Cyrillic is everywhere, more than in Russia. Ice cream is called, with some kind of childlike precision, "sweet ice." Our names and titles on every corner, many monuments to Russian people. In the central square once there was also a mausoleum, but it was demolished. Even the sea we have in common - only for us it is in the south, and for them in the east ...
They called it - and they call it - the 16th republic of the USSR, they even say that it is "not abroad". Sly, of course. If Bulgaria would not be abroad, we would not aspire to go there - not 40 years ago, nor, especially, now. Because we travel abroad to get what we don’t get here. And we buy there that is more expensive here. Or what is not here at all.
Bulgaria and its real estate are the most understandable example to us of how it could be different. A little easier, obviously cheaper, but most importantly - much warmer. And still close. And also surprisingly familiar. Even if you were not here in that life when socialism was striding with might and main on the planet, and the chicken was not a bird.
... from the guide "RESIDENCE GUIDE - 2012"
Geography
The Republic of Bulgaria (Republic of Bulgaria) is located in the southeast of Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. In the north, along the Danube, it borders with Romania, in the southeast - with Turkey, in the south - with Greece, in the west - with Serbia and Macedonia. In the east, Bulgaria is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The area of \u200b\u200bthe country is 110 912 square meters. km
The capital of the country is Sofia. Major cities are Plovdiv, Varna, Burgas and Ruse. Administratively, the territory is divided into twenty-eight regions. The climate is temperate continental, in the south, especially in the valleys of the rivers Struma and Mesta, goes into the Mediterranean. The average January temperature is from + 2 ° to –2 ° C, July - up to + 25 ° C.
Bulgarian time lags behind Moscow time by 1 hour in the summer and 2 hours in the winter (+2 hours GMT)
In 2008, the number bulgarian populationamounted to more than 7 606 thousand people. Mostly Bulgarians live in the country, which make up 83.9% of the population, Turks - 9.4%, Gypsies - 4.7%. Also in the country are Armenians, Russians, Romanians, Ukrainians, Greeks, Karakachans, Jews. As for religion, 82.6% of the country's population are Orthodox, 12.2% are Muslims, 0.6% are Catholics, and 0.5% are Protestants. The official language is Bulgarian.
History and Politics
The Bulgarian state, the so-called First Bulgarian Kingdom, arose in 681. At the end of the XIV century, Bulgaria was conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Released after the defeat of Turkey in the war with Russia in 1877-1878. After World War II, the People's Republic of Bulgaria was proclaimed, developing along the socialist path until the end of 1989, when the country came out of the influence of the USSR. In the same year, deep economic and political reforms began in Bulgaria. Since November 15, 1990, the country has been called the Republic of Bulgaria.
Bulgaria has not participated in any wars since 1944, when Soviet troops knocked out German troops from the territory of the country during World War II. There were no protests against the Soviet Union in Bulgaria.
Today, Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. The permanent supreme legislative body is the unicameral National Assembly, elected for four years. The head of state is the president, elected on the basis of universal and direct suffrage for five years.
Bulgaria and Europe. Bulgarian economy
Since 1955, Bulgaria has been a member of the UN, and since 1992, a member of the Council of Europe. On April 2, 2004, Bulgaria joined NATO. On January 1, 2007, the country joined the EU. Bulgaria should enter the Schengen zone in 2011-2012.
The monetary unit is bulgarian lion(BGN).
Recent years have been characterized by rapid economic growth. Bulgaria currently maintains the lowest prices in the entire EU, but gradually the standard of living begins to rise - it is expected that prices will go up. This factor ensures constant interest in the country of foreign investors. A key role in the Bulgarian economy is played by heavy industry, tourism, agriculture and logistics.
The Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is a popular destination for beach tourism. The country was one of the most important resorts for the socialist countries of Eastern Europe. In the 1990s, the industry experienced a recession, but now there is a real boom. Tourism development is constrained by the insufficiently high level of service compared to Western standards. Bulgaria compensates for this lack of hospitality of citizens and low prices. Most tourists come from Romania, Germany, Russia, Great Britain, Poland, and the Scandinavian countries. Interest from tourists from Egypt and the UAE is growing.
