Bulgaria
Bulgaria is in South East Europe, it is bordered by Romania to the north, Greece and Turkey to the south, Serbia and Macedonia to the west and the Black Sea coast to the East. Sofia is the capital city.
There has been a massive investment in tourism in Bulgaria resulting in the construction of many new hotels, mostly of a four and five star rating. This means the quality of the holidays is now very high, while at the same time Balkan Holidays have kept their reputation of offering great value for money. The cost of a holiday for a family of four is considerably less with Balkan Holidays in Bulgaria than in other European beach resorts.
Climate
Bulgaria has average temperatures of 27C in the summer and basks in over 300 hours of sunshine during the high season.
To go with the great weather Bulgaria has some of the best beaches in Europe. All of them are sandy and have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for the cleanliness of the water and the beach itself.
Money
Bulgaria does not have the Euro as its currency. This means the cost of living is still great value. A three course meal costs under £10 per person with a large beer costing £1.30. Bulgaria’s currency is the Lev, with about 2.21Lev to £1.00 sterling (May 2009). Sterling or sterling traveller’s cheques can be exchanged in resorts; these should always be changed in a hotel or bank. There are also ATM’s in all resorts offering a favourable exchange rate.
In May 2009, a post office survey found that Bulgaria was the cheapest destination in the world for tourists, when purchasing items such as an evening meal, drinks and other important items whilst on holiday.
Food
The food served in hotels caters for an international pallet and is very tasty. This means a choice of meats, salads and vegetables. Guests are not served steak and chips or an English breakfast! The food served in local restaurants is excellent, with a choice to suit all tastes and budgets.
Resort Information
Duni – The resort of Duni is situated 7km south of Sozopol. It is at the end of a large bay and has a 4.5km sandy beach that reaches 100 metres wide in places with natural sand dunes. The resort itself is a collection of high quality hotels and holiday cottages offering a great selection of facilities including many water sports. There is a variety of restaurants, bars and shops in nearby Sozopol.
Transfer time – 1.5 to 2 hours.
Elenite – is an ‘All Inclusive’ resort. The resort has two main hotels plus a collection of villas, all of which are clustered around all the amenities you would expect in a holiday village. In the centre is a large inviting swimming pool with plenty of space for sunbathing. The whole village is built along a clean, mixed shingle beach and the sparkling blue waters of the Black Sea. The attractive beach and excellent range of sport facilities make Elenite especially popular with families.
Transfer time – 1 hour
Nessebur – With a history dating back 2,500 years, Nessebur has been linked with many ancient cvilisations including Thracian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine. The old quarter is under a preservation order as a living museam town, housing the remains of some 40 churches from different periods of history. The narrow cobbled streets and gabled houses make Nessebur and ideal place for guests looking for a seaside holiday in a typical Bulgarian town. There is no ‘museum’ feeling here though as both the old an new town are full of life with music and entertainment, sometimes late in to the night.
Transfer time – 40 minutes.
Pomorie – Situated on a rocky peninsula the resort of Pomorie is set in beautiful natural surroundings. The town was founded in the fourth century B.C near a salt lake considered sacred by the ancient Thracian’s because of its healing powers. Pomorie once rivalled Nessebur in antiquity and architecture but was mostly destroyed in 1906. There are still interesting things to see in the town with its cobblestone streets and traditional wooden houses. Recently completed five star Sunset Resort, which is a magnificent complex offering a combination of first class facilities and luxurious accommodation and it’s just 20 metres from the beach.
Transfer time – 20 minutes
Sozopol – Situated on a small rocky peninsula on the southern Black Sea coast, south east of the bustling port of Bourgas, today Sozopol is a beautiful old seaside town. Proud of its past and keeping its old traditions very much alive – its fishing methods have not changed in centuries.
Now however, Sozopol has busy, thriving modern quarters with many restaurants, cafes and bars which stay open late in to the night.
Transfer time – 1 hour
Sunny Beach – The biggest Black Sea resort, Sunny Beach caters for every holiday need. Bordering a spectacular, Blue Flag, 8 kilometre – long sandy beach, it comprises of a string of beachside hotels and complexes linked by a buzzing promenade of shops, stalls, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy food and drinks at extremely low prices. Family attractions are available in the resort with playgrounds, mini golf and an aqua park. On the beach, a variety of water sports include paragliding, volleyball and waterskiing await the energetic.
At dusk, there is more entertainment on hand in the shape of nightclubs, bars, hotel floorshows and folk nights. The nearby UNESCO-protected town of Nessebar, offers quaint cobbled streets, traditional architecture and fine fish restaurants.
Transfer time – 40 minutes
Time Difference: 2 Hours ahead of UK
Flights: Norwich - 12 May - 29 September 2013 plus additional flights on Mondays 02 September - 23 September 2013
