BULGARIA INSIGHT
General info | How to get there | Facts for the traveler
| Embassies | Transport | Climate | Events & Festivals
| History | Culture and art | Environment | Food and Wine
General Information
Full name: Republic of Bulgaria
Area: 110,993 sq km
Population: 7.93 million
Capital: Sofia (pop 1.1 million)
Official Language: Bulgarian
Religion: 86% Bulgarian Orthodox, 13% Muslim
Political system: Parliament Republic
President: Georgi Parvanov
Prime Minister: Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha
GDP: US$34.9 billion
GDP per head: US$4300
Annual growth: 5.8%
Inflation: 11.4%
Geography
Bulgaria is situated in the south - east part of Europe,
in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The country
borders Romania to the North, the Black Sea to the East,
Turkey and Greece to the South, Serbia and Macedonia to
the West. The river Danube forms the country’s northern
frontier and provides quick access to Central Europe.
GENERAL
Government
History
Politics
Visa Info
Statistics
Tips
Links
Useful Numbers
SOFIA
Sights
Day Trips
Transport
Going out
Restaurants
Hotels
Venue Finder
BUSINESS
Overview
Taxation
Legal Issues
Privatisation
Accounting
HR
Agriculture
Real Estate
TOURISM
Sea Tourism
The eastern Bulgarian coast is washed by
the Black Sea. 380 km marvelous strech of beaches, calm
and safe sea, clear water and healthy air, fine golden sand
and natural dunes, mineral water springs, blue flag winning
resorts, holiday villages and campsites.
Average air temperature in the summer is about 28°C, water
tempe- rature - 25°C. There are more than 240 hours of sunshine
in May and September and more than 300 hours in July and
August. The two international airports of Varna and Bourgass
connects the Bulgarian Riviera to the world
Northern Black Sea coast
Clean and calm sea with shal low sloping sandy bottom,
wide beaches with fine grain golden sands, venerable forest
and numerous mineral springs. All these feathures make the
Northern Black Sea coast an atractive place for Bulgarian
and foreign holiday-makers. Even the most refined reqirements
will be satisfied by the mothern resorts of Zlatni Piassatsi
(Golden Sands), Albena, Roussalka, Riviera, Slanchev_Den
(Sunny Day), St.Konstantin and Elena.
The greatest fans of natural beauty and historical places
can find peace in the Balchik Botanical Garden or the museum
at Kaliakra horn.
Southern Black Sea coast
Picturesque bays and whimsical rocks, spacious beaches
with sand dunes and warm sea create the attractive force
of the Bulgarian Southern Black Sea coast. Wonderful nature
in combination with modern construction - this is the magic
of the holiday villages of Elenite, Sunny Beach, Nessebur,
Sozopol...
To the north the long and indented coast line is bordered
by the farthes spurs of the Balkan range and to the south
- by the heights of the Strandzha Mountain. Even nowadays
the unique cultura in Strandzha is a part of attitudes and
habits of Ahtopol, Tsarevo, Kiten, Primorsko.
In restaurants and bars foreign tourists are enchanted by
the unique artistic atmosphere of the Strandzha fire-dances.
Histhory, culture and luxary combined together - this is
the Bourgass Black Sea coast!
Mountain Tourism
Rugged snow-capped peaks and soft green slopes, cool forests
carrying the aroma of herbs and wild fruit, quick-flowing
rivers and crystal-clear blue lakes, mineral springs and
bioreserves, rare plants and game, large climatic and ski
resorts and small picturesque villages with living traditions
and folklore every Bulgarian mountain has its own characteristic
appearance, fascination and beautiful name.
RILA - the most majestic Bulgarian Mountain, highest peak
Moussala (2,925 m); - 219 high-mountain takes, over 2,000
plant varieties and a rich animal world; - the natural setting
for Bulgaria's most famous monastery - RILA MONASTERY, and
the country's oldest winter resort - BOROVETS.
PIRIN - the country’s second highest mountain, highest
peak Vihren (2,914 in); - 176 mountain lakes and about 100
varieties of rare plants, including the edelweiss and the
famous Baikousheva fir, almost 1,300 years old; - location
of the well-known climatic and spa resort of SANDANSKI and
the latest Bulgarian ski center BANSKO.
See also information about Pirin National Park
THE RHODOPES - The greenest and most picturesque Bulgarian
mountains, linked with the legend of the mythical singer
Orpheus, snow and sun, clean air, mild climate with a Mediterranean
influence, original folklore and superb cuisine, cordial
and hospitable people, the largest ski resort - Pamporovo,
the most popular place for ecotourism - Momchilovtsi.
