Europe has always attracted Russian tourists with its history, sights and resorts. Croatia and Bulgaria are very popular among Russians because they combine different types of recreation: beach, sightseeing, and entertainment.
Territory
The Republic of Croatia is a state in the south of the central part of Europe, occupying the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. The largest city in the republic is Zagreb, which is also the capital of the state. Croats speak the language of the same name. The currency is the Croatian kuna.
The Republic of Bulgaria is located in the southeastern part of Europe, occupies 22% of the Balkan Peninsula - its eastern part. The capital of the republic is the city of Sofia. The state language is Bulgarian. Currency - Bulgarian lev.
Popular resorts in Croatia and Bulgaria
There are three zones for beach holidays in Croatia: the Istrian peninsula and the small islands in the neighborhood, Central Dalmatia and South Dalmatia. The Istrian peninsula is located in the western part of the republic. Its length is 430 km. It is the largest peninsula in Croatia. By the way, it is located on the border with Italy. The island is the most famous resort not only in Croatia, but throughout the Adriatic. Resorts of Central Dalmatia are located in small villages and large cities with their own ancient history. Depending on the type of rest, you need to choose one or another settlement. For example, the big city of Split will suit the fans of entertainment more. Young people who prefer active rest will feel comfortable in the small town of Baska Voda. Makarska is suitable for couples and lovers.
However, this is the most expensive resort in central Dalmatia. South Dalmatia is located in an area with mountains and cliffs, also occupies numerous islands. That is why this is not the most suitable place for families with children. Small resort towns and villages are located on a vast territory. Here you can find rest for every taste. The islands of Kolocep and Lopud, the cities of Cavtat and Plat are perfect for young people and outdoor enthusiasts.
Bulgaria can offer vacationers summer resorts with beach vacations on the Black Sea coast and winter ski resorts. There are about 60 resorts in the republic. Top 10: Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Nessebar, St. Constantine and Helena, St. Vlas, Sozopl, Albena, Elenite, Pomorie, Obzor. Sunny Beach is very fond of young people because of the large number of entertainment and active nightlife. Golden Sands has a lot to offer too.
Climate of Croatia and Bulgaria
The resorts of Croatia are dominated by the Mediterranean climate. It has very mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature in summer is 28-30C, in September 25C, in November it is already 12C. In winter, the temperature is kept in the region from 8 to 10 C. The climate on the Istrian peninsula differs from that of Dalmatia. Here it is drier and cooler. The beach season starts in May and ends closer to mid-November.
Thanks to the moderate continental climate in Bulgaria, there is a very pronounced change of seasons: in summer it is very body, sunny autumn lasts a long time, winter is very mild, there is a lot of snow in the mountains, and spring is fast and stormy. The average monthly temperature in summer is 25 C, in autumn in September it is still 17 C, and in November it is already 5 C. In winter, the temperature hovers around zero. In the spring in March it is 5 C, and in May it is already 17 C. Just like in Croatia, the beach season in Bulgaria begins in May and ends in October.
Sea, nature, beaches
The coast of Croatia is washed by the Adriatic Sea. Off the coast of this state, it is famous for its purity and transparency. The underwater world is quite rich, which attracts diving enthusiasts here. The nature of the Istrian peninsula is striking in its beauty. The hills are interspersed with coniferous and deciduous forests, the shores are rocky in places. Magnificent vineyards adorn the already beautiful landscape. The beaches are sandy and pebbly.
Central Dalmatia is famous for its magnificent national parks, a scattering of wooded islands, and, of course, the majestic pine trees that grow very close to the edge of the surf. There are many secluded bays of bizarre shape, beautiful shores - rocky in places. Coniferous air is very useful for people with respiratory diseases. The beaches of Central Dalmatia are strewn with small pebbles, so the water is clean. South Dalmatia is a land of mountains, hills and islands.
Here palms are interspersed with pines. The many indented coves are very picturesque. The beautiful virgin nature of this land will not leave anyone indifferent. The beaches are pebbly or equipped with concrete slabs. In the area of the city of Dubrovnik, the beaches are sandy. It should be noted that nudist beaches are very common in Croatia.
