About Bulgarian Real Estate
Geographic Location of Bulgaria:
The Republic of Bulgaria is situated in the North - Eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. It covers a territory of 110.993 square kilometers. It borders on Romania to the North, Greece to the South, Turkey to the South - East, Serbia and Montenegro to the West and Macedonia to the South - West. The Black Sea is the natural eastern border of Bulgaria and its coastline is 378 km. long. Its strategic location, situated on a crossroad between the West and the East, is a prerequisite for its dynamic and progressing economy and international trade.
Map of Real Estate in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is an incredibly diverse country with beautiful and unspoiled nature, spectacular landscapes and a unique combination of mountains and sea, all on a comparatively small territory. This makes it an attractive tourist destination, which offers vacation opportunities to people of all ages and in all seasons. It is easy to reach via the four international airports in Sofia, Bourgas, Varna and Plovdiv, the two major sea ports of Bourgas and Varna and the international waterway along the river Danube - the country´s border to the North.
Half of the territory of Bulgarian Real Estate is covered with mountains. Rila and Pirin are the tallest and are to be found in the southwestern part of the country. Sparsely populated, with picturesque alpine lakes, both are perfect for rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, playing golf, spa or just for taking a walk.
Territorial and Administrative Division:
Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. The country is divided into 28 districts and 258 municipalities. 6 plan regions have been defined in the country, as well, in conformity with EU requirements.
Climate:
One advantage the Bulgarian climate has is that it is predictable, which means it allows long-term planning of one�s holiday. The country has four distinct seasons. Summer is long and pleasantly hot (around 25� - 30� C), winter is cold and snowy (temperatures stand around 0� C). Spring and autumn are breathtakingly beautiful, and the moderate temperatures make them suitable for all kinds of holiday.
Beaches on the Black Sea
The warm and sunny Bulgarian summer lasts from June right through to the end of September, and even then the Black Sea is an ideal place for seaside vacationing and for different kinds of water sports. Autumns in Bulgaria are mild and pleasant. Rainfalls are most frequent in May, October and November.
History, culture and language:
Bulgaria is still relatively unknown to tourists, even though it is one of the oldest states in Europe, having been founded in 681 A.D. It gave the Slavic script to the world, asserting the Slavic alphabet in the 9th century, making it the third alphabet in use in Europe after the Greek and Latin. In 2007 Bulgaria will become the only European Union member using the Cyrillic alphabet and the EU documents will also be written in the Cyrillic alphabet, placing Bulgarian among the official European languages.
Bulgarian properties and the surrounding lands have been inhabited since ancient times and have been part of several civilizations, the dominant one among them being the Thracians. Later, these lands were incorporated into the Roman Empire; proof of this is the well-preserved Roman amphitheatre in Plovdiv. The ancestors of what is today the Bulgarian state were the Bulgarian Khans from Central Asia, who adopted Christianity as early as the 9th century, warred with the Byzantine Empire, developed an astounding culture, dominating the Balkan Peninsula and the region for centuries. Bulgaria became one of the most influential political forces in Medieval Europe.
The central nave of the Old Metropolitan Church in Nessebar
During the Middle Ages Bulgaria became one of the first European shields against the Ottoman invasion further west and in the course of centuries obstructed the Ottoman intrusion into the Old Continent. In 1396, however, the state fell under the Ottoman yoke (oppression) and for 5 centuries, Bulgaria was dominated by the Ottoman Turks which distanced it from the mainstream European traditions.
Bulgaria remained under Ottoman rule from the late 14th century till the late 19th century. In the early 20th century Bulgaria became the leading Balkan economic and military power, and in 1908 was financially proclaimed an independent state. During WW II, the last Bulgarian king, Boris III, was forced to join the Axis in 1941, but clearly refused to send troops to the Eastern front or Bulgarian Jews to Nazi concentration camps. This act saved the lives of more than 50,000 Bulgarian Jews. At the end of the war, Bulgaria became a republican satellite of the Soviet Union as per the Yalta Allied Agreements. The Communist Party ruled until 1990, when a democratic government came to office.
