Albena resort The resort of Albena is situated 32 km north of Varna and just 12km south-west of Balchik on a long sand stretch in the open northern part of Varna Bay. The resort was opened in 1968, which made it one of the most modern holiday cities along the Bulgarian coast. The complex lies beneath a relatively high hill and is given particular charm by the near-by forest of Baltata, a part of which is declared a protected area. The latter is also called Batova Gora (Batova Forecast) after the Batova river,which goes through it. The resort's architecture resembles one of Walter Gropius' urban models as most of the hotels have a terraced structure aimed at providing as much sun as possible in summer days. On the north the coast is steep, featuring yellow sandstone and limestone typical for the area. It is in fact this stone was used as basic construction material for building the resort. According to some legends, Ovidius came here on his way to the country of his exile - Tomi (present Kyustendzha in Romania). The resort was given its present-day name by Albena, a female protagonist of the great Bulgarian writer Yordan Yovkov, gifted with extraordinary beauty. Besides the nearby village of Obrochishte with its well-preserved fortress dating back to Ottoman times, the village of Kranevo with remains of the ancient fortress used in Roman times and the Middle Ages is also located close to the Albena resort. Kranevo is also attractive for its mineral springs. The coast between Albena and Kranevo is high and extremely picturesque with steep rocky formations. Kranevo can be a good accomodation alternative to Albena with its prices being far lower and its great capacity of private lodgings. At the same time, its proximity to Albena makes it easy for tourists to sunbathe at Albena's beautiful white-sand beaches during the day. There are also three big camping sites located on the way between Kranevo and Albena and they offer accommodation in bungalows and tents. The holiday city has a number of tennis courts, bars, casino, restaurants with night shows, children playgrounds, swimming pools, and a golf playground. One can rent a bike, cars, cutters, sailboats, yachts, waterwheels and jets or give it a try with horse riding. The whole range of water sport facilities is on offer with instructors available for those who need. There is an annual auto-rally called Albena and held at the beginning of May, a folk festival for singers and dancers from the Dobroudzha region, the Zlatnata Antena (Gold Antennae) Festival for TV programs, a bridge competition (in June), beach volleyball competition (in June or July), Vladimir Grashnov's Annual Football Tournament, etc. There is regular bus transport from Balchik, Varna, the Golden Sands resort and Dobrich to Albena, comlpemented by private minibuses, route and ordinary taxis, and even sea transport from and to the small port in the resort. See bulgarian properties near Albena Arbanasi village ( near Veliko Tarnovo) The village of Arbanasi is not far from Veliko Tarnovo - only four kilometres from the town. It dates back to XV century and it is situated on a plateau facing Tzarevetz and Trapezitsa hills. The picturesque atmosphere of the village is due to the unique architecture of the houses - each with high and strong surrounding walls and massive wooden gates. During the Ottoman rule it was exempt from the ruining taxes. This allowed its residents to dedicate themselves to craftsmanship and trade and, so, to live comfortably. As constant plunders were typical for that period, most of the two-storey houses had hiding places, barred windows and no terraces. Nowawdays the houses are still very well preserved together with their high walls and spacious yards, full of greenness. But what really surprises a visitor are the skillful hand-made pieces of woodwork, goldsmith's, blacksmith's, coppersmith's crafts, pottery and carpet weaving. The rich houses did not remain unnoticed and in XVIII century the whole village was plundered and then ruined. In the following years it remained completely deserted. Today tourists can visit two of the most interesting houses called Konstantsalieva and Hadzhiilieva, which are typical representatives of that epoch. There are exhibitions of pieces of craft in both houses. And what is more from all the 80 preserved houses, 36 are national monuments of culture. There are five churches with beautiful wall paintings which are national monuments, too. The oldest one is The Birth of Christ (1637) which is dug into the ground and has a hidden cupola and no belfry. It is a genuine art gallery with over 3 500 stunningly realistic figures and Biblical scenes, painted by unknown artists. Back to the list with bulgarian properties Balchik ( near Dobrich) A town and seaside resort, situated terrace-like on a small bay on the Black Sea, 31 km North of Varna, 37 km south-east of Dobrich and 500 km East from Sofia. Third in significance Bulgarian