The hospitable country offers wonderful beaches, inexpensive hotels, it is suitable for spending time with a cheerful company and a quiet family vacation. This is the choice of people who know how to combine quality rest with reasonable costs. In winter, ski lovers are attracted to the slopes of the Pamporovo and Bansko mountains; in summer, the Black Sea caresses everyone who wants to sunbathe. Oddly enough, Sofia, the capital, is not the most beautiful city a republic famous for its historical monuments, cozy fishing villages, a large water park, fields of sunflowers and roses.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT BULGARIA

Capital: Sofia.
Location: 22% of the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula is occupied by the Republic of Bulgaria. In the south it borders with Turkey, Greece, in the north with Romania, in the west with Macedonia, Serbia, and in the east it is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The area of ​​the state is only 110,550 square meters. km, the population is slightly more than 7.3 million people.
Official language: Bulgarian, many speak English, German, and Russian is often spoken.
Currency: BGN - Bulgarian Lev. Be careful when exchanging currency. Many exchange offices lure tourists with an attractive leva exchange rate. In most cases, the signs indicate one price (it is not known whether it is a purchase or a sale). You will be offered a receipt and asked to sign. After the operation, you find in your hands one and a half times less money than expected (for example, on the receipt two numbers “swapped” places and, instead of the promised 193 leva, you get 139). No requests or threats will return the money given back: you signed the receipt voluntarily.
Government system: parliamentary republic.
Traditional Religion: Orthodoxy.
Climate: from temperate continental in the south it becomes Mediterranean.
Weather: For those who like to sunbathe on the beach, the most pleasant time to relax in this picturesque region is in the second half of summer, when the temperature ranges from 23°C to 30°C. At this time, you will not languish from unbearable heat; your vacation is unlikely to be overshadowed by rainy weather, since rains brought by northwestern and western winds are typical for the first half of summer. The beginning of autumn is a dry time.

HOLIDAY IN BULGARIA

If you are interested in historical monuments and excursions, visit Bulgaria from May to October. The swimming season continues into September.
Visa
The state is part of the European Union, and therefore a visa is required. The embassy does not issue Schengen: this republic is not included in the list of zones. But if it is already open, then since 2012 it is possible to enter the territory of this state with your own visa, which costs 60-65 euros.

Getting around Bulgaria

Automobile
You can drive a vehicle from the age of 21; you must have an international driver's license. Be prepared for the fact that driving a car on the highways is not an easy task, because the quality of the roads is very low, warning signs are often absent, and a huge part of local motorists do not try to follow the traffic rules. But if you are not afraid of all these disadvantages, rent a car, and it will be very convenient for you to move along the intended route.
Rail transport
One of the advantages is the prices, which are thirty percent lower than bus trips. Among the shortcomings: the trains are old, the toilets are most often in very poor condition, air conditioning is a rarity and is more the exception than the rule, and it is cold in the carriages in winter. For more comfortable travel will have to buy expensive tickets on trains of international lines, partially passing through the country.
Taxi
Usually these are cars painted yellow with a price list attached to the side windows. For your own safety, it is better to call by phone, since illegal immigrants do not bear any responsibility for your life. If the cost of the trip is “negotiable”, then you can bargain. Usually the price depends on the time of day and location; payment is most often made by meter.
City transport
In all populated areas you will ride on buses and trolleybuses, sometimes trams; in the capital you have the opportunity to use the metro line. The downside is still the same - old models, as well as overcrowding, especially during rush hour. The standard of intercity buses is much higher, tickets can be purchased from the driver, prices are affordable, the staff is polite, and the interiors are clean.
Water transport
If you want to enjoy the beauty of the local landscapes and admire the sights, then you should not refuse boat trips along the Danube and the Black Sea. The price of such a trip will be slightly higher than the cost of tickets for city transport, but, in general, the price list for boat trips is much lower than at other European resorts.