The main Bulgarian holidays (weekends)
January 1 - New Year.
March 3 - Day of the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman yoke.
April-May - Good Friday *
April-May - Easter *
May 1 - Labor Day.
May 6 - Day of St. George the Victorious, the official holiday of the armed forces of Bulgaria.
May 24 - Day of Slavic writing and culture.
August 15 - Assumption of the Virgin.
September 6 - Day of the Unification of Bulgaria.
September 22 - Independence Day.
November 1 - All Saints Day.
December 6 - Constitution Day.
December 8 - Student's Day (day off mainly at universities).
December 25, 26 - Christmas.
* These two holidays are celebrated according to the church calendar. Good Friday - for two days of Easter Sunday. If Easter falls at the beginning of May, or at the very end of April, the weekend in the country can drag on for more than a week. The church rule is: "Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring full moon." The spring full moon is the first full moon to come after the vernal equinox. If this full moon is earlier than March 21, then the next full moon (+ 30 days) is considered Easter. If the Easter full moon falls on Sunday, then Easter is celebrated on the next Sunday.
What is Bulgaria famous for?
Millions of Russian tourists love Bulgaria precisely for the opportunity to relax at sea inexpensively. Indeed, the prices are affordable. However, here, as in any resort country where it is customary to earn money from tourists, there is one simple rule. Prices in cafes, restaurants, shops and small shops located on the main promenade or in the very center of the resort will be two, or even three times higher than in institutions hidden in the depths of the city. If you want to save money, go off the hiking trails.
Near the city of Kazanlak, in Central Bulgaria, is the famous Valley of Roses. They say that flower picking is always accompanied by songs. Maybe that's why the essential oil made in Bulgaria is considered the best in the world.
Russian and Bulgarian are similar. If a local resident speaks slowly and legibly, you will understand him. Although in Bulgaria there are some funny "traps" for the translator. For example, “to the right” means “straight”, “mountain” is “forest”, and “table” is “chair”. Also in the store, keep in mind that only cheese is called “cheese” in Bulgaria, and what we mean by this product is “Qashqaval”.
Rakia - A traditional alcoholic drink popular in the Balkans. Usually it has 40 “turns”, but homemade brandy can be stronger. It is prepared from a wide variety of fruits: plums, grapes, peaches, pears, figs and quinces.
6000 years ago the first settlements appeared on the site of the Bulgarian Plovdiv. Today it is one of the oldest cities in Europe - it is older than Rome, Athens, Carthage and Constantinople.
When the Bulgarians shake their heads, drawing a chin resembling a "sign of infinity," this means - yes. And when they nod, it’s not!
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia
The largest Orthodox church in the Balkans. In recent years, its surroundings have been chosen by Hollywood filmmakers for filming films that allegedly take place in Russia. So in the action movie "Hitman" this cathedral was lit up as the main temple in Moscow.
Melnik
The smallest city in the country - its population is only 390 people. But it preserved many architectural monuments, the city is considered a historical and cultural reserve that supports traditional crafts, and a few kilometers from it is the famous Christmas Monastery.
site
Sunny Bulgaria is not only the sea and mountains. We will tell you what else Bulgaria is famous for, what local objects are included in the UNESCO heritage list and.
Rose oil is what Bulgaria is known for far beyond the borders of the state itself. Roses create various types of cosmetics based on oil. Rose petal jam is also popular. Gather flowers in the Valley of Roses. It lies between the mountain slopes in the area of \u200b\u200bKazanlak and Karlovo. 30 kilometers of fragrant blooming roses is an amazing sight in beauty and aroma.
2. Lavender fields
They are not only in France! What Bulgaria is famous for is the landscape. And lavender fields with their delicate lilac colors - a wonderful decoration of the local landscape and a good backdrop for photographs. In addition, lavender make excellent cosmetics. Bulgarian lavender can be admired near Plovdiv and Pomorie.
3. Trojan ceramics
Trojan sharka is deservedly included in the list of what Bulgaria is known for. This technique of painting ceramics is as original and recognizable as Russian Gzhel or Khokhloma. The drawing is applied in the form of drops, and then there is a linear mixing of colors. It is believed that this method of decorating ceramic products was created by masters of the city of Troyan.
