7,200€

22,000€

9,150€

Bulgaria`s Magical North-West

North-west Bulgaria is probably the most beautiful part of Bulgaria; with unspoiled nature and unique breathtaking landscape. The Vraca (Vratsa), Montana and Vidin areas reveal a wide variety of sceneries and experiences that cannot be revealed by any other part of Bulgaria.

Furthermore, North-West Bulgaria with the unique, world famous red rocks of Belogradchik, the stunning white mountain of Vraca, the imposing Baba Vida Castle of Vidin, the spectacular Ledenika and Magura Caves, the beautiful Montana wineries and the spa mineral water resorts of Varshec will simply take your breath away; and for now it is still possible to buy a property in the North West for less than £10,000!

Despite the established riches of North-West Bulgaria, the full ‘tourism potential’ of the area is yet to be realised…

In 2011 the ski resort of Berkovica will be finished, resulting in the perfect combination of high economic potential and unspoiled nature; the perfect place for investment or living.

Because life is measured not by the moments you take a breath but by the moments that take your breath away…

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Vital, Vibrant Vratsa, the jewel of the North-West!

The town of Vratsa is one of the prettiest cities in Bulgaria; and lies in the foothills of the spectacular “Vrachanska Planina” mountains. The name of the town of Vratsa itself comes from the name of the spectacular gorge Vratsata (meaning ‘the Door’) on Leva river. The town is a little over 100 km (one hour and 15 minutes) from 116km from Sofia and the airport.

The Vrachanski Balkan National Park has a greater concentration of caves in the whole of Bulgaria; the most famous of which, Ledenika is a tourist attraction of huge national significance. It is a source of water for the locally produce Ledenika Beer; and dazzles winter visitors with its fantastic ice decorations.

The Vrachanski Skali (Vratsa Rocks) offer wonderful opportunities for those who enjoy hiking whilst the rock massif “Vratsata” hosts both national and international alpine-style climbing competitions.. It has an intimidating 400 meter high vertical wall, with more than 116 alpine tracks of Level 4 difficulty.

The existing mountains and forests are suitable for the development of different tourism types - hunting and fishing, skiing, photo-tourism, artistic camps etc.

Good opportunities exist for exercising different sport activities such as mountaineering, skiing (near Purshevitza Chalet), cycling, carting and more!

Vratsa offers wonderful welcoming hotels, pretty cafe bars and restaurants in cobbled streets and fountains close to benches where you may gaze at the mountain whilst enjoying an excellent coffee or high quality beer…At extremely reasonable prices!

Visit Vratsa, see for yourself!

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South - Eastern region

The South-Eastern region is one of the most beautiful in Bulgaria. It has a really huge potential because of its amazing nature and the perfect location - only hour and a half from the wonderful ski resorts and the same distance from the incredible beaches of the South seaside.

