any roadside store. As I already wrote in the Bulgarian shops section, the most basic types of fruit are presented here, in small quantities. Sometimes watermelons, melons, apples and other large fruits and berries are laid out on mini counters next to the store near the entrance. Personally, we have bought bananas, apples and oranges more than once. It seems that everything was imported and was no different from those in Moscow. And the prices are almost the same, but at least definitely not cheaper.
2) Individual fruit trays also abound. Next to us, near the ruins of the landslide, there was always one small ruin with vegetables and fruits. Moreover, even at a late time, an obese man sat in a chair there and could easily weigh a kilo of potatoes without asking unnecessary questions. In addition to the most common fruits, there were all the necessary vegetables for cooking: potatoes, onions, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc. Unfortunately, a lot of things are imported, except for figs, which grow well here. Approximate prices for fruits and vegetables in levs: melons 2.8, apples 1, peaches 3, tomatoes 2.7, cucumbers 1.5, cherries 3, cabbage 0.8. Various nuts from 15 to 22 leva per kg, seeds from 3 to 6 leva, various olives also from 3 to 6 leva per kilogram.
Below are some photos of the trays
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3) I would highlight separately private traders who sell their harvest at the gates. It’s not uncommon to see an open gate, next to it there are a couple of boxes containing fresh figs, pears, apples, and other fruits and vegetables. And all this is fresh, grown behind the same fence, cared for with our own hands, warmed by the Bulgarian sun. Not far from our hotel, from one such house, grandfather and grandmother were trading, who spoke Russian well. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of her fence, house and garden.
The photo shows a private house that was next door to our hotel.
4) Near beach stools. No matter how funny it may sound, this is exactly what it looks like. On the way to the beach, on the path there is some kind of stool, in it there is a small tray with cups of berries (blackberries, raspberries). What is remarkable about such “points of sale” is the attitude of their sellers towards their goods, I have never seen anything like this. He literally selects each berry and puts it in a glass. It turns out berry after berry, one more beautiful than the other, not a single one rotten. And even if the price per kilo is more expensive, who needs a kilo of raspberries, but eating a glass on the beach is very nice.
P.S. I won’t talk about prices; they depend on seasonality, whether fruit grows in the country, the sellers themselves, exchange rates and other factors.