VITOSHA - The green mountain of the million-large Bulgarian
capital Sofia, the most frequented Bulgarian mountain, attractive
during any season, two wildlife reserves, three climatic
zones, highest peak Cherni Vruh (2,286 in), varied flora
and fauna, curative mineral springs and a rare natural phenomenon
- eight Moraines, a popular mountain resort for winter holidays
and skiing, modern hotels and ski facilities.
Vitosha offers skiing near Sofia - the capital of Bulgaria
THE BALKAN RANGE - The mountain which gave its name to a
peninsula - THE BALKAN PENINSULA, and life to a state -
BULGARIA, the biggest and longest mountain chain crossing
the entire country, highest peak Botev (2,376 m), 700 km
long mountain ridge, ideal for hiking tours, steep rocks
and intriguing caves , of equal attraction to tourists,
mountaineers and speleologist, picturesque National Revival
towns and museum villages, offering excellent possibilities
for ecotourism: Kotel, Zheravna, Tryavna, Arbanassi, Bozhentsi,
Etura.
The SREDNA GORA mountains are situated in the central part
of Bulgaria, between the Balkan Range and the Thrace plain.
The highest peak is Mt. Bogdan - 1604 m. The Sredna Gora
Mountains give rise to the rivers Topolnitsa, Luda Yana,
Pyasuchnik, etc. The Sredna Gora Mountains are famous for
the mineral springs and balneological sanatoria in Hisarya,
Pavel Banya, Strelcha, Krasnovo, Banya, Stara Zagora.
Rural Tourism
Many Bulgarian villages, which have preserved
their traditional appearance and genuine spirit, situated
in environmentally clean regions, open their doors with
hospitality to those willing to share the preserved rich
Bulgarian traditions and folklore, agriculture, delicious
and varied local cuisine, preserved old crafts, the forthright
human relations.
The Bulgarian village atmosphere can be experienced in
Bozhentsi, Arbanassi, Ribaritsa, Zheravna, Kovatchevitza,
Leshten, Dolen, Momtchilovtci, Shiroka luka, Bistrilitza
etc.
HEATLTH HOLIDAYS
Bulgaria abounds in hydrothermal resources,
unique in composition (over 600 mineral springs with temperatures
between 10 C and 102 C) and known for their curative properties
even in antiquity. The climate is healthy and has a marked
curative effect in certain regions of the country. The varied
relief. warm sea, fresh verdure and mountains air, combined
with various treatment procedures, exert a favourable influence
on a number of ailments.
The health resorts are situated in some of the most picturesque
places of Bulgaria and in the mbalneological treatment is
in combination with climate treatment and physical therapy.
The best known ones are SANDANSKI - beneficial to the treatment
of bronchial asthma, HISSARYA - known for the successful
treatment of urological and liver diseases, VELINGRAD -
for non-specific conditions of the respiratory tract, disturbances
of the locomotory system, neurological disorders, gynaecologycal
complaints, mild forms of diabetes, obesity, and Kyustendil
- for conditions of the bones, joints and tendons, disorders
of the nervous system, cardiovascular diseases, disturbances
of the reproductive system and sterility.
Special Tours
Bulgaria is a country which offers interesting
possibilities for enthusiasts of the "special interest
holidays" formula. Combining your holiday with your
favorite hobby could turn into the unforgettable experience
of a lifetime. Bulgaria offers all the necessary conditions
for an untraditional rural vacation - old Bulgarian towns,
monasteries and difirent kinds of museums, thracian treasures
and icon-painting, dozens of picturesque large and small
settlements, fine old homes with an unspoilt rural environment
and traditional lifestyle, adjoining yards with domestic
animals and gardens, ecologically clean regions and pastoral
landscape, well-organized welcome and services for guests
with typical Bulgarian hospitality, traditional cuisine
and, above all - a unique blend of natural scenery with
history, folklore, national arts and crafts, colourful festivals
and customs.
HUNTING TOURISM
Click here to find Bulgarian hunting agencys!
The game enterprise in Bulgaria is presented by 22,500 red
deer, 4,900 fallow deer, 78,000 row deer, 2,100 chamois,
2,500 mouflons, over 37,500 boars, over 8,000 bears, 2,2000
capercallies, hares, partidges, pheasnts.
