Bulgaria is a great option if you’re looking for a cheap European travel destination which offers you beaches in summer or skiing in winter – both options come with really affordable prices. If you are on a tight budget flights to Bulgaria start at around £50 return if bought in advance.
Bulgaria is a modern, easy going nation of 7.36 million with a social culture. Despite its geographical position, Bulgaria is more similar to Northern Europe than it’s Mediterranean cousins. Since the fall of communism in 1989, the people have embraced democracy and a market-free economy.
Best Places to Visit
Bulgaria has increasingly become a tourist destination for visitors from Western Europe both at the beaches in the summer and at its winter ski resorts.
In the summer Varna effectively become the summer capital drawing everyone to the beach from the family to the in crowd from the capital and wealthy tourist from Eastern Europe.
Bulgaria has some of the prettiest coastal towns in Europe and surprise yourself with a visit to see for yourself. Bulgaria is a safe country to visit and the people are friendly. Bulgaria’s coast is also known as the Algarve of Eastern Europe.
It attracts thousands of holidaymakers every summer to its beaches including increasing numbers of British holidaymakers to the holiday resorts at Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, both close to Varna.
Weather & Best Time to Go
The summer holiday season lasts from June to September and the temperature in the region turns sub-tropical with the sea water averaging 23 – 27 degrees Celsius. The weather is generally warm or mild until the end of October and occasionally into the first week of November.
Temperatures in the winter however can plummet to a staggering minus 25 Celsius so do pack your warmest winter clothes if visiting between December and March prepared for snow with super padded jackets, extra thermal underclothes and snowboots or wellington boots.
In April and May it can start to be milder but expect frequent showers so bring a jumper and anorak and umbrella with you to be on the safe side.
Bulgaria Travel Tips
How do I get there?
There are many ways to travel to Bulgaria, with flights starting from £90 return if bought in advance. The simplest way is to fly to Varna or a cheaper alternative in high season is to fly to Sofia with one of the many budget airlines including Easyjet. I really recommend Varna, so this information is packed with top ways to get there.
The train or bus from Sofia to Varna is around (7 hours, approx £12 each way). A pick up can be organised from Varna train or bus station if you overland and there are regular departures from Sofia throughout the day. An alternative city to fly to is Bourgas, the next town 2 hours down the coast from Varna an airport pick from Bourgas costs £55 which can be shared by up to 3 passengers depending on luggage!
A more straightforward option of flying to Varna yet still saving the pennies is to buy a return to Sofia but add on a one way flight from Sofia to Varna for about £50 then take the coach or train back to Sofia after your stay. There is a direct coach which drops off at Sofia airport.
Do I need a visa?
European passport holders only require a valid passport to enter the country and stay for up to 90 days. European citizens staying longer register with the police and request a permit. If you hold a different passport and require a visa to enter Bulgaria, we can provide you with a supporting letter of introduction to assist your visa application. Allow an extra 2 to 3 weeks to prepare this for you.
What do I need to know before visiting Bulgaria?
You need to know that Bulgarians shake their heads from side to side when they mean yes and nod when they mean no. It can get more confusing when they swap this around for their foreign visitor to help them!
Useful Bulgarian Words and Phrases
Although most young people and staff in bars and restaurants understand English here are some useful words and phrases you may want to use everyday:
• Kak-see – How are you?
• Kaksee-vadush? What’s your name?
• Bloggo-daree-a? Thank you.
• Nareecebeeram – I don’t understand.
• Pree-at-no-mee-a – Nice to meet you.
• Angleeski – English
You will hear locals say “super super” a lot, so if anything’s good or you understand something you can use “super super” too. If you see anyone rolling their eyes – they’re not bored or disinterested, they are engaged in the moment and following the conversation. So be careful you don’t over react or pull a face when someone rolls their eyes, it should not be confused with the Anglo-saxon custom.
How can I look after my health?
If you are a European citizen, take a European Insurance Card (EHIC) with you which will entitle you to the same immediate medical attention available to Bulgarians. An EHIC card lasts for 5 years and will cover you for all future holidays in Europe.
However, as for any trip abroad, even with the EHIC card, you should also purchase travel insurance which will provide a flight home for more serious illness or accident.
Tap water is generally safe to drink although it might not taste as good as home. The Cheshma (drinking fountains) offer fresh, pure water to drink.
Bulgaria does suffer from a stray dog problem, although a rabies jab is not required as the risk is low and all main hospitals have specialist rabies clinics. Most stray dogs tend to stay away from people. Although Bulgaria is not a malaria region, like Scottish forests in the summer, they do have mosquitos, so it is advisable to bring a repellent to prevent annoyance.
However the most common irritation in the summer months will be over exposure to the sun if you have spent a day on the beach. In the summer, make sure you take it easy with gradual exposure, take a white T-shirt to cover up until you are used to the sun, use a high factor sun cream and drink plenty! You won’t want to miss activities in the week because of sunburn at the weekend!