In the east, Bulgaria is washed by the waters of the Black Sea. The rich underwater world attracts divers from different countries. And the unique complexes of underwater caves will add impressions and adrenaline to diving. The territory of the state is occupied by mountains (28%), hills (41%) and forests (29%). But in the northeastern part of the country there are vast steppes. Citrus trees are found on the borders with Greece and Turkey. The beaches where the famous resorts are located are covered with fine golden sand.
Hotels in Croatia and Bulgaria
Today in Croatia about 400 hotels are offered to tourists. Many of them were built in the 60s. Therefore, before booking a hotel, you need to find out in what year the renovation took place. The hotel categories are very diverse, from 1 to 5 stars. These are mainly 3-star hotels, outwardly reminiscent of Soviet sanatoriums. There are also hostels, but very few and they are not in all resorts. Recently, construction is underway in resort areas, which will soon lead to an increase in hotel offers.
There are several thousand hotels in Bulgaria for the choice of tourists. As in Croatia, the hotel fund is very old. You should definitely find out when the repairs were made. Most of the hotels are 3 stars. The construction of new hotels is in full swing, and more and more of them appear every year. These are mainly 4 and 5 star hotels. There are also hostels. All-inclusive food is rarely offered in hotels in Croatia. Basically, these are only breakfasts or half board. (breakfast and dinner).
Croatia and Bulgaria Attractions
Croatia has a lot of entertainments that will not let vacationers get bored: boat trips, cruises on sailing ships, diving, fishing and hunting, rafting on mountain rivers (rafting). Almost every city has monuments of antiquity, in summer there are many festivals and holidays, many exhibitions, various excursions, shopping.
Bulgaria has a large selection for outdoor enthusiasts. The resorts have golf and basketball courts. Divers love Bulgaria. On the beaches, vacationers are offered water activities. Many sights and monuments of antiquity will not leave anyone indifferent. Considering that there are 90 nature reserves and reserves, 8 natural parks and 3 national parks in the country, you can understand how many opportunities open up for eco-tourism lovers: hiking, horseback riding, training rock climbers and climbers, cycling.
Club entertainment, restaurants
For nightlife lovers, Croatia has several places to suit their taste. The town of Navalja on the island of Pag is world famous for its beach parties. Stormy life is in full swing here literally 24 hours. There are many clubs, restaurants, discos in the city. In Istria, the city of Rovinj is known for its rich club life. Zadar, the largest city in Northern Dalmatia, is another center of congestion of lovers of nightlife.
A large number of discos, nightclubs, variety shows, casinos, bars and restaurants are concentrated in the resorts of Bulgaria.The Golden Sands resort is considered the most eventful in this regard. "Sunny Beach" can also offer its vacationers a wide range of entertainment. Other resorts can also offer this kind of entertainment to their vacationers, but not on such a scale.
Shopping
There are many shops and boutiques in Croatia. Here you can buy both designer items and local products. Of the famous European brands, Italian ones prevail here. There are many items from Turkey and China in the markets. The resorts sell a variety of souvenirs, stone products, paintings by local artists. Croatia is famous for its wines.
You shouldn't go to Bulgaria for well-known brands, there are practically none of them here. But there are a great many local products. Here you can buy wonderful shirts and blouses embroidered with a Bulgarian cross, linen products, various rugs, jewelry and inexpensive beautiful jewelry. Women should pay special attention to cosmetics based on rose oil.
Sights of Croatia and Bulgaria
In Croatia, every resort has sights that you must see. There are many magnificent cathedrals, monasteries and churches. Ancient Roman monuments of history and architecture: the city in Split, the amphitheater in Pula, etc. Dubrovnik and Porec are famous for their districts of the old city. Natural attractions are the famous Plitvice Lakes, the island of Brac, the botanical garden of the island of Lokrum. And this is just a small part of what you can see in Croatia.
There are many natural attractions in Bulgaria due to the large number of protected areas. It is very interesting to visit the stone forest, which spreads over an area of about 50 square kilometers, which is a vertically standing boulders. On the territory of the state, there are many traces of the stay of the ancient Romans and Phoenicians: Byzantine baths, the remains of an ancient fortress in Nessebar, etc. There are about 500 Orthodox monasteries in Bulgaria. As well as many museums and exhibitions.
Visiting any of the countries will leave you an unforgettable experience.
