Bulgaria
With the fall of communism in 1989 all travel restrictions were lifted as a result Bulgaria's Black Sea resorts lost its captive tourist market overnight. A lot has changed since then, not least the proposed membership to the EU tabled for 2007 by sheer determination and hard work, Bulgaria has raised its profile by attending major international tourism trade fairs, attracting overseas interest, investment and a level of high quality new developments previously unimagined.
Located in the Balkans, Bulgaria is a small country with a turbulent history. Diverse and picturesque with snow capped mountains creating a backdrop to exhilarating ski runs and winter sports. Where new luxury developments co-exist alongside traditional cottages and taverns offering local delicacies, accompanied by impromptu folk singing and dancing. Discover how to relax and unwind in a traditional rural village surrounded by picturesque meadows and woodland or simply enjoy the miles of sandy beaches and clear azure water bathed in dazzling summer sunshine.
Bulgaria is made up of almost fifty percent mountains. Rila and Pirin are the largest and are perfect for winter activities. The mountain resort of Bansko located at the foothills of the Pirin Mountains recently began a metamorphosis from strictly a winter mountain resort into a year round destination offering golf courses, climbing, cycling, horse riding and hiking appealing to modern eco-tourist. The other winter resorts of Borovets, Pamporovo and Aleko are also following suit.
The largest city is Sofia the capital home to many national treasures, Roman ruins and cultural attractions. Historically rich with old majestic architecture lining narrow winding streets next to the fantastic new shopping malls. All remnants of communism have been left behind and the Bulgarian love of celebration and conviviality is evident throughout the country, particular in the cities with thriving café society, restaurants and a general "joie de vivre" and optimism.
The original Black Sea coast resorts such as the major ports of Varna, Bourgas and Sunny Beach have recently come into their own. New development is underway catering for the increased number of international tourists attracted by the sunny climate, clean beaches and most of all the extremely competitive prices. Comparisons to the Spanish resorts in their infancy are justified with activities such as wind surfing, paragliding, waterskiing offered and a varied choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment.
Not only a land of great beauty, contrasts and surprises, Bulgaria has proved to be resilient and adaptable. Having survived Ottoman rule and Communism, it is now a democratic constitutional monarchy with its finger on the pulse. The comparisons of the Black Sea coast to the Costa del Sol in its infancy are no accident, which is why the canny investors are now looking towards the East for investment opportunities.