Everything about Bulgaria for tourists. Tips for tourists in Bulgaria. The best beach resorts in Bulgaria
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Can it be like in Turkey? Is there anything to see there? Do you need a visa? We answer the most popular questions about holidays in Bulgaria.
There are three main reactions of tourists that a travel agent has to deal with when working with a Bulgarian destination:
Full acceptance: “yes, we decided to start with Bulgaria,” “let’s repeat Bulgaria,” “we love Bulgaria, we are planning to vacation there for the 3rd, 5th, 10th time.” Usually, oriented tourists start a conversation with such phrases. Easy, fast and relaxed.
Complete denial: “not Bulgaria.” You should not sell a vacation in a country to which a potential tourist has formed a strong and categorical “no,” negative, or denial. Or you need to spend time breaking the stereotype with ironclad arguments.
Gradual acceptance of the destination as a good alternative: “let's look at Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria.” This is the kind of request that we most often have to work with and gradually lead the tourist to the fact that Bulgaria is an excellent budget alternative to more expensive summer destinations.
And “budget” in this case does not equal “cheap”. This is equivalent to the good level and quality of recreation that you will receive in other countries, only in Bulgaria it will be more accessible.
Bulgaria - alternative:
- Family holidays on ALL (all inclusive) in Turkey, Greece and Egypt. First of all, by the price segment, secondly by the climatic factor (the very hot and humid summer season in Turkey and the very hot, albeit dry season in Egypt are not suitable for everyone), and Greece is traditionally in a different price segment. Bulgaria is ideal for families traveling with a child for the first time. Especially with a baby (infant). Short flight(1 hour 45 minutes), one time zone, dry and comfortable climate of the Black Sea, products that we understand and National cuisine in general, a gorgeous sandy strip of long coastline - all this is ideal for the quick and relatively easy adaptation of children of different ages.
- Prestigious youth holiday. Who doesn’t dream of unreal parties in the clubs of Ibiza or Mykonos, or at least Lloret de Mar? But while dreams are being dreamed, and the soul and body are right now eager to go to a sea party in the techno style or to an “open air-disco-party” or to super-fashionable clubs or to foam parties, then why not - Golden Sands and Sunny Beach are waiting for you at numerous parties where, surprisingly or not, you will encounter a huge number of tourists from different parts of the world who will confirm to you that in Bulgaria a club holiday is just “wow”!
- Health-improving holidays at European resorts, Israeli resorts, and Crimean health resorts. Several balneological resorts with hydrogen sulfide springs and therapeutic mud, the availability of balneo hotels and spa treatments attract fans of this type of recreation to Bulgaria.
TOP 15 QUESTIONS ABOUT VACATION IN BULGARIA
Do you need a visa?
Bulgaria is a visa destination. A national Bulgarian visa is issued in 7-10 working days with a minimum package of documents. The cost of the consular fee is 60 euros for an adult, for children under 12 years old - free. In 2012, Bulgaria allowed entry into the country on Schengen visas, but there is a mandatory condition - the visa must be multiple-entry.
When is the season in Bulgaria?
The summer season in Bulgaria officially lasts from June to October. This is how the flight program of charter flights from Minsk is planned. There is absolutely no need to be afraid of the first dates of June and the last dates of September. Climate change has added a strong + to the temperature. The season is gradually increasing, but prices on these dates drop significantly, as does the flow of tourists. High season begins at the end of June and lasts until the end of August, characterized by increased demand and rising hotel prices.
What airport are we arriving at?
On the coast there are two new and modern airport arrival – Varna ( Northern part coast) and Burgas ( South part coast). The transfer time depends on where you are arriving. Find the Obzor resort on the coast map - this is exactly the middle, all resorts north of Obzor - fly to Varna, all resorts south - to Burgas. What about the Review? – more often and more conveniently to Burgas. Taking into account such an advantage as two airports on the coast, transfers to the main resorts rarely last more than an hour, usually 30-40 minutes.
Is the north coast colder?
