Bulgaria – Overview
Bulgaria is a country located in south-eastern Europe. The country borders the Black Sea, in the middle of Turkey and Romania. It has approximately 6.9 million inhabitants, 1.6 million of which live in the capital city of Sofia. In the past few years, Bulgaria has been considered as a country with the slowest growth in terms of population. Its population, according to a census done in 2011, is said to be composed mainly of ethnic Bulgarians, which is about 76.9% of the total population. The remaining percents are Turks and Romans. The country also houses Jews, Armenians, and Russians and residents that do not declare their ethnic roots.
A large per cent of Bulgaria’s population is associated with the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. The remaining per cent belongs to religions like Islam, Protestantism, and Roman Catholicism. Islam is said to have come to Bulgaria during the 14th century. Meanwhile, during the 16th century, Roman missionaries came to Bulgaria and introduced Roman Catholicism to people. On the other hand, American missionaries were the ones who introduced Protestantism to Bulgarians. It started in 1857 and continued to grow up to the 19th and 20th centuries.
However, in 2019, a poll conducted by an organization showed the different insights and beliefs of Bulgarian residents. According to the survey conducted, 50% believes in God, another 30% believes that there is a spirit or a kind of life force in the environment, 13% does not believe in God, and 6% thinks that there is no God, life force, or spirit.
Bulgaria is observed to have a moderate climate in its four seasons. It has hot and dry summers with an average temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. Winters are cold with snow and with an average temperature of 0 degrees Celsius. However, the average temperature throughout the year is recorded at 10.5 degrees Celsius.
The rich history of Bulgaria
Ancient Times
The history of Bulgaria dates back to the founding of Thrace and Moesia during the 6th century A.D., inhabited by Slavic tribes. Bulgar tribes dominated the area and settled permanently. Came the 9th century, Bulgars and Slavs merged although culture and language are predominantly Slavic. Khan Asparuhk first established the Bulgarian empire whom he reigned from 680-701, followed by Terrel in 701-718; Khan Krum in 803-814 who defeated Emperor Nicephorus I.
Bulgaria then became battling ground for rivals Rome and Constantinople in terms of culture and politics during the Ninth (9th) Century. Christianity was adopted by Boris I in 1865 and after 5 years Bulgarian church has been identified as independent. Saints Methodius and Cyril developed a Slavic literary language that was later taught to Bulgarians. Simeon I acquired the title of the czar, eventually during his time Bulgaria reached its height. In 1018, the country was taken over by Emperor Basil II. After this, the second Bulgarian empire ascended in 1186; Ivan I, crowned as czar, has taken control of the country. After his reign, his son Kaloyan was crowned in 1204 defeating Constantinople’s Emperor Baldwin I. In 1218, Ivan II attained the height of Bulgaria’s power extending his rule nearly the entire Balkan Peninsula excluding Greece.
The Turks
Under the Turks era, Serbia has conquered Macedonian Bulgaria. The Ottoman Empire captivated Bulgaria after the battles of Kosovo and Nikopol together with this is the proliferation of rebellions all over the country. Bulgarian nationalism grew even more even though Midhat Pasha’s Administration made Bulgaria a model region. More and more people continue to use Bulgarian and evident with the works of a monk in 1762 and is registered as the first contemporary literary work.
In 1835 schools started to open while in 1870 churches are reinstituted.
Reaching Independence
Bulgaria finally won against the Turks in the Balkan Wars. However, a huge part of Macedonia and S Dobruja was lost in the Treaty of Bucharest. This had been an issue contributing to Bulgaria’s participation in World War I which a lot of local people opposed. The military collapsed and Bulgaria was compelled to pay damages losing its passage to the Aegean Sea to Greece and few territories to Yugoslavia.