The non-violent end of the communist system in 1989 paved the country´s way to democracy. Since 1990, Bulgaria has been going through the difficult process of privatizing state-owned companies, upgrading infrastructure, encouraging investments, and re-training individuals and companies to be privately competitive. In 2001 the son of the last Bulgarian monarch - Simeon II was involved in Bulgarian politics. He created his own political party and was elected prime minister. There has been a functioning market economy in the country with high and sustained growth rates in recent years - an average of 4.5 - 5 %, macroeconomic stability and low inflation rates. This enables it to attract more and more foreign investments. The country has made significant progress, leading up to its joining NATO in the spring of 2004 and is well on target for accession to the EU in 2007.
Bulgaria has a remarkable cultural heritage that is conditioned by its rich history. There are 36 cultural reserves and 40,000 monuments of culture from various historical eras: prehistoric finds, Thracian tombs, archaeological sites of the Hellenic era, Roman and Byzantine castles, historical monuments from the First and the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, from the National Revival Period, architectural ensembles as well as entire settlements that have preserved their authentic atmosphere and architecture.
Bulgarian street cafes and restaurants
Itineraries - cities and towns:
Bulgaria is a compact country with cheap and accessible transportation. It is a country where you can see different kinds of landscapes and cultures, all within one brief visit. Bulgarian towns are a splendid blend of antiquity and modernity. They are also famed for their abundant cultural heritage.
The capital Sofia, Bulgaria´s largest city is a bustling city, located at the foot of the Vitosha mountain. In the centre of Sofia, visitors can see ruins dating back to the time of the Roman Empire, as well as impressive monuments. With its numerous concert halls, an opera, cinemas and theatres Sofia is the heart of the country´s cultural life.
In the second biggest city of Plovdiv, the pace of life is somewhat slower. The Old town, sprawled over three hills, is the most fascinating part of Plovdiv. The majestic 2nd century Roman Amphitheatre is located in the southern end of the Old town. In summer, the amphitheatre becomes a stage for opera stagings and classical music concerts. The bustling pedestrian zone, lined with cafes, restaurants and shops, is an ideal place to take a walk in the very heart of the modern city. It would be a good idea to visit one of the traditional houses in the old part of the city and listen to the sound of the street organ.
The sea capital of Bulgaria, Varna, is a cosmopolitan city, with numerous tourists during the summer season and a romantic atmosphere all the year round. The sea front alley of Sea Garden with its numerous restaurants and cafes is as interesting in the day as it is at night, with people of all ages being attracted to the biggest dolphinarium on the Balkan Peninsula, which offers a breathtaking show. Fans of historical reconstructions can go back in time to the period when the Bulgarian state was founded.
The city of Bourgas, surrounded by three lakes, is located on a peninsula in the western part of Bourgas Bay. A small town in ancient times, Bourgas has grown to become the biggest harbor in Bulgaria and the economic centre of the South Black Sea coast with well developed industry and trade. There is an international airport, a railway station, as well as bus communication to the other parts of the country. The town beach below the Sea Garden is also a popular destination. Many restaurants, sport and entertainment facilities are to be found along the beach.
Bourgas
The Medieval capital of Veliko Turnovo dazzles with its ancient fortress and picturesque location - high up the Yantra river gorge.
Rousse, the biggest Danubean port, has preserved the slow rhythm of life and the superb 19th and 20th century buildings built by Italian, Austrian and Swiss architects.
Mountain resorts:
The Bulgarian mountains are sure to have snow from the end of December until mid-April. The ski resorts are situated in southern Bulgaria. They are modern and attract much attention. The four biggest ski resorts are Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo and Vitosha.
Borovets is the oldest and second largest ski resort in Bulgaria and is situated on the northern slopes of the Rila Mountains. It is a modern ski resort with luxury hotels, restaurants, discos, shops and a good choice of ski runs and lifts. Eight snow guns for artificial snow are installed and secure good snow coverage. Nightlife and night skiing are equally great.
Height of the resort: 1350 m. - 2500 m.
Total length of runs: 40 km.
Bansko is a small historic town located at 925 m. above sea level at the foot of Pirin Mountains. Bulgaria´s biggest ski resort, offering the best skiing conditions is situated above the town. The mountain has 44 snow guns working to cover 80 percent of the skiing surface. It is a snowboarder´s paradise with a newly established snowboard park. Night skiing is available on well-lit ski runs.
Height of the skiing area: 1810 m. - 2500 m.