The temperature difference is very relative, but at the very beginning and at the end of the season you can pay attention to this; the distance from Varna to Burgas is only 130 km. But the microclimate will be different. North coast- “green and wet” due to forests and national parks, and here South coast– more “steppe and dry”. However, place the main emphasis on choosing a resort that is suitable for you, and not a part of the coast.
Best Family Resorts?
Albena, Sunny Beach, St. Constantine and Helena, Golden Sands, Nessebar, Sozopol – great amount The hotels in these resorts operate on an all-inclusive concept and offer a range of services and infrastructure for this type of vacation. Over the past 10 years, many hoteliers have either moved hotels and adapted concepts or continue to develop in this direction. Most large hotels, chain hotels (for example, RIU, Sol) and gated complexes work exactly like this.
Are there hotels like in Turkey? We want it like in Turkey!
There are three large closed-format resorts: Albena, Elenite and Dunes. The concept of recreation here is virtually all-inclusive in every hotel, and the infrastructure is focused on proper recreation for adults and children at the hotels themselves (complex area, sports grounds, water parks, amphitheaters for shows, disco bars and spa centers).
As for the Dune complex, it is even better than in Turkey. One of the most popular and recommended gated resorts for quality family vacation in the middle and high price segment.
Where to get treatment on the coast?
It is very important to know that there are two types of balneotherapy on the coast, based on medical profile and indications, choose the place that suits you. Resorts with hydrogen sulfide and mineral springs: St. Constantine and Helena, club complex Riviera, resort complex Rusalka and Albena. And here the best resort Pomorie is still considered a place for mud therapy, although you can order mud applications at any of the spa centers on the coast. But there is no other such specialized hotel like anywhere else. Unique hotel with a professional approach to treatment and recovery. Chelsea football players and other sports stars periodically undergo rehabilitation courses here (argument?).
Where are the best parties?
In our club. Everything here is simple and not simple. You will have to be between two fires, or rather between Golden Sands and Sunny Beach. Golden Sands has a higher level of resort positioning and rating in Europe, which means prices will be higher, but the prestige of some places will also be higher. Whole planes of European tourists fly in for a “disco & bar tour” style vacation. There is not a single person in Golden Sands who has not heard about the Arrogance Music Factory club or the PR club, or the Go-Go girls club.
But Sunny Beach is about to catch up with Golden Sands, because there is a whole paradise here, or rather a beach - Cacao beach and the club of the same name, as well as another legendary club - Bedroom Beach. Armin van Buuren lit up the night at the open air sunny beach. And you? Of course, the choice of clubs is now huge (this includes Orange, Mania and many other clubs in the very center of the largest resort on the coast). And the clubs amaze with their sound technology, style and creative parties.
Where to rent an apartment in Bulgaria?
Apartments in Bulgaria? Yes Yes Yes! This is a separate category of accommodation facilities. As a rule, these are new modern complexes of different levels with “apartment-type” rooms for a family holiday or a large group holiday for any period, even long. And here special attention should be paid to the very modern and truly beautiful resort- St. Vlas. The St. Vlas apartments stand out in terms of quality because the resort is more accessible for a free-form holiday (without being tied to all-inclusive meals) than the neighboring Sunny Beach, is beautifully designed and has a huge number of rave reviews in the “here is like in Europe” style.
Where else to look for apartments on the coast? - on Sunny Beach, in Nessebar, in Sozopol, Obzor.
How many resorts are there in Bulgaria?
25 main resorts along the entire Bulgarian coast from north to south. A coastline In Bulgaria, from the border with Romania to the border with Turkey is 354 km. Impressive, isn't it?
Is there anything to see there?
