About Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country of beautiful landscapes, and friendly people who welcome tourists to their land. The country has unique natural beauty with an amazing variety of plants and natural fauna. The Balkan range of mountains ‘spans’ the country from one end to the other, and there are many incredible plains and valleys. Bulgaria is also a land of contrasts. It has multiple historical and cultural monuments that illustrate its turbulent history. However, Bulgaria is recognized as one of the most stable countries in this region, both politically and economically. It joined NATO in 2004, and is due to join the EU in 2007.

Bulgaria is blessed with 360 km of coastline adjoining the Black Sea. It has 220 km of golden sands, with many small coves, rocky edifices and scenic cliff-faces. The sea is clear blue in colour; and many of the superb beaches have been awarded the European Blue Flag for cleanliness. The fine grained golden beaches, together with the warm blue waters, make this the next ‘Spain’ waiting to happen, with many UK citizens and Europeans now buying properties and land all over the country. Charter flights and cheap package holidays to Varna and Bourgas are available from many UK airports between May and October, and flights to Sofia are available all year around. Budget airlines are expected to fly to Bulgaria very soon. This, coupled with the EU membership expected in 2007 suggests that property prices which rose by 30 % in 2004, will continue to rise at a greater pace, providing a good investment for those who buy property here.

North Seasides (Black Sea)

The coastline in the north of the Black Sea coast is very picturesque with rolling hills reaching down to the sea. It is characterized by its many sandy beaches. All types of new and resale properties are available here at very cheap prices when compared with the Mediterranean coastline.

VARNA (population 350,000)

Varna is an urban resort with golden sand beaches and an active nightlife. It has the benefit of ‘being open’ all year round, even when the lesser resorts are closed for the winter season. It has museums, superb seaside park, 20 art galleries and extensive archeological ruins. Varna International Airport provides the gateway to the Black Sea, and the seaside resorts of the northern side are all easily reached from here. Varna is effectively the capital of the Black Sea, and transport by bus or train is regularly available to other parts of the country. Properties in this area are reasonably priced when compared with the main resorts.

ALBENA (sports resort)

Albena is the most organised resort in Bulgaria. It has the best range of activities in the country, together with a stunning beach of golden sands. The shallow waters extend up to 150 metres offshore. This is the place for all kinds of sports: jet skiing, fishing, windsurfing, yachting, tennis, parasailing, microlight rides, and horse-riding to name a few. The beach is more than 4 km long, and so there is plenty of room for sunbathing and swimming as well as these other activities. Albena also boasts the largest number of mineral spring in Bulgaria. It is more difficult to buy properties here.

BALCHIK (population 17,800)

Balchik is a picturesque old town with magnificent palace and botanical gardens. The waterfront here is made up of breakwaters and rock formations. The sandy beach is found in front of the palace. There is a large harbour for ships carrying both cargo and passengers. It is good to walk the pebble streets that are lined with stone houses, or take a stroll along the unusual promenade. ‘Brits’ are buying properties here, and a number have already settled in the town. It is easily reached, and yet provides a quieter life for those who want to settle away from the noisier tourist resorts. All kinds of new properties: villas, apartments, townhouses together with resale country houses can be found in this area.

Map of Bulgaria

Bulgaria is characterised by it’s lush green scenery, abundance of wildlife, variety of microclimates, scenic vistas and delightful cuisine. The cost of living is low, but the quality of life is high. This is why many Europeans are choosing Bulgaria to invest in a second home. Prices are low when compared with Spain.

KAVARNA (Population 15,000)

Kavarna is a seaside town 17km away from Balchik. It has a small history museum, an old mosque and a nearby port. It is an ideal place for exploring the beautiful Kaliakra Cape which is 13km away. This 2 km long headland is the longest on the Bulgarian coastline. It is a Nature Reserve with around 100 caves and more than 300 species of birds. It is possible to see dolphins and seals from official lookouts along the way. Developers have started major construction projects around Kavarna. It is possible to purchase properties for lower prices here due to the location being further away from the main coastline towns.

