Everything about Bulgaria for tourists. How tourists are deceived in Bulgaria

are developing at a rapid pace. New hotels are being built and old hotels are being reconstructed. Their comfort increases, approaching the European level. However, the price of holidays in Bulgarian resorts is much lower. Another advantage is a relatively short flight, only 2.5 hours and a language close to Russian.

In Bulgaria, the local currency is Lev. Arriving at the airport, tourists need to exchange rubles for the local currency. You should change only in the official exchanger. You should immediately pay attention to the exchange rate. The commission from the exchange amount can be 1% - this will be written in capital letters in the exchanger. But, usually this applies to large amounts, so read carefully everything that is written in smaller letters. Small amounts can be exchanged for you with a percentage of 15-20. Be sure to keep receipts when exchanging.

It is forbidden to take leva out of the country, so all the remaining local currency will need to be exchanged for rubles, and for this you need to have a check from the exchanger. In large cities, rubles are accepted for exchange, you can first find out if our currency is accepted at the resort where you are going. Local "business people" can offer to change rubles at a very favorable rate. This should not be done, as you may be given old banknotes that are out of circulation for your currency.

There is another way to cheat. The exchange office sells magnets with the symbols of the European Union and the United States, and next to it is the price that tourists take for the exchange rate. As a result, the currency is exchanged at a very unfavorable rate. Look for exchange offices with the inscription "no commission" - here you can change currency without a commission. Tourists also need to know that they can get a VAT refund (20%) in the TaxFree system when buying goods of at least 1000 leva.

Resort hotels

When buying a ticket with full board, you should keep in mind that there will be no variety of food. It is better to take a ticket with breakfast or half board. You can get acquainted with the local cuisine in numerous cafes and restaurants. If you are traveling with children, then you should choose hotels with a children's menu. Tourists should be aware that with a second purchase in the same store, you can get a discount of 5 to 20%. Ask the seller about it, some may simply not inform you about it.

In recent years, a lot of money has been invested in the reconstruction of old "Soviet" hotels. But the service leaves much to be desired. Still, some "three rubles" suffer from Soviet-era nostalgia. Especially in cheap hotels, you can still meet when every incoming person is asked for documents. You may encounter poor-quality room cleaning, miserable breakfast. Many of us think that since we are relaxing in a southern country, the juices here are, of course, only natural. This is not so, often these are concentrates. Fruits, in such a hotel, should be washed before use.

Pay attention to how they clean the pool at the hotel. If this happens irregularly, and this can be found, then it is better not to swim in this pool. When leaving the hotel room, close the balcony and windows. In Bulgaria, there are thefts from the hotel during the tourist season. No one will penetrate through closed doors and windows, but an open balcony is a bait for thieves. Therefore, when choosing a vacation in 2019, in particular, a hotel, think about what you need to pay attention to. Reviews of tourists will help to take into account all the pros and cons, help to avoid troubles on vacation.

About beaches, weather

Going on vacation in your own car is a certain independence, you can visit several resorts. Don't ignore paid parking lots. In Bulgaria, theft and damage to cars are quite common. You should carefully consider the route and stops in order to protect yourself. Fans of camping should be attentive to the surrounding area. There are quite a lot of flying and crawling individuals.

It is believed that this is almost our south and the sun is not as hot as in Turkey or Egypt. This is true, but in May, June you should beware of sunburn and sunbathe only with a protective cream. According to tourists, not everywhere the sea is clean. Also in August, jellyfish, algae and caterpillar-like insects can be found in the water. This phenomenon is seasonal, however, travelers should be aware of this. The Black Sea in the resorts of Bulgaria warms up by the end of June. In May, you can only bask in the already burning sun, and you will have to swim in the pool.

The beaches are mostly public, but sunbeds and awnings will have to be bought. Prices are very different, a cheaper package of sunbeds and umbrellas can be purchased near an inexpensive hotel. But there is one downside. In Bulgaria, there are many vacationers on social packages, German pensioners. If this neighborhood does not bother you, then you can sunbathe on such a beach and save money.

About communication, shopping

There are no problems with telephone communication, you can call to another country from a payphone installed on the street. To do this, you need to purchase a phone card. Here you may encounter a problem when the cards of one company do not work in telephone sets of another. Bank cards can only be used in the resort area. If you go inland, you will not need a bank card.

Shoppers will not be pleased, the goods are mostly Turkish, you can buy local souvenirs in the form of a magnet or crafts of local artisans and Bulgarian Rose cosmetics. In large supermarkets, they can cheat, if you take loose products (fruits, vegetables), then they weigh them at the checkout. Here you need to be more careful and check the numbers in the check with the real weight. It is more difficult to do this in small shops. If you eat with a child, then you should take into account that the choice of baby food in supermarkets is small and you may not find the brand you need.

