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Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country, small in size but rich in ancient culture, scenic splendour, friendly people and old-fashioned warmth and hospitality.

Situated in the south east of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is not as much a tourist destination as its Greek and Turkish neighbours to the south are. This despite the popularity of its Black Sea resorts, which are scenically captivating with their fine sandy beaches, sunny climate and safe seas and wonderfully inexpensive too.

Although better known for its sea resorts, the essential character of the country is to be found in its spectacular mountainous regions. The six very different ranges vary from high, snow-covered peaks to gentle green slopes and forests, harbouring thermal springs and mineral spas, and valleys where the air bears the fragrance of flowers and herbs. The Valley of Roses lies in the heart of Bulgaria and is the largest producer of rose oil in the world, giving root to Bulgaria's soubriquet, 'Land of Roses'. At the foot of the Vitosha Mountains lies the laid back capital city, Sofia, boasting a great number of architectural monuments and museums. The rugged heights of the Rila and Pirin mountains form a spectacular setting for ski resorts, as well as the famous Rila Monastery and the majestic landscape of the Pirin National Park, a World Cultural and National Heritage site. Crossing the entire country is the Balkan Range, a 435-mile (700km) chain that offers some of the best hiking in Europe.

As varied as the different mountain ranges are the people who dwell in them, with distinctive customs, crafts and colourful festivals, folklore, religious beliefs and speech. Small picturesque villages welcome guests with typical warm-hearted Bulgarian hospitality, sharing age-old traditions and traditional cooking, and a delight in their pastoral environment.

Bulgaria's history is displayed across the country in its old towns, ancient Thracian relics and treasures, 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.

Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September).

Electricity: Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs are in use.

Language: Bulgarian is the official language, which uses the Cirillic alphabet, but English, German and French is spoken in resorts, hotels and restaurants.

Safety: Most visits to Bulgaria are trouble-free. Violent crime is rare, but criminal groups target casinos and nightclubs and groups of young pickpockets are active in city centres and the Black Sea holiday resorts. Car theft is common.

Customs: Foreigners should be aware that a shake of the head means ‘yes’ and a nod means ‘no’, although allowances are often made for visitors.

Communications: The country dialling code for Bulgaria is +359, followed by the relevant city code. Bulgaria offers a direct dialling service to 58 countries, which can be reached by adding the prefix 00 to the country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Calls to countries that cannot be accessed by direct dialling must be placed through an operator at 0123. Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths require a special card available from kiosks. Telephone offices are also available and are attached to post offices. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe that has no peak or off-peak call times. The country has two mobile GSM operators, and several Internet Service Providers. Internet cafes are on the increase in the big cities.

Money: The official currency is the Lev (BGN), which is divided into 100 stotinki. Bulgaria has strict currency regulations. If you enter Bulgaria with cash of any currency amounting to the equivalent of Leva 8000 or more, you must declare it to customs officials. Foreign currency may be exchanged in banks, hotels or at one of the numerous bureaux de change, however due to a common practice of misleading rates of exchange it is better to go to banks or hotels to change money. Not all banks accept travellers checks and those that do usually charge a 5% commission. Major international credit cards are increasingly becoming accepted by tourist hotels, upmarket shops and restaurants, travel agents and car rental agents, but Bulgaria is still largely a cash economy. There are ATMs in the main cities and at Black Sea resorts.

Climate:
Unless you visit for skiing, summer is the most comfortable time in Bulgaria, with low humidity and temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C); winter temperatures average around 32°F (0°C).

SOFIA

Located in the Sofia Valley, the capital city of Bulgaria lies at the foot of the Vitosha and Lyulin Mountains, and is the centre of the country's political, business and cultural life.

Founded over 7,000 years ago around numerous hot and cold mineral springs, which are still available today, Sofia has flourished and declined around a variety of civilisations. It is one of the oldest settlements in Europe and numerous archaeological, cultural and historical monuments from its rich Thracian, Byzantine, Roman, Slav and Turkish history have been preserved among the modern edifices, the blend of the new and the old lending a charming quality to the capital.

Despite its modern, cosmopolitan nature, Sofia has a laid back atmosphere and the proximity of Mount Vitosha, offering a myriad of recreational opportunities on the city's doorstep, adds to the relaxed feel of the city. Like any capital city, Sofia also has a wealth of museums and galleries, and boasts plenty of cultural entertainment.