On ancient land"golden apple", i.e. in Bulgaria, there are 11 cultural and natural monuments UNESCO. You could end here, but catch the “must see”: the city of Nessebar, the city of Balchik and the palace of the Romanian Queen in the Botanical Garden, monasteries (Aladzha, Rilsky, St. George, etc.), the city of Sozopol, the first capital of Bulgaria - the ancient city of Veliko Tarnovo, the city of Plovdiv and the modern capital Sofia. If that's not enough, to the south is the border with Turkey, which means you can expect a one or two day trip to Istanbul, and to the north is the border with Romania - and magnificent Bucharest - easily. And don’t forget about the short seasonal “aroma” excursions: the Valley of Roses or lavender fields near Varna. Plus a huge variety of active, entertaining, educational excursions (jeep safari, “Bulgarian village”, wine tasting, fishing).
What is the currency in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian lev (BGN) with a rigid peg to the European currency: 1 euro ~ 1.95 Bulgarian. left Exchange rate stability and national currency exactly what it provides here low level prices within the country. There are ATMs everywhere, and you can pay by card almost everywhere. Exchange offices have been operating officially for a long time; there is no threat of fraud during exchange transactions in official places. Safety in the country is another plus of holidays in Bulgaria.
What to bring from Bulgaria?
Souvenirs: rose oil and cosmetics from the Valley of Roses (can be bought at any resort, in specialized stores or sections in supermarkets); Bulgarian embroidery: tablecloths, clothing items; silver products (we recommend shops and shops in old Nessebar); spices and seasonings - yes, the same Sharena salt or variegated salt, the aroma of which permeates all Bulgarian “mekhanas” - traditional restaurants. And, of course, Bulgarian wines (you can’t return from the country without the legendary “Mavrud”) and rakia. Finally, grab some ceramics - they have very good ones!
What will surprise us?
For example, the cutest national peculiarity Bulgarians mean that when they deny, Bulgarians nod their heads up and down, and when they agree, they nod right and left, i.e. “yes” is “no”, and “no” is “yes”. So watch your hands.
Bulgarian ice cream will surprise, beaches will surprise, prices will surprise, tsa-tsa will surprise - Bulgarian National dish from small sea fish- the Bulgarian lavender will surprise, the golf riviera in Kaliakria will surprise, the Dunes will surprise, the people who were able to create resorts of such a scale with the European mark of quality will surprise.
Much has already been written about this on the Internet, but some of the information is either not relevant or not entirely relevant.Therefore, I will try to write the most important tips for those who are going on vacation to Bulgaria for the first time.
Where to start, you’ve probably already decided where you want to vacation, summer rest at sea, or in the winter in the mountains (you can also have a good rest in the mountains in summer),pilgrimage tourism, balneotourism (SPA procedures), or just drive through picturesque places, villages and towns in Bulgaria.
Visa to Bulgaria. In any case, it is needed. Bulgaria is a country of the European Union, and you should get a visa (read the cost and terms of the visa).
Medical insurance for Bulgaria. For one month, the approximate cost of insurance will be about 2,500 rubles per person. It is best to get insurance from one of the large insurance companies with a good reputation.
Currency. The country is not part of the euro zone (yet), which means you need . It is better to immediately change rubles to levs. The exchange rate of the leva is tied to the euro and is always the same - 1 euro costs 1.95583 leva.
Advice: when changing money in Bulgaria, it is best to do it at exchange offices, and check whether they charge a commission. Banks exchange currency at a lower rate, and by converting a large amount you can significantly lose some of your money.
In addition, I do not recommend changing currency at the airport, because... The rate is always bad and there is a conversion fee. If you need to change, then change a small amount to get to the city, and then you can change it at the exchange offices.
It is best to withdraw money from terminals located inside bank branches!
Flight: It is better to buy air tickets in advance, so there is a chance to buy air tickets at a better price. As a rule, in summer there are many charter flights to Burgas and Varna. You can only fly directly to Sofia regular flights with Bulgaria Air or Aeroflot airlines.
Varna Airport: There is a stop for bus No. 409 next to Terminal 2; it travels through the center of Varna to the Golden Sands resort in 50 minutes. The bus ride to the city center takes 20 minutes (Varna Cathedral). The same bus can also take you to the resort of St. Constantine and Helena. Interval – every 15 minutes from and to terminal 2 of Varna Airport. Who needs comfort there is a taxi.