What took over is Stambuliski’s Agrarian party until 1923 when they were deposed from a bloody coup. As a result, political confusion become eminent with the domination of Macedonian terrorist groups and had been further aggravated by the economic crisis in 1929. Five years after, with the help of the army, Kimon Georgiev has ended constitutional government. He was later overthrown by Boris III in 1935 and started his dictatorship.
Bulgaria became an alliance with Germany during World War II and has seen this as an advantage to gratify its territorial claims. This somehow became worthwhile after restoring S Dobruja from Romania to Bulgaria as well as occupying parts of Greece and Yugoslavia. It declared war on the US and Great Britain excluding the Soviet Union as most of them are pro-Russian. After this, Soviet Union declared war on Bulgaria and Georgiev’s political forces detained power immediately. Bulgaria then declared war against Germany followed by a ceasefire with the USSR.
Bulgaria after the War
Communism has taken over Bulgaria, abolishing the monarchy and establishing a republic in 1946 led by Premier Georgi Dimitrov. This led to a peace treaty with the Allies in 1947 allowing S Dobruja still their territory but not Macedonia; get rid of his possible rivals like Nikola Petrov; and the formulation of a new constitution making Bulgaria a one-party state.
The government slackens off from its hold as the Stalinists fell from its control. It was followed by a coup by party officials and the army in 1965 which had become unsuccessful.
Two decades after Bulgaria favoured democracy again becoming a multi-party state with the parliamentary republic; equal rights for Ethnic Turks and Bulgarians; and restoration of properties and rights of an old party in Bulgaria. It is then followed by parliamentary elections in June 1990; Adoption of the democratic Constitution and local elections in 1991.
Bulgaria: A Rich Culture
Bulgaria’s history and rich heritage are said to have been influenced by ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, Slavs, and Thracians. It houses a number of historical museums and establishments that reflect the country’s known and treasured arts, literature, and music. Boyana Church is among the famous churches in Bulgaria. This church is an example of medieval art in the country built in the early 10th century. This site is tagged as a world heritage by UNESCO because of its cultural value. It is situated in the suburbs of the city capital, Sofia. Pirin National Park, on the other hand, is a famous park in Bulgaria that features century-old trees, lakes, fragrant fields, and rivers that serve as home to animals like bears, goats, wild cats, wolves, and others. It is also considered as one of the world heritage sites.
UNESCO tagged other world heritage sites in this country. These include Nesebar, an ancient city where European culture is said to have interacted; Srebarna Nature Reserve; medieval Bulgarian monuments, Rila Monastery and Rock-hewn Churches of Ivanovo; Madara Rider; and two tombs established by the Thracians located in Kazanlak and Sveshtari.
Bulgaria is situated in the southeastern part of Europe, and because of this geographical location, Bulgarian cuisine is composed of the best specialities in Greece and Turkey. Among the famous Bulgarian cuisine include tarator, which is a soup of cucumber, yogurt, and walnuts, and Shopska salad, which is composed of tomatoes, cucumbers, parsley, and peppers and is topped with sheep’s cheese. Their menus also include kavarma, kebapcheta, and shish kebab. The world-famous yogurt also originated from Bulgaria.
The country’s literature is said to have begun during the 9th century AD. However, Bulgaria’s literary pieces were only composed of gospels, sermons, and stories of saints. When Turkish and Greeks dominated the country, its literature ceased to spread. During the 19th century, Bulgarian literature started to emerge again. This time, Bulgarian grammar and other educational works, along with printing and educational establishments, dominated the scene. Various poets and writers started to emerge during this period. Among them are Aleko Konstantinov and Stoyan Mikhaylovski. However, the most popular writer who was able to do English translations of his works was Ivan Vazov.
Meanwhile, folk music is widely recognized in Bulgaria. It plays an important role in special occasions and celebrations like weddings, Christmas, New Year, and other feasts celebrated in the country. Singing has long been a tradition among its people. The famous sedenka is a kind of party in Bulgaria where men and women searching for partners usually flock. The main attractions of this party are women who sing different kinds of songs.