GOLDEN SANDS (Zlatni Pyasatsi)

Golden Sands is Bulgaria’s second largest resort. As the name suggests, the quality of the beach is exceptional, and it stretches for 4 Km. There are water sports here including jet skiing and parasailing. Sunbathing and swimming are the norm. The Equestrian Picnic Riding School offers all sorts of equine activities, and there are many nearby mineral springs providing health treatments.To the south of this area lies the Riviera Hotel Complex which leads to the Aladzha Monastery. The complex adjoins another superb beach and lush green gardens.

OUTLYING VILLAGES TO VARNA

Many of the coastal villages south of Varna have sandy beaches and clear blue seas (eg. Galata, Veteron, Chernomerets). The views are often stunning. The close proximity to Varna and the international airport make it convenient and attractive for permanent living, or to own an investment property. This attraction stretches to other villages that are located further inland. Consequently, British buyers are moving into villages like Prisseltsi to take advantage of the low price new (under construction) and resale properties. Just further south are many other great locations that offer opportunities to buy properties near the sea at very affordable prices. Villages - Byala and Obzor both have excellent beaches, sea vistas and are surrounded by stunning countryside views.

South Seasides (Black Sea)

The southern coastline of the Black Sea offers great opportunities for investment. New apartment blocks are being built in attractive ‘villa’ styles at many of the sea resorts. Villas and townhouses are under construction near the sea, just a small distance inland, and there are many traditional houses for sale.

BURGAS (Population 210,000)

The city of Burgas is the second largest city at the Black Sea coast. It is also the fourth largest city in the country, following Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna. There are 4 lakes around Burgas These provide a haven for a vast array of birds and fish. The city is conveniently reached via Burgas international airport. It provides an excellent base for visiting all the picturesque towns of the southern Black Sea coast. It is also the home of the largest port in Bulgaria. The city itself has many shops, museums and an art gallery, and the nearby beaches at Pomorie and Sozopol are ideal for sunbathing & swimming.

SUNNY BEACH (Slanchev Bryag)

Sunny Beach is situated 42 km north of Burgas. The resort occupies the entire area stretching from the village of St Vlas to the town of Nessebar. It offers more than 120 hotels and two camping sites, and is rich in all kinds of entertainment and leisure facilities. It has many cafes, restaurants, bars and shops. The famous golden sandy beach stretches for 8km. Travel and transport are very convenient, and many properties are for sale here.

NESSEBAR (Population 9,500)

The town of Nessebar sits on a small rocky island which is 37km northeast of Burgas. A narrow causeway connects it to the mainland. The local beaches are rocky, but the main beach between the town and the village of Ravda is considered to be one of the finest along the Black Sea coast due to its large strip of golden sand. Nessebar is steeped in history and is a World Heritage site. It has many old churches, a couple of museums and cobblestone streets. You will enter this picturesque town through the fortress walls which are 3000 years old. Just 9 Km away from the town of Nessebar lies Sveti Vlas (St.Vlas) village. It has about 3,000 inhabitants and is situated just 4 km to the north of Sunny Beach resort. It lies in the shadow of the Stara Planina mountain and offers a great combination of sea and mountain climates. This is a good location for purchasing a property. It has the advantage of being near the tourist areas, but just far enough away to enjoy the quieter location. The properties are less expensive here.

This area, like many other coastal provinces offers an attractive proposition for purchasing all types of property: New detached houses and bungalows near the sea, traditional country houses, apartments and townhouses. They usually come with wonderful vistas and panoramic views at very inexpensive prices.

POMORIE (Population 15,000)

The pretty town of Pomorie is sited on a narrow and rocky peninsula, bordered by the sea on one side and by the Pomorie lake on the other. It is situated some 18km north of Burgas and a similar distance south of Nessebar. It is widely known for its saltmines, and its abundance of fruit and vegetables has spurred the development of nearby wine production and canning industries. Pomorie has a pleasant town centre, with a harbour on one side and a sandy beach on the other. Market stalls align the avenue to the beach, and windsurfing and paragliding activities are available here.