port after Varna and Bourgas, used for medium-size passenger and trade vessels. Population of 13 500. It springs to life towards the end of the 6th C. B.C. as the ancient Greek colony Crunoi (later Dionysopolis) in place of a Chalcolithic (4th-3rd millennium B.C.) and a Thracian (1st millennium B.C.) settlement. The exceptional view of the town from the sea impressed the great Ovid who exclaimed: "O white stone town, I salute thee for thy inimitable beauty!". The Milesian colonists believed that the goddess of beauty, Aphrodite, was born there out of the sea foam. The spouting karst springs gave the town its first name Krunoi (meaning spring or source in Old Greek). The next name was Dionysopolis. During the Middle Ages the town was named after the local feudal lord, Balik In Roman times it has the statute of a municipius. Later on it was included in the territory of Bulgaria. In 13th - 14th century it moved to Dzhina Bair, a natural fortification. It was ruled by the Boyar Balik, and so it was called Balchik. After the Crimean War (1853 - 1856) the town flourished and grew into a big corn-trading centre. After the Balkan War in 1913 it was included in the territories of Romania. Struck by the natural beauty of the place Queen Maria built a palace and a botanical garden, a chapel and a villa complex for the Romanian aristocrats. The town turned into a luxurious resort at that time. After 1940 Balchik was again included in Bulgarian territory. The town has many historic and natural attractions, narrow beach strips, hotels, camping grounds. Apart from the palace, the palace complex and the botanical garden - the biggest and most diverse in the Balkans, the town is attractive to tourists with its ancient atmosphere that has been preserved for centuries now. It is interesting to walk along and observe the Tatar Quarter with the pebbled streets and the houses made of stone and adobe. The old palace - built in 1924-1931 by the request of the Romanian queen Maria. The authors of the construction design are Italian architects. The Art Gallery of the town is very interesting. The local museum is housed there as well. The coastal alley, 4 km long, is a nice place to stroll, so are the harbour and the small streets around. There is a small ethnographic museum and a beautiful old church called St. Nikola Church (1866). The Revival complex with the old school in the town is quite well preserved. Apart from the big restaurants in the palace, in the hotels and downtown, there are a number of small private restau rants, coastal stalls offering seafood, pizzas, spaghetti and other kinds of European cuisine. The grocer's shops are a good opportunity for practical tourists who cook for themselves. How to reach Balchik. There is regular bus transport from/ to Sofia, Dob rich, Varna and Albena. Apart from buses, there are numerous taxis and private mini-buses, boats and water transport to other beach resorts on the Black Sea. Near Balchik. The area of Touzlata is located 4 km east of the town and is well known for its curing mud. A spa-centre was built t here beside the two lakes, formed by old landslides. The lake bottom is covered with black hydrogen sulphide peloid It receives patients suffering from joint disorders. A large recreational complex, a lot of villas, bungalows and a camping site are built here. There is a mineral spring with water temperature of 31°C. Near Balchik are the two big camping sites - Sandrino Camping and Belia Bryag Camping. They offer various opportunities for rest and water sports, clubs, bars, numerous bungalows for tourists having no camping equipment, small restaurants and stalls for sea and continental food. 15 kilometres south-west of Balchik is the village of Obrochishte with a well-preserved fortress dating back to the early Ottoman rule. Apart from the main stream of the tourists visiting Bulgaria and by all means not very known to the world, Balchik was preserved until today in its own multicultural authenticity. In this small town and in the region are living peacefully people whose ancestors are (in order of settling) ancient Greeks, Bulgarians, Turks, Tatars, Romanians. See properties near Balchik Bankya (near Sofia) The small picturesque town of Bankya is a world-famous spa resort, situated amidst greenery and sunshine 17 km west from Sofia at the foot of Lulin Mountain. What best characterizes the town are the climate, the healing virtues of the mineral waters, the well-organized sanatorium and resort accommodation, the highly skilled medical specialists, as well as the numerous patients that have recovered after cardiovascular disorders or insult. See bulgarian properties and offers for houses in bulgaria Bankya Beach - modern swimming pools with mineral water The climate in Bankya is temperate continental with gentle mountain breeze, rich in negative ions and phonoceds. The average annual air temperature is 9.4 Ñ (the average temperature for January being -2 C, and 