The major resort north of Varna, Albena occupies a pretty stretch of coast just north of Varna and south of Cape Kavarna. During medieval times the bay had two large fresh water wells and residents earned a living by selling drinking water to Nessebar, which had none of its own. The resort, established in 1958, is the largest one. The wide, six-kilometer-long beach is protected by dunes and touted as the best on the coast 24C/75F degree water and loads of sunny days. With more than 30 hotels capable of accommodating some 30,000 visitors, the resort can get pretty crowded during peak season. Most hotels are set back from the beach, in numerous small shaded parks and gardens that help alleviate some of the congested feel. Albena lives up to its motto of "Where families come first." Children and toddlers are kept occupied with the likes of kiddie trains, well-equipped playgrounds, and organized festivals. Adult sports include windsurfing, sailing, parasailing, speedboating, scooter-driven parachuting, pedalboating, waterskiing, horseback riding, archery, mini-golf, roller and in-line skating, bowling, tennis, bicycling, beach volleyball, and wall climbing (for the truly bored). To soothe sore muscles after all that physical exertion there are balneo-therapy treatment centers. Night Life is as equally varied and includes casinos, discos and nightclubs with live cabaret acts and colorful floor shows. Some 130 restaurants and taverns are accustomed to catering to foreign tastes so there's something for everyone.

Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach is a resort center, which is situated in the southern part of the Bulgarian seaside, 6 km north of Nessebar and 42 km north-east of Bourgas. It is located in the close proximity of the arched Nessebar bay. The eastern patrs of the Emine Mountains and the Balkan Mountains are situated north of the resort and some wonderful woods are to be found westwards. The beach of the resort center has very fine golden sand and the dunes and groves make it look quite exotic. The heeling of the sea floor is insignificant and that makes it very suitable for bathing. The resort has the typical sea climate; the average duration of the sun shining is about 2300 hours per year and in July and August the daily duration of the sun shining is about 10,5-11 hours. Besides the climate, the fresh air, the healing sun and sun bathing are other curative factors, which help human organism harden. There is also a great number of mineral springs nearby the resort. Sunny Beach is a famous tourist center not only in Bulgaria, but also abroad. In the summer it is visited by a lot of Bulgarian and foreign tourists. It is situated along the coastline and all the hotels are built up among trees in natural environment. When the project of the resort was created, one of its main objects was to preserve the existing natural dunes and the trees. In order to make the complex even more attractive, some exotic tropical species were also planted. Sunny Beach is remarkable for the great diversity of its hotels, which vary from 1 or 2 storey buildings for tourists seeking privacy to multi-storey buildings with inner courtyards. That makes the resort center very attractive, because it manages to meet various needs and preferences.

Golden Sands

Golden Sands Resort is situated in the north part of the Black Sea, 17 km from Varna.

The unique natural wealth of the resort - calm and warm sea, old forests descending to the beach, covered by fine golden sand, healing mineral springs, as well as th? wonderful conditions for rest, sports, entertainments and balneotherapy, are the reason that thousands of tourists from all over the world visit the resort every year. The beach is 3.5 km long and its width is up to 100m in some places.The weather is suitable for sea- and sunbaths from May to October. The average temperature of the air is 27° C and that of the water 24° C. At the seaside and the fresh forest are located more than 60 modern hotel complexes, most of them with open-air and indoor swimming pools; holiday villages, restaurants and snack-bars; night clubs with folk and show programs, bars, disco clubs, casino, sports facilities, balneological and fitness centres, trade centres and shops , yacht port.

Nessebar

Nessebar - the pearl of the South coast of the Black Sea, is one of the most ancient towns in Europe. The town, founded 3000 years ago by the Thracians by the name of Messemvria, is situated at a little rocky peninsula. When the castle was captured by Krum (an ancient bulgerian king) in 812 A.C. the town was annexed to the Bulgarian territories by the name of Nessebur. In 1959 the town was declared for an architectural and archaeological reservation and has been included in the list of The World Cultural Inheritance of UNESCO since 1983.

Particularly attractive cultural and historical monuments are: "St.Stefan" Church (XI-th century), "St.Spas" Church (XVII-th century), "Christ Pantokrator" Church (XIII-th century), "St. John the Baptist" Church (X-XI-th century), "St. Sofia" Church (IV-V-th century), "St. John Aliturgetos" Church (XIV-th century). Another interesting monuments from the XVIII - XIX-th century are many houses, windmills, fountains, squares. The magnificent mediaeval achitecture, as well as the antique traces from different civilizations are unique opportunity for entertainment. There are many family hotels and private rooms. They offer a whole range ofl modern conveniences at reasonable prices.
Nessebur will be a pleasant and unforgettable experience for you!

