Republic Bulgaria spreads in the north-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula, in the territory of Southeast Europe. The expanses of the country reach 110 910 square kilometers. Its main inhabitants are Bulgarians (about 90%), the rest of the population falls on the Turks (9%) and other residents, the total number is about 7.4 million people. Most people in Bulgaria speak Bulgarian; The main currency is the Bulgarian lev. The established religion in the republic is the Orthodox religion, a small percentage (13%) are Muslims.
The capital of Bulgaria is the city of Sofia. Its population is about 1.2 million inhabitants. Sofia is five thousand years old, it is considered to be rightfully one of the oldest cities in Europe, due to its favorable geographical location, the capital "lives" for so long. It is a large industrial and production center of the republic. About 20% of all production is concentrated here. Sofia is fraught with many beautiful places, architectural monuments, churches and buildings.
Other major cities in Bulgaria include: Plovdiv (the second largest city), Varna (known as the tourist capital) and Burgas, which is the largest port in the country.
Bulgaria - recreation and attractions
Holidays in Bulgaria gives a lot of pleasure and exciting emotions to visitors. The similarity of languages makes it possible to communicate with the inhabitants of this country almost on equal terms. The warm, rainbow, respectful attitude of the Bulgarians towards the guests pleasantly surprises.
Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Albena - the largest resorts that will not leave anyone indifferent. Upscale hotels with European quality of service, summer beaches, bright walks will make your vacation unforgettable. The most popular in these places is water recreation. Jet skiing, water skiing and a sea of other pleasures - for every taste; and those who are not afraid of seasickness can afford a boat trip along the Black Sea.
Bulgaria is a region that can be visited with the whole family. Great conditions for children are created here. Water parks, as well as other children's entertainment and games will certainly delight your child.
The country is famous for medical resorts. Many tourists from different countries come here to improve their health. Bulgaria has always been famous for its mineral springs and estuary mud. Sandanski's sources are so popular that people come here to heal from all over Europe.
In Sofia, many sights of the republic are concentrated, the national theater is considered its main pride. Veliko Tarnovo (the capital of laughter), the Museum of the famous Vanga in Rupit, Kazanlak (where in honor of the symbol - roses - they organize an annual holiday) are the famous places in Bulgaria that you must visit. And in the area of picturesque hills and Rhodope Mountains, you can contemplate the ancient monasteries.
Bulgaria - weather
According to climatic conditions, Bulgaria can be divided into two parts - southern and northern. The continental climate reigns in the north, and the Mediterranean in the south. Summer is hot and winters are snowy, but rather mild.
The beginning of summer manifests itself in constant rains. It is during this period that the greatest amount of annual precipitation falls, but by July everything subsides, and a full bathing season begins. Air temperature usually varies from 25 to 30 degrees. The water temperature remains comfortable until October.
As a rule, September and October in Bulgaria are the driest months of the year, but this does not stop tourists from swimming in the warm sea and enjoying their holidays. Since the end of October, rains have returned to the country, the temperature is gradually falling to 12-7 degrees. Winters are quite snowy and cold, but compared to Russian harsh winters, it seems unusually mild. The temperature ranges from 4 to -18 degrees.
Spring in the republic is rather damp and cool. March temperature rises to only 3-6 degrees, but literally after 1.5 months it reaches an average of 18 degrees. Despite the weather, spring is incredibly beautiful.
Weather in Bulgaria now:
Bulgaria - national cuisine
Walking around the neighborhood, past the country's small restaurants, you involuntarily catch the smells of various Bulgarian dishes and goodies. But really, Bulgaria has something to boast of in the culinary field.
Bulgarian cuisine is a mix of Georgian, Turkish, Greek and Armenian cuisines. For example, the Bulgarians add a lot of greenery, as the Georgians do, and supplement the dishes with spices, as they improvise in Turkey. The dishes prepared by the chefs will drive anyone crazy, and sweets and desserts based on dairy products will give heavenly pleasure.
Meat dishes are the main pride of the Bulgarians. “Kurban-chorba” with vegetables and lamb, “Kamavar” - meat with mushrooms, the famous casserole “Mussaka”, the famous Greek salad “shop”, improved by Bulgarian culinary specialists - you can taste all this and much more in an amazing, colorful country. A large place in the menu is also occupied by vegetables, fruits and dairy products. It is their Bulgarians who are considered a symbol of health and longevity.
Bulgaria - interesting facts
"Wine country" - so many tourists call Bulgaria, and for good reason! Every fall, girls crush grapes with bare feet. It is believed that the annual rite gives him strength and charges with special healing energy. Under the incendiary rhythm of folklore chants, the juice is poured into special vessels. Tourists are given a unique opportunity to visit elite cellars, drink healing wine and even swim in it. Many believe that such a procedure rejuvenates the body, spirit and strengthens the body.
Theater and folk festivals are held every year in Bulgaria. Nestinism is one of the most mystical rituals. Its essence lies in the dance on burning coals. Such a ceremony is held once a year - the holy feast of St. Constantine and Helena. The Rose Festival is an unusually beautiful sight. The solemn celebration takes place in the Valley of the Roses, the first Saturday of June.
Another interesting sign is that the affirmative nod of the Bulgarians means denial, and vice versa. In order not to be in an absurd situation, you need to remember this feature.
Bulgaria - visa application
A visa is a mandatory document for entry into the republic. When planning a trip for a period of not more than 90 days, it is advisable to have a tourist single entry visa, which is issued from 2x to 7 days. The cost of a regular travel visa is - 3,500 rubles, urgent - 8,000 rubles per adult. For issuing a visa for a child under six years old, one will have to pay 1,100 Russian rubles.
To apply for a visa to Bulgaria, you must provide the following list of documents:
- certificate from the current place of work;
- A photocopy of the passport of all pages containing information;
- two standard color photographs 3,5 x 4,5 (without corners, on a light background);
- a foreign passport (the validity period must expire no earlier than six months after the start of the trip);
- if you have an old passport, you must provide it.
Bulgaria - Embassy
Contact details of the embassy in Moscow, where you can apply for all visa requirements:
Address: st. Mosfilmovskaya, 66
Tel: +7 (495) 143-67-00, information on other issues: +7 (495) 143-9022
Email mail: [email protected]
Bulgaria map