Burgas Airport: There is a stop at the entrance of the airport; bus No. 15 stops and runs every 25 minutes. You can get there faster by taking a taxi.
Sofia Airport : The most convenient way is to use the metro. Almost without leaving the airport, you find yourself in the Sofia metro.
Line 1 of the capital's metro connects Sofia Airport with the city center and provides direct transport links between the airport and large residential complexes.
From Sofia Airport you can reach the city center in 18 minutes. With one transfer at the Serdika metro station from line 1 to line 2, in less than half an hour you can reach Central bus station Sofia or to Central railway station(they are nearby).Also, at the exit of the airport, taxis wait for their clients in a “live queue”.
Please note that taxi prices can vary greatly, so look carefully at what is written on the price tag, usually a sticker on the glass.
Mobile connection: Also, upon arrival, do not forget to buy a Bulgarian SIM card (each telecom operator has its own offices) with a package for use mobile internet. The most favorable tariffs are offered by Vivacom, SIM cards with prepaid 10GB traffic for 15 leva, and there is no roaming in Europe, and if you need to go to another EU country, you definitely won’t have to overpay.
I think everyone has smartphones with installed programs for Internet calls and correspondence.
Accommodation prices in Bulgaria: prices for rooms in private houses and rooms in hotels are also very different. On average, a hotel room costs from 30 – 45 leva, and for 70 leva you can find very good number in hotels. Anything that costs more usually means better service and includes at least breakfast.
Also, the price can vary greatly depending on the season; in the so-called “high season”, high season, after mid-June, July and August, prices increase by an average of 20 - 30%.
Advice, the earlier you book a room, for example in spring for summer, the more favorable the price will be. In September, prices fall, there are many fewer tourists, the sea is warm, you can swim and sunbathe in silence.
Food prices in Bulgaria: Prices different, but in a regular restaurant, lunch for one person will cost on average about 20 - 30 leva, for this money you can order soup, main course, salad, bread, dessert, drink juice or take a glass of white (red) wine, or beer , a matter of taste. By the way, Bulgarian beer is very tasty, since the water in Bulgaria is suitable for brewing this drink.
The portions are an order of magnitude larger than in Russia. Therefore, if you order fried potatoes, one serving is enough for two. Salads and omelettes are also huge and they contain Bulgarian cheese. Remember that Bulgarians are very fond of feta cheese (sirene), they put it everywhere they can, so if you don’t really like the taste of feta cheese, it is better to check with the waiter in advance.
Transport in Bulgaria.
Taxi: the services are quite expensive, since the price of gasoline is much higher than in Russia (about 1 euro per liter (2 leva). The price for 1 km during the day is 1 leva, and at night it is more expensive than 1.18 leva. If you take from Varna airport to Zolotye Sands is about 25 km, the cost will be from 40 leva. Therefore, when you plan your budget, you must take into account the costs of transport.
Urban transport : the fare costs 1 lev, the price is the same in all major cities in Bulgaria. In Sofia it costs 1.60 levs. Travel tickets can be purchased directly on the buses.
Car rental: If you are planning to travel around the whole country, or want to visit different places in Bulgaria, or just take a ride along the Black Sea coast, swim and sunbathe at different beaches and resorts, then it is best to rent a car.
It is better to order a car in advance from large companies. They have a large fleet of vehicles, so the choice of cars will be large. The paperwork takes minimal time, and you will receive your car immediately in the airport parking lot. You can return the car to another location; this will be discussed additionally.
Rental prices start from 50 levs per day, there is an initial payment of 200 Euros, the amount is blocked on the card, and when the car is returned, the money on the card will be available again. Some companies also take cash.
Choose a car with economical fuel consumption (an engine with an average fuel consumption of 4 liters per 100 km).
Bulgarian language: The language barrier, you won’t feel it much, because... Many Bulgarians understand Russian, but not all speak Russian. Still, it would be a good idea for you to learn the most frequently used Bulgarian phrases and words in advance. This will help you make contact and get help from Bulgarians more easily.
