Places of interest in Bulgaria

Bulgaria

Beautiful mountain country Bulgaria is on the south-east of Europe on the space about 1110000 sq. ft. in the east part of Balkan Peninsula. On the east it is washed by Black Sea, on the south it borders with Greece and Turkey, on the west – with Serbia and Montenegro and Macedonia, and on the north - with Rumania. Bulgaria is the small country but it is rich with historical monuments, it is famous by picturesque magnificence, friendly dwellers and warm hospitality. Climate is temperate continental, soft and suitable for rest the whole year. In summer time the temperature is rare higher than thirty degrees. On the territory of Bulgaria are combined natural places of interest and rich cultural historical heritage.

Sea resorts are not the single thing which this interesting country can boast. The character of Bulgaria is expressed in its mountains regions, the six of them: their relief includes high, covered with snow tops, smooth green slopes and woods which hide thermal sources and minimal spa, and also fragrant of flowers and grasses valleys. In the center of the country is a Valley of Roses – here produced the biggest quantity of rose oil in the world. Because of this very often Bulgaria is called the Country of Roses.

Harsh heights of Rila Planina and Pirin is a picturesque basis for ski resorts, the season of which lasted from the middle of December to the middle of April; for famous Rila monastery and for superb National park “Pirin”, which was put in the list of world heritage by UNESCO. Through the whole country goes the Balkan chain of mountains which is give wonderful conditions and opportunities for ski resort. Bulgaria takes one of the first places in the world by number of natural mineral resources. Their rich for mineral salt and iron water is outpour from the earth interior. More than 75% is hot; the temperature is from +37 to +100°C.

Variety which is common for Bulgaria landscape is usual for its dwellers: here are alive original traditions and craft; there are colorful live festivals of folk music and dances. Mall Bulgarian villages are glad to welcome their visitors, suggest sharing with its dwellers old traditions of holidays and culinary peculiarities, and just enjoy the closeness with nature in pastoral atmosphere.
Staying on the crossing of roads Europe, Bulgaria possesses rich and stormy history, which counts 13 centuries and affected in many of its monuments. It is and ancient discoveries in mountains Rodopa and Strandga and traces Thracian culture in Thracian lowland and Ludogore, and medieval settlements in Plisk, Great-Tirnovo and Great Preslav, and Christian temples and monasteries and architectural set of Bulgarian the Renaissance.

Balchik

It is a pearl of Bulgarian Black Sea – the ancient town Balchik, is in 24,8 miles north-east from Varna and in 43,4 miles from Rumania . If you will look at the town from the sea then it is charming you with whitens and amphitheatric structure. Streets which are situated by layers on the shoulders of the mountains create unbelievable outlook of the town. Horizontal situated streets – highway spiral are crossed the vertical streets – stairs, winding between houses. Houses in Balchik are made in its own seaside style, combination white, tile-red and yellow colors. In summer is added green of trees and flowers.

Balchik is one of the oldest towns on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It was established more than 2 and a half thousands years ago as a Greek colony and got a name Crunon (town of well springs) because of karst well springs on the west. During the II century Crunon was renamed in Dionysopolus in honor of Dionysus – God of wine and fun. From the ancient times town is developing as trade center. In time of Greek rule, they made silver and gold coins. Later in the time of Romans, town became military base. Today’s’ its name Balchik came from the name of boyard Balik, who possess the region during 14 century. After freedom of Turkish yoke in 1878, town became Bulgarian till 1913 when it goes in Rumania possession. In 1940 it goes to Bulgaria again.

It is a magnificent view from the side of sea on the town which made great Ovidiy exclaimed:” I am greeting you white stone town with its unbelievable beauty.”

“White town” is charming with its whiteness and amphitheatric structure. In 1931 of XX century, the beauty of this town attracted the Rumanian queen Mary and here she built her summer residence. It is a three storey building, where prayer-tower is lifted. Half European half Orientalist style show the religious views of the queen who reach to closeness of Christian and Muslim.