19.6 C for July). The summer is fresh and cool; the autumn is mild and sunny, while the winter is temperately cold. The mineral waters are colourless and warm, slightly mineralized and hypothermal, with temperatures of 36.5 – 37 C and total flow of 24 l/sec. These climatic conditions are favourable both for a year-round treatment, and general prophylactics or strengthening of the human organism. Today, the town of Bankya is a prestige National Center for rehabilitation of people suffering from cardiovascular and nerve system disorders and disorders in the metabolism. Bankya is also an international resort and has at its disposal many highly skilled diagnosticians. The town of Bankya provides an excellent infrastructure for tourism, recreation and medical treatment, as well as numerous opportunities for entertainment. There are two medical spa centers, hydrothermal pools and modern sanatoriums, mineral beach, tennis–complex, National hippodrome etc., as well as numerous historical places of interest, churches, cozy hotels and restaurants able satisfy each guest of the town. Besides there are dozens of cultural initiatives, which are organized during the traditional festivities celebrating the mineral water “Goreshljaci”. The first settlers on the territory of Bankya were the Thracians, who came to live here 2500 years ago. Excavations near the area of Verdical revealed remnants from Roman buildings and walls, sewerage system and many bronze bracelets dating back to IV – V century A.D. Written documents certifying the existence of the town of Bankya are found in a Turkish tax register from XV century. In the year of 1969, Bankya was proclaimed a town, and in 1979 it became part of the capital Sofia. Very interesting to visit are the church “St. St. Kiriak and Julita” and the “St. Petka” Monastery situated in the place of Klisura. The Divotinski Monastery is only 20 km away. In the region of Bankya there are also many eco tracks. Bankya is world-wide known health resort. It is situated in the beautiful valley on the slopes of the Lyulin mountain, 17 km far from Sofia.. It is situated in the green foothills of the Lyulin Mountain, at an altitude of 630-640 m. Mineral waters-slightly mineralized, hypothermal, hydrocarbonic-sulphate-sodiumt clear, colourless, with a temperature of 36.5-37ÀC and very tasting. The resort climate is temperate continental a bio-climatic respect is qualified as soothing to invigorating. The average annual temperature is 9.4ÀC (average January temperature is minimum 2ÀC, average July temperature 19.6ÀC. The summer is fresh, the autumn warm and sunny and the winter moderately cold. This climatic conditions are favourable both for year-round spa treatment, as well as for general prophylactics and the hardening of organism. Bankya balneotreatment resort, near Sofia is a resort of international importance. During the archeological excavations in the region many years ago remains of churches, ceramics and coins dating from the Roman times have been found. Bankya developed as resort for rehabilitation of cardio-vascular conditions with highly specialized functional diagnostics ( many for post-infraction conditions and heart operations, arterial hypertonia). It is suitable for treathment of cardio-vascular diseases, nervous system disturbances, metabolic disturbances. An operating complex for recuperation, prophylactics and fitness of rheutism of children was found. The specialists are satisfied with the established durable positive results and favourable curative effect of the tratment of cerebral palsy of children, neurois, thyreotoxicosis of adults, etc. Good effect is achieved on functional disease of the nervous system. Annualy over 140 000 natives and foreigners visit Bankya. There is a specialized clinic for cardiovascular diseases and collagenosis of maturing at the Medical Academy- Sofia. Successfully are applied pre- and post- operative rehabilitation of children suffering from congenital heart diseases. The balneomedical building is one of the most impressive buildings in the resort. This is due to its unique architecture and partly to the modern medical equipment of the dozens of diagnostical and remedial cabinets, serving thousands of people every day. Most attractive is the remedial basin. The first physio-prophylactical ground in the country is here. Specialized physicians and methodologists in curative physical training help dozens of ill people to revive their shaken health. IMPORTANT NOTES BY BULGAIRAN PROPERTIES LTD. Bankya is turning into part of the capital Sofia now. Being very close to the city, just 15-17 km from the ideal centre, more and more people are looking forward to moving and living permanently in Bankya. The population in Bulgaria has been living mainly in the urban areas of the country, to be close to their work places. As result the rural areas of Bulgaria are populated mostly by older pensioners. Things are quickly changing now: the young