There is an opinion that in Bulgaria everything is very cheap. So it was until the dollar and the euro went up. Now it's not so cheap anymore. Especially in famous resorts. Be sure to check with the tour operator and everything about the hotel where you want to relax. Very often, a vacation can be ruined by a construction site nearby. And construction is going on everywhere and it creates inconvenience. There is very little entertainment for children or they are quite miserable.

Tourists who are accustomed to the elite resorts of Europe are unlikely to enjoy their holidays in Bulgaria. There are few palm trees here, the sea is not replete with corals and exotics. If, in spite of everything, you want to spend your vacation in a Bulgarian resort, choose the place where your friends have visited and find out more reviews.

Bulgaria is an amazing country for a beach holiday and sightseeing for both independent tourists and package holiday lovers. So that possible troubles do not spoil your holiday, take on board 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 districts consisting exclusively of hotels and entertainment venues. In these areas it is noisier than in the historical part of the city, such a vacation is suitable 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 the gorge, unusually beautiful and cozy.

In Bulgaria, you can limit yourself to one breakfast, or you can take All-Inclusive. It's a matter of taste. In tourist places 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, pizza is sold (portion from 1 EUR), kebabs (from 2 EUR), pancakes with various fillings (cheaper than pizza).

It is not necessary to stay in a hotel in Bulgaria. You can rent an apartment or apartment for vacation. Many residents of coastal cities and towns, as well as ski resorts, rent 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 the Kuznetsk business.

Change currency in the morning. When exchanging currency, there are a few things to keep in mind. Bank branches will ask you for your passport. In simple exchangers, as a rule, it is not needed, except that 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 - already 1.91.

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

Move around Bulgaria most convenient on buses that run regularly between all relatively large cities. Buses are municipal (cheaper and easier) and private (more expensive and more comfortable). Convenient for Russians is that the timetable and directions are written in Cyrillic. It makes sense to use railway services 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 should not relax too much. Holidays in Bulgaria are comfortable because the staff of hotels and restaurants, as well as most of the local residents, speak Russian tolerably (the only exceptions are small towns in the mountainous and central parts far from the sea). This is somewhat relaxing. However, so that there is no misunderstanding, the order in cafes and restaurants must be voiced clearly and clearly, without hesitating to ask again if you have been understood correctly.

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

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

As souvenirs from Bulgaria being driven Bulgarian ceramics, embroidered textiles, rose oil and cosmetics based on it, rose petal jam, Turkish delight and spirits: Bulgarian wine and brandy, as well as handmade leather, copper and silver products. Alcohol, jam and Turkish delight are cheaper to buy in supermarkets. Ceramics and magnets are sold in large quantities 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. Leather products are the cheapest to buy in Nessebar. In Sofia, the best shops are located along Vitosha Boulevard and in the gallery in front of the National Palace of Culture (NPC).

As in many southern countries, at lunchtime, when the sun is especially hot, Bulgarians have a rest. That's why many private service establishments are closed from 12:00 to 16:00 in summer.

Telephone communication in Bulgaria

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

The hospitable country offers wonderful beaches, inexpensive hotels, hotels, it is suitable for spending time in a fun company and a quiet family vacation. This is the choice of people who can combine quality rest with reasonable costs. In winter, ski lovers are attracted by the slopes of the mountains of Pamporovo and Bansko, in summer the Black Sea caresses everyone who wants to sunbathe. Oddly enough, Sofia, the capital, is not the most beautiful city in the 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, 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, Russian is often heard.
Currency: BGN - Bulgarian lev. Be careful when exchanging currency. Many exchange offices lure tourists with an attractive lev exchange rate. In most cases, one price is indicated on the signs (it is not known whether this is a purchase or a sale). You will be offered a receipt, offered to sign. After the operation, you find in your hands one and a half times less money than expected (for example, in the receipt, two numbers "swapped" places and, instead of the promised 193 leva, it turns out 139). No requests, threats will return the money given back: you signed the receipt voluntarily.
Political system: parliamentary republic.
Traditional Religion: orthodoxy.
Climate: from temperate continental passes in the south to the Mediterranean.
Weather: lovers of sunbathing on the beach are most pleased to relax in this picturesque region in the second half of summer, when the temperature is from 23°C to 30°C degrees. 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 season.

HOLIDAYS IN BULGARIA

If you are interested in historical monuments and excursions, visit Bulgaria from May to October. The swimming season continues in 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 zone list. But if it is already open, then since 2012 it is allowed to enter the territory of this state on your own visa, which costs 60-65 euros.