ATTRACTIONS IN SOFIA

St Sofia
St Sofia is the oldest Eastern Orthodox church in the city, dating from the 4th to 6th century, and is regarded as one of the most significant examples of early Christian architecture in the Balkans. In the 14th century the church gave its name to the city of Sofia, meaning ‘holy wisdom’. During the Turkish rule the church was converted into a mosque, but was abandoned after two successive earthquakes destroyed one of the minarets almost 30 years later, and it was again converted into an orthodox church. Local legends credit St Sofia’s miraculous powers for its protection over the centuries, surviving occupations and natural disasters to remain as a spiritual inspiration to the city.

Address: 2 Paris Street; Telephone: (0)2 870 971

St George Rotunda
The rotunda church of St George is considered to be the oldest building in Sofia, dating to the 4th century, and is situated amid the remains of the ancient Roman town of Serdica. St George Rotunda is famous for its exquisite architecture and layers of medieval frescoes that were discovered under a covering of plaster. The magnificent dome is protected by UNESCO and the church functions at present as a museum.

Address: 5 Ploshtad Sveta Nedelya; Telephone: (0)2 981 6541; Opening time: Daily except Friday 8am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7.30pm; Admission: Free

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
One of the finest examples of 20th-century architecture in Sofia and one of the symbols of the city, the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral was built between 1882 and 1912 to honour the Russian soldiers who died fighting to liberate Bulgaria from Turkish rule in the war of 1878 under Tsar Alexander II. The famous church-monument is situated on the tree-lined square of the same name, which also contains the Monument of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. The impressive five-nave basilica houses an interior just as splendid, with mosaics, stained glass windows, marble and woodcarvings as well as frescoes that cover the walls and domes. The underground crypt houses the Icon Museum featuring icon paintings from across the country that represents masterpieces from the 9th to the 18th century.

Address: 1 St Alexander Nevsky Square; Telephone: (0)2 877 697; Opening time: Daily 7am to 5.30pm. Museum opens 10am to 6pm; closed Tuesdays; Admission: The cathedral is free, but admission is charged for the museum

BULGARIA HOLIDAY RESORTS

Golden Sands
One of the biggest tourist resort complexes along the northern coastline, Golden Sands (locally known as Zlatni Piasaci) is famous for its healing, hot water mineral springs as well as for its beautiful two-mile (4km) stretch of fine sandy beach. The resort is 11 miles (18km) north of Varna, and sits at the foot of the forested hills of the Zlatni Piasaci National Park, which is one of the oldest in the country and features a variety of interesting flora and fauna. Golden Sands offers the whole family ideal holiday conditions with plenty of entertainment, sporting activities, warm and clean water, year round luxury hotels and villas, restaurants, bars and spa treatments, making it one of the more desirable vacation destinations on the Black Sea Coast.

Shopping: There are numerous shopping arcades and outdoor bazaars.

Restaurants: The resort has a range of restaurants, cafes, snack bars and local tavernas that serve a wide variety of first-class international cuisine as well as traditional Bulgarian dishes at reasonable prices. Bulgarian wine and brandies appear on most menus.

Nightlife: A wide range of beach bars, discos and nightclubs keep the action going until the early hours. A casino will satisfy the gambling spirit and there is always a variety of shows and entertainment to be had.

Activities: The resort offers a huge array of activities for adults and children, both in and out of the water. Available are indoor and outdoor swimming pools, some mineral, including waterslides; tennis and volleyball, bowling, mini-golf, fitness centres, horseriding and cycling. A wide range of watersports includes yachting, jet skis, waterskiing and a scuba diving centre. For the more adrenaline seeking, hang-gliding and parasailing is offered. A balneology centre provides treatments and medical programmes for those avid for a bit of pampering or seeking healing.

Negatives: Golden Sands is a large tourist complex and one of the biggest on the northern Black Sea Coast. For this reason it is a little characterless and visitors will miss out on what real Bulgarian life along the Black Sea is really all about.

Nessebur
North of Bourgas lies the ancient town of Nessebur, located on a small peninsula in the Black Sea which is connected to the mainland by a long and narrow isthmus. The picturesque town is one of the oldest in Europe, having emerged as a fortified Thracian settlement over 9,000 years ago and having changed hands many times before being captured by the Bulgarians in the 7th century. Nessebur has an old town and a new town, but it is the old quarter that gives the peninsula its character, and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A popular tourist attraction, it charms visitors with its narrow cobblestone streets, period wooden houses, courtyards, taverns and romantic atmosphere. The old town is famous for its medieval churches, with beautiful facades and well-preserved interiors, which are the remnants of the Slav and Greek Orthodox communities that were part of the peninsula's history. Nessebur is an architectural and historic monument of Bulgarian culture and is one of the most favoured tourist resorts along the southern coast. It offers a good selection of private accommodation, and the new town has modern facilities as well as larger hotels.

