🗺 Menu of Contents:
Bulgaria is a beautiful country, with great mountains for both winter sports and summer walks; it is small in size but rich in ancient culture, scenic splendour, friendly people and old-fashioned warmth and hospitality. Situated in the southeast of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is not as much a tourist destination as its Greek and Turkish neighbours despite the popularity of its reasonably priced Black Sea resorts, which are scenically captivating with their fine, sandy beaches, sunny climate, and safe seas.
Although better known for its sea resorts, the essential character of Bulgaria can really be found in its spectacular mountainous regions.
At the foot of the Vitosha Mountains lies the laid back capital city, Sofia, which is home to a great number of architectural monuments and museums.
As varied as the different mountain ranges are the people who dwell in them, with distinctive regional customs, crafts, festivals, and folklore adding colour to the Bulgarian landscape. Small, picturesque villages welcome guests with typical, warm-hearted Bulgarian hospitality, sharing traditional cooking and a delight in their pastoral environment.
Bulgaria's history is displayed across the country in its old towns, ancient Thracian relics, decorated churches and monasteries, and in the rustic settlements that have preserved the traditional beliefs of its people. One of the country's biggest assets for visitors is its variety, but whatever aspect one chooses to explore, there is always the assurance of a warm welcome.
Arriving to Bulgaria from within Europe is simple thanks to the number of growing low cost airlines offering cheap and frequent flights to Bulgaria now. You can fly there from most European capitals, using national or legacy airlines which fly into the country's main gateway, Sofia.
The national airline is Bulgaria Air, which flies from domestic destinations within Bulgaria to Sofia and onwards to many European capitals. Alternatively you can take low cost airlines like Easyjet, Wizzair or Ryanair.
If coming outside Europe, there are very limited direct connections. So a transit stop will be required in some major European city normally.
Another option in getting to Bulgaria is by Bus or train from other countries. If you're travelling around and don't want to spend lots of money on plane tickets then getting Eurolines coaches is the best answer. You can more info on routes and prices at Eurolines.bg
By train you can reach Sofia from neighbouring counties.Cities like Belgrade, Istanbul, Bucharest, Athens, Ljubljana, or Vienna have direct services to Sofia.
Within the country, public transportation is somewhat still old fashioned when compared to other cities. However since Bulgaria is now part of the European Union it's improving its transport infrastructure. Sofia has a good and reliable public transport system, however, the rest of the country can offer limited services when in smaller cities.
Travelling domestically you will find plenty of busses and trains linking other cities. It's not expensive to travel by them and tickets can always be bought on the day of departure costing the same as bought in advance.
Bulgaria has continental weather which brings hot summer's and very cold winter's (often snow). The appeal is double, as many travellers opt for Winter to ski in the nearby mountains, which have the benefit of being much cheaper then other ski resorts like France or Switzerland.In winter temperatures can drop to -5 in the mountains, but +3 on the planes. On the opposite side Summer's are very enjoyable with temperatures reaching the high 30's and plenty of blue sky. For tourism in the country, culture and nature it's probably best to visit Bulgaria from April to September. Taking in mind that the months of July and August are more expensive. If you want to visit for Winter sports then the best time is January.
Dinner is a social occasion, with traditional music and dancing in many restaurants, especially in resorts and in some Sofia eateries. Food is hearty and good. Meals usually start with a salad, from which there are many to choose from on the menu. There is a wide variety of national dishes, as well as Western European standard dishes. There are many attractive folk-style restaurants and cafés throughout the country.
Specialities include: Tarator , cold soup made from cucumber, walnuts and yoghurt. Shopska salata, huge salad starter with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and white cheese. Kavarma ,individual casseroles of pork or veal, onions and mushrooms. Surmi, stuffed vine or cabbage leaves stuffed with meat. Kebapche, small, strongly spiced, minced meat rolls.
As for drinks: Coffee is very popular, specially served espresso style. Infusions, made from herbs and dried leaves, particularly lime. White wines include Evksinograde, Karlouski Misket and Tamianka. Heavy red wines include Mavroud and Trakia. As for liquors, mastika (aniseed spirit, usually diluted) and rakia (local brandy) are local favourites.
I discovered Bulgaria from a tour around other countries within the region and was pleased not to have missed out on it. The country is not the most advertised in Europe, however there are lots of positive things about my visit to Sofia. The people are hospitable, friendly and welcome visitors, I was pleased to see people smiling, and a general sense of good customer service. Sofia is a very cultural city where you can explore by foot it's hidden wonders. Many people make Sofia a transit stop on their way to Turkey or other Balkan countries around the area. Also it attracts a large number of skiers, which at the season I went, after skiing then flocked to restaurants and bars in the city where there is a young loud atmosphere. It's definitely a place to visit year round and it won't disappoint you.
(once visited)