Bulgaria lies in South East Europe (SEE) and has been part of the EU since 2007. It is both a beach and ski resort with mountains occupying over half of the country’s territory. This has acted like a magnet for tourists to either relax by the Black Sea or whoosh down the mountains. Folklore traditions play a major part in Bulgaria with folk dances, national costumes, music and traditional rituals being played on throughout the year.

Bulgaria has had a rather turbulent history but had a large political change from communism to democracy in 1990. This then lead the country to regain its political parties and restoration of the land began. Cities and resorts subsequently underwent construction resulting in areas that are attractive, exciting and relatively cheap which have enticed buyers and holidaymakers from Western Europe.

The spoken language is Bulgarian however many are fluent in English, French or German. Their currency is Bulgarian Leva with 90% of the country being Orthodox Christian. A unique feature that many Bulgarians follow is that they shake their head for ‘yes’ and nod their head for ‘no’. Be careful, this could cause confusion!

Travel

There are four international airports in Bulgaria, the biggest being Sofia airport. Plovdiv International airport is mainly used for charter flights for the ski resort of Pamporovo. The international airports of Varna and Bourgas are used for local flights from Sofia, as well as for charter flights during the summer, serving the beach resorts around these two cities on the Black Sea coast.  Many tend to head out during the summer months to enjoy the average 23 degree celsius weather, however the ski resorts are becoming more popular year-on-year.

Festivals & Traditions

Shopaholics
Mall Plodiv has 20,000m2 of leasable area and it is conveniently accessible by private and public transport. The investors behind this project also developed Mall of Sofia which was the first shopping centre in Bulgaria.

Grand Mall is situated in Varna on the Black Sea coast with 52,000m2 of leasable area making it the largest shopping centre in this region. It’s due for opening in the second half of 2009.

Carrefour Tzarigradsko Mall has 66,000m2 of leasable area which will feature numerous shopping and entertainment facilities due to include 200 retail shops and 14,000m2 of Carrefour hypermarket – the first in Sofia.

Mall Stora Zagora is due to open at the end of 2008 and is due to have more that 110 retail shops and entertainment units, along with a food court and children’s playground.

Mountains
The mountains occupy more than half of the country’s territory with 36 of the 37 mountains being situated in the Southern region. Stara Planina is the 37th mountain and divides the Northern and the Southern part of Bulgaria and happens to be the largest and longest mountain range in the country. The greatest attribute is that they are accessible all year round providing limitless opportunities for recreation, leisure and tourism.

Water & Beach