The territory of a castle is on the two levels. In the top part which is on the green rocky hill stay Botanic garden where you can see more than 3000 kinds of rare plants from the whole world. The most impressive is a collection of cactuses which looks expressively against south-European landscape. In the park there are a lot of paths which made of white stone, which before were covered by carpets.

Coastline of the resort is one of the most voluble mineralogical areas of Bulgaria. Mineral sources are just the same symbol of the country as rose. Perfect combination of sea climate and mineral baths, ten hydrothermal sources are inundabled medical mud rich the healthful opportunities.

Tourists and especially judge of historical heritage and culture prefer Balchik because of its individual architecture and one only relief.

There are museums, art gallery, picturesque quay with the small port, market, hospital, banks, 2 Orthodox churches in Balchik. For tourist in Balchik there are yacht-port and many private hotels, pensions and a huge number of new private hotels, pensions and resort houses. In last years in town and on the seacoast were built new hotels, pensions. Here are shops, restaurants, grocery and fish markets. In the evening tourists could visit a huge amount of discos, bars, taverns and restaurants on the seashore.

At the present time near Balchik is building the most attractive in Bulgaria golf Riviera. Here will be new fields «Thracian Cliffs», «Black Sea Rama», «Lighthouse». According to the words of Harry Pleer, one of the leading golf players in the world, the best condition for creation of good golf-field is its location – beautiful nature, good land and enough rainfall. While construction golf fields near Balchik all these conditions were taking into account.

The famous player and designer of fields for golf, Harry Player, has designed two champion fields for golf – in Cavarna - «Thracian Cliffs» and Balchilk - «Black Sea Rama» - where the first field with 9 holes will be covered with grass in September 2007. Harry Player is the most successful golf player of all times who won British Open Championship 3 times during three different ten, says:”Bulgaria will have the best fields for golf in the world.” Both fields are not far from each other, are on the territory of north Bulgarian Black Sea coast and will have 18 holes. First - Black Sea Rama – will be build in 3,1 miles from Balchik. Except for excellent service, the advantage for golf lovers will be perfect sea panorama – from the cape Galata. The second field will be called «Thracian Cliffs» and will be not far from Cavarna. Infrastructure of the plot will be added by luxurious hotels, dock for yachts and SPA center. From the territory of plot which is prepared for field opens breathtaking view on the Black Sea.

In arms of tender sea breeze and protected by rising from Black sea cliffs, golf on the field “Lighthouse” could be so exciting how not where in any other place. On the background of its wonderful view famous golf-player Yan Vunsam decided to build a field on 18 holes, where “Lighthouse” will offer as beginners as more professional players try themselves.
It is directional to satisfy all growing requirements of demanding guests of Bulgaria, property market connecting with golf now is developing with high tempos because of the perfect work Mr. Harry Player and Mr. Yan Vunsam and great natural conditions which offers Bulgaria.

Borovets

Borovets is first of all famous as a hunting area of Bulgarian aristocracy; today it is famous as one of the best sky resorts of Bulgaria, a place of leading many of sport competitions. Borovets has a reputation as one of the best resorts in Bulgaria; it is the oldest and the biggest ski resort. It is situated in 44,64 miles from the south-east Sofia and in 78,12 miles from the south-west Plovdiv. The resort is among old softwood forest on the north slope of Rilski Mountains, by the feet of Cirque Mountain Musal, on the height 4100-4633 feet. Now Borovets has developed infrastructure – with a lot of hotels (spread on the territory more than 100 sq. ft.), amusing places and sport constructions.
Wonderful conditions for skiing and ideal climate are distinctive features of Borovets. The temperature in the coldest days of January is not lower than -5 C. Here there are all categories of tracks – from easy and low grade slope, is the perfect for those who try use skiing for the first time till dizzy and difficult slopes which will be good only for the most experience sportsmen. Wide range of services for different level skiers turns Borovets in a paradise. Here you can not only walk down the hills but also try yourselves in ski touring, jumps on ski, biathlon, and flight on helicopter let you enjoy the beauty of the territory. More than 31 miles of good equipped and clearly marked slopes which are divided on three areas, spread on shoulders of mountains in waiting professional skiers.