Attractions Bol garii

If you plan not only to sunbathe, but also to see the sights of the country, you should pay attention to most beautiful places republics.
Nessebar
This is truly a gem Black Sea coast. The city was founded in the first millennium BC. Here you can see the remains of four dozen churches built of stone in the fifth century. The windmill is a symbol of Nessebar known to every tourist.
Melnik
Less than four hundred people live in Melnik; it is the smallest town in the country. A walk along the main street will only take you a minute, but this is a city of winemakers, and therefore wine tasting in local taverns will truly turn your head. For this reason, visit the Rozhen Monastery before tasting.
Valley of Roses
Between Sredna Gora and Stara Planina there are thirty kilometers of flower fields. Kaanlik has a Thracian tomb and a rose museum. You will get an unforgettable experience if you arrive in the Valley at dawn in early June. Try spending the night in this splendor and watch the rosebuds open in the morning. In a couple of days you will be taught how to collect buds. If you are lucky enough to visit the Rose Festival, you will see parades local residents in ancient Greek, Thracian, Roman costumes. You will look at the election of Queen Rose, who will shower the people with rose petals while sitting on the throne (the throne with the queen will be carried by local young people).
Sozopol
This is both a sea beach and a fishing village. Here you can watch the unloading of the day's catch and sunbathe on the rocks, of which there are many located along the shore. Just forty years ago, the Apollonius Amphitheater, built in the distant second century AD, was discovered. A landslide moved layers of earth and happy Bulgarians found this most important landmark of the country. At the beginning of September, a cultural festival takes place here; at this time, the city always gathers a lot of spectators, and the amphitheater’s seats are occupied by a large audience.
Rila Monastery
To the south of the capital is the so-called Bulgarian Jerusalem. You will be amazed not only by its appearance, but also by the harmony of the interior decoration. The monastery is surrounded by forested mountains.
Plovdiv
About six thousand years ago the second largest Bulgarian city was founded. The Roman amphitheater, which is very well preserved, is admirable. Here you can wander through the hills, check out various museums and galleries, enjoy colorful houses and excellent architecture in general. Don't miss the Dervish Monastery, cathedral Dormition of the Virgin Mary, Dzhumaya Mosque, Hisar Kapiya Gate.

Resorts in Bulgaria

The most inexpensive resorts are Ravda, Kamchia, Lozenets, Sunny Beach, Burgas, Kiten, Kranevo, Obzor. Dear ones - Sozolol, Rusalka, Golden Sands, Varna, St. Constantine and Helena, Elenite, Nessebar. Quiet family vacation awaits you on the beaches of Tsarevo, Rusalka, Ahtopol, Kavarna, Obzor, Kamchia. For entertainment and developed infrastructure, you should go to Golden Sands, Albena, Sunny Beach, Varna, Burgas, Sveti Vlas.
Golden Sands
The most popular, albeit youngest, resort in the country. There are more than fifty hotels located near the coast. Many shops, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, and a variety of beach activities will brighten up your leisure time. If you choose this place to relax, visit the old chapel of John the Baptist, visit the Aladzha mountain monastery, and have fun in the huge water park. On an excursion to the Chiflika complex, you will get acquainted with ethnographic exhibits, taste national cuisine, taste brandy and wine, and also take part in local rituals and games.
Sunny Beach
The needs of every vacationer are taken into account here: many shops where you can order goods for every taste and buy wonderful souvenirs, an open-air cinema, discos, attractions, and a casino variety show. Physical fitness can be maintained on basketball, volleyball and tennis courts; there is a riding school, mini golf and fitness rooms, and various water attractions. Not far from the resort is Nessebar, and it is also worth visiting the ethnographic village of Veliko Tarnovo.
Albena
A quiet resort, it will be comfortable for a family to relax here. It is famous for its unusual nature: a combination of liana forest and sea landscape. There is a historical museum and icon gallery, a lot of entertainment for children, and there is also a huge balneological center in the Dobrudzha hotel.
St. Constantine and Helena
On these the most beautiful lands You can not only relax, but also improve your health. There are many indoor and outdoor swimming pools filled with mineral water. On the beaches you can also take a shower with mineral water. Hydrogen sulfide sources are not suitable for everyone, because they may have contraindications and also be repulsive with their pungent odor. But your hair, skin, nervous system, and the entire body as a whole will thank you for this voluntary torture. In this place, even in extreme heat, it is easy to breathe thanks to the abundance of trees. The infrastructure is well developed.

