Health and Leisure in Bulgaria
by Tina Andlaw
Bulgaria is a sunshine haven for fresh, mountain or sea air, open spaces and mineral spa treatments. For many, it is ideal location for a relaxed and healthy lifestyle.It is no wonder that Bulgaria’s tourism figures are increasing at a level never seen before (50 in the past 4 years). Bulgaria’s recent government initiatives have invested heavily in its leisure industries and in turn they are creating some highly desirable tourist resorts.Black Sea ResortsBulgaria is best known for its budget holiday resorts on the Black Sea. Here you can enjoy great health and leisure activities at a fraction of the cost of most other tourist destinations.Warm sunshine with pleasant temperatures (around 26°C in summer) comfortable hotels, white, non-tidal beaches, water sports are but some of the attractions to the area. There is also plenty of entertainment laid on by the hotels, including night life at all the resorts. In addition, within minutes you can find yourself in picturesque mountains, ski resorts and golf courses.The major seaside resorts are located at: Albena, Golden Sands (the largest seaside resort where 22 brand new hotels are currently under construction), St. Konstantin, Varna (known as the sea capital and Bulgaria’s third largest city), Elenite, Sunny Beach (the third largest resort) and Bourgas.For extra entertainment, modern aqua parks can be found in Golden Sands and Sunny Beach.There are several nudist beaches in Bulgaria. They are located-between Albena and Kranevo - after Gergana Hotel in Albena-Golden Sands resort - past the yacht port, in front of Glarus Hotel-Kamchia - the widest nudist beach on the Bulgarian Black sea coast and a famous nudist-Destination.-Bourgass - north of the town after the Burgas Hotel, direction Nessebur (new town) near the saltpans of Bourgas. -Sozopol - south of Harmanite beachSkiingToday Bulgaria is a highly desirable ski location, with some of the best value skiing and après-ski available in Europe. The main ski centres are at: Bansko, the most developed of all the resorts but also retaining a rich history and culture, Borovets, the largest, with 40 km of piste, Pomparovo, the highest point is 1,926 m), Chepelare, picturesque and near to the longest Bulgarian ski run, “Mechi Chal (5,200 m) and Vitosha,set in a National Park and overlooking the capital city of Sofia.The rugged heights of the Rila and Pirin mountains form a spectacular setting for the ski resorts.The highest peak is Rila with its Musala peak(2925m).The season is from mid-December, extending through to April in many locations. The average temperatures in the main ski resorts are:Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec oC -1 1 5 9 15 19 22 23 16 12 6 1 oF 30 33 41 48 59 65 71 74 61 54 42 33 Trekking and Local CultureTo truly experience the character of Bulgaria, you must venture away from the resorts to where the locals live. The Balkan Range, a 435-mile (700km) chain, crosses the entire country and offers some of the best hiking in Europe. Rodopifor easy trekking amid green forestsJeravna or Kotelfor more strenuous trekking in the Eastern Balkan mountainsNational Parksfor various levels of trekking, at Pirin, Central Balkan or RilaThe six very different mountain ranges vary from high, snow-covered peaks to gentle green slopes and forests. They harbour thermal springs and mineral spas. The valleys are rich with Balkan flora and fauna.The mountain dwellers have their own distinctive customs, crafts, colourful folklore, religious beliefs and speech. They welcome guests with typical Bulgarian warm-hearted hospitality, and are delighted to share age-old traditions and cooking.Rural Bulgaria is particularly poor and many people here live under the poverty line. The villagers mainly live off self-sufficiency and preserve almost everything they produce, even meat. Mineral Spas
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