SOZOPOL (Population 7,000)

Sozopol is a picturesque little town situated 31km south of Burgas. It stands on a small rocky peninsula on the southern part of the Burgas Bay. A long strip of land connects it to the mainland. During the past century, the town has expanded in the direction of the Harmanite Area (the so-called 'new town'). Sozopol has 2 pleasant beaches. The Harmanite beach boasts a water-slide and paddle boats. Many cafes, bars and restaurants are found along this beach and also in the charming old town. The relaxed atmosphere has attracted an active artistic community.

PRIMORSKO (Population 2,500)

Primorsko is found 52Km south of Burgas. It is less commercial, and quieter than other resorts. The town has two beaches. The northern beach is wider and offers rough sea, which makes it treasured by surfers. The southern beach is smaller and calmer, and is preferred by families for swimming and boating. Many tourists also sunbathe at nearby beaches, where the area is in a park that is forested with deciduous trees and vegetation.

Ski Resorts

The mountainous southern part of Bulgaria is fast becoming known for its ski resorts. The best known of these is Bansko which was under consideration as a venue for the Winter Olympics. Other resorts such as Borovets, Pamporovo and Mount Vitosha also offer excellent skiing facilities. In recent times, Europeans, and especially UK citizens have bought land and property in these areas. The properties have typically been existing traditional houses. However, Bulgarian developers have come to realise that the needs and requirements of these new buyers are often different from those of the past. Consequently, superb new complexes are being developed that offer great investment opportunities.

BANSKO (Population 9,750) (930m)

The town of Bansko lies in the skirts of the most beautiful part the Pirin mountain, 160km south of the capital city - Sofia. The town has become a modern winter resort in just few years with its great ski facilities and hotels offering good accommodation. The resort is particularly popular among foreign tourists, drawn by the blend of antique architecture and up-to-date amenities. There has been a property boom here since 2002 with property prices often outstripping those in Sofia and the large Black Sea resorts. The emergence of new luxurious buildings has given the town the looks of a modern European resort. Bansko enjoys a long season of deep snow, and the lifts and slopes are well maintained. There are increasing numbers of visitors every year, and now there is the opportunity to invest in property at very attractive prices.

BOROVETS (1350m)

Borovets is the oldest winter resort in Bulgaria, and is found in the eastern part of the Rila mountain. Apart from the Vitosha mountain’s ski tracks, Borovets is the only ski resort within a short distance of the capital city of Sofia (72km). It is easy to reach for week-end breaks, and during the summer season, many tourists go hiking in this beautiful region. Borovets is a compact resort, surrounded by thick pine forests. It has many places to eat and drink that are open throughout the year.

Borovets is an all-year-round resort. Consequently, during the summer, the skiing and snowboarding give way to horse-riding and hiking. One of the most popular hiking routes is to the 2925m Moussala peak which is the highest peak of the Balkan Peninsula. This is a 6 hours trip from Borovets or 3 hours from the last cabin lift station. Around the resort is a good area for investing in property. The surrounding villages provide opportunities to buy properties at lower prices than in the resort itself. Also, new-build properties offer an excellent investment. The landscape is stunning, and is easily reached from the capital Sofia. Here, all-year-round flights travel to and from the international airport.

MOUNT VITOSHA (Vitosha National Park) (2290m)

This mountain range is located just south of the capital Sofia, and is easily reached by public transport or car. The highest point is The Black Peak (Mt. Cherni Vrah) which is 2290m and there are 11 peaks over 2000m high in the immediate area. This is a popular ski resort in the winter due to its convenience, and during the summer, many hikers, sightseers, and tourists visit this beautiful area. There are numerous hiking trails, and many restaurants, bars, cafes and hotels in this region. Nearly 100 huts and chalets are available for hire and can be found dotted around the area.

PAMPOROVO (1650m)

Pamporovo in the Rhodopi mountains, is the second largest ski-resort in Bulgaria behind Borovets. It is 1650m above sea level. This friendly winter resort together with Chepelare is more difficult to reach, but enjoys more than 250 days of sunshine each year. It is ideal for snowboarding with plenty of snow between mid-December and mid-April, and with nearby Chepelare, it enjoys the sunshine associated with nearby Greece.