Traveling in Bulgaria

Automobile
It is allowed to drive vehicles from the age of 21, you must have an international driver's license with you. 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 the local motorists do not try to follow the rules of the road. 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 planned route.
Railway transport
Of the advantages - prices, which are thirty percent lower than bus trips. Among the shortcomings: the trains are old, the toilets are most often in a very deplorable state, air conditioners are a rarity and the exception rather than the rule, it is cold in the cars in winter. For a more comfortable journey, you will need to buy expensive tickets for international trains, partly passing through the country.
Taxi
Usually these are cars painted yellow, on the side windows of which a price list is attached. For your own safety, it is better to call by phone, as 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 the meter.
Urban transport
In all settlements you can ride buses and trolleybuses, sometimes trams, in the capital you have the opportunity to use the metro line. The minus is the same - old models, as well as overcrowding, especially during rush hour. The level of intercity buses is much higher, tickets can be purchased from the driver, prices are affordable, the staff is polite, the salons are clean.
Water transport
If you want to enjoy the charm of local landscapes and admire the sights, then you should not refuse to take boat trips along the Danube and the Black Sea. The price of such a trip will slightly exceed the cost of tickets for public transport, but, in general, the price list for boat trips is much lower than in other European resorts.

Attractions Bol fires

If you plan not only to sunbathe, but also to see the sights of the country, you should pay attention to the most beautiful places in the republic.
Nessebar
This is truly a pearl of the 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, this is the smallest town in the country. Walking along the main street will take you only a minute, but this is a city of winemakers, and therefore wine tasting in local taverns will truly turn your head. For this reason, before tasting, visit the Rozhen Monastery.
rose valley
Between Sredna Gora and Stara Planina there are thirty-kilometer fields of flowers. There is a Thracian tomb and a rose museum in Kaanlak. You will get an unforgettable experience if you come to the Valley at dawn at the beginning of June. Try to spend the night in this splendor, and in the morning see how the rosebuds open. 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 of local residents in ancient Greek, Thracian, Roman costumes. You look at the election of the Rose Queen, who will shower the people with rose petals, sitting on the throne (local young people will carry the throne with the queen).
Sozopol
This is both a sea beach and a fishing village. Here you can watch the unloading of the day's catch, sunbathe on the rocks, which are very numerous along the coast. Just forty years ago, the amphitheater of Apollonius, built in the distant second century AD, was discovered. The landslide moved the layers of the earth and the happy Bulgarians found this most important landmark of the country. In early September, a festival of culture is held here, at this time a lot of spectators always gather in the city, and a large audience occupies the place of the amphitheater.
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 mountains covered with forests.
Plovdiv
About six thousand years ago, the second largest Bulgarian city was founded. Admire the Roman amphitheater, which is very well preserved. Here you can roam the hills, look into various museums and galleries, enjoy colorful houses and excellent architecture in general. Do not bypass the attention of the dervish monastery, the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin, the Dzhumaya mosque, the Hissar Kapiy gate.

Resorts in Bulgaria

The most inexpensive resorts are Ravda, Kamchia, Lozenets, Sunny Beach, Burgas, Kiten, Kranevo, Obzor. Expensive - Sozolol, Mermaid, Golden Sands, Varna, St. Constantine and Elena, Elenite, Nessebar. A 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 the youngest, resort of the country. More than fifty hotels are located not far from the coast. Many shops, cafes, restaurants, nightclubs, a variety of beach activities will brighten up your leisure time. If you have chosen this place for recreation, visit the old chapel of John the Baptist, visit the mountain monastery Aladzha, have fun in a 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
It takes into account the needs of every vacationer: a lot of shops where you can order goods for every taste and buy wonderful souvenirs, a cinema right in the fresh air, discos, attractions, casino variety shows. Physical fitness can be maintained on basketball, volleyball, tennis courts, there is a riding school, mini golf and fitness rooms, various water attractions. Not far from the resort is Nessebar, it is also worth visiting the ethnographic village, Veliko Tarnovo.
Albena
Quiet resort, it will be comfortable to rest here with the family. It is famous for its unusual nature: a combination of liana forest and seascape. There is a historical museum and an icon gallery, a lot of entertainment for children, and a huge balneological center at the Dobruja Hotel.
St. Constantine and Elena
On these beautiful lands you can not only relax, but also improve your health. There are many indoor and outdoor 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 can have contraindications, as well as repel with their pungent odor. But your hair, skin, nervous system, and the whole 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 the favorite hunting ground of kings. Here you can find the most comfortable and long runs, and as coaches you will be offered not ordinary people, but real athletes, winners of the Olympiads. Many high-level hotels, evergreen forests, fresh air, the realization that kings once spent their leisure time here - all this makes the rest unforgettable.
Bansko
A special charm gives this small town its location among high mountains. The city has its own history and architectural monuments, so this ski resort is the most popular in Bulgaria.
Pamporovo
In the middle of the mountains is this cozy place, decorated with mighty leys. If you have visited this country for the first time, then be sure to go on an excursion to the Bachkovo and Rila monasteries, the Asen fortress, visit the capital, the speleological museum in Chepelare will seem interesting.