and mid-age professionals with families are moving in areas near the cities and towns, where they can enjoy the beauty of the nature, providing healthy living conditions for their families, lots of forests and green areas, places where they can build family houses with gardens, safe for children to play, etc. In general people in Bulgaria are now fed up of living in the busy, noisy and crowded cities and many of them are looking to move out. This process is already starting, but it is expected it to boom in the next 5-10 years, as the incomes of these families are increasing. We believe that it is now time for the wise investors to start purchasing plots in such areas and especially Bankya. There are many reasons why this small and picturesque town will attract the new settlers from the city: - Bankya is only 17 km from the centre of Sofia; - The climate here is exceptionally healty and mild - Beautiful nature - Bankya is easily and quickly reachable by car, train, public bus or taxi (onoy 20 minutes driving from the centre of Sofia) - Bankya is very well provided with local amenities, shops, entertainments, beauftiful parks, resort infrastructure. - The local price of the land is much lower than the similar areas, but much overcrwded and commericalised villages at the foot of Vitosha mountain: eg. Simeonovo and Dragalevtsi - The whole town is supplied by gas propane netowrk for cheap heating and household needs More and more nice built and looking properties appear in Bankya every month. This will attract even more newcomers. Bansko Bankya (near Sofia) The small picturesque town of Bankya is a world-famous spa resort, situated amidst greenery and sunshine 17 km west from Sofia at the foot of Lulin Mountain. What best characterizes the town are the climate, the healing virtues of the mineral waters, the well-organized sanatorium and resort accommodation, the highly skilled medical specialists, as well as the numerous patients that have recovered after cardiovascular disorders or insult. Bankya Beach - modern swimming pools with mineral water The climate in Bankya is temperate continental with gentle mountain breeze, rich in negative ions and phonoceds. The average annual air temperature is 9.4 Ñ (the average temperature for January being -2 C, and 19.6 C for July). The summer is fresh and cool; the autumn is mild and sunny, while the winter is temperately cold. The mineral waters are colourless and warm, slightly mineralized and hypothermal, with temperatures of 36.5 – 37 C and total flow of 24 l/sec. These climatic conditions are favourable both for a year-round treatment, and general prophylactics or strengthening of the human organism. Today, the town of Bankya is a prestige National Center for rehabilitation of people suffering from cardiovascular and nerve system disorders and disorders in the metabolism. Bankya is also an international resort and has at its disposal many highly skilled diagnosticians. The town of Bankya provides an excellent infrastructure for tourism, recreation and medical treatment, as well as numerous opportunities for entertainment. There are two medical spa centers, hydrothermal pools and modern sanatoriums, mineral beach, tennis–complex, National hippodrome etc., as well as numerous historical places of interest, churches, cozy hotels and restaurants able satisfy each guest of the town. Besides there are dozens of cultural initiatives, which are organized during the traditional festivities celebrating the mineral water “Goreshljaci”. The first settlers on the territory of Bankya were the Thracians, who came to live here 2500 years ago. Excavations near the area of Verdical revealed remnants from Roman buildings and walls, sewerage system and many bronze bracelets dating back to IV – V century A.D. Written documents certifying the existence of the town of Bankya are found in a Turkish tax register from XV century. In the year of 1969, Bankya was proclaimed a town, and in 1979 it became part of the capital Sofia. Very interesting to visit are the church “St. St. Kiriak and Julita” and the “St. Petka” Monastery situated in the place of Klisura. The Divotinski Monastery is only 20 km away. In the region of Bankya there are also many eco tracks. Bankya is world-wide known health resort. It is situated in the beautiful valley on the slopes of the Lyulin mountain, 17 km far from Sofia.. It is situated in the green foothills of the Lyulin Mountain, at an altitude of 630-640 m. Mineral waters-slightly mineralized, hypothermal, hydrocarbonic-sulphate-sodiumt clear, colourless, with a temperature of 36.5-37ÀC and very tasting. The resort climate is temperate continental a bio-climatic respect is qualified as soothing to invigorating. The average annual temperature is 9.4ÀC (average January temperature is minimum 2ÀC, average July temperature 19.6ÀC. The summer is fresh, the autumn warm and sunny and the winter moderately cold. This climatic conditions are favourable