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Guide to Bulgarian Cities

Introduction

Properties in Bulgaria’s cities are proving increasingly attractive to international buyers, many of whom are from the UK.

As well as the Black Sea resorts of Varna (Bulgaria’s third largest city) and Bourgas (a major fishing port), popular locations include the medieval settlement of Veliko Tarnovo (or Turnovo), former capital of Bulgaria, situated in the hills above the Yantra River in central Bulgaria, and Plovdiv, the country’s second largest city and one of Europe’s oldest, located 130km southeast of Sofia, on the banks of the Maritsa River. At present, both Veliko Tarnovo and Plovdiv have limited rental markets. Plovdiv has the bonus of an international airport, though services to the UK are currently restricted.

Not surprisingly, Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, is the city attracting the most attention from overseas purchasers, thanks to its improving transport links, thriving rental market and potential for capital growth.

Sofia

Located in western Bulgaria, Sofia is the country’s largest city, its seat of government and the epicentre of its economic and cultural activity. Though not renowned for its architectural splendours (communism having left a legacy of ugly, utilitarian structures), it has its share of historic buildings, including the St George Rotunda, originally constructed as a Roman temple, and the elegant 19th-century blocks that flank the gracious, tree-lined boulevards of its centre. The beautiful Vitosha National Park lies just outside the city.

Sofia is fast sloughing off the lingering traces of communism to become a modern capital with an international outlook. Attracted by low costs and evolving infrastructure, multinational companies are relocating there, with resulting benefits to the local economy. Investment, both domestic and foreign, is being channelled into regeneration projects that will benefit the whole of Bulgaria.

The city provides a wealth of leisure opportunities, including skiing on Vitosha Mountain, just 10 minutes away. It offers shopaholics everything from the exclusive designer boutiques of Vitosha Boulevard to independent specialist retailers to market stalls and colourful street vendors. Its many excellent restaurants serve international and traditional Bulgarian cuisine, and its vibrant nightlife, which includes theatres, cinemas and concert halls as well as casinos, bars and clubs, caters for every taste.

Climate

Winters are cold and snowy, January temperatures varying from around minus 5 to plus 2 degrees Celsius. Summers are moderately hot – July temperatures range from 14 to 26 degrees – and humid.

Getting there

London and many of the UK’s regional airports offer services (including both charters and scheduled flights from BA and Bulgaria Air) to Sofia International Airport. Budget airline Wizz Air flies between Luton and Sofia four times a week.

Flight time between Sofia and the UK is around three hours.

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Page 1: Introduction
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