What to bring from Bulgaria

Mastic and brandy
These are alcoholic drinks that you can give to colleagues and friends. This 40% brandy is distilled from fruit juice. Rakia can be melon, plum, grape, apricot, pear, etc. It will be interesting for a tourist to get to the factory with a tasting and directly there to buy a product that will suit your taste. Mastic is a drink of real krepchaks, as its degree rises from 47. With such alcohol, made from fennel and anise, it is quite possible to knock down even an experienced taster.
rose oil
All women will be delighted with cosmetic products made from the notorious oil (perfumes, face and body creams, fragrant soaps, etc.). When buying a product, remember that it must be in sealed bottles and have a non-registered certificate. Liqueurs and delicious jams are made from flower petals.
Icons
Local masters are famous for their icons, made on linden or cypress boards. The basis of the paints that depict the holy face is egg yolk. The art of Bulgarian icon painting is over a thousand years old. You can buy goods both in numerous shops and at cathedrals and monasteries.
Ceramics and wood
This is really high-quality, beautiful dishes worthy of your kitchen. Pottery has been a national art for hundreds of years. Buy original wooden bowls for meat dishes, kegs, glasses for wine, 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 of spices flaunt in the windows of street shops and large stores.
goodies
All 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 feta cheese, which is superior in taste to the one offered by our supermarkets.
Where you can order the product you want to buy, local residents and hotel staff will always tell you.

Bulgaria is a beautiful country, it is impossible to list all the sights of which in one article. It is famous for its resorts, rich history, architecture (especially cathedrals and monasteries), and handicraft products. But the most important advantage of the country is its impressive landscapes.

Friendly Bulgaria offers tourists the best beaches of "their" Black Sea, great holidays with children and budget ski tours. Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, Bansko, Borovets and medical resorts - everything about Bulgaria from the Subtleties of tourism: hotels, weather, map, tours and visa.

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Bulgaria and tourists from Russia are connected by a long-standing, pre-perestroika friendship. And, I must say, the reasons for its occurrence - the beautiful nature, the extensive "excursion", the warm sea and the hospitality of the locals - are still evident. At the same time, many hotels today have freshened up after repairs, the service has improved and, of course, prices for tours have grown. But still not so much that the country has become an expensive destination, inaccessible to the "mass tourist". So, for a relatively inexpensive family vacation, especially with children, and equally inexpensive and high-quality treatment, many travelers are now heading to Bulgaria. Winter Bulgaria is quite suitable for beginner skiers without super requests, as well as youth companies and families with children.

Discounts for children up to 30%. Hurry up to book! Buying tours.

Departures from Moscow — get a discount right now.

The import of foreign currency is unlimited, amounts above 10,000 EUR, including traveler's checks and bills, will have to be declared. To export foreign currency in excess of 30,000 BGN, you need to obtain a special certificate of the absence of debts in the country, as well as a cash declaration certificate. Import and export of the national currency is prohibited. The remaining leva can be exchanged before leaving the country, for this you need to present a certificate of the initial exchange from the exchange office. It makes sense to declare personal jewelry and expensive electronics.

When crossing the border at the airport, duty-free import of 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos or 250 g of tobacco is allowed, in other cases the limits are reduced by 5 times. You can bring 1 liter of strong alcohol, 2 liters of drinks with a strength of up to 22%, 4 liters of wine or 16 liters of beer. These permits only apply to travelers over the age of 17. Please note that on the way back, Russian customs will not allow more than 3 liters of alcoholic beverages, including beer, without duty. With a fee, the limit can be increased by only 2 liters. When flying or arriving in Bulgaria by sea, it is allowed to import coffee, perfume, tea, toys, electronics and other non-prohibited goods in the amount of up to 430 EUR, when crossing the border by land - up to 300 EUR.

When traveling by car, customs will only approve the fuel in the tank and an additional 10 liter canister.

