Bulgaria | History, Language, & Points of Interest | Britannica It is one of the oldest places to visit in Bulgaria among the locals. Bulgaria is famous worldwide for its folklore, opera singers and musicians. We visited Borovets at the end of summer. [69] The reserves of sub-bituminous coal are 300 million tons, situated mainly near Bobov Dol, Pernik and Burgas. Must see: Cape Kaliakra, Castello di Kaliakra. [70] The recoverable reserves of bituminous coal and anthracite are insignificant only 10 and 2,5million tons respectively. [12] There are six border checkpoints at Svilengrad, Ivaylovgrad, Makaza, Zlatograd, Ilinden and Kulata. Housing more than 300 Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo buildings, Ruse is also described as Little Vienna. [95][96] Spanning a territory of 1,161 square kilometres Strandzha Nature Park is the largest protected area in the country. [17] The exogenous processes have formed stone rivers in Vitosha; screes in the Balkan Mountains, Rila and Pirin; earth pyramids in Melnik, Stob and Katina; landslides, mainly along the Danube banks and the northern Black Sea coast; fluvial terraces; aeolian forms, such as dunes; karst forms, including numerous caves, sinkholes, ponors, etc. It was built in honour of the soldiers that fell fighting against the Ottomans in the Turkish-Russo war for Bulgaria's independence. The average annual temperature in the Eastern Rhodopes is 13C (55F), the maximum precipitation is in December, the minimum in August. Best mountain resorts to visit in Bulgaria 9. Must see: Magura Cave, Baba Vida, Kaleto Fortress and Belogradchik rocks, Museum of Nature and Science. Small Towns and Villages of Bulgaria You Must Visit [59] Swamps and marshes include Alepu, Arkutino, Aldomirovtsi Marsh, Dragoman Marsh, etc. In 2006 land use and land cover was 5% intensive human use, 52% agriculture including pasture, 31% forest, 11% woodland-shrub, grassland, and non-vegetated, and 1% water. This is a complete list of all cities and towns in Bulgaria sorted by population. [57] The largest ones are Iskar Reservoir, Ogosta Reservoir, Dospat Reservoir, Batak Reservoir, Kardzhali Reservoir, Ivaylovgrad Reservoir, Studen Kladenets, Koprinka Reservoir, Ticha Reservoir, etc. }); window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_50011, 1) : metaslider_50011(window.jQuery); North Beach is the most popular stretch of sand in the town, while Burgas also has another trick up its sleeve: the majestically beautiful trio of lakes that range from the bird-spotting paradise of Vaya to the west to the saline waters of Atanasovsko to the north. Though this is an industrial city but the beaches, restaurant and shacks remain crowded with tourists and locals. Backpacking Bulgaria (IN-DEPTH 2023 Travel Guide) - The Broke Backpacker There are a lot of beautiful winter photos on the Internet, but I don't like winter sports, especially since there is something to do here at other times of the year. orig_width: 300 } This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Besides the amazing views of Veliko Tarnovo and Tsarevets, the village also offers a plethora of streets and old houses surrounded by high National Revival style buildings. It is a city that, though ancient, it remains very young at heart. Such a wonderful mountain range - and so untouched by modern day. The lowland is 180km long and up to 50km wide, spanning an area of 6,000km2. The Northern forest-steppe zone covers the Danubian Plain and the Pre-Balkan up to 600700m altitude. The company is registered as a Personal Data Controller with 280111 at the Commission for Personal Data Protection in Bulgaria. Must see: Karadzica water-mill, Sokolski monastery, Further Read: 13 Frolicsome Beaches In Europe For All The Excited Beach Bums Across The Globe. - Kotel is not just a popular tourism site with crystal clear mountain air and pure mountain springs, but also an important cultural- historical centre. On the tops of the mountain there was a famous oracle, which they had visited to consult Alexander the Great and later the father of Octavian Augustus. [58], The Aegean Sea catchment basin drains the Thracian Plain and most of the higher lands to the south and southwest. }, The crime rate here is very low and tourists can easily travel around without worrying about a robbery or any crime. Pirin - Wikipedia "acceptedAnswer": { el.before(cloned); Known simply as the Belogradchik Rocks, they offer a sprawling display of hoodoos and anthropomorphic monoliths thats inspired folk legends and local myths aplenty. Temperatures as low as 15C (5F) are common in winter, and due to this the Rhodopes are the southernmost place in the Balkans where tree species such as the Norway Spruce and the Silver Birch can be found. [13], The relief of Bulgaria is varied. The Sub-Balkan valleys include nine valleys, situated between the Balkan Mountains in the north and Vitosha and Sredna Gora in the south. $('#metaslider_50011').metaslider_scale_layers({ To the west, the Rhodopes reach the Avram saddle, Yundola and the valley of the Mesta River. 