Croatia or Bulgaria: which resort to choose for vacation
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, entertainment.
Territory
The Republic of Croatia is a state in the south of central Europe, occupies the western part of the Balkan Peninsula. The largest city of the republic is Zagreb, which is also the capital of the state. Croatians speak the same language. The currency is the Croatian kuna.
The Republic of Bulgaria is located in the southeastern part of Europe, it occupies 22% of the Balkan Peninsula – its eastern part. The capital of the republic is the city of Sofia. The official language is Bulgarian. Currency – Bulgarian lev.
Popular resorts in Croatia and Bulgaria
There are three zones for a beach holiday in Croatia: the Istrian peninsula and 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. The resorts of Central Dalmatia are located in small towns and large cities with their own ancient history. Depending on the type of recreation, you need to choose one or another settlement. For example, fans of entertainment will go to the big city of Split. Young people who prefer outdoor activities will be 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 on a territory with mountains and rocks, it also occupies numerous islands. That is why it 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 a holiday 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 holidays on the Black Sea coast and winter ski resorts. In total, there are about 60 resorts in the republic. Top 10: Sunny Beach, Golden Sands, Nessebar, St. Constantine and Elena, St. Vlas, Sozop, Albena, Elenite, Pomorie, Obzor. Sunny Beach is very fond of young people because of the large number of entertainment and active nightlife. Golden Sands can also offer a lot of entertainment.
Climate of Croatia and Bulgaria
The resorts of Croatia are dominated by a Mediterranean climate. It has very mild winters and hot summers. The average temperature in summer is 28-30C, in September 25C, in November already 12C. In winter, the temperature stays in the region of 8 to 10 C. On the Istrian peninsula, the climate differs from that of Dalmatia. Here it is drier and cooler. The beach season starts in May and ends closer to mid-November.
Due to the temperate continental climate in Bulgaria, there is a very pronounced change of seasons: summer is very warm, sunny autumn lasts long, winter is very mild, there is a lot of snow in the mountains, and spring is swift and stormy. The average monthly temperature in summer is 25 C, in autumn in September it is another 17 C, and in November it is already 5 C. In winter, the temperature fluctuates around zero. In the spring in March, 5 C, and in May 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 cleanliness and transparency. The underwater world is quite rich, which attracts diving enthusiasts. 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 an already beautiful landscape. The beaches here are sandy and pebbly.
Central Dalmatia is famous for its magnificent national parks, a scattering of forested islands, and, of course, majestic pine trees that grow very close to the edge of the surf. There are many secluded bays of bizarre shape, beautiful shores – sometimes rocky. Coniferous air is very useful for people with respiratory diseases. The beaches of Central Dalmatia are strewn with small pebbles, thanks to which the water is the purest. Southern Dalmatia is a land of mountains, hills and islands.
Here palm trees interspersed with pines. Many rugged coves are very picturesque. The beautiful virgin nature of this region will not leave anyone indifferent. The beaches here 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 north-eastern part of the country there are vast steppes. On the borders with Greece and Turkey, citrus tree species are found. The beaches where the famous resorts are located are covered with fine golden sand.
Hotels in Croatia and Bulgaria
Today, about 400 hotels are offered to tourists in Croatia. Many of them were built in the 60s. Therefore, before booking a hotel, you need to find out in which year the reconstruction took place. The categories of hotels are very diverse, from 1 to 5 stars. Basically, these are 3-star hotels that look like Soviet sanatoriums. There are also hostels, but very few and they are not at all resorts. Recently, construction has been underway in resort areas, which will soon lead to an increase in hotel offers.
There are several thousand hotels to choose from in Bulgaria. As in Croatia, the hotel stock is very old. Be sure to find out when the repair was done. Most hotels are 3 stars. The construction of new hotels is in full swing, every year there are more and more of them. Basically, these are 4 and 5 star hotels. There are also hostels. Croatian hotels rarely offer an all-inclusive meal plan. Basically, it's only breakfast or half board. (breakfast and dinner).
Entertainment Croatia and Bulgaria
In Croatia, there are many 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 ancient monuments, in the summer there are many festivals and holidays, many exhibitions, various excursions, shopping.
Bulgaria has a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts. The resorts have golf and basketball courts. Bulgaria is loved by divers. On the beaches, vacationers are offered water activities. Many sights and monuments of antiquity will not leave anyone indifferent. Considering that the country has 90 nature reserves and sanctuaries, 8 natural parks and 3 national ones, one can understand how many opportunities open up for lovers of eco-tourism: hiking, horseback riding, training rock climbers and mountaineers, cycling.
Club entertainment, restaurants
For lovers of nightlife in Croatia, there are several places that will suit their taste. The town of Navalja on the island of Pag is world famous for its beach parties. Vibrant life here boils literally 24 hours. The city has many clubs, restaurants, discos. In Istria, the city of Rovinj is known for its vibrant club life. Another center of congestion of lovers of night parties is the largest city of Zadar in Northern Dalmatia.
The resorts of Bulgaria have a large number of discos, nightclubs, variety shows, casinos, bars and restaurants. The resort “Golden Sands” is considered the most saturated 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 well-known European brands, Italian ones predominate here. There are many things 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.
It is not worth going to Bulgaria for well-known brands, there are practically none here. But there are a lot of locally produced goods. 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 care cosmetics based on rose oil.
Sights of Croatia and Bulgaria
In Croatia, every resort has attractions 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 Poreč are known for their areas 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 only a small part of what you can see in Croatia.
Bulgaria has many natural attractions due to the large number of protected areas. It is very interesting to visit the stone forest, spread over an area of about 50 sq. km, which is a vertically standing stone blocks. 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.
A visit to any of the countries will leave you with an unforgettable experience.