Good mood: take it with you. You’ve probably already heard that Bulgarians shake their heads the other way around when they say “yes” and “no” (not as is customary with other people in the world), but you definitely won’t be able to confuse the answer “yes” with “no”. But, the phrase “to the right” in Bulgarian means “straight”, this is something you should definitely pay attention to, especially when they are explaining to you how to get somewhere.
the site wishes you have a great holiday In Bulgaria.
When to go
Beach season begins in the country at the end of May and lasts until the end of September. The high season at seaside resorts is July-August.
From the end of December to the end of March it is worth going to Bulgaria ski tours. Moreover, the infrastructure of such resorts is now actively developing and in terms of service is already close to European standards. But the prices are still much cheaper. In Bulgaria you can not only relax, but also receive medical treatment. And at any time of the year. More than 550 places with 1,600 mineral springs, dominated by weakly mineralized ones, have been explored here. mineral water. Now there are officially 102 operating there balneological resort, of which 34 are of national importance.
From mid-May to mid-July it is worth visiting the Valley of Roses - at this time it blooms with all its colors. April and May, like September and October - best time for the excursion program. First of all - to the monasteries of Bulgaria.
Need to know
Customs
. The import and export of foreign currency is not limited. The national one is prohibited. You can import 200 cigarettes, or 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco duty free; 1 liter of alcoholic beverages or 2 liters of wine; 50 ml. perfume or 250 ml. eau de toilette.
Visa
. The country's visa policy towards Russians is soft, and the refusal rate is negligible. The cost of a visa is 30 dollars. ABOUT necessary documents ask the managers of "1001 tour".
Visas for children under 16 years of age are issued free of charge. And children under 18 years of age do not need a notarized permission from the second parent to obtain a visa and traveling with one parent.
Currency
. The local currency is called Lev. Be careful when exchanging money - exchange office can offer a good rate with a commission of 1% of the amount, as the inscription in this “exchanger” will say. However, a nearby inscription (usually small and illegible) may indicate that at this rate money can be changed starting only from a certain amount (usually quite large), and smaller amounts are changed at a different rate with a charge of 15% - 20% of the amount exchange.
It is best to use exchange offices with the inscription “no commission”, but even then it is worth clarifying which transaction is carried out without a commission: selling or buying currency. The easiest way is to ask the cashier in advance how much in local currency you will receive upon exchange.
IN major cities Bulgaria and developed tourist centers Russian rubles are accepted for exchange. At a very reasonable rate. So if you are going to a famous resort, you can take rubles with you. Unspent leva can be exchanged when leaving the country: only for this you need a certificate of the initial exchange from the exchange office. So don't throw away your receipts.
Foreign tourists have the right to a VAT refund (20%) according to the system tax free upon purchase of at least 1000 leva in one store. Refunds are made at a special point at the airport when leaving the country.
Necessary telephone numbers. Russian Embassy in Sofia - 2-963-1663, in Varna - 52-60-27-21. Ambulance - 150, fire service - 160, police - 166, road assistance - 146, inquiry Office - 144.
Transport
Most comfortable view to travel around the country - railway. For 10 dollars you can buy a ticket from one end of Bulgaria to the other.
For train trips, for example from Sofia to resort places It is better to book tickets in advance. Otherwise, if you buy on the very last day, you may be left without a ticket. The cost of a single ticket in cities for one day is approximately 0.35 leva, for five days - 5.5 leva. Between seaside resorts well established bus service. In addition, it is inexpensive: a bus from to, for example, costs about 3 levs.
Taxi in Bulgarian resorts the cost is slightly more expensive than a bus ticket. If you have to make a short trip, feel free to use it - compared to Moscow, the prices are purely symbolic. For example, the road from to will cost a dollar or two.
If you rented a car in Bulgaria and drove it deep into the country, then be careful - there are often livestock on the highway, and there are a lot of horse-drawn vehicles. Also, road works are often not protected by signs.
Nuances
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