06 Mar 2018
The Island of Hvar IV – In and around Jelsa
In the previous part we spoke about the town of Hvar, the biggest town on the Island of Hvar. Now let’s take a look at some other beautiful summer resorts of the island. At Balkan Holidays, we offer package Summer Holidays to a number of resorts of the Island of Hvar, one of these resorts is Jelsa. Jelsa, with a population of 3600, situated between the two highest mountains of Hvar, surrounded by forests, has a remarkable heritage in tourism: the first hotel, Jardan was opened in 1911. It seems like a modern town at first sight, but it has a long history, dating back to the ancient ages. It doesn’t have many architectural
21 Feb 2018
The Island of Hvar III – Landmarks of the Town of Hvar
We have recently started a series about one of the most beautiful destinations in Croatia: the Island of Hvar. In the previous part we have given you a general overview about the town of Hvar, now let’s take a look at some of its landmarks!   The Fort of Hvar The Fort of Hvar is situated on the hilltop in the town of Hvar. It gives a magnificent panoramic view to Hvar and other surrounding islands. It is worth to have a look at during the night, when the darkness and the white city provide a fantastic contrast. The fort was built in the 16th century, and it was restored in 1579, after the explosion of the gunpowder
05 Feb 2018
The Island of Hvar II - The Town of Hvar
The biggest town of the island of Hvar is the one with the same name with a population of around 3,800. Its seaside promenade is lined with palm trees and VIIth century city walls. The white stone walls provide an authentic medieval atmosphere. Its piazza is the biggest and one of the most beautiful ones in Dalmatia. When approaching from the sea, one of the first things you see is the fantastic port of the city and the Pakleni Islands. Hvar is the home of the oldest public theater of Europe, opened in 1612. Apart from its cultural wealth, Hvar has the most nightclubs, restaurants, cafes, bars and pubs on the island, making it the best
03 Nov 2017
Rakia: An introduction
You've arrived in Bulgaria, found your resort and unpacked your things. Now you're just sitting down to enjoy your first proper meal in this incredible country when you spot the word 'rakia' on the menu. You are in for a treat, my friend. Here are some reasons why we think you will adore this very special alcoholic drink.   It's never the same... Rakia is an umbrella term for a delicious fruit brandy that is enjoyed across eastern Europe, but don't be fooled. While the fundamental nature of the drink remains the same, tastes, fruits and even the length of fermentation vary wildly. For example, the rakia
23 Sep 2017
5 Holidaymaker Favourites - Summer Excursions in Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a fascinating country. Steeped in rich cultural history and an abundance of ancient architecture left by its five centuries of Ottoman rule and thousands of years of Bulgarian Empire reign, there certainly is plenty to see and do on your holiday to Bulgaria. At Balkan Holidays we know not everyone's holiday is complete with just lazing on a sun-lounger or swimming in the pool. With this in mind we have carefully put together an amazing selection of excursions to satisfy all tastes and ages. Here are a few of our customers favourite excursions you can look forward to on your next summer holiday to Bulgaria. 1. Day Trip
13 Sep 2017
Borovets Bike Park
 Ever wondered what to do in a mountain ski resort during the summer? Here is an idea: our Lakes & Mountains Holidays to Borovets offer a wide range of outdoor activities at the mountain resort, for example an exciting day at the Borovets Bike Park. The Bike Park covers more than 20km of marked mountain trails with different levels of difficulty, suitable for beginners and experts. Click for a larger view of the map.  The park has a 2400m long downhill trail, and a 14km long family track, the latter takes about 2 hours to complete. And how to get up to the hill with your bike? There is a special equipment on the
06 Sep 2017
Considering the size of Bulgaria, it's quiet remarkable how much the country has actually given the world. In this article we share with you 5 Bulgarian achievements and records in sports, science, culture and industry that you most likely didn't know about and are sure to surprise you! 1.  The woman with the highest jump in the world is a Bulgarian. Olympic and world champion Stefka Kostadinova still holds the world record in the high jump athletic discipline which she set way back in 1987. 2. Bulgaria has the best-quality Internet connection in the world according to a combination of factors including speed, stability
01 Sep 2017
Bulgaria's Black Sea city of Bourgas launched its sixth consecutive festival of sand sculptures last month when it was officially opened with a spectacular live show. The festival is located on a site near the north beach of the city and continues to be a major tourist drawcard since it was opened, raising the possibility that the sculptures could beat the record 120 000 visitors set in 2012. The now traditional annual sand sculpture festival which was first established in 2008 is a must-see, with enormous sand sculptures made from a special mix of sand and clay which isn't affected by the rain. Worldwide artists from 9 countries
07 Jun 2017
Holidays to Becici
Becici is a summer holiday resort in Montenegro on the Budva Riviera and is practically a sequel to Budva along the road. It has become very popular in recent years, thanks to its fabulous 1800m long beach, covered by coarse sand, and is family-friendly with the accessible sea. The beach of Becici was awarded the Blue Flag and in  1935 won the "Grand Prix" in Paris as the most beautiful beach in Europe.   With several open bars and nightclubs, the night life of Becici is just as entertaining as that of neighbouring Budva, and your hotel can provide various daytrips and other programmes for the day to make your summer holiday
22 May 2017
Destination Tip Part One: Bulgarian Riviera – North
Find out about some of the best and most popular Bulgarian summer holiday resorts in our two part blog special featuring the stunning beach resorts of both the north and south of this fantastic country. Put your feet up and relax as we kick start part one of the northern resorts with the most popular and well known resort of Golden Sands... 1. GOLDEN SANDS Escape to a summer holiday by the sea with glorious scenery and wooded hillsides sweeping down to meet one of the world's most beautiful beaches and blue sparkling sea. There is plenty to do by day and by night but if you want to take it easy, the friendly, relaxing atmosphere is
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