One of the best red deer populations in the world is in
Bulgaria. Among its trophies our country has 4 world records
of red deer (including the present one with 273.60 CIC points)
and of boars with 158.20 CIC points. Most of the capital
trophies evaluated at over over 250 CIC points are Bulgarian.
The newly bred populations of red deer and mountions develop
very well, too. Bulgaria ranks second in the world by quality
of good throphies. International hunting tourism is a priority
of the game and fish enterprise in Bulgaria since it provides
good income for their development. It's make tourists become
real admirers of the unique Bulgarian nature.
Over 2000-2500 foreign hunters a year go shooting in Bulgaria,
a large part of them being traditional visitors in the country.
The natural conditions, the strict observance of the Game
Law and the Rules for its application, as well the scince-based
game hunting in Bulgaria give hopes that the country will
preserve its position of a leader in this field.
Having a game shooting license in Bulgaria provides a possibility
of gaining trophies of brown bear, chamois, ibex and capercaillie.
Their prices confirm to the international requirements and
are reasonable for hunters who value high trophy collections
and hunting tourism.
Hunting of wolves, jackals and foxes, pheasants, partidges,
pigeons and will ducks is full of emotion. The specialised
modern equipment of the forestry enterprise, consisting
of over 110 huts and hunter's houses, provides more than
1100 beds and all necessary conditions.
Business tourism
Book a Flight
Browse flights and fares, search for low priced itineraries
and make a flight reservation
Choose a place to stay at amongst hundreds of hotel chains
with thousands of hotels all over the world!
Reserve a Room
Bed type, room location, and distance to various reference
points can be specified as search preferences. The system
can search for rooms within a price range defined by the
customer
Choose from more than 40 car rental companies and make online
reservation!
Rent a car
Get your dream car at the best rental car prices.
Bulgaria is popular destination for the business world since
it offers all the necessary facilities for congresses, symposia,
conferences, bilateral and international meetings.
Business contacts are also easily combined with recreation
and entertainment both in the capital and the country's
resorts.
Modernly equipped meeting facilities, top service and special
business programs are available to guests.
Possibilities for the staging of business forums with international
participation are offered in the first class hotels "Sofia
Hotel Balkan", "Kempinsky Zografski", "Rodina",
Park-Hotel "Moskva" in Sofia, "Novotel Plovdiv",
"St. Peterburg" and "Trimontium" in
Plovdiv, "Cherno More" Hotel in Varna, "Bulgaria"
Hotel in Bourgas, Grand Hotel "Varna" in St. Constantine
resort, "Palace" Hotel and "Marina"
Hotel in Sunny Day, "Imperial" Hotel in Riviera,
"Dobroudja" Hotel at Albena resort and many other
hotels at Golden Sands and Sunny Beach, Pamporovo and Borovets,
in Shoumen, Veliko Tarnovo, Sandanski and Blagoevgrad. The
convention centers of the National Palace of Culture in
Sofia, the Palace of Culture and Sports and Festival Complex
in Varna are particularly suitable for large-scale international
forums.
Meeting facilities:
Multi-purpose halls, conference rooms, offices and exhibition
areas in the main convention centers and hotels
Technical facilities:
Simultaneous translation and sound systems, film projectors
and copiers, audiovisual and video equipment - all you need
for the smooth running of business events.
Accommodation:
High-category hotels conforming to international standards,
reasonable prices, first-class service.
Catering:
Rich choice of national dishes and traditional European
cuisine, specialities and drinks.
Accompanying events:
Exciting excursions, special interest tours, protocol events.
Mini conversation Guide:
EVERYDAY PHRASES
English = Balgarski
Yes = Da
No = Ne
Thank you = Blagodarya
Thank you very much = Blagodarya vi mnogo
You're welcome = Molya
Please = Ako obichate
Excuse me = Izvinete/Izviniavaite
Hello = Zdravei/Zdrasti
Goodbye = Dovijdane, Sbogom
So long = Doskoro, Chao
Good morning = Dobrutro
Good afternoon = Dobar den
Good evening = Dobar vecher
Good night = Leka nosht
There is = Ima
There is not = Niama
I want = Iskam
I do not understand = Ne razbiram
How do you say this in [English]? = Kak shte kajesh tova
na [balgarski]?
Do you speak ... = Govorish li...
English = angliiski
French = frenski
German = nemski
Spanish = ispanski
Chinese = kitaiski
I = az
We = nie
You (singular, familiar) = ti
You (singular, formal) = Vie
You (plural) = vie
They = te
What is your name? = Kak se kazvash?
