There’s a lot to love about Bulgaria: just ask the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Turks, all of whom fought to claim it as their own. Billed as the oldest nation on the continent – it preceded ancient Greece by at least 1500 years – Bulgaria is rich with ancient treasure: stories abound of locals planting gardens only to have them ripped up by archaeologists after a turn of the spade unearthed priceless antiquities. The past has been preserved to remarkable effect; everything from Thracian tombs and Hellenic hoards to Roman ruins and medieval fortresses are easily accessible.
Centuries later, this Balkan beauty still beguiles, with a come-hither coastline, voluptuous mountain ranges and lush, fertile valleys laden with vines and roses. Plovdiv is the European Capital of Culture for 2019, Sofia has cool cred to rival any major metropolis, and the lively resorts of the Black Sea coast teem with modern-day pleasure pilgrims.
Currency Lev (lv)
Language Bulgarian
Money ATMs are everywhere
Visas Not required for citizens of the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand for stays of less than 90 days
Population 7.35 million
Area 110,910 sq km
Capital Sofia
Country Code 359
Emergency 112
Road Rules
Drive on the right.
Drivers and passengers in the front must wear seat belts; motorcyclists must wear helmets.
Blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%.
Children under 12 are not allowed to sit in front.
From November to March, headlights must be on at all times.
Speed limits are 50km/h within towns, 90km/h on main roads and 140km/h on motorways.
TRAIN
Bâlgarski Dârzhavni Zheleznitsi – Bulgarian State Railways (BDZh;www.bdz.bg) – boasts an impressive 4278km of track across the country, linking most towns and cities. Most trains tend to be antiquated and not especially comfortable, with journey times slower than buses. On the plus side you’ll have more room in a train compartment and the scenery is likely to be more rewarding.
Trains are classified as ekspresen (express), bârz (fast) or pâtnicheski(slow passenger). Unless you absolutely thrive on train travel or want to visit a more remote town, use a fast or express train.
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