Ski Bulgaria

Borovets
Several centuries ago, this city was a favorite hunting ground of kings. Here you can find the most convenient and longest routes, and you will be offered trainers ordinary people, but real athletes, Olympic winners. Many high-level hotels, evergreen forests, fresh air, the knowledge that kings once spent their leisure time here - all this makes your vacation unforgettable.
Bansko
What gives this small town its special charm is its location among high mountains. The city has its own history and architectural monuments, which is why this ski resort is the most popular in Bulgaria.
Pamporovo
In the middle of the mountains there is this cozy place, decorated with mighty leis. If you are visiting this country for the first time, be sure to go on an excursion to the Bachkovo and Rila monasteries, the Asenova Fortress, visit the capital, and the speleological museum in Chepelare will be of interest.

What to bring from Bulgaria

Mastic and brandy
These are alcoholic drinks that can be given as gifts to colleagues and friends. This forty proof brandy is distilled from fruit juice. Rakia can be melon, plum, grape, apricot, pear, etc. It will be interesting for a tourist to go to the factory for a tasting and directly buy a product there that will appeal to their taste. Mastic is a drink of real strong drinkers, as its degree rises from 47. This alcohol, made from fennel and anise, can knock even an experienced taster off his feet.
Rose oil
All women will be delighted with cosmetic products made from the well-known oil (perfumes, face and body creams, aromatic soaps, etc.). When purchasing a product, remember that it must be in sealed bottles and have a registered certificate. Liqueurs and delicious jams are made from flower petals.
Icons
Local craftsmen are famous for their icons made on linden or cypress boards. The paints used to depict the holy face are based on egg yolk. The art of Bulgarian icon painting is more than a thousand years old. You can buy goods both in numerous shops and at cathedrals and monasteries.
Ceramics and wood
These are truly high-quality, beautiful dishes worthy of your kitchen. Pottery has been a national art. Buy original wooden bowls for meat dishes, barrels, wine glasses, jugs for compote, milk.
Spices
The gift will please your relatives. This is an aesthetically packaged multi-colored salt with various herbs, it is called “sherena salt”. Kimion is in demand among visitors, as it is suitable for almost all dishes. Gastronomic balms, vinegar tinctures, all kinds of bottles and jars with spices are displayed in the windows of street shops and large stores.
Goodies
All those with a sweet tooth love oriental sweets. Everywhere you can see many beautiful boxes with different types of Turkish delight, which has already become a national product. In addition to sweets, buy cheese, which is superior in taste to what our supermarkets offer.
Local residents and hotel staff will always tell you where you can order the product you want to purchase.

Bulgaria is a beautiful country, it is impossible to list all its attractions in one article. It is famous for its resorts and rich history, and architecture (especially cathedrals and monasteries), and products of folk crafts. But the country's most important asset is its impressive landscapes.

Bulgaria is one of the few countries in the world that has never changed its name. Convenient geographical location: in the south of the Balkan Peninsula, washed from the east by the Black Sea, a variety of landscapes, an abundance of natural and historical monuments - that’s all that attracts tourists from many countries. Mountains attract climbers in summer, skiers in winter; sandy beaches of the coast - lovers of spending time by the sea and aquatic species sports; healing mud, springs, salts - those who came to improve their health. The mild climate also makes it possible to spend unforgettable vacation in Bulgaria. Reviews note the friendliness and hospitality of the Bulgarians.

State at the crossroads

There are different ways to get into the country. The fastest is air. From Moscow airports you can fly to Sofia, Varna and Burgas; the flight time ranges from two and a half to five hours. According to experienced travelers, it is more profitable to take flight tickets to Sofia, and from there use any transport to get to your desired destination. Many people recommend flying to Istanbul and from there taking a train or bus to Bulgaria.

Train travel can only be done with transfers. An acceptable option: go to Belgrade (Serbia), Budapest (Hungary) or Prague (Czech Republic) and change trains to Sofia there. Such a trip will take ten, twenty and twenty-seven hours.
Traveling by car is also possible. Travel time from Moscow to Sofia is on average thirty hours. It is more profitable to go through Hungary or Romania.

You can choose sea ​​route. Since 2016, a ferry has been running from Novorossiysk to Burgas, on which you will have to spend three whole days.

