YouTube: Bulgaria in Eastern Europe on the Black Sea is Paradise on Earth

Bulgarian holidays offer diverse opportunities for the whole family at affordable rates. Nessebar on the Black Sea is one of the most popular tourist destinations with several large resorts. Sunny Beach is the largest resort and is located immediately north of Nessebar. Elenite is another perfect place for a family vacation. You can expect great value for the price when vacationing in Bulgaria.

The inland of Bulgaria boasts dense fauna and flora in the forests; magnificent mountains; national parks that are home to animal species including bears and golden eagles; sweetly scented rose valleys and natural springs. All this makes Bulgaria a rich and diverse country which welcomes tourists to this country.

In the Eastern Parts of the Balkans, Bulgaria borders on Yugoslavia, Romania, Turkey and Greece and has a golden coastline of approximately 400 kilometers long. With no tides, the Black Sea is safe for swimming for adults and kids alike and the majority of beaches boast EEC Blue Flags.

The warm temperatures of the Black Sea as well as the low salt levels make for beautiful swimming beaches. Summer days bring about approximately 10 hours of sunshine and summer time temperatures average between 26-28C.

Bulgaria offers plenty in the line of entertainment. For those looking for something traditional, you can go to a folklore evening that offers music and dance along with hearty cuisine and good wines. Legends are told with the use of musical instruments, extravagant local costumes to depict mythical figures as well as animals. Fire dances take place as the end of performances.

Water sports are popular all over Bulgaria, on fresh water lakes as well as on the Black Sea coastline.

Craft workshops are offered for tourists as well as locals to teach them how to make interesting crafts and curios. You can also purchase jewelry, traditional crafts, leather goods and more at the local markets and boutiques.

Winter months bring about skiing as well as snowboarding in the snow slopes. Bird watching is another great way to pass the time in beautiful surroundings. Walking in the national parks and on the sunlit beaches can be enjoyed at no cost. You can also observe the surroundings by bicycle.

So why not come to Bulgaria and enjoy a vacation of a lifetime?

YouTube: The 24 Wonders of Bulgaria

YouTube: Pictures of some of the newest resorts of Bulgaria — mostly along the Black Sea coast.

YouTube: Kumsal is a Turkish belly dancer and teacher from Istanbul. As a 25 years old young new generation dancer she became famous in Turkey with an oriental dance competition held in 2004 on national TV. She dances in winter times in Istanbul famous night clubs such as Sultana’s, Dedikodulu Meyhane. In summer times she dances in famous dance club Kervansaray in Bodrum. She has appeared on national television, magazines, news papers after becoming successful in the oriental dance competition. She had ballet education in Turkey but then oriental dance became her passion as well as a career in Turkey. She went to Japan for stage shows and danced in famous trade fair shows as well. She teaches both in Egyptian and Turkish style. In her classes veil work, floor work, finger cymbals, body posture are the main subjects.

Situated on the Aegean Coast, Bodrum’s charming (and mainly original and old-world) landscape is dotted with bars and nightclubs featuring a nightlife second to none. However, it’s not all about the nighttime. The daytime is just as much fun with plenty of things to see and do. A number of historical attractions such as the Castle of St Peter, the Mausoleum, and the Myndos Gate provide an interesting and educational overview of the area’s history. There are many activities such as sailing and boating and hamams (Turkish baths), that will keep you happy during the hot sunny days.

The sun shines for around 300 days a year in Bodrum, making it the perfect holiday destination for the sun worshiper, and between May and October you’ll find the best weather. August temperatures regularly reach a very warm 35C+ with over 12 hours of beautiful Turkish sun. There is generally a nice coastal breeze that helps to keep humidity to a welcome level. These temperatures obviously mean it’s advisable to ensure you book somewhere with air conditioning. In addition to the great warm weather, the Agean sea warms up to about 25C so you are guaranteed a nice warm swim. Things do cool down in Spring and Autumn, but even then it is far from cold.

Just outside Bodrum is Bitez, otherwise known as Agacli (meaning “full of trees”), which gets its name from the fact it is one of the main citrus growing areas of the Bodrum peninsular. The promenade is lined with restaurants and cafes offering every nationality of cuisine with a view of the cleanest beaches on the peninsular. The clientele of Bitez attracts more of an older circle, giving it that high-class feel. This is amplified by the white washed hotels and apartments that overlook the sandy beach with its picturesque wooden jetties, which plays host to a popular windsurfing and sailing school with Bitez cove being the ideal place for the beginner.

Turkish Markets are a must for any holiday maker and Milas Market is one of the biggest in the area. With everything from textiles to perfumes to fruit and more, it is an extraordinary place to visit. The stallholders are uniquely Turkish and this being a”proper” market, you’ll find them courteous and the whole place does not have that “holidaymakers” market feel. There’s still plenty of opportunity to find that perfect souvenir with handicrafts and local weaving and produce in abundance. If you’re up for it, forget eating out and enjoy putting together your next meal from the local offerings. With so much on offer you’ll find everything you need for that perfect lunch! There is so much to experience, you’ll wonder where the time has gone as you wander round the masses of stalls. Once you’re finished at the market you may fancy a change of pace. Just a little north of Milas you will find Lake Bafa where the northern shore of the lake’s steep slopes are covered by wild or semi-domesticated olive trees that are virtually untouched to this day. According to legend, it was here that the goddess Selene fell in love with the shepherd Endymion and she asked Zeus to keep the young shepherd in perpetual sleep and bore up to fifty children from her nightly encounters with the sleeping young man.

The Bodrum peninsular has managed to keep its charm. There are many villages and hamlets to explore, with Karakaya being a fine example. With its beautiful views across the Aegean and lovingly restored house, it is a very special place to visit. Many of the local communities welcome your visit and the bazaars and villages are the ideal way to explore. Comakdag village lies on the Izmir Milas road on a picturesque mountain slope. With its native culture and heritage, you’ll find it a welcome place with its artistic houses. You may even be lucky and witness one of its wedding feasts that can last for days. Many beautiful local silk weavings are available int the stores and worn by the residents. Rabbit Island is another fabulous place to visit and is situated between the Bodrum and Gumusluk beaches and is accessed by paddling across the sunken causeway, a treat in itself.

If golf is your thing, it is available only 15 minutes outside Bodrum. Vita Park lies close to Tuzla Bay, a unique wetland habitat for a number of rare bird species and flamingos. The resort encompasses a total area of one and a half million square meters, including the 5795-metre course, clubhouse and the Mike Adams Golf Academy. The par-71 Milas course is the first course finished and is reminiscent of a Scottish links course. The second course, the Halikarnas, is currently under construction and is designed to have a dramatic Arizona golf course look.

Bodrum is a perfect place to experience a delightful Turkish holiday. It still has a unique blend of old world charm with quiet unspoiled villages as well as great night life. There is something for everyone. Visit Turkish Sun for more information.