Nice to meet you. = Priatno mi e.
How are you? = Kak si?
Good = Dobre
Bad = Zle/Losho
So so = Gore-dolu
Wife = sapruga
Husband = saprug
Daughter = dashteria
Son = sin
Mother = maika
Father = bashta
Friend = priatel
Post office = poshta
Museum = muzei
Bank = banka
Police station = politzia
Hospital = bolnitza
Pharmacy, Chemists = apteka
Store, Shop = magazin
Restaurant = restorant
School = uchilishte
Church = cherkva
Restrooms( toilets) = toaletni
Street = ulitza
Square = ploshtad
Mountain = planina
Hill = halm
Valley = dolina
Ocean = okean
Lake = ezero
River = reka
Swimming Pool = bassein
Tower = kula
Bridge = most
Where is the bathroom? Where is the toilet? = Kade e toaletnata?
In the hotel
IN THE HOTEL = V HOTELA
Hotel = hotel
Room = staia
A single room = edinichna staia
Double room = dvoina staia
Bathroom = bania
Breakfast = zakuska
Reservation = rezervacia
Are there any vacancies for tonight? = Ima(te) li svobodni
mesta za tazi
vecher?
No vacancies = Niama mesta/miasto; vsichko e zaeto; palno
e.
Passport = pasport
Shopping
Shopping - Pazaruvane
How much does this cost? = Kolko struva?
It is very expensive = Mnogo e skapo
What is this? = Kakvo e tova?
I'll buy it. = Shte go kupia.
I would like to buy ... = Iskam da kupia...
Do you have ... = Imate li...
Do you accept credit cards? = Priemate li kreditni karti?
Open = Otvoreno
Closed = Zatvoreno
Postcard = (Poshtenska) kartichka
Stamps = marki
A little = malko
A lot = mnogo
All = vsichko(to)/ tzialo(to)
In the restaurant
IN THE RESTAURANT
Breakfast = zakuska
Lunch = obed
Dinner = obed/vecheria
Butter = maslo
Milk = mliako
Sugar = zahar
Vegetarian = vegetarianetz
Kosher = sviat/-o/-a
Cheers! = nazdrave!
Please bring the bill. = Smetkata, molya!/ Ako obichate,
moje li smetkata!
Bread = hlyab
Beverage = napitka
Coffee = kafe
Tea = chai
Juice = djus/ sok
Water = voda
Beer = bira
Wine = vino
Salt = sol
Pepper = piper
Rice = oriz
Meat = messo
Beef = teleshko (messo)
Pork = svinsko (messo)
Fish = riba
Poultry = pileshko (messo)
Vegetable = zelenchuk
Fruit = plod
Potato = kartoff
Grill = skara
Boiled = vareno
Salad = salata
Dessert = dessert
Fruit = plodove
Grapes = grozde
Melon = dinia
Water melon = papesh
Plums = slivi
Peaches = praskovi
Cherries = chereshi
Apple = iabalka
Pear = krusha
Ice = led
Ice cream = sladoled
Directions
(Directions) Possoki
Left = liav
Right = dessen
Straight = pravo/napravo
Up = gore/nagore
Down = dolu/nadolu
Far = dalech(e)
Near = bliz(k)o
Long = dalgo
Short = kasso
Map = (turisticheska) karta
Tourist Information = Turisticheska informacia
Numbers
Numbers - Chisla
(English = Balgarski)
zero = nula
one = edno
two = dve
three = tri
four = chetiri
five = pet
six = shest
seven = sedem
eight = ossem
nine = devet
ten = desset
eleven = edinadeset
twelve = dvanadeset
thirteen = trinadeset
fourteen = chetirinadeset
fifteen = petnadeset
sixteen = shestnadeset
seventeen = sedemnadeset
eighteen = osemnadeset
nineteen = devetnadeset
twenty = dvadeset
twenty one = dvadeset i edno
thirty = trideset
forty = chetirideset
fifty = petdeset
sixty = shestdeset
seventy = sedemdeset
eighty = osemdeset
ninety = devetdeset
one hundred = sto
one thousand = hiliada
one million = (edin) milion
Travel
Travel - Patuvane
Where is ...? = Kade e...?
How much is the fare? = Kolko struva/e taksata/bileta?
Ticket = bilet
One ticket to ..., please. = (Edin) bilet za... molya.
Where are you going? = Kade otivash?