There are also Bulgarian musicians who became famous all over the world. The Bulgarian State Television Female Vocal Choir is a group founded by Philip Koutev. This group became famous after releasing Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares. Other musicians include the group called Trio Bulgarka, composed of Eva Georgiva, Stoyanka Boneva, and Yanka Roupkina.
Bulgaria has also marked its name in the world of athletics. The famous athletes who brought honour to the country include Maria Gigova and Maria Petrova for their achievements in gymnastics; Albena Denkova and Maxim Staviski for winning the ISU world figure skating competition in 2006 and 2007; the Maleeva sisters for getting their own places in the top ten best tennis players in the world.
A Tour to the City of Sofia
Sofia is a paradise of rich culture, history and nature’s best self creations.
The biggest city in Bulgaria and also its capital is located in the western part of the country just at the northern foot of Vitosha Mountain. Populated with over half and a million people, it is considered a hub for functions relating to economy, culture, education and administration.
It occupies a huge territory of 1,186 square kilometres on a 550-meter average altitude. Three channels of the mountain direct to the city connecting Central Europe and the Adriatic Sea with the Aegean and the Black Sea. A number of rivers can be found in the area including the Perlovska, Vladaiska and the Iskar River as well as artificial dam lakes even famous for thermal and mineral springs. Sofia is bounded by Serbia, the Republic of Macedonia and Greece.
Sofia’s history can be outlined 7000 years ago where excavated ancient settlements became eminent of early inhabitants located at present near the districts of Obelia and Slatina as well as near the royal palace. Seventh (7th) century town walls are remains of Thracians city which is built next to the mineral spring. Sofia during the Balkans time has held a significant part in the community since then.
Sofia Existed in history through several names: Serdica or Sardica (Σερδική, Σαρδική) during the 29 C campaign of Marcus Licinius Crassus and had been popular to Ancient, Byzantine and Latin sources; Medieval Greek sources used Triaditsa (Τριάδιτζα); adaptation of Serdica, Sredets (СРѢДЄЦЪ), used in the 11th century Vision of Daniel. It was in the 14th century Charter of Bulgarian Ivan Shishman was the name Sofia first used.
Climate
The city’s climate is characterized by high-temperature amplitudes generally because of the humid continental climate. The temperature in Sofia is cooler than in other parts of the country with its coldest in January and hottest in August. The average temperature is 10.5°C which was a little higher compared to the city’s temperature before 1936.
Museums and Churches
Notable in Sofia are museums including the Bulgarian Natural History Museum, National Historical Museum, the National Polytechnical Museum, the Museum of Earth and Men, the National Archaeological Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Bulgarian National Gallery for Foreign Art, the Bulgarian National Gallery of Arts and the Sofia City Art Gallery.
The Largo is today’s exemplary model of Socialist Classicism architecture. It was built in 1950 and consists of the Party House (which is now home to the National Assembly of Bulgaria) and two other structures – one houses the President’s Office, the Ministry of Education and the Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan while the other holds the Council of Ministers of Bulgaria and the TZUM department store.
Church attractions include the 6th century Church of St. Sophia; the 4th century Church of St. George; the 20th century Alexander Nevsky Cathedral; the medieval-restored Church of St. Nedelya; 14th century Church of St. Petka, beautifully designed with fine frescoes; and the 1914 Russian church or the Church of St Nicholas.
Transportation
Sofia is a centre for automobile roads and international railways. Trans-European Transport Corridors 4, 8 and 10 passes through the city. The city is also home to eight major railway stations, including the Central Railway Station, as it’s the biggest. You can also find several bus stations travelling on domestic and international trips. Sofia Airport is located within the city which in 2019 had a record of 7.1 million passengers.
Sofia boasts its relatively lower fare than other European cities, making a big part of the populace afford the local taxi fare.
Bulgaria’s Natural Beauty
Bulgaria stands out with huge biological and natural diversity; each is a masterpiece and brilliant of its own.