It is forbidden to import products from meat and milk, except for baby food. It is not allowed to import and export objects and things of historical, artistic or archaeological value without a special permit. Naturally, no drugs, weapons, poisons, psychotropic drugs and other universally prohibited things.

tax free

The return of Tax free in Bulgaria is a story entangled in many rumors and ambiguities. What we have in practice: there are quite a lot of stores operating in the system, you can find them both in large cities and in small ones. The minimum check from such an outlet must be at least 300 BGN, and the cost of one product - from 50 BGN. Carefully check the data in the form filled out by the seller - from the name and address outside the EU to a detailed list of purchases, do not forget to keep the cash register and Tax free receipt.

Money will not be returned for alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco, liquid fuels and goods that are not subject to VAT.

Do not open the package and do not put your purchases in luggage, the Bulgarian customs officers will ask you to show the purchased item. That is, it will be possible to try out a new camera or flaunt in a fashionable sheepskin coat only after going through all the procedures and receiving money. VAT in the country is 20%, but after the voluntary-compulsory withdrawal of the banking commission and not the most clean exchange rate at airports, somewhere around 12-13% will remain on hand.

There are Tax refund points at Sofia, Burgas and Varna airports. If you leave in another way, you can send all documents with customs stamps to the E&S Tax Services office in Sofia, leave the package of documents in a special mailbox on the border of Bulgaria with non-EU countries, try to return the money in Russia through a bank dealing with Tax free, or apply with documents to the store, returning to Bulgaria within 6 months from the date of purchase.

How to get there

Bulgaria meets tourists at 4 international airports - in Sofia, Burgas, Plovdiv and Varna, you can also get there by train, by sea or the Danube, by bus or by your own car.

Aeroflot and Bulgaria Air planes regularly fly from Moscow to Sofia, the journey time is about 3 hours. In the low season, you will have to get to other cities with transfers via Istanbul or Athens; during the summer navigation period, direct flights and charters to Bulgaria are launched from several airlines at once, and not only from the capitals, but also from a number of Russian cities.

In the summer, travel agencies launch bus flights to Bulgaria, the journey from Moscow takes about 48 hours, most likely there will be no time for walks in transit settlements. Ticket price - from 200 EUR. Also, major Bulgarian cities are connected by bus routes with all of Europe.

The shortest way on your own car lies through Ukraine, which at the moment, perhaps, is not the best option. Another route is 400-500 km longer, it goes through Belarus and practically repeats the railway journey. The total length of the road between Moscow and Sofia is about 2600 km.

By sea from the Russian coast, alas, you can’t get there yet. If you really want to take a boat, you will have to go through Ukraine, Romania or Turkey, or buy a tour along the Danube in one of the European countries.

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Transport

Domestic air traffic is poorly developed and connects the capital with only a couple of airports. A direct flight from Sofia to Varna takes about an hour. But everything is not bad with the BDZ railway network. The train ride from Sofia to Plovdiv takes 4 hours, a full ticket costs 9.5-11.8 BGN. It takes about 8 hours to get from the capital to Burgas, tickets - 21.5-26.8 BGN for the 2nd and 1st class, respectively. Prices on the page are for November 2018.

It is also convenient to move around the country by buses: they regularly run between all more or less large cities. Buses are municipal (cheaper and easier) and private (more expensive and with a certain degree of comfort). The price of a bus trip depends on the level of comfort, on average, moving between cities for a distance of 50-70 km will cost 5-8 BGN. An additional bonus for dear Russians: the timetable and directions are written in Cyrillic.

When traveling by taxi, you need to be careful: in the country there are a large number of private traders masquerading as taxi drivers, let's say, not guaranteeing the safety of tourists. It is best to order a car by phone.

Urban transport

In the cities of the country there are buses, trolleybuses and fixed-route taxis, and in Sofia the main mode of transport is trams and metro. A single bus ride costs about 0.60–1.0 BGN, such a ticket can be purchased from the driver. The cost of a single travel pass ranges from 2 BGN per day, a week pass costs about 9 BGN, for a month - 37 BGN. Tickets can be bought at kiosks or from the driver. Bus fares can be a bit more expensive.

Taxis in Bulgaria are yellow with traditional “checkers”, a price list with prices should be fixed on the side glass, often you can even get a check from the driver. Walk past the cars and try to figure out the average cost of a ride in your area, filtering out the obscenely expensive offers. When landing, look at the counter, sometimes extraneous numbers are “accidentally” found there. On average, for 1 km of a taxi ride, they ask for 0.70–0.90 BGN during the day and 0.90–1.10 BGN at night, plus the “initial tax” - the price of landing. In resort areas, airports and railway stations, prices are higher - up to 3 BGN per km, the ability to negotiate is useful here.

Hotels in ski resorts provide their guests with a shuttle service to the ski lift station. Depending on the level of the hotel, it will either be free or cost 1.50–2 BGN per person one way.

