Situated in South-eastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the north-eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. This small country has existed for more than 13 centuries in Europe, linking East and West. Five centuries the country was overrun by the Ottoman Turks, then more recently, four decades it was a communist state and a part of the Eastern Bloc. Today Bulgaria is independent country and more tourists than ever are discovering this country. Sofia, situated in western Bulgaria, at the foot of the mountain massif Vitosha is the capital and largest city in Bulgaria. Since the city was founded more than 8,000 years ago, the numerous historical, archaeological, cultural sites from the times of the ancient Thracians, Romans and Byzantines, well preserved among the contemporary buildings, can be found here.
Veliko Turnovo is famous as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire, attracting many tourists with its unique architecture. This city is often referred to as the “City of the Tsars”. The ruins of the castle Tsarevets on the hill of the same name, which housed the royal and patriarchal palace, are the main sight of the city.
Plovdiv is one of Europe's oldest cities. It was originally a Thracian settlement before becoming a major city ruled by Greeks and Romans in Antiquity. One can still see here the remains preserved from Antiquity such as the Ancient amphitheatre, Roman odeon, Roman stadium, etc.
For most tourists, Bulgaria's main charm is its long, sandy Black Sea coast. The welcoming climate from late May to late September with average sea temperatures of 25C, the beaches with fine golden sands and the modern resorts not surprisingly attract more and more tourists. Golden Sands and Sunny Beach are most popular sea resorts, providing great holidays for their visitors. The Black Sea coast is also one of the best spa areas in the country where the combination of sea climate, mineral baths, hot springs, and curative mud adds to the possibilities of holiday enjoyment.
Varied prophylactic and therapeutic possibilities are also offered by the Bulgarian climatic mountain resorts. The lovely scenery, clean air, shortwave ultraviolet radiation, negative air ionization, particularly close to mountain waterfalls, as well as the many mineral springs, different in temperature and composition, are their major assets. The most known spa resorts are Hissarya, Velingrad, Devin, Varshets, etc.
Since Bulgaria is a mountainous country, it attracts a lot of foreign tourists with many modern ski resorts such as Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo, etc. But those who want to discover Bulgaria's lush mountainous and forested landscapes are welcome to visit the hiking trails around the Rila and Pirin Mountains, inhabited by bears, lynx, rare birds and other kinds of wildlife.
Increasing tourist interest has witnessed Bulgarian monasteries, which are closely connected to the historical fate of the Bulgarian state and nation. Due to Ottoman invasions or merely to the course of time, only few of the still-functioning monasteries keep their original architecture and interior of the buildings. The Rila monastery, which lies in the very Rila Mountain, is the most impressive monument, dating from the Bulgarian National Revival period. The monastery offers a great view to the surrounding peaks of the mountain and represents a developed tourist sight with all the accompanying facilities such as souvenir shops, restaurants and inns.
Traditional, slow pace of life still continues in many Bulgarian villages, where every guest can meet the variety of traditions and the magic of the Bulgarian folklore heritage.
Annually in June the Festival of the Roses takes part in Kazanluk. Visitors can participate in the festival and join picking the rose flowers in the fields, see the authentic rose-oil production and the presentation of different kinds of essential oils, used in perfume. 80% from the world rose oil production is obtained in Bulgaria. The rose is one of the symbols of the country.
Do not forget, that Bulgaria is also one of the leading producers of wine in Europe and only here you can taste the famous wine of the old Thracians - “Mavrud”.