Borovets keeps status the most professional and notable Bulgarian resort. Here are regularly lead international competitions of downhill skiing: on the slopes of Musal (9750 feet) annually goes one of the part of World Cup of ski, the region is Markudgik became the traditional place of carrying out the competition by gigantic slalom.

Famous abroad ski school “Borovets” has in its staff more than 200 trainers. Many of them are professional skiers and speak on the main European languages. Classes of skiing or ski touring could be individual or in groups and for the most enthusiastic 10 professionals of the highest class from the ski school Petra Popangelov conduct lessons on the international level.

Children will not left without attention. Children at the age from 2 to 4 will be looked after in the hotel “Rila”, and for children 4-7 years old there is a kindergarten where they will learn how to ski.

Here there are several places for rent, located near the elevators. Except ski equipment you can take boards, toboggans and sledges and also any other equipment. Ski resort is equipped with modern systems for making snow. Some slopes are equipped with light for night skiing.

Wide range of elevators quickly and safely will get to the place all – from the youngest to the oldest – to the chosen place. Here nobody goes to bad early. Except night clubs and discos, here also are ski carnivals and evenings of folk where you can listen Bulgarian folk music and dance, try traditional food, try wonderful Bulgarian wine. You could introduce with these places not only skiing. There is walking to the most beautiful places of Rilsk chain of mountains, such as Seven Rilsk lakes and Cirque Mountain Milovitsa. It is worth of visiting a residence of Bulgarian king – Bistritsa, Rilsk monastery built in X century, ancient town Melnik which is famous of its wines. And if after visiting all places you will not tired, welcome to the Dolna Bath in 12,4 miles from here.

Super Borovets is one of the biggest investment projects in Bulgaria in a sphere of tourism. Its territory will be widen and divided into 3 levels. In next 3 years the project should collect investments in a sum not less than 350 million Euro. The purpose of the project is build 62 miles slopes and accommodations with 25 000 places. New constructions should be able to transport 30 000 – 35 000 tourist per day. On the lowest level will be constructed small hotels for 5000 people. Second level – is a territory where Borovets is situated in its today view, it will be a bit expensive and for 100 000 tourists. Super Borovets is a third level – five-star resort for VIP tourists. The concept of project is supposed the transformation of the resort Borovets in the 24 hours destination. Tourists are expected in summer time too what will increase the potential of the resort and income from apartment rent. The project will give different opportunities for rest, natural, historical and cultural places of interest, there are places for riding and golf field at the foot of the mountain Rila.

Plans of further development of leading Bulgarian ski resort Borovets starting coming into life. In this year as a part of the project “Super Borovets” starting the construction of gondola which will connect the underside of the resort with ski terraces in the sector Marcudgik. It continues the building of new hotels and residences. The total number of places in 2006 reached 8 thousands.

On the second stage of project in 2007-2010 the resort should grow in two times. New center for 8 thousand places will appear near Samokovand construction will go to the region New Iskar. There will be built new pools, tennis courts, cover and open stadiums, golf field with 18 holes. In 2010-2015 on the finishing third stage the main attention will be for the regions Shumpatitsa, Baylata-Polyana, Gvardeyska-Polayna and Mecha-Glava where it is possible skiing on the height 4666 feet. Here will appear five-star segment of the resort on 1200 places. The total length will grow from 23,56 mils to 36,58 miles and reach the capacity 10400 people per hour.

Kranevo

Resort village Kranevo is the inheritor of the ancient Roman fortress. Now Kranevo is a small resort town on the coast of beautiful sandy bay of the Black Sea coast, which is situated about 12,4 miles north from Varna, between resorts Golden Sands (4,96 mile) and Albena (1,86 mile), on the territory of age-old park. To Albena you can walk along the beach about 30 minutes, to Golden Sands you can get by bus for 20 minutes.