Lots of fun at a great price

The optimal period to relax in the country without fuss and crowds is the beginning of autumn. There is no more summer crowds, the sea caresses with warm water, and the sweltering heat will not interfere with sightseeing. Unforgettable and varied gives Bulgaria vacation. Prices, according to reviews tourists, and for the plane, and for accommodation, and for food are significantly lower than in the summer months. The savings will be 10 or even 20 percent, especially if you choose last-minute tours. And this is understandable, because tourist season is nearing completion.

Indian summer

The weather in Bulgaria in September can be hot like summer, cloudy and rainy like autumn, or comfortably warm - depending on your luck. Until the middle of the month, a mild continuation of summer usually reigns on the coast: during the day up to +26 degrees, sometimes higher, nights become cooler - up to +18, the sea is still warm - up to +24 degrees. In other territories, especially in mountainous areas, a completely different climate - up to +21 during the day and up to +15 degrees at night. Rainfall is likely in these regions. Therefore, when going on an excursion deep into the territory, for a walk in the mountains or on an evening promenade, tourists in their reviews advise taking warm clothes with them and wearing comfortable shoes.

From the middle of the month the wind becomes fresher, the water in the sea gradually cools down to 19 degrees above zero. The daytime temperature is still pleasing - up to +20, the nights are already much colder - up to 12 degrees. There are more cloudy days, but rain on the coast is still rare. The return of warmth may please us in recent days holiday in Bulgaria in September. Weather reviews vacationers reported that from the 26th the air temperature reached +26 degrees.

Golden Sands

Bulgaria at the beginning of autumn attracts, first of all, the opportunity to enjoy sandy beaches, warm, like fresh milk, sea with the purest water, gentle sun. Of the more than 230 Bulgarian beaches, eleven were awarded the Blue Flag in 2017 - recognized as environmentally friendly, clean, comfortable and safe. Tour operators introduce a clause on the condition of the beach, offering holidays in Bulgaria, and reviews rested people help to compile their rating. Best beaches are located in Sunny Beach, and the healing mud is in Pomorie.

The sunniest place

The beaches of Sunny Beach stretch for six kilometers between Burgos and Varna, reaching forty meters in width in some places. Their advantage: golden sand, gentle entrance to a calm sea with crystal clear water. The nature is beautiful: the Stara Planina mountains, covered with coniferous and deciduous forests; sand dunes coastline with unique plants.

The best place for water lovers choosing holiday in Bulgaria - Sunny Beach. Reviews tourists testify to their favorite trips on yachts, catamarans, water skiing and biking, parachute jumping, hang gliding, diving and surfing. Here is the Action water park with thirty different slides and attractions. Travel agencies offer boat trips, extreme jeep trips, visits to wineries, and sightseeing in nearby cities. There are many options to diversify holiday in Bulgaria in September. Reviews full of photographs from parties and shows, night illumination of the resort.

Black sand Pomorie

Pomorie, located between Burgas and Nessebar, attracts with the opportunity to combine a stay by the sea with treatment with mud from Lake Pomorie. A narrow spit separates the reservoir from the Black Sea, the coast of which is occupied by the city. But not only mud has a beneficial effect, but also mineral water and the air itself, saturated with ozone and iodine. The fine coastal sand has an unusual gray-brown, almost black color.

It offers various attractions, conditions for diving, surfing, parasailing, and yachting. There are several excellent golf courses here and avid golfers flock herefans of this game. There is a winery where white wine and the famous Black Sea Gold brandy are produced. You can diversify your visit to the monuments of the resort and neighboring Nessebar. holiday in Pomorie in Bulgaria. Reviews they talk about wine tasting in the Pomorie cellar, wonderful cuisine, original interiors and stunning views from the restaurants of the resort, which is called a fairy tale city.

Valley of Roses and Stone Forest

September days are conducive to excursions, which are organized at all resorts. Travel to the Valley of Roses cannot fail to impress, botanical garden in Balchik, to the water lilies in the Ropotamo Nature Reserve, to the Rila Lakes. And how many unusual things can be seen in the mountains: Stone forest, Nebet Tepe hill, Magura cave.

There are many museums here, architectural monuments, some of which were created many centuries ago. This is the rotunda of St. George (Sofia), and the Roman baths (Varna), and the amphitheater (Plovdiv), and the ancient windmill (Nessebar).

