Travel tips to European Countries: Bulgaria

 Travel tips to European Countries: Bulgaria

About the county

Bulgaria, also known as the Republic of Bulgaria or the Bulgarian Republic, is a stunning mountainous nation in Southern Europe that borders the Black Sea to the east, Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia to the west, Romania to the north, and Greece and Turkey to the south. It is located in the Balkan Peninsula. Along the sea, Bulgaria shares maritime boundaries with Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and Romania. The capital and biggest city is Sofia. Despite having a very tiny territory, the nation is rich in ancient culture, stunning landscapes, and warm, welcoming people who offer the warmth and friendliness of bygone eras. Due to the country's extensive rose output, Bulgaria is referred to as the "Land of Roses." Despite the fact that Bulgaria is primarily known for its seaside resorts, a large portion of the country may be explored in beautiful mountainous areas, with many ski resorts making it an excellent place for skiers to visit. With its distinctive customs, magnificent crafts, vibrant festivals, folklore, and other things, Bulgaria has everything needed to astonish and thrill visitors.

Population & Languages

The official language of Bulgaria is Bulgarian, and there are over 7.4 million people living there. A sizeable portion of the population also speaks Turkish and Roma.

Geographic Location

It is located in Southern Europe's Balkan Peninsula, bordered to the east by the Black Sea, west by Serbia and the Republic of Macedonia, north by Romania, and south by Greece and Turkey. Along the sea, Bulgaria shares maritime boundaries with Georgia, Ukraine, Russia, Turkey, and Romania. Due to its advantageous location close to the Turkish Straits, Bulgaria serves as the hub for important land routes connecting Europe with the Middle East and Asia.

Climate

The country of Bulgaria has a moderate climate, with hot, dry summers and chilly, wet winters. Winter temperatures hover around 32°F (0°C), while summer temperatures are often about 75°F (24°C). Bulgaria is best visited in the summer.

Local Customs

Like any other country Bulgaria has its own customs too and normal courtesies should be followed. Handshaking is customary. Dress should be conservative but can be casual. Souvenirs from home country are appreciated if invited to home. Here is Bulgaria, a nod of the head means ‘no’ and a shake of the head means ‘yes’. Tipping up to 10 to 12 percent is customary for all services including restaurants, bars, clubs, taxis etc.

Attractions

Sofia 

* St. Sofia Church

* St. George Rotunda

* Alexander Nevsky Cathedral 

* National Ethnographic Museum 

Mountains

* Village of Momchilovtsi 

* Pirin National Park 

* Rila Monastery

Travel

By Air - Bulgaria Air is the country's flag carrier. Aeroflot, Air France, Alitalia, Austrian Carriers, British Airways, El Al Israel Airlines, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, MALEV Hungarian Airlines, Olympic Airlines, and Swiss Air are some of the other international airlines that fly out of Bulgaria. The largest airport, Sofia International Airport EAD (SOF), is about six miles to the east of Sofia. The western suburbs of the city, around five miles from Varna, are home to another international airport called Varna International Airport (VAR).

Sea - The important international ports are Bourgas and Varna along the Black Sea.

River – Ferries can cross into Romania from Vidin to Calafat.

By Rail – Sofia is connected to Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest, Thessaloniki, Paris, Vienna, Munich and Berlin through frequent services of trains.

Duty Free Items

1. 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco 

2. 1 liter of spirits and 2 liter of wine; 50g of perfume and 100g of eau de toilette 

3. Gifts and personal use items.

Prohibited Items

Un-canned goods, meat or dairy products, Narcotics, pornography, firearms, ammunition, weapons, eggs, plants, endangered species, fireworks and alcoholic beverages that contain more than sixty per cent alcohol.