Restaurants: Nessebur has no shortage of restaurants, cafes and taverns. The most alluring restaurants are along Roussalka and Tsar Ivan Assen Streets on the southeastern tip of the peninsula. Neptune Restaurant is the best for fresh fish and offers splendid sea views.

Nightlife: The mega-resort of Sunny Beach is just two miles (3km) away and offers an excellent nightlife for those seeking more entertainment than Nessebur can offer.

Activities: There are two beaches near the new town as well as the nearby beaches of Sunny Resort, which also offers all the activities of a large-scale tourist resort. The old town is full of architectural monuments, ancient churches and museums to explore.

Negatives: For modern amenities and a bigger variety of accommodation it is necessary to stay in the new town on the mainland, which doesn’t have the charm and atmosphere of the old quarter.


Sandanski
Sandanski is an internationally renowned climatic and health resort situated in the foothills of the Pirin Mountains and is one of Bulgaria’s best spa resorts. A combination of clean air, mild climate, beautiful surroundings and natural mineral springs makes it an ideal town for rehabilitation, recreation and spa treatments. The town is famous for its treatment of respiratory problems, particularly bronchial asthma, but the comprehensive balneo-climatic treatments also have beneficial effects on numerous other conditions. Sandanski hosts several festivals throughout the year and is a point of departure to various attractions in the Pirin Mountains.


Sunny Beach
Lying about 22 miles (35km) north of Bourgas, Sunny Beach is the largest Bulgarian sea resort situated on a wide semi-circular bay along the southern part of the Black Sea Riviera, with a five-mile (8km) strip of beach backed by natural golden sand dunes, which is regarded as the best beach along the coast. It is naturally protected by the Balkan mountain range to the north, and with its warm Mediterranean climate, clean and calm water and safe swimming, it is a perfect all-round holiday destination, living up to its motto ‘Where families come first’. Only the most world-weary of visitors could get bored here among a wide variety of activities and entertainment, including almost every kind of sport imaginable and plenty of fun and games for children. The resort comprises of more than 120 modern hotels, and offers a wide range of services as well as organised day trips to surrounding attractions, including the ancient town of Nessebur.

Shopping: Several big shopping centres provide plenty of opportunities to search for clothes, souvenirs and food.

Restaurants: Over 130 restaurants and taverns cater to foreign tastes with a wide range of cuisine. Eating establishments range from the authentic British Red Lion pub for the homesick, and traditional Bulgarian mehanas, to an unusual Bulgarian experience offered at the Hanska Shatra (Khan’s Tent), which has a superb setting, mosaic interior and live folk music, but is expensive and touristy.

Nightlife: Nightlife is varied and ranges from nightclubs, discos, casinos and bars, to cafes, folk-style spots and a variety of acts and entertainment in the local taverns.

Activities: Besides sunbathing and swimming, the resort offers so many water and land-based activities that it is impossible to get bored. Sports include windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, parasailing, beach volleyball, mini-golf, horseriding, climbing, cycling and tennis, and there are also fitness centres, swimming pools and spa treatment centres. Coaches and equipment are provided. Children are more than adequately catered for and will find an endless supply of organised activities, competitions and playgrounds.

Negatives: The resort can get very crowded during peak season with over 100 hotels and two large campsites accommodating thousands of visitors.


Varna
As the third largest city in Bulgaria and one of the country’s most attractive towns, Varna is known as Bulgaria’s Seaside Capital and the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea Coast’. The town is arranged in tiers along the curve of Varna Bay, and besides being a popular beach resort, it rivals the important cities of Sofia and Plovdiv in its wealth of museums, art galleries, historical buildings and cultural entertainment, and as such is a year-round holiday destination. The 19th-century Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin is an impressive landmark, while the extensive ruins of the Roman Spa in the centre of town constitutes the largest ancient building in Bulgaria, dating back to 1700. It is the main port for commercial and naval shipping and has a casual, cosmopolitan atmosphere with a Mediterranean charm created by the sunny climate, calm sea, beach promenades and red-tiled roofs. Varna is the gateway to the nearby beach resorts, including Albena and the mega-resort of Golden Sands, and numerous scenic spots along the coast are within easy reach, such as the nature reserve at Kamchia and the crumbling rock formations and dramatic cliffs along the Balchik coast.

