Geography

Bulgaria is situated in the extreme south-eastern Europe, occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. As for the area and population - Bulgaria is among the smallest states in Europe. The value of Bulgaria is determined primarily by its geographical location, since it is located at the crossroads of Western and Central Europe and the Near and Middle East.

Climate

In the north, and the Thracian Plain is a temperate continental climate, and the Black Sea coast and the south - the Mediterranean. In the spring, summer and fall at resorts is mild weather. Bathing season lasts from May to October. Average sea water temperature in summer - 21-23 ° C. The average temperature: April 17 ° C May 20 ° C, June 25 ° C, July 26 ° C, August 28 ° C, September 25 ° C. Ski season in Bulgaria lasts from late December to mid March. The greatest thickness of the snow reaches approximately from mid-February to mid March. This time most favorable for skiing. Snowstorms in the mountains is much more intense than in the plains.

Culture and traditions of Bulgaria

The Bulgarians - very hospitable friendly people, much appreciated their culture and traditions, carried through the century alien expansion. Staying in the country is not a language barrier for tourists-Slavs, but it is worth considering some peculiarities: for example, the Bulgarian nodded, saying "no", and agrees with you, shaking his head from side to side, and "right" means straight. The self-reflective practices, legends and beliefs of the population. It is like people in Bulgaria celebrate different holidays, bearing the stamp of the spiritual life of the ancestors: the day of viticulture and winemaking - Trifon killed, wear red and white threads in honor of the beginning of spring - Grandmother Martha, dancing barefoot on hot coals on the day of Saints Constantine and Helen for the purification soul, etc. Family holidays have special importance for the Bulgarians - a baptism, the child's first steps, birthdays, engagements, weddings, building a new home. Very popular folk and theater festivals. It is impossible to imagine any one Bulgarian holiday without distinctive cuisine of this country.

Cuisine Bulgaria

National Bulgarian cuisine is very picturesque. First and foremost, we must note an abundance of vegetables, fruits and various herbs, which are in high esteem by the Bulgarians, in any form: fried, stewed, boiled, pickled, salted. Vegetables are simply necessary for a healthy diet, and stuffed with herbs, spices, vegetable oil, grouped into various delicious combinations, all are unique dishes. Bulgarian cooks perfectly combine vegetables with fish, meat, flour, egg and dairy products. All meals are lavishly flavored with spices and seasonings. I must say that climatic conditions also significantly influenced the culinary delights of the country. In hot climates, one of the favorite national dish was cold soup "tarator", which is made from yogurt, cucumbers, garlic and chopped walnuts. But the Bulgarians prefer white bread.

Even such famous Bulgarian dishes: "pastarma" - salted and dried goat meat, "sezderma" - boiled in a sheep stomach of goat meat. The result of the influence of Turkish cuisine has been the emergence of such dishes as "yahniya" - lamb, roasted and stewed with onion, flour, black and red pepper, and, during fire should definitely add fresh herbs and wine, "Gyuvetch" - lamb cooked with different vegetables; "shopski-kebab" - roast lamb with courgettes, which is served with sour cream; "Tas Kebab" - Veal in Tomato Sauce. Salted mutton eaten with sour milk in Bulgaria as a separate dish on the popularity it can be compared with the soup Ukrainians or poridzhem from the British. Many Bulgarian national cuisine is prepared to Skare - big oven with a metal grid, usually in an earthenware dish.

It should be noted that such a well-known product, like yogurt, the Bulgarians used in cooking for quite a long time. Also at the world famous and Bulgarian feta cheese, and "Kashkaval" - goat cheese. Moreover, cheese is added to many dishes, especially good in her various salads. Bulgarian cook using cheese in food, are often subjected to the thermal treatment. In the hot cheese acquires a pleasant taste and aroma is delicate, soft and juicy. Let us recall that, after churning butter from sour milk is liquid - ayran - which perfectly quenches thirst and is very useful. One of the oldest and most respected craft of the Bulgarian people is winemaking. For the first time wine makers have appeared on the Bulgarian lands thousands of years ago, and since then the Bulgarian people have inherited this skill. The most famous wineries are located in Evksinograd, Pavlikeni, Pleven, Ruse, Suhindol, Haskovo, Sofia, Variv, Pomerania and Laskowice. Rich and varied selection of white wines: tamyanka, Dimyat, rakatsitelli, riesling, chardonnay, and red: Pamid, Gimza, mavrud, melnishko cabernet. Bulgarians invented and "raki" (plum brandy)