On south the South-Eastern Region borders on the Republic of Turkey by three Cross Border Checking Points: Burgas, Tzarevo and Malko Tarnovo. On east the region is wide open to the Black sea through the 8 ports - Burgas, Ahtopol, Tzarevo, Sozopol, Pomorie, Nesebar, Rosenetz and Ribno Port. On west the region is bordered by the South-Central and on north by the North-Eastern Planning Regions.
Main cities in South-Eastern region are Stara Zagora, Yambol, Sliven, Bourgas.
A special characteristic of that region including the eastern part of Sredna Gora mountain is the wealth of curative mineral springs. Around them there are modern spa centers, such as Pavel banya, Stara zagora mineral baths.
A sight of interest in the region is the Kazanluk tomb included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, as well as the town of Kazanluk - the town of roses.
In Eastern Sredna Gora region there are great conditions for fishing at the dams of Koprinka and Jrebchevo.
The region of Sliven Balkan is known for its rich cultural heritage, curative mineral springs, and beautiful nature.
The Natural park of Sinite kamani preserves the biological diversity of the region and offers marvelous opportunities for mountain tourism and hiking. All over its territory there are numerous tourist eco tracks that lead to magnificent peaks, unique natural phenomena such as the rock formations of Halkata (The Ring), Kuklite (The Dools), Eniova bulka (Eniov’s Bride), the waterfalls of Sini vir and Futuala and crystal mountain brooks. In the Karandila resort, situated not far away from the town of Sliven you will have the opportunity to have a recreation of full value among the marvelous nature of Stara planina mountain.
In the town of Kotel, called the Stronghold of Bulgarian spirit, Cradle of the Bulgarian Renaissance, you can still feel the active spirit of Bulgarian enlighteners and get acquainted with the typical Bulgarian craft - weaving art. In the picturesque villages of Zheravna, proclaimed an architectural reserve, Neikovo, Medven and Gradets you will submerge into the atmosphere of the past time. They have preserved their National Revival aspect - narrow cobblestone streets, one- or two-storey wooden houses surrounded by high stone walls.
In the resort of Slivenski mineral baths you have the opportunity to combine balneo treatment with recreation among the marvelous mountain nature.
Yambol region is situated in the southeastern Bulgaria. It is distinguished for the numerous cultural and historical sights. The biggest settlement is the town of Yambol, where one can visit interesting monuments of culture such as Eski mosque, the church of ‘St. George’ and etc. Very attractive is the town’s park, picturesquely situated on the bank of Tundja river.
A sight of great interest in the region is the national archeological reserve of Kabile that keeps remnants of an important Thracian town.
The town of Straldja attracts with its rich folklore traditions and culture. Very typical for the town are Christmas holidays and the custom ‘koukeri’. In Straldja there are numerous traces left from the Thracian culture. It is worth seeing the archeological museum in the village of Zimnitsa.
Another feature of Yambol region is the availability of curative mineral springs in the town of Straldja and in the village of Pravdino.
The Bourgas Black Sea Coast offers marvelous conditions for sea tourism. It also has unique natural resources such as mineral springs, curative mud and natural lakes which host threaten with extinction and protected plant and animal life. The rich cultural and historical heritage offers opportunities for development of cultural tourism.
The biggest town in the area is Bourgas. The region bears its name. The town of Pomorie is a tourist and a health center due to the availability of curative mud. Thanks to its preserved nature and ecological conditions, it is awarded the Blue Flag Award.
In Bourgas region are situated some of the well known Bulgarian sea resorts, such as Sunny Beach and St. Vlas. They offer luxury, comfort, first class service, as well as marvelous conditions for water sports. The town of Nessebar is a preferable place for sea vacations. It combines excellent opportunities for sea and cultural tourism. The old part of the town, which will carry you away in the atmosphere of ancient times is under the protection of UNESCO. The old buildings were restored and new houses in ancient style were built.
Other interesting sights revealing the history of the region are the cape of Emine, the village of Emona famous for being a birthplace of the Thracian king Rez that participated in the Thracian war and was killed by Odysseus and Diomedus according to Homer’s Iliad, the fortress of Paleokastro, the Pomorie tomb.
The village of Ravda attracts many young people since there are situated many student camps.
The biological diversity of the region has been preserved in the protected area of Poda, the lakes of Mandra, Atanasovsko and Bourgas.

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The city of Bourgas

The city of Bourgas (population: 210 260) is the second district centre on the Black Sea coast. It is situated in the farthest western part of Bourgas bay and is 390 km east of Sofia.
Due to the low level of the coast there are three lagoon-lakes: Atanasovo lake, Bourgas Lake and Mandra lake. The town is situated between the sea and the first two lakes.
The climate of Bourgas is suitable for recreation - mild winter and long sunny summer. The beaches are covered with dark black curable sand.
Bourgas ranks fourth in size in the country after Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna.
HISTORY
Bourgas is a successor of the late Roman small town called Deultum - a military colony for veterans. Later it was called Develt, which served as a name for the present day village of Debelt. Later a curative settlement was built called Aqua kalidae, arranged around the mineral springs well known in the area. Thracian tribes used to live here before the commencement of this construction work.
In the Middle Ages a small fortress called Pirgos was erected, most probably used as a watchtower.
It was only in 17th century that Bourgas was given its present name. It was called Ahelo-Bourgas. After the Liberation it was called Bourgas, and was a small settlement. Ever since the town has grown and became the centre of the Southern Black Sea coast, a town of well developed industry and trade.
MUSEUMS
The District Museum of History, founded in 1925, houses an archaeological hall with a rich collection of old colonies on the Black Sea coast. There are exhibits of modern history, and photos of eminent Renaissance leaders.
The Art Gallery exhibits foreign and Bulgarian art.
The Ethnographic Museum has an interesting collection of traditional masks of Koukeri, costumes typical of the region and ritual accessories.
The Museum of Nature and Science contains many exhibits describing the geological characteristics of the earth, the region, the flora and fauna.
LANDMARKS
The Sea Park in the town is probably the most beautiful one on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is situated on a high shore all of it smothered in flower beds, trees and sculptures.
The St. St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral is interesting with its marvelous frescos and wooden alter.
Also interesting sights of Bourgas are the Armenian Church, the Catholic cathedral, the church “St. Holly Mother”, and the church “St. Ivan Rilski”.
SURROUNDING AREAS
The lake of Pomorie is located 20 km north of Bourgas and is surrounded by salt mines and balneo-resorts, as well as the town of Pomorie.
Atanasovo lake is to the north too. It is a home for many marsh and sea birds migrating from Gibraltar and the Bosphorus.
Bourgas Lake is near the town. Pelicans, ibis, and herons nest there.
Mandra lake is 10 km south of Bourgas and is also an important ornithological reserve.
The island of St. Anastasia is three sea miles east of the town. There is a well preserved old church.
The salt mines of Bourgas are a sight of interest. They border the Bourgas Lake, and some of them even stretch to the Atanasovo lake.
The Mineral public baths are 13 km north-west of the town in the direction to Aitos. There are the remains of the old Roman town built around the mineral springs.
The village of Kraimorie is to the south of Bourgas on the way to the old fortress of Pirgos.
The park Otmanli is 15 km away from the town near the Chokalya cape.

