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Tourism in Bulgaria is a significant contributor to the country's economy. Situated at the crossroads of the East and West, Bulgaria has been home to many civilizations - Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Slavs, Bulgars, and Ottomans. The country is rich in tourist sights and historical artifacts, scattered through a relatively small and easily accessible territory. Bulgaria is internationally known for its seaside and winter resorts.
Contents
- Map of Bulgaria
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Intangible Cultural Heritage List
- Ethnic cultural and historical tourism
- Rural tourism
- Seaside resorts
- Hiking and skiing
- References
Map of Bulgaria
In 2016, Bulgaria was visited by approximately 13.6 million people from abroad. Tourists from five countries - Greece, Romania, Turkey, Germany, and Russia - account for approximately 50% of all visitors. The sector contributed to 15% of GDP and supported 150 000 workplaces in 2014.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Intangible Cultural Heritage List
There are nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bulgaria. The first four properties were inscribed in the World Heritage List in 1979, and the last in 1985. Bulgaria currently has fourteen additional properties on the Tentative List. Nestinarstvo, a ritual fire-dance of Thracian origin, is included in the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Ethnic, cultural and historical tourism
The Bulgarian cultural heritage has many faces and manifestations - archaeological reserves and monuments, museums, galleries, rich cultural calendar, preserved folklore and magnificent architectural monuments.
Rural tourism
The Bulgarian town house is an embodiment of the owner's social status, craft and traditions. Many old buildings that demonstrate this type of architecture—e.g. in the villages of Arbanasi, Leshten, Kovachevitsa, Melnik—have been preserved to the present day.
Seaside resorts
The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is picturesque and diverse. White and golden sandy beaches occupy approximately 130 km of the 378 km long coast. The temperatures during the summer months are very suitable for marine tourism and the water temperature allows sea bathing from May to October. Prior to 1989 the Bulgarian Black Sea coast was internationally known as the Red Riviera. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, however, its nickname has been changed to the Bulgarian Riviera.
Hiking and skiing
The country has several ski areas which offer excellent conditions for skiing, snowboarding, ski running and other winter sports.