Another regional craft, which over time has become a national treasure and what Bulgaria is famous for. The historic town of Chiprovtsi is home to amazingly beautiful carpets, hand-woven in a special way. Kilims, as locals call them, are distinguished by the brightness of their colors. Ancient Bulgarian patterns “blossom” on them. Chiprovsky carpets are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
5. Sharen salt
The spice, unique in aroma, which attracts tourists as a bright and practical souvenir. Includes several types of spices, laid in layers, which gives a colorful look. Usually, salt is composed of thyme, paprika, fenugreek and other herbs.
6. Dairy products
Speaking of what Bulgaria is still famous for, it’s hard not to mention the local yogurt and cheeses. Its consistency was faint closer to yogurt, and its taste is very delicate and delicate. Among the cheeses, it is worth noting the brine cheese siren and Kashkaval - semi-hard yellow cheese of medium salinity from sheep's milk.
The amulet, which is customary for the Bulgarians to give each other in early spring. Weaves from red and white threads, has a sacred meaning. Martenitsa is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Non-standard
Walking barefoot on hot coals is probably the most impressive phenomenon that Bulgaria is known for. Closest to the art of Nestinar is the phenomenon of Indian yogis who know how to lie on nails. At the same time, dancing on charcoal is one of the oldest Bulgarian traditions.
9. Bulgarian guide (bagpipe)
Bagpipes are what Bulgaria is famous for along with Scotland, since in both states it is a national instrument. Bulgarians call it a guide and engage in mass performances - an average of 50 to 100 pipers. By the way, in the Guinness Book, it was the Bulgarian record for playing simultaneously at 333 bagpipes that was recorded.
10. Julia
One of the relatively new traditions that Bulgaria is known for. Local youth gather on the beaches of the country on the night of July 1 and have parties with bonfires, guitar and electronic music until dawn. In recent years, the Julia festival has attracted guests from nearby countries.
Famous people of Bulgaria
- Hristo Botev. The national hero of the country, as well as one of its most famous poets.
- Elias Canetti. At the time of preparation of the article - the only famous person in Bulgaria who received the Nobel Prize during the existence of the award. Writer and culturologist. Awarded in 1981 for the wealth of ideas and the artistic power of works.
- Boris Hristov. An opera singer, considered one of the best basses of the famous La Scala scene and the greatest in the second half of the 20th century. The audience was remembered in the crown roles of Boris Godunov and Mephistopheles.
- Philip Kirkorov . One of the most popular pop singers in Russia is also included in the list of people of Bulgaria known among our compatriots. Born in Varna, has dual citizenship.
- Dimitar Berbatov. Football player, top scorer in the history of the national team of Bulgaria. The player of the English club Manchester United and the Tottenham team, the German Bayer team and the Indian club Kerala Blasters.
- Count Dracula (Prince Vlad Tepes). The list of famous people in Bulgaria recently replenished Count Vlad Tepes, a former prototype of Dracula in Bram Stoker's novel. Recent studies have shown that he was probably of Bulgarian origin, not Romanian.
Bulgaria is a strikingly multi-faceted country: here you will find sunny beaches of sea resorts, snow-covered ski slopes, picturesque natural parks, ancient monuments, delicious cuisine and excellent opportunities for the health of adults and children. Locals are welcoming and hospitable, and the prices, which is important, quite affordable are not European at all.
The country is spread in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. From the east, it is washed by the Black Sea: the length of the sea coast here is 400 kilometers. The southern neighbors of Bulgaria are Greece and Turkey, in the west the country borders on Serbia and Northern Macedonia, and in the north - with Romania.