Sozopol

Situated 34 kilometers south of Bourgas upon a small peninsula, Sozopol is the oldest town at the Bulgarian seaside. Founded in the year 610 B.C. by the Greeks, the colony called Apolonia flourished as a mediator between the world of the Greek and the world of the noble Thracian tribes. Today, that fascinating place is a large tourist center, remarkable for its unique stone and wooden houses, that date as far back as the 19th century. Some of them (about 45) are even declared National Cultural Monuments. But it is not only them that attract tourists, but also the two beaches with fine sand and especially the local peoples hospitality. In July and August Sozopol resembles a beehive, filled with tourists and during the winter, it turns again into a quiet and romantic fishing settlement. That seems to attract a lot of artists, writers, actors, etc. If you take a walk along the narrow winding lanes, you could notice a great number of houses, dating from the Bulgarian Renaissance. Then, most of the houses with stone foundations, roomy second floors and roofs covered with Mediterranean tiles were built up. Small restaurants and cafes are to be found along the coastal Morski Skali and Milet lanes, which tourists might visit to taste Sozopol specialties meals of local mussels and dried mackerels, prepared in a number of different ways. On the other hand, these tiny restaurants have another advantage, except the delicious meals and it is the magnificent scenery they face the offing and the port.

The small port is the ideal place where one could take a look at the anglers, who demonstrate their skills of the that ancient means of livelihood- fishing. Nearby the port one could visit the unique Sozopol tavern, which is one of the evening attractions of the town. Its program includes folk songs and dances. The high point in the program is the Bulgarian ring dance, done by dancers dressed in national costumes, who invite the guests to take part in that lovely diversion. Sozopol, however is not simply an amusement center, it is a historical settlement with a lot of landmarks dating back to ancient times , as well as to recent times. One of the most spectacular sights is the Sveta Bogoroditza church, which is located in the old part of the town. It dates as far back as the 17th century and half of it was erected under the ground, because the Turkish conquerors had imposed a ban on the erection of high Bulgarian Christian temples. Another famous landmark is the archeological museum, where tourists could take a look at a rich collection of amphoras, stone anchors and models of ships used by the Greeks, the Phoenicians and other ancient peoples, which the population of Sozopol kept in touch with.

The modern part of the town is located nearby the old one. One of the 2 beaches is situated there- on the eastern part of Harmanite cape. Numerous cafes, discotheques and suchlike await guests along the high street "Republicanska'. Apolonia- the colony that once existed here was not just an important trade center, but also a seat of culture and art, a great tradition that has been preserved up to now thanks to the annual festival, which takes place in September. It lasts 10 sleepless days and nights, filled with music, dancing, all sorts of performances, films, exhibitions, etc. The loveliest beach nearby Sozopol is the one at the Dyuni vacation center. After Dyuni, the seaside road passes by the exotic marsh area called "Arkutino". That area covers a territory of 62 ha, where tourists have the opportunity to see some rare plant species, such as water- lilies, irises and creeping lianas. A few kilometers south of the marsh area, the Ropotamo river is to be seen, which was declared a natural reserve. River navigation is another tourist attraction, which is a must. And as far as transport to Sozopol is concerned, it is well- organized and realized through private or state- owned transport firms.

Sveti Konstantin

Sveti Konstantin Resort is situated in the North part of the Bulgarian seaside , 8 km from the town of Varna. In 1897 Varna municipality begins building up the area around the ancient monachal cloister "St. st. Konstantin and Elena". In 1925 Anton Novak, the creator of the Sea Garden in Varna, lays the foundations of the Nature park in the resort. The specific nature features of the sea-shore , that make the climate mild and temperate, the calmness and quietness attract tourists and guests from all over the world. Restored and modernized hotels, holiday houses, villas, restaurants and snackbars, balneological and sports centres, swimming pools, yacht ports are located along the seaside and in the forest. An important part of Sveti Konstantin Resort is the complex " Sunny Day" a magic of sea breeze and forest freshness; Grand Hotel Varna oasis of verdure, sea and healing mineral water; IHS "Federic Jolio Kiuri" recreation and conferent centre of scientists from all over the world.For the guests are especialy organized yacht tours, fishing, visiting places of amusement, tours around interesting historical and cultural sights in Bulgaria and neighbour countries.