Where do you live? = Kade jiveesh?
Train = Vlak
Bus = Avtobus
Subway, Underground = Metro
Airport = Letishte
Train station = Gara
Bus station = (avtobusna) spirka
Subway station, Underground station = metro spirka
Departure = zaminavane
Arrival = pristigane
Car rental agency = Agencia za koli pod naem
Parking = parking
Time and dates
Time and Dates- Vreme i Dati
What time is it? = Kolko e chassat?
7:13, Seven thirteen = 7:13, Sedem i trinadeset
3:15, Three fifteen = 3:15, Tri i petnadeset
3:15, A quarter past three = 3:15, Tri i chetvart
11:30, Eleven thirty = 11:30, Edinadeset i trideset
11:30, Half past eleven = 11:03, Edinadest i polovina
1:45, One forty-five = 1:45, Edin i chetirideset i pet
1:45, A quarter till two = 1:45, Dva bez chetvart
Day = den
Week = sedmitza
Month = mesetz
Year = godina
Monday = ponedelnik
Tuesday = vtornik
Wednesday = sriada
Thursday = chetvartak
Friday = petak
Saturday = sabota
Sunday = nedelia
January = ianuari
February = fevruari
March = mart
April = april
May = mai
June = yuni
July = yuli
August = avgust
September = septemvri
October = oktomvri
November = noemvri
December = dekemvri
Spring = prolet
Summer = lyato
Fall, Autumn = essen
Winter = zima
Today = dnes
Yesterday = vchera
Tomorrow = utre
Birthday = Rojden den
Happy Birthday! = Chestit Rojden Den!
Checkpoints
Bulgarian-Yugoslav border
Kalotina (motorway E-6)
Vrushka Chouka (Belgrad- Kulata-Sofia motorway)
Bulgarian - Macedonian border
Gyueshevo (Sofia, Kyustendil-Skopje motorway)
Bulgarian-Greek border
Kulata (motorway E-20)
Novo Selo (E80)
Bulgarian-Turkish border
Kapitan Andreevo (motorway E-5)
Malko Turnovo (motorway E-95)
Bulgarian-Romanian border
Rousse (motorway E-97)
Vidin-Calafat
Vranshka Chuka-Kula (motorway 14)
Silistra (motorway)
BORDER CROSSING GUIDE
http://www.bcci.bg/border_cr/
Airlines offices
Balkan (LZ) Bulgarian Airlines Sofia Airport Information
and reservation by phone 689 418; fax 684 148; Tel.: (+359
2) 79-321; Fax: (+359 2) 791-206
Air Algerie
Address: 36, Alexander Stambliiski Blvd., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 877 325
Aeroflot (SU)
Address: Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 879 080; Fax: (+359 2) 22 484
Air France (AF)
Address: 2, Saborna St., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 872 686; Fax: (+359 2) 22 596
Al Italia
Address: 40, Graf Ignatiev St., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 808 786; Fax: (+359 2) 808 601
Ausrian Airlines (SO)
Address: 68, Maria Luisa Blvd., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 327 057; Fax: (+359 2) 334 003
British Airways
Address: 68, Alabin St., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 981 7001; Fax: (+359 2) 981 6999
Hemus Air
Address: Sofia Airport, Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 702 076; Fax: (+359 2) 881 154
Balkan Air Tour
Address: Sveta Nedelya Square, Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 981 94 34; 987 31 69; 874 375; Fax: (+359
2) 987 59 06; ZZ ADDRESS:BATZZLZ; SITA CODE:SOFBALZ E-mail:
bat@travel-bulgaria.com
KLM
Address: 82a, Vassil Levski Blvd., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 894 919
LOT 27
Address: Alexander Samboliiski Blvd., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 874 562; Fax: (+359 2) 883 193
Olimpic Airlines
Address: 46, Stamboliiski Blvd., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 807 979; Fax: (+359 2) 805 454
Swissair (SR)
Address: 66, Maria Luisa Blvd., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 328 181; Fax: (+359 2) 335 012
Lufthansa (LH)
Address: 9A, Saborna St., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 884 223; Fax: (+359 2) 803 811
Syrian Airlines
Address: 36A, Stamboliiski Blvd., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 876 029
Turkish Airlines
Address: 11A, Saborna St., Sofia 1000
tel.: (+359 2) 883 596
Cities and regions
Old administrative divisions (bigest bulgarian towns)
The 1987 law-enforced administrative-territorial division
of the country divides the territory into 9 administrative
regions, 279 municipalities and 3913 mayoralties. The local
authorities are responsible for the implementation of the
laws and the fulfilment of the approved regional development
programmes.The community network comprises 5336 communities,
of which 238 towns, 4445 villages and 653 hamlets.