Bulgaria has always been a crossroads of roads from Europe to the Middle East and Asia, and therefore during all historical periods was of interest to neighboring peoples who left traces of their stay on Bulgarian soil. There are graves of Thracian kings, theaters of the ancient Greeks, ancient Roman stadiums, medieval castles of the kings of the First and Second Bulgarian kingdom, Ottoman mosques, etc. There are nine objects on the territory of present-day Bulgaria included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The natural landscape of Bulgaria is very diverse. Thus, the Balkan Mountains stretch across the entire territory of the country: from the farthest northwestern regions to the Black Sea coast. Mountains and river valleys occupy almost all of the western and southern regions of the country. The highest peak in Bulgaria and throughout Eastern Europe is Mount Musala (2,925 meters above sea level), towering on the Rila Range. In the south of the country are lowlands and low mountains Strandzha and Sakar, in the north the territory is lowland, and in the east is the coast of the Black Sea.
Current time in Sofia:
(UTC +2)
From a tourist point of view, modern Bulgaria is a diverse country that will appeal to lovers of several areas of recreation. In our guide to Bulgaria, we will tell you about the best beach and ski resorts, about the main attractions, about the most delicious local dishes. The time spent in Bulgaria will surely be remembered by its guests, because, according to local residents, their country is a paradise, an old Bulgarian legend tells about it: “When God gave the nations of the world their lands, he forgot about the Bulgarians. There was no free land left for them. And then he gave the Bulgarians a piece of paradise. "
How to get there
You can get to Bulgaria by various means of transport - by air, by land and by water.
Plane
Airplane is the most convenient way to get to Bulgaria. There are four airports in the country: in Sofia, Plovdiv, Burgas and Varna. Most regular flights are made to Sofia's air harbor, and charters fly to Varna and Burgas, located on the coast, in summer.
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Story
In Bulgaria, people have settled since ancient times, as evidenced by the numerous mounds found by scientists, mounds, burial grounds and ancient settlements.
Pre-Slavic period
Cities and regions
There are several options for dividing Bulgaria into regions.
For example, administratively a country consists of 28 regions, which, in turn, are divided into 264 communities. The names of the communities and regions correspond to the names of the cities that are their administrative centers: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, Ruse, Gabrovo, etc.
In accordance with EU Regulation No. 1059/2003, the territory of Bulgaria is divided into two first-order regions and six second-order regions. They are not administrative territorial units and are created for EU statistical purposes only. These two regions are North and South-East Bulgaria and South-West and South-Central Bulgaria.
Tourists will be interested in another division of the country into regions related to geography, climate and recreational opportunities.
Black Sea coast
Most tourists go to Bulgaria over the sea and the sun, so the country's Black Sea coast with a length of 350 kilometers is the most popular region. It is here that the famous Bulgarian resorts are located, which are considered one of the best in Europe. In summer, they offer excellent conditions for relaxation for every taste and budget. The history of most cities and villages located on the coast, rooted in the days of Ancient Greece or the Roman Empire - this is evidenced by archaeological sites that are here at every step.
The coast of Bulgaria is divided into southern and northern parts by the Stara Planina mountain range and Cape Emine. The unofficial capital of the northern part is Varna, and the southern one is Burgas.
One of the most historically interesting resorts in Bulgaria - Nessebar , founded in the XII - XI centuries BC. e. Its old city, picturesquely located on a small rocky cape, surrounded on all sides by the sea, is so full of sights that it is fully included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Not far from Nessebar is another Bulgarian resort - Pomorie , founded in the IV century BC. e. Today it is a famous balneological center with its own healing mud, which is famous for its beaches covered with volcanic sand. Here you should see the Antique Dome Tomb, the Pomorie Historical Museum and the Salt Museum, Salt Lake and the Pomorie Old Houses Nature Reserve.
Central part of Bulgaria
The central region of Bulgaria in the north along the Danube River borders with Romania, in the south - with Greece and Turkey. The Balkan mountains, also known as the Stara Planina, bisect this region, being the longest and largest mountain range in the country. It was the Balkan Mountains that gave the name to the entire Balkan Peninsula.
This area is part of the larger historical and geographical area of \u200b\u200bThrace and is replete with historical monuments of that period. For example, the Panagyur treasure is one of the most famous artifacts of the Thracian culture, or the Thracian tomb in Kazanlak of the 4th century BC. e. - UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see
So, tourists must see Old town of Nessebar . Nessebar (Nessebar) is one of the oldest European cities and probably the most beautiful city in Bulgaria. Founded more than 2,000 years ago, it is located on a peninsula with a length of 850 meters, connected with land by a 400-meter isthmus. It is here that the old city center is located, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1983, and since 1956 it has been a museum city. Almost 50 churches and other historical monuments are concentrated on the territory of the old center, among them - Fortress walls, Byzantine baths, churches of St. John the Baptist, St. Sophia, Christ Almighty, etc.