You will find numerous interesting destinations within the 111,000 square kilometres and rectangular-shaped territory of Bulgaria, significantly concentrated nature destinations just within short travelling distances.
Flora and Fauna
Every corner is a haven of diverse unique flora and fauna that has been preserved in their natural nooks. Over 12,000 species of Bulgarian Flora have been on its composition, almost 4000 of which belong to higher plants. Endangered species include Balkan violet, Rhodopean tulip, Rila primrose and Bulgarian blackberry. Forests wild fruits include raspberries, strawberries, mushrooms, blueberries and briars.
Fourteen per cent (14%) of Europe’s animal species came from Bulgaria. Thirteen thousand (13,000) species including rare mammals thrived into the hunting grounds and reserves – deer, wild goats, quails, pelicans, stag and pheasants. There were more than two thousand natural landmarks and territories and 16 wonderful reserves ideal for hobby and scientific tourism as well as photo-hunting.
The Sea
Along the Bulgarian coastline are beaches magnificently covered with golden sand. A number of them have been recipients of the EU Blue flag for environmental excellence.
The Black Sea as the Greeks calls it refers to a calm, soothing yet tempting sea. The bottom of the sea slopes quietly, perfect for swimming even for the little ones.
Water temperature ranges from 17°C to 25°C during summer. Expect over 300 hours of sunshine in the months of July and August while about 240 hours in May and September. Be fascinated with the Bulgarian Black Sea coast with its fishing towns and campsites, orchards and vineyards, rugged shores and even romantic peninsulas.
The Lakes
There are 280 glacial lakes in Bulgaria that are mostly situated at 2,200-2,400m altitude in the mountain zones of Pirin and Rila. Ledenika Lake, the highest lake surpasses this and can be found at an altitude of 2,715 meters.
Around October, ice covers up to two-meter thick of the lake during and by summer obtain water from the melting snow of mountain peaks directly flowing into wild streams until the big rivers of Bulgaria like Mesta, Maritsa and Iskur.
Smolyan lakes make one of the best-known groups of lakes in the Western Rhodopes area. The Orlova Skali or the Eagle’s Rocks ascends in the area while the seven lakes are to be found amphitheatrically located in the vicinity.
The Rivers
The Danube is the only navigable river of the 526 that exist in the country – the rivers starting from the mountains down to the Black Sea and the Aegean. Travellers have lots of options for adventures like wild water rafting, paragliding, diving, canoeing in the valleys of Mesta, Chepelarska, Vacha, Struma and Iskar.
Beach Hopping in Bulgaria
Bulgaria stands out with its prominent sandy beaches perfect for adventure, family outings, even just for a stroll and sunbathing for sand and sea lovers; experience facilities such as sun-beds, parachuting above the sea, diving, bungee jumping, surfing, trampolines, parasols, kiteboarding and even food trip to some of the best barbeque restaurants in the area.
Let’s look at the Bulgarian Black Sea’s best beaches.
Eight kilometres long and 50-meter wide beach strip is the Cacao Beach in Sunny Beach which has been awarded the Blue Flag prize.
Enjoy fine sand and natural sand dunes matched with calm and clean water. Sunny Beach has 2 campsites, 100 hotels and over 130 catering services ranging from bars with floor shows, restaurants, café with discos, casinos, and nightclubs. It also has cultural programs to offer like folklore and symphony concerts, the Miss Sunny Beach contest and the Golden Orpheus International Festival of Bulgarian Pop Songs. You can also find an arts and crafts bazaar, a market with some of the finest farm produce, and even a shopping centre.
Popular for its fine magnificent sand and long beach coast is the Golden Sands Resort. And together with its hot mineral spring, it is then called “The pearl of the Bulgarian Black Seaside”. Notable with Golden Sands is trees, bushes and lush vegetation giving visitors the feel of a real park. It has been a venue to several events like Miss and Mister “Golden Sands’ Competition, Strongest Man Competition, International Festival for Standard and Sport Dances, Old-fashioned Auto Rally, and Satellite Tennis Tournament.
