Bulgaria travel guide

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Fact file

Location & geography

Bulgaria is located in Southeastern Europe, bordering five other countries: Romania Serbia, Republic of Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. The Black Sea defines the extent of the country to the east. Bulgaria features notable diversity with the landscape ranging from Alpine snow-capped peaks to the mild and sunny coast. Bulgaria has a temperate climate, with cool and damp winters, very hot and dry summers, and Mediterranean influence along the Black Sea coast.

Capital city

The capital and largest City is Sofia, the administrative, cultural, economic, and educational centre of the country. One of the oldest cities in Europe, the history of Sofia can be traced back some 7000 years ago. The city has a vivid nightlife and music scene and a host of tourist attractions, from religious sites to museums and art galleries.

Natural world

Due to Bulgaria's varied climate and geographical features, there is an abundance of different animal life and vegetation. Some of the animals that live in Bulgaria may seem out of place, these include; Brown Bear, Stork, and Wild Boar. Vegetation found in the country includes: Edelweiss, Baikousheva, White Fir and Tribulus.

Bulgaria is a country that has many large rivers flowing from its high mountain ranges the majority of which are tributaries to the colossal river Danube, or they flow through Bulgaria and out into the Aegean Sea.

Food & drink

Famous for its rich salads required at every meal, Bulgarian cuisine is also noted for the diversity and quality of dairy products and a variety of wines and local alcoholic drinks. Bulgarian cuisine features also a variety of hot and cold soups. Traditional dishes include:

• Tarator (cold soup of yogurt, cucumbers, and water. served chilled or with ice)
• Banitsa (traditional oven baked pastry dish of eggs and pieces of white cheese)
• Cozonac (traditional sweet bread with added lemon zest)
• Lyutika (vegetable mixture, salad or chunky relish, made from crushed roasted peppers, tomatoes, garlic, onions, vegetable oil)

Health & safety

The water is safe to drink but most foreigners will use bottled water which is readily available. There are no specific causes for concern in Bulgaria. Be diligent in public places (rail stations, buses, trains) and do not demonstrate wealth in public or with 'beggars'. For a list of relevant vaccinations and other health precautions click here

Travelling

Most of the foreign citizens entering Bulgaria don’t need a visa but they must carry their valid international passport. Bulgaria is + 2 hours (GMT) ahead of the UK and flight time is approximately 3 hours.

Places of interest

• The Ancient City of Nesebar
• The Pirin National Park
• The Town of Bansko
• Bulgarian National Gallery of Arts