Also, tourists in Nessebar can see the part of the city that went under the water several centuries ago - it is clearly visible from the coast in clear weather.
sights
Museums and galleries
Entertainment
Parks and recreation areas
Leisure
Transport
Wellness stay
Private guides in Bulgaria
Russian private guides will help you become more familiar with Bulgaria.
On the project Experts.Turister.Ru registered.
Things to do
Most often, tourists go to Bulgaria for beach vacations, recreation and skiing, but in the country, in addition, there are many different types of pastimes: diving, ecotourism, horseback riding, and cycling.
Beach vacation
Bulgaria is famous for its beach vacations; local beach resorts are considered one of the best in Europe. They are especially suitable for families with children: the beaches are well equipped, covered with fine golden sand, the entrance to the sea is gentle, the water is warm, there are no serious storms and almost no strong currents. Many Bulgarian beaches are marked with the European sign of ecological cleanliness - Blue Flags.
At the same time, some beaches are strewn with darker sand - this means that it has a lot of iron, and such a composition has healing properties. For example, the dark sand distinguishes the beach areas of Pomorie, next to which there are a number of balneological health resorts. And the widest beaches in Bulgaria are in the resort of Albena: up to 150 meters wide.
At the same time, there are a few pebble beaches on the Bulgarian coast. They are located in the area of \u200b\u200bNessebar and Sozopol, and, as a rule, they are "wild", not equipped. On some rocky shores, special concrete platforms are created for tourists.
Ski vacation
Ski resorts in Bulgaria are known throughout Europe for their high level of service and affordable prices.
The ski season here, as a rule, lasts from November to March, and sometimes until the beginning of April. During this period, tourists have every chance to find good snowy weather. Moreover, almost all ski resorts in the country are equipped with snow cannons - in case a thaw suddenly occurs in the midst of winter.
In general, the infrastructure of skiing Bulgaria is very developed and deserves all praise, as well as the picturesque nature, in the bosom of which there are winter centers.
Ski resorts are located in the highest Bulgarian mountains - on the Rhodope, Pirin and Rila ridges, at altitudes of 900 - 2,600 meters. Almost all of them are suitable for skiers with the most different levels of training, having trails of all categories of difficulty. There are ski schools on the territory of the complexes.
Ecotourism
Bulgaria is famous for its national parks, there are eleven of them in the country. These places are extremely suitable for ecotourism.
For example, Rila National Park enjoys great popularity among tourists, on the territory of which are located the famous Rila Monastery, "Bulgarian Jerusalem", and the unique natural attraction of the Seven Rila Lakes. The park was equipped with an area for intensive tourism, where they created trails for cycling, hiking and horseback riding, recreation centers, etc.
Another famous national park is Pirin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was founded in 1952 to preserve its unique ecosystem. Here are picturesque glacial lakes, karst caves, fir and beech forests, the age of individual trees in which reaches five hundred years.
Among the most unusual national parks in Bulgaria is Belogradchik Rocks Park, located near the borders with Serbia and Romania, near the city of Belogradchik. Here is a unique castle of the same name, the largest in Bulgaria and probably the most unusual: its bizarre shape is explained by the fact that man-made structures were inscribed in already existing rock formations.
The oldest national park in Bulgaria is located on Mount Vitosha near Sofia. It was founded in 1934 to preserve the local unique pine forest. Today the park is one of the favorite vacation spots for residents and guests of Sofia - it is called the "lungs of the capital", and also the "roof of Sofia". There are lots of camp sites and holiday homes, there are cable cars and hiking trails.
You can read about other nature protection zones in Bulgaria in the Reserves section.
Other outdoor activities
In addition to hiking in the national parks of Bulgaria, this country has something to offer tourists. For example, they are very popular among guests. horse tours. This trip will be less tiring than a hike, and communication with horses will bring a lot of positive emotions. Horse trails are offered in almost all the mountainous regions of the country - in the Balkan Mountains, in the north of the Stara Planina, etc., and on the coast. For example, the famous riding club works in Albena.
