BULGARIA

10 minutes to landing comes the announcement as we descend to 10,000 feet over a landscape of forests and lakes with a backdrop of mountains. As the plane turns into its final approach the coastline comes into view showing golden sandy beaches and blue water. Soon we have landed and are on the coaches heading for the airport terminal. Welcome to Bulgaria and Bourgas airport serving the southern Black Sea area of the country.

Bulgaria is a country offering the tourist most things they are looking for. Sun, sea and sand are in abundance but Bulgaria has a fascinating history going back over many centuries. The coast line stretches from the Romanian border in the north to the Turkish border in the south, 235 miles of blue sea that changes from miles of fine sand beaches to small coves where the mountains and forests meet the sea. Surrounded by Romania, Turkey, Republic of North Macedonia, Greece and Slovakia, Bulgaria is a well-kept secret and well worth a visit. Driving 35 kilometres north from Bourgas you arrive at a large curved bay. 13 kilometres of golden sand separated into 5 areas from Elinite in the north where the Balkan Mountains meet the sea down through St. Vlas, Sunny Beach, Cacao Beach and Nessebar. All are holiday resorts but each offers a different experience. If you are looking for a fast pace of life, the likes of Benidorm, Ayia Napa etc. then Sunny Beach, the largest resort on the Black Sea coast is for you with its bars, disco’s, night clubs and restaurants. The other resorts offer a more gentile way of life especially the small city of Nessebar with a history dating back to the 6^th century BC.

The time to visit the Black Sea coast is between May and October when the sun shines most days and daytime temperatures vary between warm and hot. Whilst May has temperatures in the mid 20c's June, July and August can see the mercury in the 30's, occasionally hitting 40c+ when it is time to chill out under a sun umbrella with a cool drink. The beaches are clean and the sea clear.

Eating out is an affordable experience at excellent Bulgarian restaurants where a 2 course meal with wine can be had for as little as £15 for 2 persons. The many restaurants cater for most tastes offering a good selection of meat, fish, salads, pizza and pasta. If a meat eater try a 'Sach', grilled chicken and pork fillets served on a sizzler with vegetables and potato or a 'Kavarma', a meat stew served in an earthenware pot but be prepared to be surprised by the large servings. Bulgaria has a long history of wine production and delivers an excellent product whether you want red, white, rose or sparkling.

Many people ask about the currency which is the Bulgarian Lev, aligned to the Euro at 1.95 Lev to the Euro. This can be obtained from banks and official exchange bureaus as well as by credit/debit card at the numerous ATM's available. Never exchange money in the street if approached. Yes, some people do and are surprised when they discover they have been duped with worthless bank notes.

Heading north from the area on the main road towards Varna, Bulgaria's third largest city, takes you through small villages where life has changed little over the years. Passing through forests of pine trees you begin to see the true beauty of Bulgaria and are tempted to stop at one of the many picnic areas that are deserted during the early part of the season. Resting in one of these areas set amongst pine trees with sun filtering through the branches and birds twittering you feel at ease with the world and indeed, could be anywhere in the world. Continuing north brings you eventually to the motorway into Varna, Bulgaria’s third largest city with a population of approximately 500.000. One of the first sights to greet your eyes is that of the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral its four large gold domes glinting in the sunlight. This is the second largest Bulgarian Orthodox Cathedral in the country the largest being St. Alexander Nevsky in Sofia with a capacity of 10,000. Varna is also considered to be the capital of the Black Sea with a large port area visited by many cruise ships during the season. Continuing our journey north and leaving behind the big city it is once again areas of beauty with sporadic villages and large forests until entering the area of Golden Sands a favourite holiday resort with peoples of many nations. Set in an area surrounded by pine trees, where large hotels overlook clear blue waters and golden sands from where the resort obtains it name. As a contrast, authentic restaurants are scattered amongst the modern hotels where meals again can be had at very affordable prices. At the local market you can buy everything from vegetables to souvenirs. From here the coastline winds its way through small holiday resorts and villages up to the Romanian border 30 miles away passing through deserted beaches and the larger coastal town of Balchik where a former Romanian Queen had her summer palace and is a favourite holiday resort for Romanians.

The Bulgarian coast line contains some great holiday resorts backed by magnificent scenery. At the moment it is something of a well-kept secret but each year as more and more tourist’s visit the secret is fast evaporating so be sure to visit soon. There is something for everyone with many of the main holiday companies offering holidays there. What is the coast line like south of Bourgas down to the Turkish border? That will have to wait for another day.

Alan Fairfax