Life in Burgas: how to relax cheaply and not become a victim of fraud
Y
Yana
Visa
Bulgaria has not yet joined Schengen, but it's a matter of time. When this happens, the acceptance of documents for temporary and permanent residence permits will become stricter, and prices for everything will rise. How Bulgarians will cope with this is a mystery, as, according to Eurostat, 40.4% live below the poverty line. However, in addition to a Bulgarian visa, you can also enter the country with a Schengen visa, although the days of stay are not counted. That is, if you are given 90 days of stay in the Schengen area, and you spent 10 of them in Bulgaria, you still have 90 days at your disposal.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Bulgaria is inexpensive. But don't rush to buy — renting is more convenient and safer. A two or three-room apartment with renovations in a new building will cost 400-600 leva (≈16 000-24 000 руб.) per month. The main thing is to act like an experienced local — prices are inflated to the maximum for newcomers and typical tourists.However, when buying property in resorts, people are defrauded in 99.9% of cases. The catch isn't immediately obvious: they bring you for viewings in summer, show you the sea, pools, and palm trees, everything looks beautiful. Apartment prices are cheap, so the temptation to buy is very strong. Who wouldn't want to live by the sea?But after purchase, it turns out that you have to pay about 1,400 euros per year for the territory with flowers, palm trees, and a swimming pool (≈112 000 руб.). Moreover, the amount increases, and you have to pay constantly, even if you only vacation in Burgas for 2-3 months a year. These houses are not suitable for living in cold weather, only for summer holidays, because the walls are practically made of cardboard and there is no heating. Hence the ridiculous price. It's impossible to sell such property later.However, utility services in Burgas cost next to nothing. Once a month, you need to pay for water, electricity, and a small amount to the building manager. You pay for what you consume. The average price for TV and internet is 25 leva (≈1 000 руб.) per month. For phone service with slow internet, you'll pay 13 leva (≈520 руб.), with fast — 20 (≈800 руб.).
Transport
The popular transport in Burgas is buses. They are new and run strictly on schedule. The fare is 1 lev 30 stotinki. There are no trams or metro here. Many take taxis, as the city is small and distances are negligible, and 1 km = 1 lev (≈40 руб).
Food
Bulgarian national cuisine is rich in pepper dishes — it's prepared in any form. There's no sour cream as we know it, but "kisla mlyaka" is common — something between sour cream and milk. Most dishes include "sirene," which is feta cheese in Russian. If you crave a meat pie, you'll have to wait until you get home. Bulgarians consider this an aberration, just like dumplings. There aren't many sweet pastries either, but there are plenty of layered savory buns with sirene. You can also find "russka salatka" in stores — the familiar and beloved Olivier salad. But its taste is different, and it's swimming in unappetizing mayonnaise. Salads cost an average of 3.50-6 leva (≈140-240 руб.), main courses from 4.50-10 leva. (≈180-400 руб.), soups 1.80-3 leva (≈72-120 руб).
Weather
There is no stable warmth in Burgas: it's terribly cold in the mornings, but scorching hot during the day. Throughout the day, the temperature fluctuates from +10 to +30 degrees and back. In winter, it's usually from 0 to +5 degrees with no snow. Although it sometimes flies over the city, it melts instantly on the ground. On such days, children stop studying and, together with their teachers, admire the snowflakes. A good reason to take a break from school! Rains are rare but precise. No light drizzles, only downpours, only hardcore.
Life
Tourists go to Sunny Beach — the largest seaside resort. But it's not profitable to go there: there are many hotels, but paid sun loungers and expensive food. You'll hardly meet any Bulgarians, but you'll compete for a spot on the beach with fellow countrymen. It's better to relax and live in Burgas: it's also by the sea, and prices are much lower, beaches have free umbrellas, and hotels are no worse. The city is not suitable for party-goers or active lifestyle enthusiasts, but it will be loved by families, especially children — they are very fond of them in Bulgaria. Burgas is calm, sunny, and clean. Everywhere there are neat lawns, bicycle paths, and playgrounds. If you're choosing a family vacation, you won't find a better place.