“Throughout the mountain regions of Bulgaria, there are many lesser known ski-resorts that are ideal for family entertainment. Properties in these areas are proving to be a great investment.”

Inland Regions

The inland areas of Bulgaria are full of beauty, from the fertile plains on the northern border, to the peaks of the Pirin and Rila mountains in the south. In between lie the rounded summits of the Stara Planina mountains, and the central Thracian plains that roll down to the sea. Meandering rivers, rocky peaks, glacial lakes and deep driven caves all combine to make this lush green landscape a spectacular part of the world. Traditional houses with large gardens are very cheap, but often need extensive renovation. More recent resale houses are still inexpensive, and new-build properties offer an excellent investment.

SLIVEN (Population 110,000)

Sliven is a large city with a main square at its heart. Here is found the clock-tower, theatre and post office. Placed on a river, the town has all the modern amenities and an expansive and vibrant market. This is an area for hikers and those who enjoy the countryside sports. Nearby are the famous Blue Rock hills with the chairlift to caves and mountain trails. Wooded areas are nearby with places to eat…..unless you want to stay in the town and enjoy the varied cuisine at the cafes along the mall. Sliven is easily reached by bus, train or car.

VELIKO TARNOVO (Population 75,000)

This incredibly picturesque town surrounds an old castle on a hilltop. It is set on a ridge above the Yantra river with steep hillsides and many narrow cobblestone streets. The main street is modern and full of college-age students since this is a university town. The Tsarevets Fortress is one of the major attractions of Bulgaria and attracts tourists from all over Europe. There are many shops selling handicrafts, art, antiques and souvenirs, together with a variety or restaurants, bars and cafes that cater for the tourists’ needs. Hotels are plentiful here. Activities include horse riding, hiking, mountain biking and caving. Veliko Tarnovo is in central Bulgaria and is well served by buses, trains, mini-buses and taxis. This is an area where a British community has already settled.

TRYAVNA (Population 12,200)

Tryavna is a beautiful town preferred by tourists for its clean mountain air and unique Renaissance architecture. Visitors enjoy excursions to various villages and old houses scattered in the vicinity. Tryavna is 400 metres above sea level. A good road and rail network connects the town with all the other areas of the country. It is renowned for its handicrafts, especially woodcarving. The old town has pretty tree-lined cobblestone streets.

Incredible opportunities exist to purchase low-cost inland properties in Bulgaria. The market has grown enormously in recent years. The emphasis has shifted with clients now buying new properties, purpose built, for holidays, renting-out, and to live permanently. Many older properties require extensive renovations, and overseas buyers do not want the hassle and delays that can occur in a far-away place. New houses are being built to European quality standards, and are tailored to the differing needs of this new marketplace. The new-build properties offer an excellent investment. Recently built resale properties are still relatively inexpensive, but prices are rising.

ELENA (Population 7,500)

Elena is a town in the Mid Balkan Range, 42 km south-east of Veliko Tarnovo ; a mountain resort in a valley. It is the terminal for the Gorna Orvahovitsa - Elena railway line. The village was founded in the 15th century. In the later centuries it was established as a crafts, trade and educational centre. Several old houses have been preserved, and some of them can be found in the Revival Museum Complex. The houses have white-washed stone basements and wood-walled upper floors with protruding bays. Elena has all the necessary amenities, shops, bars and restaurants, and the area is ideal for leisure activities such as hiking, fishing and sightseeing. There are several fine churches in the vicinity. Here is clean mountain air without the feeling of being in the mountains. In the surrounding areas, there are stunning views across the lakes, fields, forests and mountains. The ‘Brits’ have started to settle here. The properties come at very affordable prices and are a good investment.

ELHOVO (Population 13,630)

The town of Elhovo existed in the time of the Thracians under the name Orouditsa. It is situated in the south-east of Bulgaria and is in the administrative District of Yambol. The Town Museum holds a collection of folk crafts and costumes of Bulgarians immigrants from Aegean Thrace, and Lozengrad and Odrin regions. There are regular buses to the main centres, and the Elhovo-Yambol railway line connects the town to the national railway system. This is an area where a community of UK citizens has grown in recent years. The properties here are cheap, but it lacks the charm of other locations.