Resort offers great combination of fresh air, mineral water, crystal clean sea and magnificent beaches. Clean, golden beach, calm sea, closeness to two big resort complexes of the north Black sea coast, regular buses to Albena, Golden Sands and Varna, impressive low prices, a huge amount of restaurants here is the list of advantages of Kranevo. For the present time Kranevo turned into the modern resort with domination of small comfortable hotels, family hotels, private flats and rich choice of hotels. Kranevo is a family resort where it is a special attention for children.

On the territory of the complex there are a huge number of sport fields (volleyball, basketball, football field, tennis courts), summer theatres, area with amusement machines, computers hall, disco, kindergarten, children clubs with qualified kindergartners who are always on hand small guests. Brilliant beaches, acceptable prices, closeness to Albena and Golden Sands are advantages of Kranevo!

Not far from the village Kranevo there is a monastery Aladga. Aladga is the most famous medieval rocky monastery of Bulgarian Black Sea region, where lived monks solitary in time of Second Bulgarian empire XIII-XIV centuries. Accommodations of monastery Aladga are caved on two levels in calciferous cliff about 133 feet height.

In old time temple was rich painted by fresco painting which probably was a cause of naming the monastery “aladga’ (colorful).

After Bulgaria was conquered by Turkey at the end of XIV century the monastery was decayed and stopped its existence in XVII-XVIII centuries. In 2000-2333 feet to the north-west are situated a group of caves – “catacombs”. Having found during dig discoveries: ceramics, coins, cut-in figures of holy roods on the walls of the second level and etc. are witnessed that Catacombs were inhabited in the period of early Christianity (IV-VI centuries). Later, in XIII-XIV centuries, monastery Aladga and Catacombs were a part of big monk complex.

From 1906 monastery Aladga was working as a museum and tourist complex. In 1912 it became a historical monument and in 1957 – cultural monument of national meaning. In 1975-77 was built a museum where except usual exposition which is dedicated to the history of rocky monastery, each year it has interesting exhibitions.

Albena is situated in 18,6 miles to the north from Varna and in 1,86 miles from Kranevo. It is the youngest resort in Bulgaria and one of the most attractive places for tourists. It has ecological award “Blue flag”. Here is calm sea, wonderful forest, and air is with high content of oxygen because of liana conservation, the northern in the world. With forest is bordered the widest beach in the country, which reach 1000 miles with light green sand. All beaches in Albena are free of charge. The sea ground is without stones and seaweed, and sea itself is not deep, that is why it is perfect for rest with children. Beaches of Albena are the excellent place for surfing and Jet Ski. Here also are 9 pools, 12 tennis courts, bowling, school of riding, volleyball and football grounds.

On the resort is the special attitude for children. There are different kinds of services including kindergarten and children clubs with kindergartners. Also there are Luna Park, carting, children’s discos, school of skateboarding, shooting gallery, water hill, mini railway, shooting gallery for bow, children club.
The biggest, modern balneological center in Bulgaria is in Albena. Experienced doctors, therapeutics, hospital is near by, dental center – everything is for you. Here is a comfortable home atmosphere.

Golden Sands is the most popular Bulgarian sea resort. Everyone who once visits it has unforgettable impression. It is in 11,16 miles from Varna in the national park “Golden Sands” it attracts with wide golden sandy beaches, picturesque forest, plenty of mineral sources, unique nature and special and inimitable atmosphere of seashore which can offer almost everything what can make tourists happy.


The beach line has 2,48 miles in length and its wideness is 333 feet. Here you will find everything what you are dreaming – unique nature, picturesque forest, magnificent beaches with golden sand, clean sea, sun, mineral sources, unforgettable atmosphere. Here is a wide choice of entertainment in day and night time. In the resort complex “Golden Sands” all open pools are with mineral water and free of charge for tourists.
On the resort Golden Sands for you are about 70 hotels and developed infrastructure for rest and sport: a lot of restaurants in the national style, casino, bars-variety, night clubs, discos and sport complexes, which offer water ski, surfing, yachts and motor boats, “bananas”, water parachute and water hills, tennis schools and courts, basketball and golf grounds, bowling. Resort Golden Sands is the real discovery for those who prefer an active rest!