both for year-round spa treatment, as well as for general prophylactics and the hardening of organism. Bankya balneotreatment resort, near Sofia is a resort of international importance. During the archeological excavations in the region many years ago remains of churches, ceramics and coins dating from the Roman times have been found. Bankya developed as resort for rehabilitation of cardio-vascular conditions with highly specialized functional diagnostics ( many for post-infraction conditions and heart operations, arterial hypertonia). It is suitable for treathment of cardio-vascular diseases, nervous system disturbances, metabolic disturbances. An operating complex for recuperation, prophylactics and fitness of rheutism of children was found. The specialists are satisfied with the established durable positive results and favourable curative effect of the tratment of cerebral palsy of children, neurois, thyreotoxicosis of adults, etc. Good effect is achieved on functional disease of the nervous system. Annualy over 140 000 natives and foreigners visit Bankya. There is a specialized clinic for cardiovascular diseases and collagenosis of maturing at the Medical Academy- Sofia. Successfully are applied pre- and post- operative rehabilitation of children suffering from congenital heart diseases. The balneomedical building is one of the most impressive buildings in the resort. This is due to its unique architecture and partly to the modern medical equipment of the dozens of diagnostical and remedial cabinets, serving thousands of people every day. Most attractive is the remedial basin. The first physio-prophylactical ground in the country is here. Specialized physicians and methodologists in curative physical training help dozens of ill people to revive their shaken health. IMPORTANT NOTES BY BULGAIRAN PROPERTIES LTD. Bankya is turning into part of the capital Sofia now. Being very close to the city, just 15-17 km from the ideal centre, more and more people are looking forward to moving and living permanently in Bankya. The population in Bulgaria has been living mainly in the urban areas of the country, to be close to their work places. As result the rural areas of Bulgaria are populated mostly by older pensioners. Things are quickly changing now: the young and mid-age professionals with families are moving in areas near the cities and towns, where they can enjoy the beauty of the nature, providing healthy living conditions for their families, lots of forests and green areas, places where they can build family houses with gardens, safe for children to play, etc. In general people in Bulgaria are now fed up of living in the busy, noisy and crowded cities and many of them are looking to move out. This process is already starting, but it is expected it to boom in the next 5-10 years, as the incomes of these families are increasing. We believe that it is now time for the wise investors to start purchasing plots in such areas and especially Bankya. There are many reasons why this small and picturesque town will attract the new settlers from the city: - Bankya is only 17 km from the centre of Sofia; - The climate here is exceptionally healty and mild - Beautiful nature - Bankya is easily and quickly reachable by car, train, public bus or taxi (onoy 20 minutes driving from the centre of Sofia) - Bankya is very well provided with local amenities, shops, entertainments, beauftiful parks, resort infrastructure. - The local price of the land is much lower than the similar areas, but much overcrwded and commericalised villages at the foot of Vitosha mountain: eg. Simeonovo and Dragalevtsi - The whole town is supplied by gas propane netowrk for cheap heating and household needs More and more nice built and looking properties appear in Bankya every month. This will attract even more newcomers. Bansko Bansko ski resort is situated in the South-Western part of Bulgaria at the foot of one of the most beautiful Bulgarian mountains - Pirin, which represents a natural preserve and is included in the World Natural Heritage list. The distance between Sofia and Bansko is 170 km. The nearest International Airport is the one in Sofia. Transfer time from Sofia to Bansko is 2,5 hours. The town of Bansko is located on 925 m. above the sea level, while its skiing area is at 2000-2500 m. Bansko is the leading ski resort of Bulgaria. The skiing area of Bansko has been improved significantly with brand new lifts and pistes. The total investment in the resort's new skiing area is over a 100 million euros. Bansko has the best snow record among all ski resorts of Bulgaria, offers great skiing and busy Apres ski life. It combines the nature of Pirin mountain with the atmosphere of the old Bulgarian towns. A brand new Gondola starting from the town is taking the skiers and boarders to the top. The skiing conditions in Bansko are excellent. Pirin mountain has a predominantly Alpine character with 2 peaks towering above 2900 