Located in the Balkans, Bulgaria is a diverse and picturesque country, with snow-capped mountains creating a backdrop to exhilarating ski runs and winter sports, while the Black Sea coastal resorts offer some of Europe’s best beaches.

Bulgaria is almost half made up of mountains. Rila and Pirin are the largest and are perfect for winter activities. The mountain resort of Bansko located at the foothills of the Pirin mountains recently began a metamorphosis from strictly a winter mountain resort into a year-round destination offering golf courses, climbing, cycling, horse riding and hiking, and appealing to modern eco-tourists.

The original Black Sea coast resorts such as the major ports of Varna, Bourgas and Sunny Beach have recently come into their own. New development is under way, catering for the increased number of international tourists. Comparisons to the Spanish resorts in their infancy are justified with activities such as windsurfing, paragliding and waterskiing offered and a varied choice of accommodation, restaurants and entertainment.

Not only a land of great beauty, contrasts and surprises, Bulgaria has proved to be resilient and adaptable. Having survived Ottoman rule and Communism, it is now a democratic constitutional republic with its finger on the pulse.