If you are looking for a perfect family getaway, Albena is a good choice – located just 30 kilometres from the Varna International Airport. The climate within the area is temperate; summer temperature is usually at 25°C or even 29 to 30 °C. Albena is home to several fests including Pop-rock festival, Golden Antenna Festival of Musical and Entertainment TV Programs, Coast of Hope Festival and the International Children’s Fest.
Located 7 kilometres off Sozopol is the Dyuni Holiday Village, characteristically forested and hilly yet the water is calm and safe. You can find 3 and 4-star villas with Bulgarian architecture which include Marina, Zelenika and Pelican. The place is great for sporty people and families on vacation with children. Migratory birds are visible in the area as Dyuni is amidst the natural reserve.
Home to over 80 summer camps and holidays homes is Primorsko Beach located about 52 kilometres from Bourgas between Diavolski and Stomoplo bays. It has the longest sea coast of all the Bulgarian Black Sea beaches of about 10 kilometres long. It is famous for the younger generation of Bulgarians because of several options for hostels, campgrounds, student dorms and rest homes. The climate in the area is highly Mediterranean; the peak season comes from May to October. It is also awarded a Blue Flag by the foundation of the Environmental Education in Europe in 1998. Primorsko is also home to the River Ropotamo, one of Bulgaria’s biggest natural reserves renowned for its rare collection of plants and birds.
Bulgaria: Exotic Cuisines
Bulgaria is home to countless restaurants that would complete any visiting tourist’s remarkable stay in this country lodged on a chain of wooded mountains. Bulgaria features a wide variety of cuisine that is guaranteed to lure international tourists who want to explore such exotic dishes as sarmi, bozha, banitza, shopska salata, and kebabacheta, all uniquely offered in Bulgaria and nowhere else.
Tea House
Quietly resting on Mount Vitosha, this restaurant provides quality service and excellent cuisine, coupled with an excellent list of Bulgarian wines. This is an ideal place to dine and wine away from the hustle and bustle of Bulgaria’s urbanized cities.
Windmill Restaurant
Situated in Mount Vitosha just outside Sofia city, this restaurant has a traditional theme with foods served in wooden and clay tableware, waiters dressed in medieval outfits, and folk music played and performed while sampling their meals. It is notable for the hot coal walking exhibitions presented to the restaurant guests, which would especially appeal to those who want a unique dining experience with a twist.
Chevermeto
Conveniently located in Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, Chevermeto is another great restaurant with a Bulgarian folk style theme. Prominent among its patrons include its meat dishes and the delectable Bulgarian shopska salads. Also featured in this restaurant are live folklore performances and some dancing that sometimes asks for participation from the restaurant guests. This restaurant is highly recommended for tourists who are open to experience Bulgarian cuisine and culture on a personal level.
Panorama
This is a fabulous restaurant that is located on the top floor of the Grand Sofia Hotel. It provides classy service, scenic view of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a high-quality kitchen and excellent cuisine. This is an ideal place for a luxurious dining experience in the heart of Sofia city.
Pub Shweik
This is a fun pub in Sofia, Bulgaria, which features hearty Bulgarian cuisine. It also serves beer and offers a hit list of inexpensive drinks. This pub is well appreciated for the excellent service coming from its accommodating staff.
Dream House
This restaurant, located on Vitosha Boulevard in Sofia, features a diverse mix of vegan-friendly, Mediterranean, Asian, and Bulgarian cuisines. It also serves beer, wine, rice milk, soy, and tea. Its spacious dining area provides a scenic view of the street. This restaurant accepts credit cards as forms of payment and is open daily from 11:00 to 22:00 with Sunday buffets served between 12:00 to 19:00.
and many more.
