Map of Bulgaria, information page - Varna, Sofia and the Black Sea Coast

According to the map of Bulgaria, the country takes up most of the Balkan Peninsula, or the Balkans. Its capital city, Sofia, is full of cold-war reminiscent charm, while Varna, its east-coast counterpart, boasts of golden beaches and a glorious cathedral. If you look at a map of the Balkans, the distance from its sunny east coast to west is quite far, and in terms of driving distance it is approximately five hours across the Balkan Mountains.

Facts

With a population of nearly eight million and a land area of 110,550 square kilometers, or 42,683 square miles, the Republic of Bulgaria, its official name, is one of the newest European Union members, having joined in January 2007. The capital city of Sofia is one of the first must-see places on the map of Bulgaria.

Sofia

For most visitors, Sofia, a gloomy and rather overcrowded city in the western part, is their first place to visit. Home of the prestigious universities, successful sports clubs and exclusively one-way streets; it has little artistic value and, with its monumental buildings and colossal flats, may depress the unsuspecting visitor. However, it has many hidden treasures in the form of small galleries, playgrounds, markets and the controversial statue of St. Sophia.

Plovdiv

The next stop while touring the map of Bulgaria is Plovdiv, the oldest surviving city in Europe. Here, you will find a huge amount of open space, unbelievably beautiful ancient artifacts and a coliseum like the one in Rome, although it is not fully excavated. The famous seven hills of the city are the place to go for a fantastic view of the city and the region.

Sea Capitals

Varna and Bourgas are the sea capitals of Bulgaria, as they both have international airports and seaports. As well as a dolphinarium, a sea garden and hundreds of small shops, you can experience the brilliance of the Bulgarian coastline — sizzling sun, crystal clear water, white-hot sand and beautiful people all around.

Scenic Route

To get a real feel of the map of Bulgaria you should do as much traveling as you can on your own, through a car or on foot, and take in the majestic nature, unspoiled wonders and refreshing atmosphere. Start from Sofia and travel through the South Thracian Plain. Then visit the Rila and Pirin Mountains, the former being the highest in the country. As you travel, you will experience the traditional folk lifestyle, which has not changed over the last five hundred years. Remember to try the traditional dishes, both out of courtesy and because they are so delicious.

The Coast

Having explored Thracia, move on to the coastline; the innumerable resorts have something for everybody, from the ancient Nesebar to the quieter St. Vlas. Although weather is always good, it is particularly sunny in July and August, which are the peak tourist times.

Stop and Smell the Roses

The best way to end your Bulgarian trip is through the Danube rose fields. The whole northern part of the country is planted either with rye, corn or roses. As Bulgaria is an exporter of rose perfumes and cosmetics, it also produces a huge number of aromatic roses. You could watch the traditional ritual of “beritba,” where young maidens in folk dresses sing and start the harvest. You may even help and get a bottle of the expensive perfume free.

As you travel through the regions, following the map of Bulgaria, remember to get something from every region that you visit as mementos of your trip. The map comes in paperback as well as digital format for those who will benefit from accurate directions. All that matters is that you find your destination, without having to ask for directions every five feet.

Fast Facts about Bulgaria

Population: 7,917,855

Capital City: Sofia (1.1 million)

Languages: Bulgarian

Latitude/Longitude: 43° 00'N, 25° 00'E

Official Currency: Lev

Religions: Bulgarian Orthodox, Muslim, other

Land Area: 110,550 sq km (42,683 sq miles)