The opportunity to hike, bike or horseback ride along stunning routes provides tourists holiday in Bulgaria. Reviews indicate the popularity of visiting churches and monasteries, especially Rila and Nessebar.

September is a month of holidays and festivals

September in Bulgaria is full of events. In the first month of autumn, the whole country celebrates two public holidays:

• 6 - Unification Day;
• 22 - Independence Day.

Events that are worthy of attention from tourists, taking place in individual cities and regions:

• Burgas- Festival of sand sculptures.
• Plovdiv- International Puppet Theater Festival, Autumn Art Salon, International Technical Fair.
• Varna- “Golden Rose” film festival, international animated film festival, “Varna Summer” music festival.
• Trojan- Plum Festival.
• Kazanlak - Festival of the Valley of the Thracian Kings.

Participation in festivals and holidays, even as a spectator, will make your holiday in Bulgaria memorable for a long time. Reviews from tourists note the uniqueness of folk traditions, the colorfulness of national costumes and furnishings, and the general mood of fun.

Cheese, vegetables and herbs are the highlights of Bulgarian cuisine

In September, shops and markets are filled with freshly picked fruits and vegetables. Vegetables and herbs are an integral component of not only all kinds of salads, but also soups and main courses. Vacationers love stuffed eggplants and cabbage rolls in grape leaves. Salads here are not dressed with mayonnaise, but with a special sauce. Judging by the reviews of tourists, Shopska salad is especially preferred - with tomatoes, cucumbers, sweet peppers, seasoned with olive oil and sprinkled with grated cheese.

The peculiarity of the first courses is that fatty meat is not used in preparation. Pileshka vermicelli soup in chicken broth with vegetables and eggs is popular. It is customary to eat soups in the first half of the day. For meat dishes, they prefer kabcheche - chopped cutlets with seasonings; for fish - plakia: fish baked with vegetables. Another feature: an abundance of cheeses, which are added to salads, when preparing meat and fish, and even to baked goods. Delicious and varied food tasted in restaurants and cafes will be remembered holiday in Bulgaria. Reviews they talk about very large portions of the dishes served, which can easily be shared by two.

Actually, you shouldn’t behave this way anywhere. You need to behave decently and with dignity and then foreigners will be drawn to you.

Why these moral teachings of mine? Yes, I read a review here from an “intelligent” person from a “cultured” family. I don’t even know whether to laugh or cry... I also let down my political base, damn it. Here is this masterpiece:

"Bulgaria: about the attitude towards Russian tourists
August 2009

I sent my wife and two children on holiday to Bulgaria for 2 months. They went on vacation to the town of St. Vlas, which is not far from Burgas (by the way, one of the most expensive places in Bulgaria). In the last three weeks of my vacation, I flew to them to also relax a little and sunbathe in a friendly (as I thought then) country. Communicating with friends and acquaintances who had previously vacationed in Bulgaria, to my surprise, I heard only negative reviews about vacationing there, but did not attach any importance to this, considering their assessments subjective.

When I arrived in Bulgaria, troubles began already at the airport. To go through customs control, I had to stand in line for 2 hours (despite the fact that I didn’t need to get a visa, it was obtained in Moscow) in a hot hall, while out of 15 checkpoints no more than five were open, and in general the Bulgarians were in no hurry . At the baggage claim point, my poor suitcase was lying all beaten and wounded... then I did not yet know that it was generally customary to treat visitors this way here.

My next surprise was the complete absence of any kitchen as such. I have never eaten anywhere that tasted so bad. It was checked in many establishments called restaurants or cafes... EVERYWHERE the food is very tasteless.

My next surprise was that the Bulgarians don’t like us at all. And it’s not that they have any bad attitude towards us or other tourists, it’s just that they don’t show any warm feelings towards anyone, rather they even treat us a little arrogantly and coldly. This is all despite the fact that I come from a fairly intelligent family and always behave decently and culturedly (not at all like the image of a Russian tourist that has developed among ordinary people). Moreover, I have a good income and I can afford a lot of things on vacation. The truth is that in Bulgaria there is nothing to allow, and the food is bad in both cheap and expensive restaurants.