Staying in Bulgaria
Mainly because of its quality resorts and reasonable pricing that is relatively cheaper than in other countries in Western Europe, Bulgaria is slowly establishing itself as an attractive hub for tourists from the world over. Most of the tourists that frequent the country come from its neighbouring European countries such as the UK, Romania, Scandinavia, Russia, Netherlands and Germany. The ski-resorts are particularly targeted by Irish and British tourists. Despite such increased popularity among foreign tourists, Bulgaria remains relatively unexplored, which is a lure to an even wider range of curious tourists wanting to experience a one-of-a-kind adventure.
In catering to this increased demand in the tourism aspect of the country, various hotels have mushroomed in different parts of the country. A diverse range of hotels are now scattered in its central cities which are conveniently located to provide tourists with easy access to the main attractions in Bulgaria which range from its tranquil beaches and calm seas, mountains and hilly plains, still lakes and flowing rivers, as well as thick forests with plenty of wildlife. Some of the great hotels in Bulgaria featured in this article have distinct offerings that cater to the varying needs and budgets of tourists. For a great selection of places to stay with discount prices visit Bulgaria Hotels for more information.
Grand Hotel Sofia
This hotel is conveniently lodged in the heart of Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia. This brand new hotel is in close proximity to the major commercial, financial and administrative sites in Sofia. It is also situated a few steps from the City Art Gallery, the National Theatre and from the shopping areas along Vitosha Boulevard. The main facilities of the hotel include an E-space equipped with high-speed internet, an executive lounge, staff who can speak various languages, and various dining and hang-out areas such as the Grand Hotel Café, Cigar Bar, Lobby Bar, Piano Bar called “Dream Notes,” Triadiza restaurant, Shades of Red restaurant and several other facilities and services. The Grand Hotel Sofia features 109 spacious rooms, each uniquely designed and measuring over 50 square meters, making it worthy of a five-star rating and recognition.
Hill Hotel
Situated on the highest hill in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Hill Hotel has a wonderful view of both Vitosha Mountain and the centre of Sofia. This hotel is conveniently located near the Sofia International Airport and is close to the Central Railway Station. It features 48 well-equipped, modern rooms categorized into 14 single rooms and 34 double rooms, with additional provision for non-smoking rooms.
Orbita Hotel
Situated in the central part of Varna, Bulgaria, Orbita Hotel is in close proximity to the Sea Garden, the beach, the popular Captain Cook fish restaurant and the Happy Bar & Grill fast food restaurant. This hotel offers fully-furnished rooms; services such as classical massage, anti-cellulite massage, and reflexology; and facilities such as non-smoking rooms, elevators, restaurants, and a barber/beauty salon.
Hotel Interhotel Bulgaria
Conveniently located in the centre of Burgas, Bulgaria, this hotel is within easy reach of both the airport and outline port. Hotel Interhotel Bulgaria offers such facilities as a restaurant, mezzanine bar, pastry and coffee shop, a beauty salon, rent-a-car services as well as modern conference halls that can accommodate 40 to about 120 or 150 seats. Payment forms accepted in this hotel include Visa and Mastercard.
Easy Access for Tourists
Conveniently situated in the southeastern part of Europe, Bulgaria occupies the whole eastern portion of the Balkan chain of wooded mountains. Bordering the Republic of Bulgaria is Greece on the south, Turkey’s European area on the southeast, the Black Sea on the east, Romania on the north, and the republics of Macedonia and Yugoslavia on the west. Such strategic geographical location and mapping make Bulgaria easily accessible to tourists and travellers who want to check out this country of mountains and hilly plains.
Bulgaria has functioned since olden times as a major intersecting point between Asia, Africa and Europe. It is easy for Europeans to go on a cross-country tour in Bulgaria as five out of the ten Trans-European transport passageways run across the Bulgarian territory. Just like most European countries and other regions in the west, Bulgaria can be reached by tourists through the various means of transport that suit their purposes and needs in terms of reference points, time or budget.