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The city of Stara Zagora

Stara Zagora is situated in southern Bulgaria. The town was founded on the place of the former Roman settlement of Beroe. It is one of the biggest towns in the country, with a population of 150,000. There are several beatiful parks encompassing the town, namely Ayazmoto, Borova Gora, Bedechka, Chadar Mogila. Stara Zagora is a prime tourist destination offering leafy boulevards, friendly people, lively sidewalk cafes, excellent local cuisine, opera, theater, galleries, interesting museums, Thracian Forum Ruins, a 940 acre park, shopping, swimming, boating, horseback riding, natural thermal hot springs, proximity to mountains for the photographer, hiker, hunter or fishing enthusiast and much, much more. Stara Zagora offers a range of fine hotels from small charming family run establishments to large, contemporary hotels with conference facilities.


Stara Zagora (Bulgarian: Стара Загора) is the sixth largest city in Bulgaria, and one of the nationally important economic centres. Stara Zagora is known as the city of straight streets, linden trees, and poets. According to the city’s chamber of commerce, it is one of the oldest settlements in Europe, being at least eight thousand years old.
Stara Zagora is the administrative centre of its municipality and the Stara Zagora Province. It is located about 231 kilometres (144 mi) away from Sofia, near the Bedechka river in the historic region of Thrace. The population is about 162,400
The municipality of Stara Zagora has an area of 1019,37 sq.m and covers the northern fields of the Upper Thracian Plain and the southern hills of Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain. The plain lies 150-180 m above sea level, while the highest point of the mountains, the Moruley peak, reaches 895 m.
The climate is temperate, continental with mild winters (the average temperature in January is - 1оС). The snow covers are short, lasting longer on the Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain. Rain falls mainly in spring and summer.
The rivers crossing the municipality are short and shallow. They are the Sazliyka, which flows into the Maritsa, the Bedechka, which runs through the Zmeyovo pass and Stara Zagora city, and the Banska Reka, which crosses the Stara Zagora Mineral Spa.
Sarnena Sredna Gora Mountain is included in the ecotourism area of the South Central Balkans. The mountain is attractive and easily accessible in all seasons due to its temperate climate and well-preserved nature.
The mineral water springs are situated in and around the Stara Zagora Mineral Spa. The water springs from a depth of 1600 meters. The temperature on the surface is 40° C (c. 110°F), with a capacity of 12 l/sec. Many people believe that the mineral water springs can cure many ailments, including respiratory disease, kidney disease, and stomach troubles, just to name a few. The mineral water is lightly mineralised, hyperthermal, and has a neutral reaction. Its contents include hydrocarbonates, sulphates, calcium, magnesium, silica, flourine, and other microelements.