Sofia - the Capital

The regions around the capital Sofia have seen a tremendous growth in investment in recent years. Many international companies have established a base here, and the incoming personnel and associated trade has created a new marketplace. The country is poised to join the EEC, and expects to do so in 2007. Property prices are rising, especially for the existing luxury houses and new built houses. These are expected to rise substantially for the next few years. This area, together with the sea and ski resorts is considered to offer the best investment opportunities for the future.

SOFIA (Population 1.200 million)

Sofia is the ancient capital of Bulgaria steeped in culture and history. It is a pleasant urban city to live-in with many green areas and relatively low levels of traffic. Sofia has 36 official museums, and its major attraction is the Alexander Nevski Cathedral. This is the central cathedral of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church. It was finished in 1912 to the design of the Russian architect Pomerantsev. The square around the cathedral is also a popular site for tourists. Here is found the Monument to the Unknown Soldier where an eternal flame burns. Sofia has a number of parks of which Sofia City Garden is probably the best. It’s a pretty place with fountains, swings, delightful grass areas and plenty of shade. Here, there are men playing chess, others watching, and numerous cafes to enjoy a leisurely drink. Sofia has an abundance of restaurants, cafes, bars, fast food outlets, and entertainment for every taste. It is a city with culture …..that has adapted to the modern world. In Sofia, entertainment comes in many forms. The city has 20 cinemas that show English language films, together with numerous theatres and music venues. The Sofia Echo, an English language newspaper, is a hive of information and lists all the future concerts, shows, and entertainment activities. You will find every kind of shop in Sofia, but like every other capital city, it is usually less expensive to ‘shop’ in the nearby towns and villages. There are many international flights into Sofia, and regular internal flights go to the Black Sea coast on a daily basis.

Many investors are purchasing properties and land in and around Sofia for future gains. The market is strong. This investment in business and leisure is providing great amenities, high quality properties and the opportunity to enter this rising market.

Regions Around Sofia - the Capital

SOME VILLAGES & TOWNS AROUND SOFIA

All around Sofia are many villages and towns that are steeped in history, and full of cultural diversities…... Yet they offer country properties at very low prices.

PERNIK

Pernik is a point of departure for tours in the surrounding mountains. Roudartsi Resort Village is 13 km to the east, in the foothills of Vitosha Mountain, and is known for its mineral springs (28.9oC). It is a great place for recreation during the summer. Just above Roudartsi is the mountain village of Kladnitsa. Both villages are connected to Pernik by regular buses. This arrangement is ideal for hiking tours around Vitosha.

ZEMEN

Zemen is a village situated in a beautiful area, in the valley of the Struma river at the foot of the Konyavska mountain. If fishing is your hobby, living in this area offers great opportunities for fishing in the Struma river, the Divlyanska river and the two dams nearby. Zemen is probably best known for its Monastery, founded in the 14th century, and located above the Strouma River. Here, the Church of St. John the Theologian (A solid stone building), is the only part to survive the monastery's ravaging and depopulation during the Ottoman rule. In its present day condition, the Zemen church is an exception to all of Bulgaria's remaining mediaeval architecture.

DREN Village (Population 2,000)

Dren is situated in a very attractive spot in a densely wooded part of the country. An artists' colony was founded here a few years ago. Dren has a public primary school, a college for folk art and a tailoring college. The nearby provincial capital is Radomir.

NOVI ISKAR

The gorge of the river Iskar starts from the Sofia Plain, crosses the Pre-Balkan area and ends around the town of Cherven Bryag. The gorge is 156 km long. The most beautiful section of the gorge is found between the town of Novi Iskar and Lyutibrod Village and is 67 kilometres long. This incredibly picturesque part is better known as the Iskar Gorge.

BREZNIK

Breznik is a small town neatly nestled in a cluster of foothills with the river Konska nearby. It is a pretty little town providing access to the caves and potholes at Paramun. It is renown for its Souvakari masked dancers. Dressed in their goatskin coats and carrying wooden swords, they go house to house in the New Year giving their wishes for good health to the occupants.