Administrative Regions (and some big cities):
THE CITY OF SOFIA (Sofia)
SOFIA REGION (Pernik, Kyustendil, Blagoevgrad)
PLOVDIV REGION (Plovdiv, Pazardzhik, Smolian)
HASKOVO REGION (Haskovo, Stara Zagora, Kardjali)
BOURGASS REGION (Bourgass, Yambol, Sliven)
VARNA REGION (Varna, Shoumen, Dobrich)
ROUSSE REGION (Rousse, Silistra, Razgrad)
LOVECH REGION (Lovech, Pleven, Gabrovo)
MONTANA REGION (Montana, Vratsa, Vidin)
Telephone code for Bulgaria: 359
| Aitos |
+558 |
|
Kiten |
+5561 |
|
Ravda |
+554 |
| Albena |
+5722 |
|
Kyustendil |
+078 |
|
Razgrad |
+84 |
| Antonovo |
+6071 |
|
Knezha |
+9132 |
|
Razlog |
+747 |
| Asenovgrad |
+331 |
|
Kostenetc |
+720 |
|
Rudozem |
+306 |
| Balchik |
+579 |
|
Kostinbrod |
+729 |
|
Rousse |
+82 |
| Bankya |
+291 |
|
Kotel |
+453 |
|
Saedinenie |
+3181 |
| Bansko |
+744 |
|
Kozlodui |
+973 |
|
Samokov |
+723 |
| Belene |
+658 |
|
Kranevo |
+5722 |
|
Sandanski |
+746 |
| Belogradtchik |
+936 |
|
Kritchim |
+3145 |
|
Septemvri |
+3561 |
| Beloslav |
+5152 |
|
Krumovgrad |
+360 |
|
Sevlievo |
+675 |
| Berkovica |
+953 |
|
Kubrat |
+837 |
|
Shabla |
+578 |
| Biala Slatina |
+915 |
|
Kula |
+938 |
|
Shoumen |
+54 |
| Biala, Rouse |
+817 |
|
Levski |
+650 |
|
Silistra |
+86 |
| Blagoevgrad |
+73 |
|
Liaskovetc |
+6191 |
|
Simeonovgrad |
+3781 |
| Borovetc |
+7218 |
|
Liubimetc |
+3751 |
|
Simitli |
+7481 |
| Botevgrad |
+723 |
|
Lom |
+971 |
|
Sliven |
+44 |
| Bourgass |
+56 |
|
Lovetch |
+68 |
|
Slivnitca |
+727 |
| Chepelare |
+3051 |
|
Loznitca |
+8362 |
|
Slantchev briag
(Sunny Beach) |
+554 |
| Cherven briag |
+659 |
|
Lukovit |
+697 |
|
Smolian |
+301 |
| Chirpan |
+0416 |
|
Madan |
+308 |
|
Sofia |
+2 |
| Devin |
+3041 |
|
Mezdra |
+910 |
|
Sopot |
+3134 |
| Devnia |
+519 |
|
Momtchilgrad |
+363 |
|
Sozopol |
+5514 |
| Dimitrovgrad |
+391 |
|
Montana |
+96 |
|
Stamboliiski |
+339 |
| Dobritch |
+58 |
|
Nessebur |
+554 |
|
Stara Zagora |
+42 |
| Dolin Dubnik |
+6514 |
|
Nova Zagora |
+457 |
|
Stoikite |
+3021 |
| Drianovo |
+676 |
|
Novi Pazar |
+537 |
|
Straldja |
+4761 |
| Dulovo |
+855 |
|
Omurtag |
+605 |
|
Strazhitca |
+6161 |
| Dupnitca |
+701 |
|
Oriahovo |
+9171 |
|
Svilendgrad |
+379 |
| Dve mogili |
+8141 |
|
Pamporovo |
+3021 |
|
Svishtov |
+631 |
| Elena |
+6151 |
|
Parvomai |
+336 |
|
Svoge |
+726 |
| Elin Pelin |
+725 |
|
Pavlikeni |
+610 |
|
Targovishte |
+601 |
| Elohovo |
+478 |
|
Pazardzhik |
+34 |
|
Tervel |
+5751 |
| Etropole |
+712 |
|
Pernik |
+76 |
|
Teteven |
+678 |
| Gabrovo |
+66 |
|
Peshtera |
+350 |
|
Tryavna |
+677 |
| Galabovo |
+418 |
|
Petritch |
+745 |
|
Topolovgrad |
+470 |
| General Toshevo |
+5733 |
|
Pirdop |
+728 |
|
Troian |
+670 |
| Gorna Oriahovitca |
+618 |
|
Pleven |
+64 |
|
Tsarevo |
+5562 |
| Gotce Deltchev |
+751 |
|
Plovdiv |
+32 |
|
Tunkovo |
+554 |
| Harmanli |
+373 |
|
Polski Trambesh |
+6141 |
|
Tutrakan |
+857 |
| Haskovo |
+38 |
|
Pomorie |
+596 |
|
Tvarditca |
+454 |
| Hisar |
+337 |
|
Popovo |
