Located in the Balkans, Bulgaria is a diverse and picturesque country, with snow-capped mountains creating a backdrop to exhilarating ski runs and winter sports, while the Black Sea coastal resorts offer some of Europe’s best beaches.

Bulgaria is almost half made up of 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, and appealing to modern eco-tourists.

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 republic with its finger on the pulse.

General Information

Average Temperatures Climate in BulgariaTemperatures across Bulgaria vary greatly, hitting up to 35C (95F) in summer on the coast and dropping to well below freezing in the snowy mountains Cost Of LivingLoaf of bread: BGN 0.75–1 (20–35p), bottle of wine: BGN 4–6 (£1.40–£2) Currencylev, plural leva (BGN). £1 = BGN 2.2

Getting ThereBBulgaria is about three hours flying time from most UK airports. Low-cost carriers including WizzAir have regular flights to the major airports including Sofia which services the Mountain Resort area of Bansko. TimeGMT +2 Population7.3 million (CIA Factbook) Business hoursMon-Sat 9am-6pm