While most European countries suffered various levels of identity crisis over the centuries, Bulgaria was the only country to remain true to its given name. After 500 years of living by Turkish rules, Bulgaria sought independence and opened its arms to a new culture filled with artists, writers and musicians. First time visitors booking flights to Bulgaria can be confident that Bulgaria is rich in more than its natural landscape. As the newest member of the European Union (joined January 2007), Bulgaria is part of an ever-growing community of countries focused on powerful and peaceful personal relationships.
Board a flight to Bulgaria for the same reasons you would travel to any other European country – get out and explore the scenery. Bulgaria sits along the Black Sea and most visitors book Bulgaria flights for a respite along the beach during the hot summer months. If the sun gets to be too much, take a trip through the tiny Bulgarian villages and immerse yourself in the red poppy-lined roads that seem to travel back in time. Bulgarian men and women still hold their ancient lifestyles sacred and thrive in their small communities, operated by rickshaws and street markets. A cheap flight to Bulgaria might be your way into the country, but visitors never forget the plentiful lifestyle Bulgaria enjoys.
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Unless you visit for skiing, summer is the most comfortable time in Bulgaria, with low humidity and temperatures averaging 75F; winter temperatures average around 32F.
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Peak season:
Peak season at the coast is, naturally, summertime, with most visitors arriving between late June and early September. Bulgaria’s ski resorts are emerging as some of the best in Europe so book Bulgaria flights and ski accommodations early. The ski season runs from late December through to Easter. Sofia is a year-round destination, busiest in the summertime and around Christmas.
Off season:
Cheap flights to Bulgaria and discounted hotel rates apply at the seaside resorts around Varna for most of the winter. The weather is less good, but the scenery is still appealing.
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Buses are faster than trains and the network far more extensive, however, it can be confusing working out where they are going and where you need to get off, as many drivers will only speak Bulgarian. There are two train lines between Sofia and Varna and Sofia and Bourgas. Service is fairly poor.
Bulgaria Air flies between the main destinations of Sofia, Varna and Bourgas.
The following chart gives approximate journey times from Sofia (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Bulgaria.
| | Air | Road | Rail |
|---|
| Varna | 1.00 | 6.30 | 8.00 |
|---|
| Bourgas | 1.00 | 5.30 | 7.00 |
|---|
| Plovdiv | 0.40 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
|---|
| Pamporovo | - | 3.00 | - |
|---|
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- Sofia is one of the oldest capitals in Europe and it is filled with historic monuments. Increasingly popular as a city break destination thanks to a host of low-cost airlines opening regular flights, the city has many attractions for tourists. The Alexander Nevski Cathedral is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and supposedly the most photographed building in Bulgaria. When you visit the church, don’t miss the flea market, held in the square in front.
- Varna is the starting point for holidays in the Golden Sands region. As well as the stunning beaches, there are a number of interesting destinations around the town. The Stone Forest, or Pobitite Kamani in Bulgarian, is, as the name suggests, a naturally occurring “forest” of stones. Limestone pillars, around 33 feet tall, cover an area of approximately 5 sq miles.
- Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city, situated in the center of the country. One of its main attractions is the incredibly well-preserved Roman amphitheater. It is still in use today for concerts and operas during the summer months. A Verdi Festival takes place annually. Book tickets for events at the tourist office.
- Located on the southeast coast, Bourgas is the second-largest seaside town. The city beach is huge. Take a walk along the pier, with views of the sea, port, beach and city.
- The festival of Martenitsa takes place on March 1 and is the Bulgarian celebration of the start of spring. Bulgarians give each other red and white spring or wood dolls, called martenitsi. These are tied to the wrist or pinned to clothes and worn until the person sees a stork for the first time that year – a sign that winter will not last.
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Visitors must have proof of sufficient funds or onward or return tickets in addition to other documents needed for the next destination. Valid health insurance is required. All visitors to Bulgaria must register as foreigners at a local police station within five days of arrival. This registration is usually done as a matter of course through the hotel or accommodation establishment. Visitors are advised to check this, as a dated registration slip has to be submitted when leaving the country. Immigration and entry regulations are very strictly enforced. From January 2006 all children entering Bulgaria are required to have their own passport. Passports of all visitors should be valid for at least six months on entry for those requiring a visa, and three months on entry for visa exempt nationals other than those from EU countries, whose passports must be valid for period of stay.
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U.S. citizens do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria for a period of up to 90 days within a six-month period. Passports must be valid for at least three months after entry.
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