+608 |
|
Valtchedrum |
+9744 |
| Iambol |
+46 |
|
Pravetc |
+7133 |
|
Varna |
+52 |
| Ihtiman |
+724 |
|
Preslav |
+538 |
|
Varshetc |
+9527 |
| Isperih |
+835 |
|
Primorsko |
+5561 |
|
Veliko Turnovo |
+62 |
| Kardjali |
+361 |
|
Provadia |
+518 |
|
Velingrad |
+359 |
| Karlovo |
+335 |
|
Radnevo |
+417 |
|
Vidin |
+94 |
| Karnobat |
+559 |
|
Radomir |
+777 |
|
Vlas |
+554 |
| Kavarna |
+570 |
|
Rakitovo |
+3542 |
|
Vratca |
+92 |
| Kazanluk |
+431 |
|
Rakovski |
+3151 |
|
Zlatitca |
+728 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Zlatograd |
+3071 |
Useful Numbers
Emergency
Ambulance 150
Fire 160
Police 166
Report a crime hotline 982 2212 (Bulgarian, English), 9804040
2323 (voice mail)
Utilities Problems
Phone Lines 130
Waterworks 974 54 18
Central Heating 951 51 96
Electricity East 989 38 01
Electricity West 925 02 04
Electricity North 470 161
Electricity South 952 66 85
Cars
Road Assistance:
SBA: 146, 048 146
Towaway 983 6747
Taxis
Taxi-S-Express 9 1280
SoFIATaxi 947 74 74
OK Supertrans 973 21 21
CV Taxi 9 1263
Sofia Airport
International Arrivals 937 22 12
International Departures 937 22 11
Domestic Flights 937 22 13
Lost luggage 937 24 91
Sofia Central railway station 32 33 33
Miscellaneous
MTel Info 088 133 to 088 137
GloBul Info 098 123 and 933 0718 to 933 0725
NDK box office 916 6369
Opera House box office 987 7011
Business
Bulgarian Industrial Association 932 09 11
American Chamber of Commerce 981 59 50
Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry 987 26 31
Bulgarian Foreign Investment Agency 985 55 00
Bulgarian Employers Union 931 66 88
Geting to Bulgaria
By car
You cross a number of countries. Up to Vienna there are
no customs and visa formalities. It is more different crossing
the countries of former Yugoslavia; it is recommended to
use the route
Vienna-Budapest-Belgrade-Sofia. The roads are first class,
most of them highways. The distance from Vienna to Sofia
is about 1,500km. National drivers' licenses are valid in
Bulgaria. Insurance has to be made in advance or paid at
the border. Cars (self-drive and chauffeur driven) may be
rented at the border checkpoints and in all tourist offices
throughout the country. Speed limit:
50 km/h in populated areas
90 km/h outside populated areas
120 km/h on highways.
See also European Long Distance Paths pass through Bulgaria:
E3 Black Sea - Iberia
E4 Mediterranean Arc
E8 Atlantic - Istanbul
By plain
Both foreign, as well as several Bulgarian state-owned
and private airline companies link the country with the
five continents. Domestic services operate and charter flights
are organized to resorts in summer and winter.
Most important world air distances from:
London: 3 hours
Moscow: 2 hours
New York: 14 hours
Paris: 3 hours
Rome: 2 hours
Tokyo: 23 hours
Zurich: 2 hours
By train
The main trans-European and trans-continental trains run
through Bulgaria. Sofia is directly connected with Paris,
Vienna, Munich, Berlin.