14.225.236.20 Varna. Turks in Bulgarian Gladstone's article Bulgarian Horrors and the Question of the East, London, 1876, Learn how and when to remove this template message, Linear A script from the Eastern Rhodopes? Bulgaria is bordered by 5 countries: by Romania in the north; by Turkey and Greece in the south; by North Macedonia in the southwest and by Serbia in the west. ", The group of four peaks called Todorini kukli (which means Todora's distaffs) is easy accessible from Petrohan hut (about 2-2 hours walk). The Pirin mountains has a spectacular view and requires some mountains experience and physically condition. - Berkovitsa famous mountain town right next to Kom peak, a starting route for numerous mountain tracks and the famous Petrohan pass. The reptiles and the amphibians found in Bulgaria are 38 and 20 species respectively. Peppered with picturesque villages, snow-capped mountain peaks, ideal ski runs that seem to stretch endlessly, well-kept mountain trails, and mild summer temperatures combine for a hell of a vacation destination at any time of . [90] Bulgaria has some of the largest Natura 2000 areas in the European Union covering 33.8% of its territory. 8 breathtaking places in the Pirin Mountains - kashkaval tourist Other mines are located near Ustrem and Gyueshevo. In fact, the whole settlement is a protected national monument, supposed to reflect and define the achievements of the Bulgarian National Revival movement in its wealth of painted facades, realist stone sculptures and shuttered homes. The Rhodopes have a rich cultural heritage including ancient Thracian sites such as Perperikon, Tatul and Belintash, and medieval castles, churches, monasteries, and picturesque villages with traditional Bulgarian architecture from the 18th and 19th centuries. Protection, reintroductions and repopulations like those of the European bison, the Eurasian beaver, and the Eurasian lynx[87] are intended and reported. The sprawling . Moving on to the perfect vacation spots for winter and ski lovers, Bansko surely takes the top place. The mountains are famous for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans, their mild relief and the lush vegetation in the western parts as well as the abundance of birds of prey in the eastern areas. As it surrounds the city it brings an air of freshness an makes you realise its all around in every direction which is unusual. Apart from this, one can sunbathe on the beaches, enjoy water sports and relish seafood or spend some crazy fun-filled moments at the beachfront water park. In winter the Danubian Plain falls under the influence of the Eastern European anticyclone, which brings cold Arctic air masses. }); $(window).resize(function(){ "acceptedAnswer": { The highest and best known peaks are located in the region (more than 10 are over 2,000 meters (6,562ft) high) including the highest one, Golyam Perelik (2,191 meters (7,188ft)). Instead, the Iskar has its origin in the Rila Mountains. There are 48 Bulgarian and 32 Romanian islands along the river Danube; the largest one, Belene (41km2), belongs to Bulgaria. It is located on the northern edge of the Bulgarka Nature Park and has Bulgarian customs, craftsmanship, and culture on display. [60] There are around 2,200 reservoirs with a total volume of c. 7billion km3. } In alphabetical order, the provinces are: Blagoevgrad, Burgas, Dobrich, Gabrovo, Haskovo, Kardzhali, Kyustendil, Lovech, Montana, Pazardzhik, Pernik, Pleven, Plovdiv, Razgrad, Ruse, Shumen, Silistra, Sliven, Smolyan, Sofia, Sofia-Grad (Sofia City), Stara Zagora, Targovishte, Varna, Veliko-Tarnovo, Vidin, Vratsa and Yambol. var metaslider_50011 = function($) { Primary sources are the National Statistical Institute (NSI) [1] and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. - Troyan a marvelous pearl in the crown of the Stara planina range, cut by the beautiful Osam river, offering unique hospitality and marvelous sightseeing. The land border from Silistra to Cape Sivriburun at the Black Sea is 139km long. Amidst the buildings, sites like the Yordan Yovkov House and the icon-packed St Nicholas Church draw the biggest crowds, while others will head for the August Dobromiritsa Rural Park nearby, where festivals celebrating Bulgarian folk costumes and music erupt throughout the year. The driest region is Dobrudzha in the north-eastern part of the Danubian Plain (450mm), while the highest rainfall has been measured in the upper valley of the river Ogosta in the western Balkan Mountains (2293mm). Rhod-ope (-o) is interpreted as the first name of a river, meaning "rusty/reddish river", where Rhod- has the same Indo-European root as the Bulgarian "" (ore, "ruda"), "" (rust, "rda"), "" (red-haired, "ri"), Latin "rufus" (red), German "rot" (red), English "red", Greek - (rodh). Golyam Perelik is its highest peak at 2,191 meters (7,188ft). It is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bulgaria which is why it must be on your list of all the places to visit. Most of the frontier (470km) is formed by the river Danube from the mouth of the river Timok in the west to the city of Silistra in the east. The northern border with Romania follows the river Danube until the city of Silistra. As of 2000 there are 207 fish species. The ruins of castles, Thracian sites such as Perperikon and Tatul, the villages in National Revival style and