Everything you need to know for Bulgaria
Geographical position and Climate of Bulgaria
Bulgaria, located in Southeastern Europe, is geographically positioned in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. Sharing its borders with Romania to the north, Serbia and North Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, and the Black Sea to the east, it occupies a strategic location near the Turkish Straits.
The country’s climate varies from continental in the interior to Mediterranean along the Black Sea coast. This results in hot summers and cold, snowy winters inland, with milder temperatures and rainfall spread throughout the year along the coast. The mountainous regions of Bulgaria experience significantly cooler conditions, with heavy snowfall providing excellent conditions for winter sports.
Brief History of Bulgaria
Bulgaria boasts a rich and diverse history that dates back to antiquity. The lands of modern-day Bulgaria have been inhabited since the Paleolithic era. Thracians, one of the earliest known peoples in the region, left a significant cultural legacy before being conquered by the Roman Empire.
In the 7th century, the First Bulgarian Empire was established by Khan Asparuh, marking the beginning of the Bulgarian state. This empire became a significant cultural and political entity in medieval Europe, adopting Christianity as the state religion in 864 under Prince Boris I.
The country fell under Byzantine control after the fall of the First Bulgarian Empire but regained its independence with the establishment of the Second Bulgarian Empire in the late 12th century. However, this second empire eventually succumbed to the Ottoman Turks by the end of the 14th century, leading to five centuries of Ottoman rule.
The Bulgarian people rose up several times against Ottoman domination, culminating in the April Uprising of 1876. The subsequent Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) led to the liberation of Bulgaria and the establishment of the Third Bulgarian State.
The following decades saw Bulgaria involved in the Balkan Wars, World War I, and World War II, aligning with losing powers in both global conflicts. Post-World War II, Bulgaria became a People’s Republic and part of the Eastern Bloc under Soviet influence.
With the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, Bulgaria transitioned to democracy and a market-based economy. It joined NATO in 2004 and the European Union in 2007, continuing to develop as a contemporary nation while preserving its rich historical heritage.
Religion of Bulgaria
Bulgarians profess Christianity, despite 5 centuries of Ottoman rule they have preserved their religion.
Language of Bulgaria
The official language in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. Bulgarians use the Cyrillic alphabet, having created it in 864.
Bulgaria is an increasingly popular tourist destination known for its diverse attractions, including sandy beaches along the Black Sea coast, historic towns, vibrant cultural traditions, and scenic natural landscapes. The country offers a wealth of experiences from sunbathing in seaside resorts like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands to skiing in winter sports hubs such as Bansko, Borovets, and Pamporovo.
Cultural tourism thrives due to Bulgaria’s rich historical heritage, with visitors exploring ancient sites like the Roman ruins in Plovdiv, the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, and the rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. The capital city, Sofia, presents a blend of modern urban life and historical landmarks, including the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and the Saint Sofia Church.
Nature lovers are drawn to Bulgaria’s national parks, such as Rila, Pirin, and the Central Balkan, which offer stunning hiking trails, diverse flora and fauna, and the opportunity to visit the famous Rila Monastery. Adventure tourism is also on the rise, with opportunities for mountain biking, rock climbing, and river rafting.
Places You Must Visit In Bulgaria
Before you visit Bulgaria
Travel to Bulgaria
Getting to Bulgaria is relatively straightforward, thanks to its well-connected transportation infrastructure. Here are the common ways travelers can reach Bulgaria:
By Air:
Sofia Airport (SOF) is the main international gateway, with direct flights from many European cities and some long-haul destinations. Other international airports include Burgas (BOJ), Varna (VAR), and Plovdiv (PDV), which also serve numerous charter and seasonal flights, especially during the summer months.
By Road:
Bulgaria can be accessed by road from neighboring countries using a network of highways and roads. Key border crossings are available from Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece, and Turkey. International bus services connect Bulgaria with major cities in these countries and beyond.
By Rail:
Train travel is another option, with international rail services connecting Bulgaria with neighboring countries and other parts of Europe. Direct trains to Sofia and other Bulgarian cities run from Istanbul, Bucharest, Belgrade, Thessaloniki, and further afield.
By Sea:
The Black Sea ports of Varna and Burgas offer ferry services, including routes from Georgia, Ukraine, and Russia. These are more popular for freight than for passenger travel, but they do provide an alternative means of reaching Bulgaria.
Upon arrival, visitors can use domestic flights, buses, trains, or rental cars to explore the country’s diverse regions and attractions.
Visas for Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a member of the European Union but not part of the Schengen Area. However, it has visa policies that align closely with Schengen regulations. Here’s a brief overview of visa requirements for Bulgaria:
Visa-Free Entry:
- EU/EEA citizens can enter and stay in Bulgaria with just an ID card or passport, without the need for a visa.
- Citizens of countries that have a visa-free regime with the Schengen Area are also allowed to enter Bulgaria without a visa for short stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Visas Required:
- Travelers from countries that do not have a visa-free arrangement with Bulgaria or the Schengen Area need to apply for a visa before arrival. The type of visa required depends on the purpose and duration of the stay (e.g., tourism, business, study, etc.).
C Visa:
- The short-stay visa (Type C) allows visitors to stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It can be issued for one, two, or multiple entries.
D Visa:
- The long-stay visa (Type D) is for those who intend to stay longer than 90 days. This visa is often a precursor to obtaining a residence permit.
Schengen Visa Holders:
- Holders of multiple-entry Schengen visas with a validity longer than the intended stay in Bulgaria may enter and stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without needing a Bulgarian visa.
Best time to visit Bulgaria
The best time to visit Bulgaria largely depends on the activities you’re interested in:
Spring (April to June):
- The weather is pleasant, with mild temperatures perfect for sightseeing and exploring the countryside.
- Nature is in full bloom, making it an excellent time for photography and outdoor activities.
Summer (July to August):
- Ideal for beach holidays along the Black Sea coast, where temperatures are warm and sunny.
- It’s also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Autumn (September to November):
- A great time for wine tourism as this is the harvest season.
- The weather is still warm in early autumn, suitable for hiking and enjoying the fall foliage.
Winter (December to March):
- Perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. Bulgaria’s ski resorts offer good skiing conditions at a fraction of the cost of more famous European destinations.
- Christmas markets and festivities can be enjoyed in cities like Sofia and Plovdiv.
Overall, May to September offers the most favorable weather for a broad range of activities, while December to March is best for snow-related activities.
Important Information
Capital – Sofia
Territory – 110,993 km2
Currency – Lev
Time Zone – UTC+2 (EET) / UTC+3 (EEST)
Population – 6,447,710
Demonym – Bulgarian