Now I’ll move on to the actual incident that happened in one of the rather expensive restaurants in the city of St. Vlas in Bulgaria called Salt&Pepper. I ordered a dish called T-Bone (a piece of meat on a T-shaped bone). The waiter did not warn me that the dish included a side dish of potatoes, and nothing was said about this on the menu either. Accordingly, I additionally ordered a side dish of potatoes. And I was very surprised when they brought me meat and potatoes and a separate side dish of potatoes (probably the waiter decided that I really like potatoes). Naturally, I didn’t need an additional side dish and (having paid the bill in full) I decided to express my protest at this attitude and spread this side dish across all the glasses that were on my table. For some reason this really offended the owner of the restaurant. He sat down with me to find out the reason for my behavior, when I explained, he did not heed my words and directly (in a rather rude and unpleasant form) suggested that I get out of his establishment. As a decent person who believes that the problem should not be left unresolved, I sat down at his table to once again explain the situation (assuming that maybe he did not understand me). It turns out that he understood everything, did not want to listen to me, was very offended by me, and in the end (note that I was not rude or swore at him) I was forced out of this restaurant with beatings. My wife ran to call the police, and I stayed near the entrance to the restaurant. The owner of the restaurant did not calm down at this, he came up to me and began to find out something while speaking in Bulgarian, as a result the owner of the restaurant and his henchmen attacked me again, knocked me to the ground and dealt several more blows.

After some time, the Bulgarian police arrived. They listened exclusively to the owner of the restaurant and suggested that I go home “in an amicable way”, otherwise promising problems. They did not accept my explanations in principle.

Currently, I am going to file a report about the beating with the police, as well as contact the Russian consulate for help, obviously believing that the local authorities do not want to give legal proceedings to this case. PS. Never before on vacation have I counted the days until its end like this...
Sidorenkov Alexander
10/08/2009 12:09 "

They comforted me a lot

Much has already been written about this on the Internet, but some of the information is either not relevant or not entirely relevant.Therefore, I will try to write as much as possible important tips for those who are going on holiday to Bulgaria for the first time.

Where to start, you’ve probably already decided where you want to relax, a summer vacation at the seaside, or a winter vacation in the mountains (you can also have a good vacation in the mountains in the summer),pilgrimage tourism, balneotourism (SPA procedures), or simply drive through picturesque places, villages and cities in Bulgaria.

Visa to Bulgaria. In any case, it is needed. Bulgaria is a country of the European Union, and you should get a visa (read the cost and terms of the visa).

Medical insurance for Bulgaria. For one month, the approximate cost of insurance will be about 2,500 rubles per person. It is best to get insurance from one of the large insurance companies with a good reputation.

Currency. The country is not part of the euro zone (yet), which means you need . It is better to immediately change rubles to levs. The exchange rate of the leva is tied to the euro and is always the same - 1 euro costs 1.95583 leva.

Advice: when changing money in Bulgaria, it is best to do it at exchange offices, and check whether they charge a commission. Banks exchange currency at a lower rate, and by converting a large amount you can significantly lose some of your money.

In addition, I do not recommend changing currency at the airport, because... The rate is always bad and there is a conversion fee. If you need to change, then change a small amount to get to the city, and then you can change it at the exchange offices.

It is best to withdraw money from terminals located inside bank branches!

Flight: It is better to buy air tickets in advance, so there is a chance to buy air tickets at a better price. As a rule, in summer there are many charter flights to Burgas and Varna. You can fly directly to Sofia only on regular flights with Bulgaria Air or Aeroflot.

Varna Airport: There is a stop for bus No. 409 next to Terminal 2; it travels through the center of Varna to the Golden Sands resort in 50 minutes. The bus ride to the city center takes 20 minutes (Varna Cathedral). The same bus can also take you to the resort of St. Constantine and Helena. Interval – every 15 minutes from and to terminal 2 of Varna Airport. Who needs comfort there is a taxi.

Burgas Airport: There is a stop at the entrance of the airport; bus No. 15 stops and runs every 25 minutes. You can get there faster by taking a taxi.

Sofia Airport : The most convenient way is to use the metro. Almost without leaving the airport, you find yourself in the Sofia metro.

Line 1 of the capital's metro connects Sofia Airport with the city center and provides direct transport links between the airport and large residential complexes.