Ski resorts

Bansko

The town of Bansko is situated at the Glazne river at the northeastern bottom of the Pirin Mountains, 160 km south of Sofia, 60 km southeast of Blagoevgrad. Bansko is one of the biggest mountain resorts in Bulgaria with a long winter to take advantage of its modern, well developed skiing and sport facilities. The skiing conditions in Bansko are excellent. The Pirin mountain has a predominately Alpine character with three peaks towering above 2900 m. However the slopes offer runs and tracks for all types of skiers, from novice to the experts, while the ski runs are maintained in excellent condition. It is also the main starting point for hiking in the UNESCO protected Pirin National Park-the largest in Bulgaria where the most interesting tree species such as the black fir can be found. Having been a birth place to many national intellectuals and a witness of dramatic history during the centuries, Bansko is of special architectural and cultural value. There are several landmarks which are of great interest: Sveta Troitsa (The Holy Trinity) Church, the Monument of Paissii Hilendarski, the Neofit Rilski House Museum.

Pamporovo

Pamporovo, the second major Bulgarian mountain resort, is located 1650 m above sea level in the Western Rhodopes, 16km from Smolyan, among evergreen spruce forests, picturesque meadows, strange rock formations and beautiful mountain peaks. Due to the Mediterranean influence the climate is mild with bracing air and the good snow-cover provides excellent skiing conditions from mid-December to mid-April. The area is abundant in natural slopes with a range of alpine ski tracks of different difficulty and sophisticated ski facilities and equipment, suitable for beginners to experts. The TV tower on Mount Snezhanka, starting point of many of the ski runs, has a cafe and an observation gallery giving a marvelous view of the Rhodope mountains and makes an important landmark for hikers. The hotels and restaurants lure with the authentic for this region hospitality and superb traditional Rhodope dishes.

Borotets

The oldest Bulgarian resort, Borovets, is hidden among the aromatic pine woods covering the northern slopes of Mount Musala in Rila mountains, 12 km south of Samokov and 72 km of Sofia. Its 90-year long history, 1390 m altitude above sea level, and favourable climate with cool summer and mild, snowy winter, make Borovets the biggest mountain resort in Bulgaria. Mainly, the resort provides excellent opportunities for the whole range of winter sports: from the alpine sports to cross-country skiing, ski-jumps and biathlon on its first-class ski slopes, tracks and facilities. Borovets is a major point of departure for Mount Musala, the highest peak on the Balkans (2925m), a number of high-mountain chalets, as well as Bistritsa Palace, built as a hunting lodge for Tsar Ferdinand.

Vitosha

A wooded mass of granite 19km long by 17 km wide, Mount Vitosha, whose foothills begin some 7 km from the centre of the Bulgarian capital, is very much a part of the city and is the source of its pure water and fresh breezes. Vitosha is the cradle of hiking tourism in Bulgaria and every year thousands of hikers climb its highest peak, Cherni Vrah (2290m). It is a typical dome-like mountain, which northern slopes descend steeply into the Sofia plain and where the concentration of facilities is at its best - two cabin lift lines, numerous cable-ways, catering facilities, mountain shelters and developed transportation network. There are two main tourist centers - Aleko, one of Bulgaria's biggest ski resorts, and Zlatnite Mostove (The Golden Bridges), an impressive natural phenomenon in the form of piles of huge rounded granite stones in the river valleys.

Spa resorts

Bankya

Bankya is a world-wide known health resort. It is situated in the beautiful valley at the green foothills of the Lyulin mountain, 17 km far from Sofia, at an altitude of 630-640 m.
Mineral waters-slightly mineralized, hypothermal, hydrocarbonic-sulphate-sodiumt clear, colourless, with a temperature of 36.5-37?C and very tasty. The resort climate is temperate continental. A bio-climatic respect is qualified as soothing to invigorating. The average annual temperature is 9.4?C (average January temperature is minimum 2?C, average July temperature 19.6?C. The summer is fresh, the autumn warm and sunny and the winter moderately cold. This climatic conditions are suitable both for year-round spa treatment, as well as for general prophylactics and the hardening of organism. Bankya balneotreatment resort, near Sofia is a resort of international importance. During the archeological excavations in the region many years ago, remains of churches, ceramics and coins dating from the Roman times have been found. Bankya developed as a resort for rehabilitation of cardio-vascular conditions with highly specialized functional diagnostics ( many for post-infraction conditions and heart operations, arterial hypertonia). It is suitable for treatment of cardio-vascular diseases, nervous system disturbances, metabolic disturbances