Another popular form of active pastime is bike tours. The mild climate of Bulgaria and comfortable weather make this way of traveling around the country very enjoyable. Tourists go on cycling routes not only in national parks, but also throughout the country to see as many interesting places as possible. You can rent a bicycle in almost any hotel in the resorts of Bulgaria.
Recently, on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is actively developing diving. So, the country's largest diving center is located in Nessebar, at the old pier. Despite the fact that the underwater world off the Bulgarian coast is not as picturesque as, for example, in Egypt or the Maldives, there are a number of interesting places for diving - wrecks (sunken ships) and ancient cities that have long gone under the water.
Wellness tourism
Bulgaria is a well-known destination for health tourism in Europe. There are at least five hundred springs with healing mineral water, on which hospitals and motels are built. All of them are equipped with the latest medical technology, experienced professional specialists work in them.
Moreover, medical tourism is also developed in Bulgaria. Medical centers specializing in the treatment of various diseases and rehabilitation programs are available in almost all sea resorts. A big plus of local clinics is the lack of a language barrier for Russians and affordable prices by European standards.
Event tourism
Throughout the year in Bulgaria passes. Firstly, tourists can find religious holidays, such as Orthodox Christmas or Easter. Secondly, in late May - early June, the country hosts a traditional Rose festivaldedicated to the main folk craft - the cultivation of oil roses.
If you plan to visit Balchik in August, you can get to Maritime festival. Its dates change from year to year, they should be specified on the event website.
Communication
mobile connection
Currently, mobile communication in Bulgaria is represented by three operators:
- A1 (formerly M-Tel)
- Vivacom
- Telenor
Sim cards are sold at the offices of these operators in every Bulgarian city and at all airports. The purchase procedure is simple, but foreigners will need a passport for registration.
Each operator has tariffs with and without a monthly fee. With a monthly fee, minutes of conversation are cheaper, but you will have to sign a contract for at least a year. For short-term trips, tourists are better suited for prepaid tariffs (“prepaid packages”), moreover operators Telenor and Vivacom, since they are much cheaper than A1, the oldest mobile company in Bulgaria. Remember that the validity period of a SIM card is automatically extended by a year from the moment of the last account replenishment.
The cost of outgoing calls to Russia per minute is an average of 0.37 leva to 0.72 leva. Cards are replenished with vouchers of face value 5, 6, 10 and 20 leva.
The coverage of Bulgarian mobile operators is more or less the same. Communication in all major cities and on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria is good and stable.
the Internet
As for the mobile Internet, Bulgaria is completely covered by a minimum 3G connection, and in all cities and resorts there is a stable 4G signal.
Mobile communications, although relatively expensive, are popular with tourists. Basically, these are prepaid tariffs for a certain amount of megabytes for a certain period. For example, Vivacom has an Easy Traffic package for 30 days, which includes 20,000 MB of Internet, it costs 20 leva (about 10 euros).
Wi-Fi networks are in public places of large cities: at stations, in city squares. Hotels of categories 4-5 * provide guests with free Wi-Fi, in hotels of lower stars for Internet connection they may ask for a fee. In addition, you can "catch" Wi-Fi in cafes and restaurants in Bulgaria.
Intercity bus services also include free Wi-Fi hotspots.
The Bulgarian fairy tale says that when God is in a good mood, he paints the world with three colors - yellow, blue and green. Undoubtedly, the country of Bulgaria is one of the masterpieces of the Almighty, here in abundance of all three colors. Blue sea and cloudless sky, endless yellow sandy beaches. And how much greenery in Bulgaria!
Another Bulgarian fairy tale tells that when God distributed natural treasures to people, the Bulgarians came last. They were very busy, because they worked hard, and they already got nothing. (One can add that the Bulgarians are very leisurely by nature.) God praised the Bulgarians for their zeal and gave them a little of everything from paradise.
Beautiful tales that are very similar to the truth. Bulgaria is a true paradise on our Planet!