From Sofia Airport you can reach the city center in 18 minutes. With one change at the Serdika metro station from line 1 to line 2, in less than half an hour you can reach Central bus station Sofia or to the Central Train Station (they are nearby).Also, at the airport exit, taxis wait for their clients in a “live queue”.

Please note that taxi prices can vary greatly, so look carefully at what is written on the price tag, usually a sticker on the glass.

Mobile communication: Also, upon arrival, do not forget to buy a Bulgarian SIM card (each telecom operator has its own offices) with a package for using mobile Internet. The most favorable tariffs are offered by Vivacom, SIM cards with prepaid 10GB traffic for 15 leva, and there is no roaming in Europe, and if you need to go to another EU country, you definitely won’t have to overpay.

I think everyone has smartphones with installed programs for Internet calls and correspondence.

Accommodation prices in Bulgaria: prices for rooms in private houses and rooms in hotels are also very different. On average, a hotel room costs from 30 to 45 leva, and for 70 leva you can find a very good hotel room. Anything that costs more usually means better service and includes at least breakfast.

Also, the price can vary greatly depending on the season; in the so-called “high season”, high season, after mid-June, July and August, prices increase by an average of 20 - 30%.

Advice, the earlier you book a room, for example in spring for summer, the more favorable the price will be. In September, prices fall, there are many fewer tourists, the sea is warm, you can swim and sunbathe in silence.

Food prices in Bulgaria: Prices different, but in a regular restaurant, lunch for one person will cost on average about 20 - 30 leva, for this money you can order soup, main course, salad, bread, dessert, drink juice or take a glass of white (red) wine, or beer , a matter of taste. By the way, Bulgarian beer is very tasty, since the water in Bulgaria is suitable for brewing this drink.

Portions are an order of magnitude larger than in Russia. Therefore, if you order fried potatoes, one portion is enough for two. Salads and omelettes are also huge and they contain Bulgarian cheese. Remember that Bulgarians are very fond of feta cheese (sirene), they put it everywhere they can, so if you don’t really like the taste of feta cheese, it is better to check with the waiter in advance.

Transport in Bulgaria.

Taxi: the services are quite expensive, since the price of gasoline is much higher than in Russia (about 1 euro per liter (2 leva). The price for 1 km during the day is 1 leva, and at night it is more expensive than 1.18 leva. If you take from Varna airport to Zolotye Sands is about 25 km, the cost will be from 40 leva. Therefore, when you plan your budget, you must take into account the costs of transport.

City transport : the fare costs 1 lev, the price is the same in all major cities in Bulgaria. In Sofia it costs 1.60 levs. Travel tickets can be purchased directly on the buses.

Car rental: If you are planning to travel around the whole country, or want to visit different places Bulgaria, or just take a ride along the Black Sea coast, swim and sunbathe at different beaches and resorts, then it is best to rent a car.

It is better to order a car in advance from large companies. They have a large fleet of vehicles, so the choice of cars will be large. The paperwork takes minimal time, and you will receive your car immediately in the airport parking lot. You can return the car to another location; this will be discussed additionally.

Rental prices start from 50 levs per day, there is an initial payment of 200 Euros, the amount is blocked on the card, and when the car is returned, the money on the card will be available again. Some companies also take cash.

Choose a car with economical fuel consumption (an engine with an average fuel consumption of 4 liters per 100 km).

Bulgarian: The language barrier, you won’t feel it much, because... Many Bulgarians understand Russian, but not all speak Russian. Still, it would be a good idea for you to learn the most frequently used Bulgarian phrases and words in advance. This will help you make contact and get help from Bulgarians more easily.

Good mood: take it with you. You’ve probably already heard that Bulgarians shake their heads the other way around when they say “yes” and “no” (not as is customary with other people in the world), but you definitely won’t be able to confuse the answer “yes” with “no”. But the phrase “to the right” in Bulgarian means “straight”, this is something you should definitely pay attention to, especially when they are explaining to you how to get somewhere.

the site wishes you have a great holiday in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria - amazing country For beach holiday and acquaintance with the sights both for independent tourists and for those who like holiday packages. To prevent possible troubles from ruining your holiday, take advantage of our tips for tourists in Bulgaria.