Devin

Devin is a renowned spa and holiday resort. It is situated amid scenic hills in the heart of the Rhodopes at an altitude of 710 - 780 m. In the ancient times the place was inhabited by the Thracian tribe of the Bessi, and later by the Romans. Devin has several mineral water springs with a temperature between 37 and 44C. The water is clear, colourless, palatable, odourless, hyper- and homeo-thermal, mildly mineralized, and contains hydrocarbonates of sodium and small quantities of fluorine. It has a strong alkaline reaction (pH 9.4). The total usable flow is 1,800 l/min. The curative properties of Devin's mineral waters are due to their considerable mineralization, the relatively high content of metasilicic acid and fluorine, mild acidity and high temperature. Devin is suitable for the spa and climatic treatment of a wide range of diseases: of the locomotor system, cardiovascular diseases and nervous disorders. The internationally famous year-round resort Pamporovo is situated 35 km away from Devin.

Hissarya

The well-known spa of Augusta (the ancient name of Hissarya) is situated in the centre of Bulgaria, in the southern folds of the Sredna Gora Mountain, 42 km north of Plovdiv (the second biggest town in the country) and 160 km east of Sofia (the capital of Bulgaria). It is close to the famous Valley of Roses.

Hissarya today is a modern spa resort whose greatest asset consists in 22 22 mineral springs with a total debit of 4000 l\min. and a temperature of 37-52 C, with a total exploitation flow of about 2800 l/min. Hissarya's mineral water is The mineral water is light, clear, colourless, flavourless and tasty. The radioactive emanation is 10-165 Em, pH - 7,6 - 9,02 and over 20 microelements. Acid content - 200 - 270 mg\l. It is slightly mineralized, hypo- and hyper-thermal, with a predominance of hydrocarbonic, sodium, sulphate and fluorine ions, as well as substantial amounts of radio radioactive gas.characterized as slightly mineralized, hidrocarbonic-sulphate-sodium, with a high alkaline reaction (pH 8.3 to 9.02). Their temperature ranges between 27?C and 51?C and they vary radioactivity, fluorine and metasilicic acid content. The water is mainly indicated for treatment of diseases of the kidneys and secretory system, liver and gall bladder, the digestive system and pancreas. Particularly good treatment results are achieved with comprehensive hydrotherapy and climatic cures, physiotherapy and kinesitherady in cases of diseases of the kidneys and secretory system, such as a kidney stone, pyelonephritis, chronic nephritis and chronic renal insufficiency.

Pavel Banya

Situated on the right bank of the Tundja river, Pavel Banya is an unquestionable leader in the top chart of the Bulgarian resorts. The mineral waters spring from seven natural and drilling sources with similar chemical composition. The content of radon in the waters of the several springs is 1-11.4 nonocures. Most of the waters are fluoride, slightly miniralized. The high content of fluoride and metasilicon acid, as well as the great hyperthermality have good healing effect on a number of joint diseases. Pavel Banya is a leading centre of rehabilitation and healing of diseases of the locomotor and the nervous system. But the most effective results are achieved in the treatment of diseases of the locomotory system and traumatic conditions of the spinal cord.

The air is extremely clean and rich in negative iron ions which have a beneficial effect on the mucous lining of the respiratory tract and on the nervous system. The specialists gave registered good results with post fracture conditions of slow colos formation and contractura. This effect is due to the influence of the mineral water, as well as to the various methods applied. Mud-treatment is also applied in the spa in alternation with mineral baths. Excellent results have been achieved with thousands of patients suffering arthritis and gynaecological conditions

Sandanski

Situated at an altitude of 224 m in the valley of the Sandanska Bistritsa River, at the foot of the magnificent south-western slopes of the Pirin Mountain, the town of Sandanski is famous for the beauty of its scenery and a wealth of resources for spa and climatic treatment. This is the warmest and sunniest town in Bulgaria with the least temperature variations throughout the year.The climate of Sandanski can be described as unique. Throughout the year air temperature is higher than anywhere else in the country. The average annual temperature (14.7C) is the highest in Bulgaria. The winter is mild and short, and the autumn - long and warm. The relative air humidity is low (66 per cent), and the annual duration of sunshine is no less than 2,436 hours.

This remarkable combination of balmy, health-giving weather and curative mineral waters makes Sandanski the perfect place for modern science-based climatotherapy, spa treatment, rehabilitation, primary and secondary prophylactics and recreation.

The resort is specialized in the treathment of upper respiratory tract and lung deseases of non-tubercolosis type and of inflammation degenerative diseases of the joints.