For independent trips around the country, you need to purchase a special sticker on the windshield of the car - a vignette that gives permission to travel on most Bulgarian roads. Tourist vignettes cost from 15 BGN per week to 30 BGN per month. Driving without such a sticker is fraught with fines. Pay attention to parking signs in cities. Often on weekdays, an hour of parking will cost 1-2 BGN, and on weekends you can leave your car here for free. Bribes to police officers are strictly prohibited.

Car rental in Bulgaria

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Varna: st. Macedonia, 53; tel.: 602-718; Web site .

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in Ruse: st. Nish, 1; tel.: 822-252

Ambulance: 150, Fire Department: 160, Police: 166, Roadside Assistance: 146

Information desk: 144, weather service: 175, accurate time service: 180.

Bulgarian language

Many Bulgarian words, even though they sound completely “Russian”, can actually mean something completely unexpected. For example, in a hotel restaurant, a hungry tourist may well be offered “eggs for eyes” (that is, fried eggs) early in the morning, and at lunch they can recommend an appetizing “chushka burek” (nothing more than stuffed peppers). At the same time, they can react unexpectedly to an innocent request to serve a bun for tea: “bun” in Bulgarian is a bride. Well, if one of the Bulgarians notices a lady that today she looks just “scary”, it’s time for the insolent person to answer ... with a compliment in return. After all, "terrible" means "great"!

Many Bulgarian words, even if they sound completely “Russian”, can actually mean something completely unexpected, and what we call an affirmative nod means “no”, and vice versa.

Typical Bulgaria

Beaches in Bulgaria

In the main Bulgarian resorts, the beaches are sandy, public and free. This often explains their increased "dense population", especially on weekends near large cities. Umbrellas and sunbeds - for money: the cost of a sunbed is from 6 BGN, an umbrella from 4 BGN. Most Bulgarian beaches can boast the Blue Flag of the European Union - a sign of environmental cleanliness. On the beaches you can play volleyball or tennis, rent a velomobile, ride horses.

Young people who are hungry for parties, adventures and nightlife should pay attention to the beaches of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands - there are all conditions for the most active holiday. At the same time, 10 km of wide beaches in Sunny Beach are suitable for parents with children, the entrance to the water in the bay is gentle, the infrastructure of the resort is built almost on the same level with the sea, there is a lot of entertainment for children. But in Golden Sands with a child it can be difficult because of the peculiarities of the local mountainous landscape, and the entrance to the sea is not so soft.

For those to whom comfort and peace on vacation is more important than noisy entertainment, there is a direct road to the beaches of such resorts as Ahtopol, Kiten, Obzor, Tsarevo and Sozopol. Tsarevo and Ahtopol have not yet been captured by mass development, the towns themselves are small, prices are low, the beaches are clean and beautiful, and most importantly, they are empty. Sozopol will allow you to combine a beach holiday and acquaintance with local architecture - the old part of the city is a solid historical monument under the protection of UNESCO. Kiten and Obzor are good for holidays with children and budget trips. And Obzor also has the warmest sea.

Skiing

Treatment in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is not only fun, bright, tasty, but also healthy! The country is justifiably proud of its health resorts, built next to hundreds of life-giving springs of thermal and mineral waters, sources of therapeutic mud that can revive even a seriously ill person. An important advantage of Bulgarian sanatoriums over similar establishments in other EU countries is more affordable prices and a mild climate. In addition, most of the clinics are located nearby in the forested mountains or near the sea, which provides additional therapy with fresh and clean air.

In the mountainous suburb of Sofia, on the banks of the mountain river Kakach, a whole resort town of Bankya is built, famous for the prestigious sanatorium of the UN Health Organization.

Mineral waters in different parts of the country help to get rid of various ailments. For example, waters rich in iodine and bromine are mined along the entire coast. Siliceous springs in Kyustendil and Hisar are recommended for diseases of the skin, digestive tract and hypertension. The same springs come to the surface in the balneological capital of the country, Velingrad and the birthplace of Spartak Sandanski, in these towns fluorine waters are also extracted, which are useful for the stomach and endocrine system.

No less popular is mud therapy, which helps to improve the condition of people with problems of the musculoskeletal system, skin, cardiovascular, nervous systems and many other diseases. In total, in Bulgaria there are half a dozen estuary lakes and lagoons that provide healing mud. The most famous resort and source of mud for pelotherapy is located on the Black Sea coast - the health-restoring possibilities of Pomorie have been known since ancient Rome. Now mud is mined here for many sanatoriums and for the production of cosmetics, which are worth buying and taking home with you as a truly useful souvenir from your vacation.