Total length of ski runs: 65 km
View: Bansko Property
Pamporovo nests in the heart of the Rhodopes Mountains. Strong influence from the Mediterranean defines the resort´s mild climate and heavy snowfalls in the winter. The resort has six snow guns for artificial snow. Dog sledge driving and night skiing will be available by winter, 2005.
Height of the skiing area: 1650 m - 1926 m
Total length of ski runs: 34 km
Bulgaria Mountains and Resorts
Vitosha Mountain hosts the fourth biggest Bulgarian ski resort. It is on the eastern slopes of the highest Mount Cherni Vrah at 2290m. The resort is only a 45 min. drive from Sofia. A gondola lift from Sofia brings skiers up to over 1800 m. The skiing season starts in late December and lasts until April.
Height of the resort: 1850 m. - 2290 m.
Total length of ski runs: 29 km.
The Black Sea Coast has a coast line that is 380 km long, with small, secluded beaches and large, smoothly functioning sea resorts with numerous luxury hotels. 25 % of the coast line is covered by wonderful sandy beaches, which attract numerous tourists to the famous resorts like Sunny Beach, the Golden Sands and Albena. But if you want a taste of the authentic charm of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, you should visit the small historical towns studding the coast - Nessebar, Sozopol and Blachik. With their ancient ruins and colourful landscapes, they offer an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in the Black Sea atmosphere all the year round.
View: Black Sea Coast Property
Albena, surrounded by a forest, has a remarkable six km long and 100 m wide beach. The resort has over 40 hotels and a wide selection of amusement facilities, shops and banks.
Golden Sands resort combines superb beaches, trendy hotels, restaurants and entertainment, mineral springs, luscious forest and all the rich biodiversity of the nearby nature park. Golden Sands has more than 75 hotels, luxury villas and world-class entertainment.
Sunny Beach is Bulgaria´s biggest Black Sea resort. It is situated just north of ancient Nessebar. The resort has more than 100 hotels and numerous possibilities for entertainment. The new yachting club and aquatic facilities add to this variety.
Balchik is a very old settlement and one of the most picturesque areas along the seafront. It is a small town on the Northern Black Sea coast representing an incredible combination of modern style resort with great historical heritage.
The town of Sozopol is enveloped in the romance of the sheer cobbled narrow streets, ancient wooden houses, churches and chapels. Originally named Apollonia, it is the oldest town on the Black Sea coast, settled by the Thracians in 13th - 12th century B.C. Surrounded by sea on three sides, it brings together natural beauty and romantic antiquities. At the beginning of September, Sozopol plays host to the annual Appolonia festival of arts, offering a diverse programme of theater stagings, concerts, exhibitions, etc.
Nessebar
Nessebar is one of the favourite holiday destinations in Bulgaria. The Old town, one of the oldest in Europe, was built on an isthmus and used to be a major Black Sea port in antiquity. Full of history and architecture, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unique colour and atmosphere. There used to be many churches in Nessebar; only a few of them have come down to us.
Useful Tips:
Currency/ currency exchange and credit cards:
The Bulgarian monetary unit is the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). 1 lev = 100 stotinki. Presently, coins in circulation are of nominal values 1,2,5,10, 20, 50 stotinki and 1 lev. The bills in circulation are: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 leva.
The exchange rate of the Lev is pegged to the Euro, one Euro being exchanged for BGN 1.9 on average. Exchange of foreign currency takes place in all banks in Bulgaria or in the network of change bureaus in the towns and resorts. Banks and some exchange offices charge commission fees.
Most hotels, shops and restaurants in Sofia accept credit cards, but this is not the case in the country and in smaller towns. Cash is the most widespread form of payment.
Smoking:
As of January 1st, 2005, Bulgarian restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, etc. have zones for smokers and for non-smokers. There is no smoking in public places.
Tipping:
Do not feel obliged to leave a tip, if you do not think the service you have been offered has been good enough. Some restaurants include a service percentage in the bill. The standard tip is around 10 %.
Time Zone:
The local time in Bulgaria is + 2 hours from the West-European time (GMT) and + 1 hour from the Central-European time (CET - Paris, Rome). Summer time is from late March through late October.
If you would like further information please contact us, we will be glad to help.
