Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria is once again in tourist charts of 2014

БНР Новини
Photo: BТА

Beautiful nature and mountains, the Black Sea coast, ancient towns and villages… Apparently all this wealth, which is also the business card of Bulgaria to the world, makes a strong impression on foreigners. No wonder that once again this country took the top positions in some of the most famous tourist charts. And the good news is that in addition to a cheap holiday destination, Bulgaria is more often seen as a good place for rural, adventure and cultural tourism.

For example, National Geographic recommends the mining town of Pernik near Sofia, as one of the 15 best winter destinations. Readers are advised to visit the annual “Surva” mummer festival in which amateur groups from all ethnographic regions of Bulgaria take part.

In 2014 Sofia was part of the chart of 17 places one should visit before they become too popular. According to the editors of US news website, The Huffington post the city is steeped in youthful and cosmopolitan atmosphere at the backdrop of picturesque churches, outdoor markets and architecture dating back to the times of the Ottoman Empire. The popular site has published two lengthy articles about Bulgaria, pointing out 10 reasons why it is worth visiting the country. Among them are the bagpipes, roses, martenitsa, yogurt, etc.

Another Bulgarian city – Plovdiv also entered the world rankings in 2014. The Daily Telegraph described it as one of the 6 oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world. According to the article it was founded in 4000 BC, but there is evidence that an older settlement existed there dating back to 6000 BC.

Plovdiv also became part of the 2015 Lonely Planet guidebook to the best cities in the world. “At long last Plovdiv has emerged from its cocoon: all charming cobblestone streets, delicately painted houses, craft markets, quirky museums and temptingly affordable shopping,” the guidebook reads.

A religious temple in Sofia also entered a prestigious chart. In 2014 the synagogue in Sofia entered the top 20 of the most beautiful temples in the world according to Architectural Digest. The largest synagogue in the Balkans took 16th place in the ranking. "It was built in 1909 by Austro-Hungarian architect Friedrich Grünanger in Moorish and Venetian style and its magnificent interior includes Venetian mosaics and marble pillars, "reads the website of the newspaper.

In 2014 Bulgaria was a favorite vacation spot for Russian tourists. A chart by leading travel conglomerate TUI shows, which puts Bulgaria second in the top-three chart of the most popular European destinations for Russians. Spain is the top destination for Russian and third comes Greece.

Just like Russians British tourists also like to visit Bulgaria. Our country was ranked eighth in the top 10 of the best destinations for summer vacations in 2014 of Rough Guides. Its editors were impressed by the beautiful beaches near Varna. Bulgaria is compared to Croatia, but is recommended as a cheaper and not so popular holiday destination.

English: Alexander Markov




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Biserna Cave to open to tourists in April

Biserna Cave will be open to visitors from April 6, the Bulgarian Tourist Association has announced. Tourists will be able to visit the cave from Wednesday to Sunday, but only by prior registration which can be made on weekdays by calling 054/800765...

published on 3/28/24 6:28 PM
In the 19th century, Elena came to be known as

Elena pork leg, festival tourism, romance and pristine nature: Getting to know the town of Elena and the environs

The portion of the Balkan Range around Elena enjoys unflagging tourist interest, with visitors coming from Bulgaria and abroad. Some even choose to stay and live here, blending in with the local colour. Over the weekend the hotels in Elena and the..

updated on 3/26/24 10:47 AM

Increased interest in the Black Sea coast for the Easter holidays

Hoteliers along the seacoast are already preparing for the upcoming tourist season. There is increased interest from Bulgarian and foreign tourists (mainly from Romania) in our Black Sea coast for Easter, reported BNT. This year, the first tourists..

published on 3/24/24 12:44 PM