m. However, the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers and will suit both beginners and experts. Beli Iskar The small village of Beli Iskar is situated in Rila mountain, kust 8 km north-west of Borovets, Bulgaria's most famous ski resort. The bigger town of Samokov is around 5 km from the village. Beli Iskar has population of 775 people. The village is 1200 m. above the Sea level. Has shops, bar, also cable TV with 20 local and international channels. The nice ski resort of Borovets is only 8 km and very easily accessible. Borovets Borovets is the biggest international mountain resort in Bulgaria. It is located at 1350 above the sea level (with highest pistes at 2600 m), on the Northern slopes of Rila mountain among age-old pine woods, at the foot of Mousala peak (2925 m) the highest one on the Balkan peninsula. Borovets is easily accessible, being at a distance of 70 km from Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria) and 126 km from Plovdiv. The nearest town is Samokov (10 km from the resort). Borovets was developed into a modern ski resort of high class with luxury hotels, restaurants, discos, shops and of course a good choice of pistes and lifts. Borovets is a resort of Alpine type and provides very good conditions for snowsports durng the winter: skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon, ski-doo, etc. The resort has twice hosted World Cup competitions in Alpine skiing. Its biathlon track is one of the best in Europe. Usually the slopes of Borovets have permanent snow cover from December to April. The air in Borovets is clear, free of any pollutants. The average temperature during the coldest month January is - 4.6 °C There are available ski runs for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers, designed with international markings and multilingual signs. Pistes are bashed and maintained to the highest standards. The ski runs of Borovets are located in three different regions. Cross-country and biathlon tracks are located 2 km away from the resort together with the cross-country tuition tracks. The runs for the ski jumps are 75 m and 50 m long and are serviced by a chair lift. Borovets is serviced by well organised lift system, inclusive Gondola lift. For the new season 2002-2003 all skiers and snowboarders going to Borovets will enjoy the new snow cannons for artificial snow. Read more about this facility here. The Borovets ski school has been known as one of the best in the region. There are more than 200 ski instructors fluent in foreign languages and some of them are former professional skiers. There is ski rental service next to each lift station and ski run, but we strongly recommend you book your ski package with us, because the local prices are much higher. The ski patrol provides 24 hour emergency service. Apres Ski Borovets is full of bars, cafes, night clubs, discos. The night life is excellent at this resort (Buzz bar, Club Slide, etc). Most of them work till the early morning, and offer good prices and special 'happy hour' discounts. Music played is mostly international dance music. Very often special shows are presented at the clubs. There are available restaurants and tavern with Bulgarian national folk music and 'horo' dancing, which some people find very interesting. Places to go We would certainly recommend the world famous Rila Monastery or the busy city of Sofia for sightseeing or shopping. Medical & dental service The Emergency ski patrol service is available 24 hours a day. Ambulance and clinic (with doctor and nurse) are available, as well as first aid, on all ski slopes. Fully equipped and functioning hospitals is available in Samokov. Highly qualified dentists are available at the resort too. Pharmacies are available at the resort. Some medical and all dental services must be paid by cash to the doctors (clinics). They should provide the necessary bills, receipts and invoices describing the service and the cost, so that you can claim back the expense to your insurance company. It's recommended you call your insurance company and inform them in case of injury. Please follow their instructions. However, Borovets is amazing and attractive not only during the winter! All cafes, restaurants and bars are working for those who are on holiday and practice mountain biking and tracking. The weather is very nice and sunny, suitable for long walks and lazy family picnics. Bourgas The town of Bourgas is situated on the coast of the Black Sea in Bourgas Bay on a flat country known as Bourgas plate. The average altitude is 17 m. To the north and to the south of Bourgas there are salt lakes, which are protected areas because of the fact that they are a part of the Via Pontica route of migrating birds. The climate is of the moderate continental type with a definite influence of the sea. Summer is pleasantly fresh because of the constant movements of the air. The average day temperature of the air during the summer is 26.4° C, and