the monasteries are also visited by many Bulgarian and foreign tourists. The river's highest water levels usually occur during the May floods; it is frozen over an average of 40 days per year. One can indulge in skiing and snowboarding during winter months, while summer is ideal for hiking and camping. }); $('#metaslider_50011').metaslider_scale_layers({ With this list of popular places, now you can plan a foolproof trip to Europe. north of (Xanthi) and in Thermia, 60km. The most famous town in the area is the sacred city of Perperikon located 15km northeast of Kardzhali. Most of the mountain massifs in the country are situated in the southern part. "The Armenian Presence in and around the Rhodope Mountain in 11th C.: Rethinking over some new archaeological Finds", 7 (20102015), 5997.In: auth.academia.edu/EvangelosPapathanassiou, This page was last edited on 11 June 2023, at 08:40. [22] The mean temperature in January is 1C and in July is 24C, making it the geomorphological region with the highest average annual amplitude in Bulgaria 25C. [39][40], Another important factor is the relief. - Following the steps of the Boteva Cheta hiking route is usually performed for the celebrations of Botevi days (2d June) starting from Kozlodui town to Okolchitsa peak. Food a bit bland but manageable. Closer to the centre and the ancient remains of the Serdica Fort and the Roman-Byzantine Church of St George sit in the shadow of Stalinist municipal buildings. [75] Bulgaria possesses important reserves of lead and zinc, of them 60% are situated in the southern reaches of the Rhodope Mountains along the border with Greece at Madan, Zlatograd, Madzharovo, Rudozem, Laki, etc. The sun-splashed favourite of local Bulgarians heading out of Sofia and Plovdiv for the summer, Varna is much more than just your run-of-the-mill resort town on the edge of the Black Sea. The only sounds were from what was a mild wind at the time. Throw off the inhibitions and delve into the sun-splashed party town that is Sunny Beach. During the Archean, Proterozoic and Paleozoic eras (4.0billion to 252million years ago) the magmatic rocks were formed. Bulgaria possesses significant reserves of coal estimated at 4,8billion tons. prevText:"<", The fossil fuels include coal, petroleum and natural gas. before: function(slider) { [7] They built many temples, cities and fortresses. 21 Beautiful Places To Visit In Bulgaria In 2023 That Are A Treat To Your Eyes. Religion Bulgaria: Religious affiliation ", [59] There are 170 glacial lakes in Rila and 164 in Pirin. var layer = $(this); var cloned = el.clone(); Balkan Mountains - Travel guide at Wikivoyage Located on the slopes of the Vitosha Mountains and the Sofia Valley, at the center of the Balkan Peninsula is, Sofia the capital, the largest and the most populous city of Bulgaria. Melnik Melnik Bulgaria 175 km from Sofia but only 30 km from Greece you will find Melnik town- the tiniest town in Bulgaria but one of the most gorgeous one. [4], In the Middle Ages, the mountains were known as the Slavey Mountains (Slaveyev Mountains), and under Ottoman rule were known as the Dospatsky Mountains, after the Dospat Municipality and Dospat River. Concept & content by Bononia. Considering its relatively compact territorial size and shape, Bulgaria has a great variety of topographical features. With the backdrop of Sredna Gora mountains; this historic town is perfectly set on the banks of Topolnita River and is famous for its folk festivals and carnivals. - Teteven picturesque small town in the valley of Vit river offering interesting historical architecture and numerous routes to the Central Balkan natural reserve. Bulgaria is adorned with many spectacular places. The legendary City of the Tsars stands aloft on the edge of the rising foothills of Bulgarias northern mountains. After it leaves Bulgaria, the Maritsa forms most of the Greco-Turkish border. Make sure to get yourself vaccinated before planning a trip, also wear masks at all times, maintain social distance at public places and sanitize your hands regularly to avoid the spread of the virus. " Image Source Bordered by sea and several lakes, Burgas is another name in the group of best places to visit in Bulgaria. The proven reserves are 20 million tons but there are prospects for new discovering in the EEZ. The large mountain chain of Stara planina (Balkan Mountains) runs westeast across the entire country, bisecting it and giving the name to the entire Balkan peninsula. [12] The border with Greece runs from Kapitan Andreevo through several ridges of the Rhodope Mountains, generally following the watershed of the rivers Arda and Vacha on the Bulgarian side, runs through the Slavyanka Mountain, crosses the river Struma at the village of Kulata and runs through the crest of the Belasitsa Mountain to the Tumba Peak. It offers beautiful architecture and incredible natural surroundings. Such a wonderful mountain range - and so untouched by modern day. Bulgarias answer to Malia, Ayia Napa and Ibiza, its packed with thumping clubs and pubs, chatty promoters offering buckets (literally) of booze for next to nothing, flashing neon, funky ravers, booze cruises and tanned, bikini-clad, Hawaiian-shirt-wearing partiers.