Bulgaria is located on the Balkan Peninsula and borders in the north with Romania, in the west with Serbia and Macedonia, in the south with Greece and Turkey. But historians say that Bulgaria is the only country in the world that borders itself on all sides. The country lost a lot of its lands as a result of the aggressive wars of its neighbors. This fact only confirms the idea that Bulgaria is a true paradise on Earth, which many have dreamed of taking, as well as the fact that the Bulgarians are peace-loving and vicious.
Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe where such a variety of natural landscapes is found. About 30% of the country's territory is plains, 30% also falls on mountain ranges, and the rest is foothills. The Balkan Mountains (Stara Planina), Rhodope, Rila and Pirin create Bulgaria's reputation as a real mountain power.
Even if there is a completely plain landscape outside the car window, then mountain peaks are sure to be on the horizon. The highest point in Bulgaria is the peak of Musala, the height of the mountain is 2925 meters above sea level.
There are many rivers in Bulgaria, but they are all small and shallow (we do not take into account the spring period, when they can turn into gigantic streams and sweep everything in their path.) Reservoirs are arranged on many rivers. The only navigable river flowing along the northern border of Bulgaria is the Danube. Mountain rivers are surrounded by canyons, some of which are equipped with ecological trails with bridges and stairs for tourists. There are hundreds of waterfalls in Bulgaria, the highest of which falls from a height of 124, 5 meters.
260 lakes of Bulgaria are more beautiful than the other.
Bulgaria is famous for its many diverse summer and winter resorts. Holidays in this hospitable country attract tourists from all over Europe.
In Bulgaria, magnificent sandy beaches, for their cleanliness they are awarded the famous “blue flag” from year to year. The temperature regime favorable to health, the low salinity of the water in the Black Sea, the absence of dangerous representatives of flora and fauna make the Bulgarian coast one of the most attractive places for recreation and permanent residence.
In winter, skiing enthusiasts are invited to the comfortable slopes of the well-equipped resorts.
In modern Bulgaria there are many cities that can compete with the leading resorts in Europe in terms of comfort and service. One of these places is the town and the largest yacht port on the Black Sea, Marina Dinevi.
In the mountainous regions of Bulgaria there are many healing and mineral springs. Currently, 110 different resorts are officially operating in the country. A network of 3 national parks, 10 natural parks and 97 nature reserves has been created. In Bulgaria, 260 lakes and a huge number of small rivers. The air of Bulgaria is impossible to describe, they need to breathe in order to understand how clean and fresh it can be!
Who in the world has not heard about the famous Bulgarian roses? There are few of them. But about the fact that in winter thousands of white swans winter on the coast of Bulgaria, few know! Swans from northern European countries and ... pensioners fly to winter in Bulgaria.
Bulgaria offers lovers of cultural values \u200b\u200bto see a huge number of monuments. Of the 911 cultural monuments and natural phenomena protected by UNESCO, nine are located in Bulgaria.
The largest city in Bulgaria is the capital Sofia, with a population of about 1,400,000. The second largest is Plovdiv, the population is about 350,000. The third place went to the seaside capital Varna, the number of inhabitants of Varna is close to 350,000. The fourth was Burgas with a population of 305,000.
The numbers make Muscovites smile. Not many people live in Bulgaria in general. On a considerable territory in huge reserves more often live deer and bears. In Bulgaria, they try not to build residential buildings above 5 floors - they save on elevators, and there are enough territories for building in this country. That, probably, is Bulgaria good - here the whole power of civilization has not yet reached here. Small quiet cities, and a quiet quiet life in them.
But the most important wealth of the country is the Bulgarians themselves, surprisingly cheerful and hospitable people. The country of Bulgaria is considered one of the poorest in the European Union, but this is fully compensated by the generosity of the Bulgarian soul and low prices for absolutely everything.
Bulgaria surprisingly carefully preserves its rich national traditions. On holidays, the streets and squares sound good and dance everything from young to old! In Bulgaria, at every step and ancient monuments, they harmoniously coexist with modern resorts and hotels. Folk music is played in restaurants, tourists who come to rest enthusiastically learn to dance well and go to the village to watch coal dances.