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The town of Sliven

Sliven (Bulgarian: Сливен) is a town in southeast Bulgaria and the administrative centre of Sliven Province. It is a relatively large town with 115,000 inhabitants (the 8th largest in Bulgaria). Sliven is famous for its Bulgarian Haiduts who fought against the Ottoman Turks in the 19th century and is known as the “City of the 100 Voyvodi”, a Voyvoda being a leader of Haiduts. The current mayor of the city is former football star Yordan Letchkov. The famous rocky massif Sinite Kamani (Сините камъни, “The Blue Rocks”) and the associated national park, the fresh air and the mineral springs offer diverse opportunities for leisure and tourism. Investors are exploring the opportunity to use the famous local wind (Bora) for the production of electricity.

Another point of interest and symbol of the city, as featured on the coat of arms, is the thousand-year-old Stariya Briast (Старият Бряст, “The Old Elm”), a large Smooth-leaved Elm in the center of the city. During the time of the Ottoman Occupation, Turkish officials would hang Bulgarian revolutionaries on the tree. In modern times, the city is doing its best to keep the tree alive with the addition of cement to the base.
Sliven Peak on Livingston Island in the South Shetland Islands, Antarctica is named for Sliven.
Sliven is located 300 km east of Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, 100 km from Bourgas, the country’s largest commercial port, 130 km from the border with Greece and 130 km from the border with Turkey. It is located in close proximity to the cities of Yambol and Nova Zagora.
West of the city lies the so called Peach Valley which contains large peach orchards. The city is also known for its mineral baths whose water is used to treat diseases of the liver and nervous system.
The most visited geographical location and attraction in the city is the Karandila (Карандила). It is a hilltop 1050m above sealevel, with great sights overlooking the city. On the Karandila is the rock formation Hulkata (Хaлката, “The Ring”). It is a rock protrusion with an interesting, yet peculiar hole in the center. According to myth, one would change gender upon passing through the ring.
There are many buildings in the city built in the National Revival Architecture style, including the Hadzhi Dimitur House-Museum. It is in the south western part of the town and shows visitors a complex of a native memorial home and an old traditional inn. The Dobry Chintulov Memorial House Museum is on the North side of Sliven; it was the home of the Bulgarian revival teacher and poet Dobry Chintulov. The city’s main theater is located at the main city square. It is named after the Sliven native Stefan Kirov (Стефан Киров) who was a prominent actor and director.

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The town of Yambol

Yambol is situated in the southeastern part of Bulgaria. It is bounded by the regions of Sliven, Burgas, Haskovo and Stara Zagora, and borders Turkey to the south. The landscape is predominantly plain and hilly. The region encompasses the Yambol Plain, the Elhovo Plain, the Bakadzhik Hills, parts of the Sakar Mountains, the Svetliyskite, the Derventskite and the Manastirskite Heights. Tundzha is the largest river in the region. Malko Sharkovo dam is constructed on the Popovska river. There are mineral springs in the village of Stefan Karadzhovo, near the town of Straldzha and the village of Pravdino.


Along the course of the Tundzha River there are well preserved riparian dense forests, called the “ormani”. In the nature reserves of Gorna Topchiya, Dolna Topchiya and Balabana, and in the protected areas of the Ormana and the Swamp (Blatoto) there are many rare animal and herbaceous species. The clean air and beautiful nature offer excellent possibilities for recreation and health tourism. The valley of the Tundzha River offers good conditions for hunting tourism, and boat sightseeing cruises in picturesque areas amidst the lush vegetation. The famous red wines of Yambol should not be overlooked.
There are more than 270 ancient villages and approximately 1000 burial mounds in the region; most of them are located along the valley of the Tundzha River and its tributary system. In Yambol Region, within the area of Sakar Mountains, there is the highest concentration of megaliths and dolmens (Neolithic tombs built from large stone blocks). They can still be seen near the villages of Hlyabovo, Sakartsi, Bulgarska Polyana, and in various other locations. The most famous ancient historical site in the region is the Thracian city of Kabille, near the village of Kabille. In the region there are more than 30 fortresses from the Antiquity and the Middle Ages that used to defend the southern frontier. There are also many historical sites reminiscent of the struggle for liberation of the Bulgarian people against the Ottoman rule, and the guerrilla detachments (chetas) of brave voevods (haidouks), who used to traverse the area between the Bakadzhik Hills and the Balkan Mountains. After Bulgaria’s liberation in 1878 Yambol and the region remained in East Rumelia, a vassal county of the Ottoman Empire. After the Unification of East Rumelia with the Bulgarian Principality in 1885 the area was completely liberated.
Many ancient and traditional ritual and crafts are preserved in the region and can be observed during the numerous folklore holidays, gatherings and singing competitions.