Bulgaria Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: Citizens of the USA do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within a six-month period. Passports must be valid for at least three months after entry.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK passport holders, endorsed British Citizen, do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days in a six-month period. Passports should be valid for the period of intended stay. Other UK passport holders require a visa and a passport that is valid for at least six months.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within a six-month period. A passport valid for at least three months after entry is required.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within a six-month period. A passport valid for at least three months after entry, is required.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans need a visa to enter Bulgaria. A passport valid for at least six months on entry is required and a visa will only be issued if blank pages are available.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealanders do not require a visa for a maximum stay of 30 days within a six-month period. A valid passport valid for at least three months on entry is required.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 30 days within a six-month period. A passport valid for the period of intended stay is required.
Passport/Visa Note: Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds or onward or return tickets in addition to other documents needed for the next destination. Valid health insurance is required. All visitors to Bulgaria must register as foreigners at a local police station within five days of arrival. This registration is usually done as a matter of course through the hotel or accommodation establishment. Visitors are advised to check this, as a dated registration slip has to be submitted when leaving the country. Immigration and entry regulations are very strictly enforced. From 1 January 2006 all children entering Bulgaria will be required to have their own passport. Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least six months on entry for those requiring a visa, and three months on entry for visa exempt nationals other than those from EU countries, whose passports must be valid for period of stay.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Bulgaria Contacts
Bulgarian Tourist Authority, Sofia: + 359 (0)2 987 9778 or www.bulgariatravel.org
Bulgarian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 387 0174
Bulgarian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7584 9400
Bulgarian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3215
Bulgarian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 9711
Bulgarian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: + 27 (0)12 342 3720
Bulgarian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 3293
United States Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 937 5100
British Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 933 9222
Canadian Consulate, Sofia: +359 (0)2 969 9710
Australian Consulate, Sofia: +359 (0)2 946 1334
South African Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 981 6682
Irish Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 985 3425
Emergencies: 166 (police); 150 (medical)

BULGARIA AIRPORTS

Sofia International Airport EAD (SOF)
Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) east of Sofia. Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September). Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)2 937 2211/2 (international flights departures and arrivals). Transfer to the city: Regular bus service 84 runs on a frequent schedule day and night from the bus station close to Arrivals. Taxis are available, and passengers are advised to use O.K. SUPERTRANS taxis from outside the arrivals hall; their enquiries desk is located inside the arrivals hall. Most hotels and tourist resorts run their own airport shuttles. Car rental: Avis, Hertz, Budget, Tani Rent and Sixt have desks located in the arrivals hall. Facilities: The airport is well equipped with banks, bureau de change, ATMs, restaurants, cafeterias and bars, duty-free shopping, a chemist, travel agency, tourist information desk and first aid facilities. There is also a business lounge with Internet access, and a luggage-wrapping machine at departures. Parking: There is 24-hour short and long-term parking available in front of the terminal buildings. Departure tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only).

Varna International Airport (VAR)
Location: The airport is situated on the western outskirts, about five miles (9km) from Varna. Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September). Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)52 573 323. Transfer to the city: Public bus 409, which passes through central Varna and travels as far as Golden Sands resort, serves the airport; departures are from in front of the VIP hall. Taxis are available in front of International Arrivals, but the meters are often not working and it is advisable to agree on a fare with the driver before departure. Many resort hotels run their own shuttle services to and from the airport. Car rental: Car rental agents are on site at the airport including Avis, Hertz, Sixt and Europcar. Facilities: The airport has currency exchange facilities, a large restaurant and duty-free shops. Parking: Short-term parking bays are available. Departure tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only).

Bourgas Airport (BOJ)
Location: The airport is situated six miles (10km) from Bourgas. Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from April to September). Contacts: Tel: +359 (0)56 870 248. Transfer to the city: Most passenger flights into Bourgas Airport are part of package holiday deals and visitors are conveyed by their host tour operators. Taxis are available, and local buses serve the airport. Car rental: Car rental is available. Facilities: The airport has a bureau de change, bank, restaurant, duty free shop, post office and first aid facilities. Departure tax: US$20 (nationals of the USA only).

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