By Air
Air transportation in Bulgaria has developed fairly tremendously Bulgaria. The republic has five official airports that cater to international airlines and visitors, namely the airports of Sofia, Varna, Gorna Oryahovitsa, Burgas, and Plovdiv. The Sofia Airport, also commonly known as Vrazhdebna after the village located north of the city, is the chief airport in Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia. Sofia Airport has 2 Terminals, before the global covid-19 Pandemic the Airport had a record of 7.1 million passengers in 2019. Over 30 airlines operating direct passenger flights to 70 destinations in Europe and in the Middle East from and to Sofia.
By Train
Since most of the major European railway routes run through Bulgaria, add to that the international trains connecting Sofia, Bulgaria to most of the European city capitals and other settlements, access to this republic is simple and easy.
By Car
Another mode of transport that provides tourists easy access to the republic of Bulgaria is through road vehicles. Not only is the republic accessible through its many state line checkpoints but it also permits foreign driving licenses within the Bulgarian territory, as long as foreign drivers follow the speed limit implemented within the country.
Touring Bulgaria
The Republic of Bulgaria is a promising tourist destination in the European region. In fact, Bulgaria has recorded a significant income growth resulting from international tourism in just over 10 years. Accordingly, the republic graciously responded to Bulgaria’s potentialities as a fascinating destination among foreign tourists. As a result, the country has ventured into various motorways, some of which are now in the planning stage, some are already under construction, while others have already been partially built or are awaiting finalization of their assigned routes.
Indeed, the many cities and smaller towns in the Republic of Bulgaria have well-ordered public transportation systems that guarantee smooth and easy sightseeing tours to visitors and travellers from around the world. The country’s well-organized transport system includes the use of buses which are available throughout the country, trolleys which are available in around 20 cities, and trams which are mainly found in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital city.
By Air
Bulgaria has a national airline Bulgaria Air which operates domestic flights from Sofia to the Bulgarian coast and main towns. Flights from Sofia to Varna and Bourgas only take about an hour and airfare is relatively cheap and only a little more expensive than rail travel.
By Rail
The Bulgarian Republic has more than 4,311 miles of railroads. The Bulgarian State Railways is just one of the main railways used in Sofia which connect the city to other main towns in Bulgaria, major tourist spots, Railroad travel is less expensive.
By Road
There are more than 8,000 miles of roads that connect the major centres in the country. Driving in the daytime is advised as night driving can be dangerous due to poor street lighting. Tolls are also charged on motorways and main roads out of town. Speed limits are strictly implemented at 50kph or 30mph in congested areas, 90kph or 55mph outside built-up areas, and 120kph or 75mph on motorways. Spare parts and 24-hour road assistance are also readily available.
By Taxi
Taxis, which are available in all Bulgarian towns, are ideal for intercity excursions. Unless privately owned, most of the taxis are privately metered, with an expected tip of a minimum of 5 to 10 per cent.
By Bus
The cheapest way to get around Bulgaria is through the bus. The country provides a decent network of buses that are affordable and convenient, except for the fact that buses don’t have a fixed schedule. Travelling by bus gives value for your money as most of the routes given by bus companies are serviced by new and modernized buses; additionally, the tickets are relatively cheap, for instance, a one-way ticket from Sofia to the Black Sea only costs around 12-15 euros. One of the easiest bus stations in Sofia is the New Central Bus Station while buses and minibuses are most common from the cities of Varna and Bourgas which travel along the coastline, passing and going to all tourist resorts in the Black Sea.
By River
Hydroplane and regular boat services along the Bulgarian coastline of the Danube connect such central sites as Lom, Tutrakan, Silistra, Orjahovo, Kozloduj, Nikopol and Vidin.
By Car Rental
Car rentals can also be availed in hotel concierges. Many Car rental companies are available in Bulgaria.