In Bulgaria you can find holidays for every taste. Resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands consist of hotel complexes. From here you can go on any excursions to the historical places of Bulgaria. Connoisseurs of unique architecture, cobbled streets and cozy restaurants can recommend Sozopol and Nessebar. These cities also have new areas consisting solely of hotels and entertainment venues. These areas are noisier than the historical part of the city, such rest will do for lovers of active pastime. It is worth going on excursions to the ancient Bulgarian monasteries, as well as to the ancient capital of Bulgaria - Veliko Tarnovo - one of the most unusual small towns in the world, standing in the mountains on the edge of a gorge, extremely beautiful and cozy.

In Bulgaria you can limit yourself to breakfast alone, or you can take All-Inclusive. It's a matter of taste. In tourist areas there are many cafes and restaurants with fairly affordable prices. A good lunch with first, second and dessert can cost from 5 EUR. In tourist areas they sell pizza (serving from 1 EUR), kebabs (from 2 EUR), pancakes with various fillings (cheaper than pizza).

In Bulgaria it is not necessary to stay in a hotel. You can rent an apartment or an apartment for your vacation. Many residents of coastal cities and towns, as well as ski resorts, rent out one of the floors of a private house to tourists for a low fee. IN Bulgaria has a fairly low crime rate, even local gypsies are mainly engaged in animal husbandry or blacksmithing.

Change currency in the morning. There are a few things to keep in mind when exchanging currency. At bank branches you will be asked for your passport. In simple exchangers, as a rule, it is not needed, unless you may be asked for your last name. The exchange rate is higher in the morning. If you need to exchange a large amount, then do not delay it until the evening. For example, in the morning the euro cost about 1.93 Bulgarian leva, in the evening it was already 1.91.

The weather at sea can change very quickly, That's why on the beach watch out for the flags, which are posted by rescuers. The principle is like a traffic light: green - you can swim, remembering the buoys; yellow - be careful and careful; When the flag is red, the lifeguards will whistle as soon as you go more than three meters into the sea.

Getting around Bulgaria most convenient on buses that run regularly between all relatively major cities. Buses are municipal (cheaper and simpler) and private (more expensive and more comfortable). Convenient for Russians is that the schedule and directions are written in Cyrillic. Services railways It makes sense to use it only on popular routes, for example: Sofia - Varna or Sofia - Burgas, in other cases it is easier to get there by bus. When traveling by taxi, you need to be careful: it is best to order a car by phone.

In Bulgaria, the language barrier is practically not noticeable, but you shouldn’t relax too much. Holidays in Bulgaria are comfortable because hotel and restaurant staff, as well as most local residents, speak Russian tolerably well (the only exceptions are small towns in the mountainous and central parts far from the sea). It's somewhat relaxing. However, to avoid misunderstandings, orders in cafes and restaurants must be stated clearly and clearly, without hesitation to ask again whether you were understood correctly.

It is worth remembering that a nod of the head, indicating agreement- "yes" means negative in Bulgaria- "No", and vice versa.

In cafes and restaurants it is customary to leave a tip of about 10% of the bill value.

As souvenirs from Bulgaria are being transported Bulgarian ceramics, textiles with embroidery, rose oil and cosmetics based on it, rose petal jam, Turkish delight and alcoholic drinks: Bulgarian wine and rakia, as well as handmade leather, copper and silver products. It is cheaper to buy alcohol, jam and Turkish delight in supermarkets. Ceramics and magnets in large quantities sold in tourist areas, in the old town. At the same time, in Duty Free at the airport the same clay plates cost almost three times more. The cheapest place to buy leather products is in Nessebar. In Sofia, the best shops are located along Vitosha Boulevard and in the gallery in front of the National Palace of Culture (NDK).

As in many southern countries, at lunchtime, when the sun is especially hot, Bulgarians relax. That's why Many private service establishments are closed in the summer from 12 to 16 hours.

Telephone communications in Bulgaria

You can call in Bulgaria from almost anywhere. A call from a post office or a call center will cost much less than, for example, from a hotel. Calls within the country by mobile phone are very cheap, so in order to call each other within the country, we recommend that Russian tourists purchase local SIM cards. The most convenient way to pay for local mobile communications is with payment cards, which are sold everywhere and cost from 5 to 60 leva. You must remember that payment cards must correspond to the company whose SIM card you purchased.