Bulgaria travel guide

 

Bulgaria

 

Meet BulgariaBulgaria weather reportGetting into BulgariaFrom the Bulgarian kitchen From the Bulgarian barCurrency in Bulgaria Major airports in BulgariaExamples of food and drink spendThings to have at hand in BulgariaDid you know?

  

Meet Bulgaria

 

Bulgaria is located in the Balkans on the West side of the Black sea.  Neighbouring countries include Romania, Serbia, Greece, and Turkey.  Its location means that many key trade routes between Europe and the Middle East pass by it.  The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, and remains a place of cultural interest.  There are over 250 historical landmarks, and many recreational sites.  Perhaps unexpectedly for a Balkan country, Bulgaria also has a beach resort at Varna.  It has notorious night life, and draws many visitors from the west.  The country even has a “little Vienna” in Rousse.  Stunning architecture is the scene for some of the country's best culture, and the economic and financial hub of Bulgaria.

 

Bulgarian heroes were born out of the country's early history of war, symbolising literature, revolution, and freedom.  Bulgaria was unfortunately occupied in both World Wars, and fell under Soviet rule following this.  Today, it is a reformed country, and a part of the EU.  Before Bulgaria's 20th Century independence, the country was a popular holiday destination for people within the communist area, and since then, there has been an influx of Western travellers.   

 

The “100 tourist destinations of Bulgaria” is a national movement set up to promote the sights of the country.  These range from places of history to monuments and architectural sanctuaries, museums, national parks, mountain peaks, and many more attractions that showcase the diversity of this country. Visitors are encouraged to collect stamps from each landmark, which can win them prizes.  In itself, this makes a fantastic souvenir of the trip.

 

Each season brings a different reason to visit Bulgaria.  January is excellent for skiing, while August brings warm and pleasant beach life.  Late spring is ideal for the explorer, as the weather is mild but airfare is low.

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Bulgaria weather report  

 

Bulgaria has a typically temperate climate with cold, damp winters (higher regions see snow) and hot, dry summers.  Rainfall usually comes in mid-spring.  The southern regions feel the influence of the Mediterranean, and this is where the weather is most pleasant.  

 

For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool. 

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Getting into Bulgaria

  

Bulgaria is a part of the Schengen agreement.  Only an official ID card is required for entry by EU or EEA citizens.  Visas will not be required.  Most other citizens will require passports for entry, although a visa may not be required for nationals of a Commonwealth country (please check). 

 

As with mainland Europe, there are no border controls between Bulgaria and countries under the Schengen Agreement, although be prepared to undergo the usual security checks, especially if the airport being used is served by non-EU/EEA flights. 

 

Be aware that not all EU members are Schengen members, and vice versa.  Some airlines will also insist on seeing a passport regardless of the agreement.  Visitors from outside the EU will be required to complete a landing card, and proof of return.

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From the Bulgarian kitchen

 

Bulgarian cuisine represents a piece of South Eastern Europe, with influences from Greek and Turkey, and excellent conditions for growing produce.  Salads, dairy products, and wines come of a very high standard.  A few choice dishes are listed below:

  • Tarator – a cold soup made with cucumber and yoghurt

  • Bob chorba – a warm, hearty bean soup

  • Shopska salad - tomato, cucumber, onion, roasted pepper and sirene.  This salad is a common accompaniment to most meals.

  • Gyuvetch sarmi – similar to dolmades, these are vine or cabbage leaf rolls

  • Drob sarma – lamb liver and lung, served with rice

  • Kavarma – minced meat with tomatoes

  • Mish mash – fried peppers, onions, and eggs.

The two native cheeses of Bulgaria are Kashkaval and Sirene, which is similar ot feta cheese.  There is also a particular yoghurt available which contains a bacteria only found in Bulgaria.  

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From the Bulgarian bar

 

As previously mentioned, the warm climate provides various excellent wines at reasonable prices.  Some local varieties include Mavrud, Pamid, Gamza (dry red), Kadarka (sweet red) and Keratsuda (dry white). Beers are also very popular, with common varieties including Kamenitza, Ariana and Zagorka. 

  • Rakia is a national spirit, and is often served as an aperitif.  It is a clear brandy made from grape, plum, or apricot.  Some villagers even distill their own, although these will be much stronger.  Mastika is another big drink here – similar to Ouzo and Raki, it is mixed with water and ice.  Menta (a mint liqueur) is also added sometimes.

  • The Aryan yoghurt drink is also very popular here

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Currency in Bulgaria

   

The currency in Bulgaria is the Lev (BGN; symbol лв) Notes are in denominations of лв100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of лв1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 stotinki.  The Lev is tied to the pounds at a rate of £1 = лв 2.377

 

Currency exchange at banks and large hotels are advised, where the rates are clearly displayed.  It is illegal for commission to be charged at official offices.

 

Cards are accepted in large cities and hotels, and some restaurants and shops in Sofia.  ATMs are widespread, though not all will accept cash.  The same goes for travellers cheques.

 

For the latest info on your rates, please use the Pampo exchange rates calculator. 

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Major airports in Bulgaria

  • Sofia Airport (SOF)

  • Burgas Airport (BOJ)

  • Gorna Oryahovitsa Airport (GOZ)

  • Plodiv Airport (PDV)

  • Ruse Airport (ROU)

  • Stara Zagora Airport (SZR)

  • Varna Airport (VAR)

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Examples of food and drink spend

  • Beer – £0.50

  • Wine – £3.00

  • Meal in a good restaurant – £6.00

  • Breakfast – £2.00

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Things to have at hand in Bulgaria

  • Sunglasses/ski jacket

  • Travel guide

  • Walking shoes

  • Camera

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Did you know?

  • Elias Canetti, the 1981 Nobel Laureate in Literature was born in Bulgaria

  • Bulgaria was the first state to adopt the Cyrillic alphabet and it spread to Russia from there

  • The inventor of the computer, John Atanasov was Bulgarian

  • Bulgarian waters contain eels that have migrated from Florida

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