Sweet dishes in a wide assortment pastries, cakes, ice cream. Contrary to the advice of nutritionists, dinner - this is the most basic meals. At the end of dinner it is accepted lodge black coffee or coffee in the east.

Transport in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, organized by long-distance bus traffic, but buses travel at a slow pace. In the capital - Sofia - new bus station is located near the railway station.

The main form of transport in Sofia - trams, complemented by buses and trolley buses. One ticket can be bought in kiosks, tram drivers also sell tickets.

In Bulgaria, a lot of taxis. The easiest way to find a taxi to the station.

For rental cars require an international driving license, although valid in Bulgaria and Russia.

Summer entry machines in all Bulgarian resorts is limited. The Bulgarians - spirited drivers. Therefore, falling under the temptation to demonstrate skills in sports driving the winding roads of Bulgaria, you are unlikely to surprise anyone.

Holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria offers an excellent choice especially for families with children. But those who prefer a "mattress" holiday, will not be disappointed. An important plus - that along with the rest you can improve your health. The proximity of the Slavic culture and language is also an argument in favor of trips to Bulgaria. Finally, Bulgaria - Available countries of the European Union, which has not yet joined the Schengen zone.

Beaches

Almost everywhere the broad and sandy beaches, fine sand, very pleasant. Shellfish and seaweed a little, they are constantly removed. The bottom of the sea gently sloping and sandy, at a distance of 100-150 meters from the shore - is shallow, the depth increases gradually, which is very convenient for swimming, especially for young children. All beaches in Bulgaria, municipal and free. However, sun loungers and umbrellas paid. Several Bulgarian beaches awarded the Blue Flag of the European Union - the sign of environmental cleanliness.

Excursions

Tourists can visit the Plovdiv, Sofia, Veliko Tarnovo, Koprivshtitsa town museum, the historical Shipka Pass in the central part of the Balkan Range, Rila Monastery, Bachkovsky monastery. In the south-western part of Pirin Mountain - Melnik pyramids and the Church of St. Nicholas. In Roe Dopey - Jagodina cave, Devil's Throat, rocky Wonderful Bridges and Pirin National Park, Hot Springs Rupite, crater casing.

Entertainment

For fans of extreme sports is the opportunity to try out rock climbing. From the water activities are popular water-skiing, windsurfing, jet skis, "bananas".

This game gourmet - tasting of local wines. Summer in Bulgaria (up to small villages) are plenty of festivals: folk, music, movies. For example, the Festival of Roses in Kazanlak (June), the International Chamber Music Festival in Plovdiv (June), the International Folklore Festival in Veliko Tarnovo (June-July), Month of Culture in Plovdiv, the International Jazz Festival in Bansko (August), International Film Festival Varna (August and September). Fans of classical arts can enjoy theaters. In Sofia are working fine exhibitions and galleries.

At ski resorts, in addition to the usual nightclubs and discos, ski carnivals are held, and folklore evenings, walks on the sleigh, panoramic tours by helicopter.

Ski resorts

In Bulgaria, the four ski resorts - Bansko, Borovets, Pamporovo and Panichishte, each of them is unique originality, but they all offer good conditions for winter recreation.

Ski season in Bulgaria lasts from December to April. The average temperature in January (the coldest month) - minus 4,4 ° C.

Bulgarian ski resorts offer visitors excellent lifts and ski trails of varying complexity. In the ski centers can hire the necessary equipment. In the ski school instructors teach willing ski, there are programs designed for beginners and children.