The Facts
Capital: Sofia
Currency: Lev
Time Zone: GMT +2
www.bulgariatravel.org
Introduction
Bulgaria has emerged from its 40-year stretch behind the former Iron Curtain and five centuries of Ottoman rule as one the 'latest' travel destinations. With budget flights serving airports in Sofia, Varna, Plovdiv, Burgas, Gorna and Oryahovitsa it's never been so easy to get here. One of the latest members of the EU, joining in January 2007, the country has reached an important junction, which if the construction boom is anything to go by, its seizing whole heartily. Whilst developments might be going up thick and fast on its long sandy Black Sea coast there are still beaches and bays where you can enjoy simple summer sun at some great value prices.
In the winter the ski resorts of Bansko offer equally competitive deals. But there's more than just a cheap deal if you go looking. Rock monasteries and remote mountain villages, traditional rural life and a swathe of folklore traditions spun out in vibrant dances and national costumes come thick and fast. Throw in wild landscapes like the Balkan and Pirin Mountains where animals like Bears and lynx can be found as well as cosmopolitan and ancient UNESCO cities and you have a mix that's been worth waiting for.
Where To Go
Officially known as the Republic of Bulgaria this nation forms part of the Balkans in south eastern Europe. It borders five other countries, Romania to the north (mostly along the River Danube), Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west and Greece and Turkey to the south. The Black Sea borders most of the eastern side of the country.
What To Eat & Drink
- Bulgaria is famous for rich salads at every meal. Shopska salata is a huge salad starter with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and white cheese.
- Try the wide variety of hot and cold soups. Tarator is a cold version made from cucumber, walnuts and yoghurt.
- Banitsa is a traditional Bulgarian pastry prepared by layering a mixture of whisked eggs and pieces of sirene, Bulgarian Feta cheese, between filo pastry and then baking it.
- Kavarma is a casserole of pork or veal, onions and mushrooms.
Surmi are vine or cabbage leaves stuffed with meat.
- Kebapche are small, spiced, minced meat rolls.
- Drink rakia, similar to brandy made from distilled fermented fruits.
- Menta is a sweet mint liqueor.
- Bulgaria has a long history of wine production including Muscat, Mavroud and Trakia.
Unmissable Bulgaria
5 things you really should do.
1. Head to the cellar
Travel to Melnik, Bulgaria's smallest town famous for its wine production as well as its extraordinary sand and limestone formations, resembling obelisks, mushrooms and pyramids.
www.visittobulgaria.com/visit/dir.asp?d=0-9-Melnik
2. Fall for it
Visit the Raiskoto Praskalo waterfall which at 124.5metres is the highest in the Balkan peninsula.
3. Spring to it
Head to Rose Valley in May and early June for the Festival of Roses when the landscape is awash with the colour of blooming buds.
www.rose-festival.com
4. Rock with the gods
Travel to the extraordinary Ivanovo Rock Monastery, 21km south of the town of Rousse. Devout monks settled here creating small churches, chapels and cells hewn into the rocks a precarious 32m above the picturesque canyon of Roussenski Lom River.
www.bulgarianmonastery.com/ivanovomonastery.html
5. Go for gold
Explore the beautiful capital Sofia with its divergent architecture and art. The gold leaf dome of the Nevski Memorial Church is the city's classic sight. The Church of St. George, a red brick rotunda is Sofia's oldest building. Walking tours usher you round the main sights.
www.City-Discovery.com/Sofia