Pilgrimage

Orthodox Bulgaria is an important point on the map for pilgrimage and acquaintance with the Christian world of the Slavs. Many shrines and temples of this small country have come down to our times in excellent condition, and getting to know them will bring a lot of pleasure to a caring person.

You should start with a trip to the capital. Be sure to visit not the most pompous, but the most important for Christianity, St. Sophia Cathedral - one of the oldest Orthodox churches in the world. Literally a stone's throw away is the grandiose memorial church of St. Alexander Nevsky, a little further - the beautiful Russian Embassy Church, which stores the relics of St. Seraphim. After another 500 m, you will find the ancient Rotunda of St. George, built in the 6th century, and the Cathedral of St. Nedelya. In general, there are so many iconic Christian places in Sofia that the whole trip can be devoted only to this city.

But not one capital is famous for its monasteries and temples. In Varna, spend time with the majestic Assumption Cathedral, the symbol of Bulgarian independence. Then head north, where, in the neighborhood of Golden Sands, the Aladzha Monastery, the habitat of medieval hermit monks, is carved into the rocks. In Burgas, visit the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius with its iconostasis, decorated with the finest wood carvings. A 30-minute drive from Plovdiv, surrounded by mountains and forests, the Bachkovo Monastery took refuge, which absorbed Byzantine, Bulgarian and Georgian culture.

The main shrine of Bulgaria is completely away from busy highways and big cities, in the reserved Rila Mountains. The Rila Monastery attracts believers with magnificent frescoes, impressive medieval architecture, a unique museum, and, of course, the relics of John of Rila and one of the most important Bulgarian icons - the miraculous icon of the Mother of God "Hodegetria".

What to bring

delicious

All peoples, to one degree or another, are proud of their "most-very" alcohol. In Bulgaria, it is a fruity vodka rakia. They make it from plums, peaches, pears, apples, apricots, cherries, grapes, they insist on herbs - no health and vacation will be enough to taste all varieties. Less hyped, but also worth attention are anise mastic, mint and rose liqueurs. When buying alcohol, do not forget about customs limits. Bring Turkish Delight as a gift for the whole family. It is not as sweet as Turkish, but very fragrant, tasty and inexpensive. Here we will add nougat with nuts, rose petal confiture and sweets from the Plovdiv confectionery factory.

Shops are open from Monday to Friday, Saturday is a "short day". Many shopping establishments are open seven days a week (in resorts often until 22:00). Grocery stores are often open around the clock (which will be indicated by a "Non-stop" sign). Try to find a large supermarket in the very first days where locals shop, this will seriously save on food and gifts.

Be sure to try "lukanka" - a local raw smoked sausage. This product is unpretentious for transportation, so you can safely take it home. And do not forget about herbal teas for cold winter evenings and spices - fragrant and exciting appetite.

Traditional household

Bulgarian craftsmen are famous for ceramics, a real hostess will appreciate baking pots, a solid teapot or chic painted plates. As a set for ceramics, take a bright traditional tablecloth and a set of kitchen towels with potholders in folk ornaments. Coffee lovers should look for a copper cezve.

Ski resort Bansko

Cuisine and restaurants

Bulgarian cuisine stands out for its special piquant taste, spicy spices, an abundance of vegetables and a passion for open hearths and earthenware. It is worth trying the famous stuffed peppers, “lutenitsa” (spicy pasta, which is smeared on bread), “kebab” (meat on a spit), “kebabche” (fried meat sausages), “gyuvech” (stew with potatoes and vegetables), “kavarma” (meat dish with mushrooms, onions and potatoes), Bulgarian soup “tarator” and “banitsa” - puff pastry pies with cottage cheese , pumpkin or cheese. Bulgarians are generally distinguished by their passion for cheese - the traditional Shopsky salad is another confirmation of this.

However, not a single brynza: dairy products are generally highly respected in the country: “sour milk” (a drink like yogurt), “airan” - a salty mixture of yogurt and water, and even cold soup “tarator” (a terrible union of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic and nuts for the uninitiated). We also recommend trying local cheeses - hard yellow "kashkaval" and soft "siren" made from sheep's milk.

Local wines are the perfect complement to a delicious lunch or dinner. Among the red wines, Pamid, Gymza and Melnik can be distinguished, among the whites - Khan Krum Traminer, Galatea and Kadarka.