the temperature of the sea water – 24.8° C. There are between 24 and 27 sunny days per month during the summer period with an average of 10-11 sunny hours in a 24-hour period. The winter is mild with no snow. The average day temperature of the air during the winter is 4.6° C, and that of the sea water – 7.4° C. Because of the influence of the sea the autumn is long and warmer than it is in the country, and the spring is comparatively cold and usually comes one month later than normal. At the beginning of the 21st century Bourgas is a municipal and regional center as well as the fourth biggest town in Bulgaria with a population of about 226 000 inhabitants. According to the economic indicators the Municipality of Bourgas is second among the other Bulgarian municipalities. More than 15 000 companies are registered here, and the unemployment is the lowest in the whole of the country – 4.3 %. Bourgas is an important industrial, commercial, transport and tourist center. Nowadays the city has great economic potential. Bourgas has the biggest port in the country with the only petrol terminal south to the Balkan mountain. The railway and road networks are well developed. The airport has the best atmospheric conditions on the Balkan peninsula and is the only airport to accept supersonic airplanes. Since 1989 Bourgas has been known as a Duty Free Zone. Thanks to the sea, the industrial activities (chemistry, machine-building, transport) and the small distance between Bourgas and the other big cities in Bulgaria and the capital (which doesn’t make the city of Bourgas a satellite city), Bourgas has its own spiritual and cultural atmosphere. It is a big educational, scientific and arts centre. Bourgas is the center of the tourism industry on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It is also a starting point for visiting the Black Sea summer resorts and vacation villages around the city – Sunny Beach, Elenite, Dunes, the towns – museums Nessebar and Sozopol, the Ropotamo reserve, the Strandzha nature park. Bourgas and its region are offering a rich variety of opportunities. To the north of Bourgas 120 km away is Varna – the other big sea town in Bulgaria. It takes about two hours by car or bus to reach Varna. It will take you only half an hour to go to Sunny Beach – one of the most famous summer resorts in Bulgaria, and to the vacation village “Elenite”. In the same direction is the old town of Nessebar – a town-museum which has kept the ruins of the ancient Roman town Messemvria. To the south of Bourgas there are also many summer resorts and vacation villages – Chernomorez, Primorsko, Kiten, Lozenez, Tsarevo, Ahtopol. In the same direction there is the town-museum Sozopol, the vacation village Dunes, the International Youth Centre – Primorsko and the Ropotamo reserve. In the most southern part of the Region of Bourgas is the Strandja mountains. It is the biggest natural park in Bulgaria. It has an extremely rich natural collection of flora and fauna – over 50 % of the flora in the country. This park is a kind of an ethnographic reserve – on its territory you can find the village Bulgari, in which the ritual of the fire dancing is reserved. Biala( near Varna) Situated on the beautiful Black Sea coast, with a population of 2330 people, the town of Byala is a small traditional Bulgarian settlement. It is located between Varna and Bourgas International Airports which makes it a preferable and easy to reach tourist destination. Famous for crystal blue sea and sandy beaches, and its thriving wine industry, Byala is becoming a much sought after residential area. Only 50 km south from the Bulgarian Sea capital Varna and lying just 80 km north of the town of Bourgas, its panoramic views make it the perfect spot for a flexible holiday or for wise investors. During the last few years the town developed very fast and at the moment it is a desired vacation spot for many tourists in the summer. There are many factors that determine this such as the town’s good location, the 6 km long beach with very fine sand which is 10 to 50 meters wide. There are many beaches in the vicinity, some of them still virgin and unknown for most of the people. The northern beach is famous for its fine white sand and beautiful lagoons. The central beach is the most preferable one because it appeals to many tourists has many restaurants, water-slides and other attractions. The southern beach is the most interesting one where the yacht port is and you can moor your boat here. This is the only port in the vicinity. Many tourists who have visited Byala compare it to the French Riviera probably because it is located in hilly area and opens wonderful views to the sea with unbelievable sunsets and sunrises. The last hills of Balkan Mountain rise only 6 km south of Byala. This gives the combination of mountain and sea views and it makes this place very unique. Founded in the 3rd century, Byala has interesting history. Remains of