By water
There are sea and river connections via the Black sea and
Danube. The majority are tourist cruises rather than regular
boat links.
Food and Wines
BULGARIAN CUISINE Because of its geographical position
and long history Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture between
the Slavonic, Greek and Turkish cuisines. The basic food
products used in the Bulgarian cuisine are beans, milk,
yogurt, cheese, tomatoes, potatoes, apples, water-melons,
grapes, etc. Bulgarians eat also pork, beef, lamb, chicken
and fish. National specialties include: Shopska salad (sliced
tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and parsley topped with grated
sheep's cheese); and tarator (a cold soup of chopped cucumber,
walnuts and yogurt). White sheep's cheese baked with eggs
is another favorite. Other typical items on the menu include
kavarma (individual casseroles of pork or veal, onions and
mushrooms), shishkebab, stuffed vine or cabbage leaves and
moussaka. Yogurt too, tastes better in Bulgaria, its country
of origin. Other Bulgarian specialty is banitza (pasty).
Recipes from the Rila Monastery (it was visited by the
Pope – John Paul II):
Thick Haricot Beans Soup:
Products: Haricot beans - 1 tea cup, Milk - 1 tea cup, Butter
- 2 tea spoons, (or sunflower oil - 1 table spoon), Mint
(fresh or dried) - 1 table spoon, Red pepper - 1 tea spoon,
Salt - for a taste
Preparation: Clean and wash the beans and soak in cold water
with salt for the night. Then wash them again, put them
in a pot, pour cold water and boil them soft (you may throw
the first water). Filtrate the beans through a strainer
and mash them with a wooden spoon. Mix them with the milk;
pour some of the "bouillon" so that the liquid
is three fingers above the slashed beans. Put the mint and
the red pepper, some salt and boil for another quarter of
an hour at a moderate temperature.
Vegetable "Kapama":
Products for two: Onions - 3 pcs, Potatoes - 4-5 pcs, Parsley
- 1 root, Salt - for a taste, Black pepper - a tea spoon,
Tomato paste - 1 tea spoon, Flour - 1 table spoon, Sunflower
oil - 1 coffee cup, Carrots - 2 pcs, Celery - 1 small piece
Preparation: Drop the finely chopped onions, the sliced
potatoes and carrots, the celery cut in cubicles and parsley
root into 0.5 liter of boiling water. Put the salt, the
tomato paste (dash with a small cup of warm water) and the
flour (preliminary baked in a dry pan and dashed with a
small cup of lukewarm water). Add the oil, stir the mixture,
put the lid and stew at a low temperature until the water
boils away. Serve powdered with black pepper.
Lamb Meat in Wrapping Paper
Products: Lamb meat - 1 kg, Green onions (chopped) - 15-20
pcs, Rice - 1 coffee cup, Parsley (chopped) - 1 table spoon,
Hogweed (chopped) - 1 table spoon, Sunflower oil - 1 coffee
cup, Black pepper - a tea spoon, Salt - for a taste
Preparation: Cut the meat into small pieces. Mix the pieces
with the onions, the rice, the black pepper, the parsley
and hogweed, the oil and salt. Put the mixture in oiled
paper and wrap it as a parcel. Put the parcel paper ends
downwards in a small baking dish, pour a finger of water
and bake it at a moderate temperature in an oven for 2-3
hours. Serve with lattuce salad.
BULGARIAN WINES are the perfect companion for Bulgarian
food. The choice is wide. However, you can tell the best
wine by their controlled Label of origin guaranteeing that
they have been made from special varieties of grapes grown
in specific localities. The modern history of the Bulgarian
wines begins in the early 1900s when a generation of young
wine-growers graduated in France and started the modern
growing of grapes.
In 1970s Bulgarian wines like Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot
appeared in the European markets and are still very popular
in Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg,
Germany, Scandinavian countries.
Original local red grapes Mavrud and Melnik are grown in
Bulgaria and are very interesting to the wine connoisseurs.
Beer is also very popular in Bulgaria.
The climate in Bulgaria is determined by four
clear seasons. The climate in the northern part of the country
is moderate continental, while the climate in Southern Bulgaria
is intermediate continental tending to Mediterranean. The
climate in the regions with an altitude of 1900-2000 m above
sea level is mountainous. The climate of the seaside regions
is milder in the winter and cooler in the summer than the
climate of the interior of the country.
The average annual temperature is 10°C.
The average air temperature in the summer is 30°C.
The average water temperature is 25°C.