Of course, there are familiar cafes and restaurants in Bulgaria, but for a proper acquaintance with the country's cuisine, it will not be superfluous to find out the local names of catering outlets and their essence. "Mehana" is a small family restaurant of traditional cuisine, often decorated as a rural house - wood, brick, ceramics, old dishes, rural household items, tablecloths and plates in ornaments. "Mehana" is an entourage, a sense of antiquity and a pleasant gastronomic attraction. The guest will be offered a menu with such an abundance of dishes that the choice makes your head spin. Often the explanations in the menu are duplicated in English, and Russian is not uncommon. But even without this, you can guess from familiar words and mouth-watering pictures. The average check in the resort area without drinks will be about 12-15 BGN. A glass of wine - 2–5 BGN, a mug of beer - 1.50–2 BGN. In places less hyped prices are lower.

Those with a sweet tooth are welcome in "sweet shops" - this is the name of local confectioneries. Do not miss the opportunity to discover the world of Bulgarian desserts and soft drinks. A piece of cake or a cake costs an average of 1–3 BGN, ice cream from 0.80 BGN, coffee 0.80–1.30 BGN, fresh juices and cocktails from 1.50 BGN.

Guides in Bulgaria

Entertainment and attractions in Bulgaria

Multifaceted Bulgaria is ready to surprise even the most inveterate traveler with its sights - natural resources will reveal to you the incredible beauty of mountains, lakes, vineyards and pink valleys, national parks and forests, architectural monuments will tell you about different eras - from the Byzantines and Romans to the struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire, and impressive temples and churches will not leave indifferent even a non-religious person.

Active entertainment

Fans of water entertainment, in addition to the warm Black Sea, should appreciate the country's main water parks. Aqualand is located in the center of Bulgaria, on the outskirts of the Lauta Park in Plovdiv, a good option for those who devote their holidays to urban tourism. The rest are scattered along the coast: the relatively small Aqua planet in Primorsko, the very impressive Aqua Paradise in Nessebar and Action in Sunny Beach, surrounded by greenery Aquapolis in Golden Sands and Aquamania in the resort town of Albena. Water parks are open from late May to mid-September.

Sofia has an interesting extreme adventure park Kokolandia and the oldest zoo in Bulgaria, and in the vicinity of Varna there is the country's largest family theme park Happy Land.

Architectural monuments

Majestic monasteries and grandiose temples, Byzantine architecture, the ruins of ancient Roman fortresses, Ottoman mosques - fans of contemplative and historical tourism can only complain that the most interesting places are scattered throughout Bulgaria and they are not always located in cities. Of course, you can explore Sofia for a long time and with pleasure - visit the ancient Thracian fortress Serdika, the main cathedral of Bulgaria and the Banya-Bashi mosque - one of the oldest in Europe. And do not forget to look around - this city is literally filled with antiquity. In Golden Sands visit the rock monastery Aladzha, in Plovdiv - the ruins of the Roman theater, in the Rila Mountains - the Rila Monastery; also interesting are cave churches near Ivanovo, Thracian tombs in Sveshtari or Kazanlak, Roman baths in Varna and do not forget about the museum city of Nessebar and the place of military glory - Shipka Pass.

Monuments of nature

A third of Bulgaria is covered with forests, the country has many beautiful mountains and lakes, united in natural and national parks. The largest of them are Pirin and Rila. Here, travelers are waiting for eco-routes through protected areas, mineral and thermal springs, clean air, high-quality ski slopes. In the Burgas Bay there is one of the few islands of the Black Sea - the island of St. Anastasia Ethnographic Museum Holidays and events

Before departure at the airport

If you bought a tourist ticket to Bulgaria, then you are waiting for a flight to this country. You must arrive at the airport two hours before the start of your flight, because check-in usually ends 40 minutes before the departure.

A trip to Bulgaria can also be by bus. In this case, you must arrive at the meeting point of the group half an hour before the scheduled departure of the bus.

Required documents

You must have a passport with a visa stamped in it (the validity of your passport must not be less than 180 days from the day your trip ends).

If you are accompanied by a child aged five years and older, then he must not only be entered in your passport, but his photograph must also be pasted.

If you were entrusted with a trip of someone else's child under the age of 16, then there must be permission from both parents, certified by a notary, and a birth certificate of the child.

Also, you will need insurance policy, air tickets, voucher And Bank reference, if for each person during the export account for more than three thousand European currency.

If necessary, then power of attorney for a child.

So, you have the whole package of documents in your hands, you go to registration on your own, going through passport control, and in 40 minutes you are already ready to fly to Bulgaria.

Flight time is 1 hour 30 minutes. The baggage allowance is 20 kg.

When traveling to Bulgaria, there are no problems with a visa. Its cost is 35 euros. The visa is opened within a week. You will not be interested in intimate details. For example: what kind of bank account do you have, or what salary do you receive.

While you are in Bulgaria, if you happen to lose any document or luggage, you must immediately notify the guide of the host country. They will help you with your problem.