an ancient fortress can still be viewed and the historical white cliffs (hence the name Byala, “white”) that surround the secluded sandy beach have been found to contain dinosaur remains. Entertainment can be found at anyone of the local restaurants. Here you can sample some of the fresh fish that the local anglers daily catch and sell on the harbor, it will compliment the locally made white wine “Dimyat.” Only 5 km away lies Obzor a nice coastal town which is suitable for day or night trips. Transport is readily available with regular buses to Varna and private taxis. The town of Byala is very well developed and is still developing. There are many new hotels, restaurants, private homes, resorts and other attractions. Byala has the perspective to become one of the most desirable places for vacation and business investments. Dobrich The town of Dobrich is located in the most eastern part of the Danube plain and is part of the Dobrudja region, characterized by flat hills and wide valleys. The spring season is comparatively warm, the autumns are warm because of the Black Sea influence. Dobrich is connected to the Black Sea coast, Romania and therefore to the international roads of Poland, Ukraine and Russia via asphalt roads in good condition. A rail system connects the town with the rest of Bulgaria and with Romania. The two ports in Varna and Balchik, as well as the Danube River, are at close proximity. Varna International Airport (only 40 km from Dobrich), provides a convenient means to reach various international cities. While in Dobrich enjoy the numerous restaurants, open bars and cafes, but also pay attention to the Historical Museum with its 163 000 museum exhibits, the Ethnographic house - proclaimed for an architectural and cultural monument, the famous Icon Hall located in the Art Gallery, “St. George” Church - to have a look at its rich iconostasis. You can also visit the Roman bath and archeological collection, revealing the rich heritage of the Thracian and Roman Age. However, you are most likely to spend much of your time in the open-air architectural and ethnographic museum “The Old Dobrich”, which shows the typical architecture, way of life and economic past of the town of Dobrich from the end of 19th century and the beginning of 20th century. Here is presented the manufacturing process of the traditional Bulgarian crafts like tailoring, knitting, wood turnery, goldsmith's craft, etc. Very attractive for the visitors is the opportunity to participate in the making of pottery, to visit the cafe and taste the traditional white jam. The region of Dobrich consists of eight municipalities, including Balchik, Kavarna and Shabla. Here are also the romantic seaside settlements of Durankulak, Cape Kaliakra and Kamen Brjag. The region has very good natural tourism resources, which are preserved in their natural form. It is famous with its numerous mineral springs, as well as the healing medical mud (near the town of Shabla), favorable for the development of balneological tourism. Other forms of tourism, which can be developed in the region, are business and congress tourism, as well as hunting, rural and culture tourism. In this region are located two lakes, protected by the Bulgarian legislation – Durankulak Lake and Shabla Lake, where nestle several very rare birds species. The only reserve in Bulgaria, which includes sea territory is Kaliakra reserve. Shabla lake (5100 dka) comprises of two lakes divided from the sea by a wide sand line and connected by a canal. Here grow unique plants like the water lily and the yellow water rose. Durankulak village is the most north-eastern settlement in Bulgaria located only five kilometres from the Romanian border. It offers amazing recreation and sport opportunities including surfing, yachting, swimming, sunbathing, fishing, sailing… The sand and dunes are so clean, as if never visited by tourists! The Durankulak Lake diversifies the steppe landscape of the region. Located far from the developed seaports, the lake is among the most interesting ornithological environments. Variety of water birds can be observed from there – swans, cormorans, pelicans, red breasted geese and a number of marsh birds; some of which registered in the Red Book of the species in Bulgaria. Several kilometres southwards of Durankulak is situated the Cape Kaliakra Steppe Nature Reserve. This is a coastal headland with wide-open treeless steppe cut by steep rocky valleys running down to magnificent cliffs, which tower up to 100 metres above the turquoise sea below. Kamen Bryag village /“stone beach”/ is 30 minutes driving from Durankulak and is the favourite resting spot for those who like seclusion, primitive beauty and romance. Attractive caves, hollows, rocky bays and the wide expanse of the sea are a magnet for the visitors. Do not forget to visit the old town of Balchik and especially the palace of the Romanian Royal Family and the attached luxurious botanical garden.