About Bulgaria

In recent years, Bulgaria has become increasingly known among Western European tourists who choose Bulgaria as a holiday destination because of its pleasant climate, unspoilt nature, opportunities for relaxation and hospitality. The country has - after Iceland - the most mineral water springs of all European countries. With more than 550 spas and 1600 mineral water springs, it is one of the largest wellness destinations in Europe.

Bulgaria is one of the countries in Europe with a great diversity of landscapes. From magnificent beaches, rolling landscapes with sunflower fields to beautiful mountains with numerous ski resorts, picturesque villages with beautiful architecture. Modern facilities are available, the roads are still quiet and the people are very patient and helpful to foreigners.

Bulgaria is located in Southeastern Europe and has a coastline on the Black Sea that runs from the border with Romania in the north to the border with Turkey in the south. Due to its location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Bulgaria has experienced many invasions by foreign armies in the past. As a result, Bulgaria has amassed a great deal of diverse cultural wealth reflected in its music, customs, cuisine and architecture. Bulgaria borders Greece to the south and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro to the east. Strategically, Bulgaria is a natural gateway to the major economic markets of the Russian Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Asia and North Africa. Bulgaria is approximately 3 times the size of the Netherlands in terms of surface area.

Politically, Bulgaria is a parliamentary republic. Bulgaria has been a member of NATO since April 2004 and a member of the EU since January 1, 2007.

Economy - Since the fall of the socialist government in 1996, the country has enjoyed monetary stability and rapid economic growth. At 4.5% until 2007, it was one of the highest in Europe. The growth of the stock market also shows this picture. In 2003, the Bulgarian stock market itself grew the fastest of any country in the world. Due to the economic crisis, growth has been severely hampered and growth has averaged approximately 0.3% in the last few years.

Foreign companies have invested a lot in Bulgaria in recent years. This is due to the high level of education of the working population, the stable economy, the low cost level, the favorable tax climate, the strategic location and accession to the EU.

Climate - The climate in Bulgaria is a temperate continental climate, with four distinct seasons. In the southernmost regions of the country and on the Black Sea coast there is a mild Mediterranean climate, with average summer temperatures of 30°C and an average of 1700 hours of sunshine in the period from May to October. In the other regions the winter can be cold, which explains the popularity of Bulgaria as a winter sports destination.

Average temperatures

Average number of hours of sunshine per day

Precipitation

Population - Bulgaria has approximately 7 million inhabitants. Main cities: Sofia (capital), Plovdiv, Pleven, Stara Zagora, Sliven, Varna and Burgas. The last two are cities on the Black Sea, which is very popular with beach lovers with its 378 kilometer long coastline of sandy beaches.

Tourism - Bulgaria is easily accessible: Sofia, Varna, Burgas and Plovdiv have international airports, connecting Bulgaria with the rest of the world. The travel time from Amsterdam to Sofia is 2 to 2.5 hours and Amsterdam - Varna takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes.

There are flights to Sofia almost daily and there are also regular flights to Varna throughout the year with companies such as Austrian Airlines (via Vienna) and Bulgaria Air (via Sofia) to Varna. This company has very favorable rates. There are also flights to Varna from Koln and Dusseldorf. For more information see www.rodinatravel.nl

Direct charter flights from Amsterdam to Varna or Burgas operate during the summer months (May to October).

If you are looking for a nice hotel in Bulgaria, take a look at this site: http://www.bulgarijehotels.nl

More information about tourism in Bulgaria can be found via this (English) link.

Buying property in Bulgaria - Property prices are among the lowest in Europe. Due to the declining population due to emigration, in addition to increasing urbanization in Bulgaria, more real estate is becoming vacant in the villages in the interior. This therefore results in a reduction in the value of the real estate in those areas. We expect that this trend will reverse in the long term, and that the value of real estate in these areas will also rise again.

The country was experiencing a "boom" in the tourism industry before the crisis and also a huge growth in real estate demand, especially in the area along the Black Sea coast and the ski resorts. In the years before 2008, prices in popular regions rose by more than 25% over several years. Due to the crisis, prices fell in the years that followed and have risen again in urban areas in recent years.

The prices of new-build houses in Bulgaria are very interesting according to Belgian and Dutch standards. But buying an old house and renovating it can also be an interesting option. Or alternatively, why not invest in land and let us help you build your dream home?