The number of fans of "caravanning" is growing rapidly all over the world. Bulgaria, with its geographical location and incredibly diverse and picturesque nature, will one day surely become the "camping center" of Eastern Europe. This is the opinion of experts and fans of "green tourism" themselves.

And although so far this is more of a prospect than a reality, there is still a place for nature lovers to relax in the country. This can be done both in comfortable "bungalows" with all amenities, and just in a tent. But in order to relax for a couple of days in the bosom of nature, you need to adhere to the norms of local legislation. Otherwise, you can lose not only the opportunity to rest, but also a round sum of money, which will have to be paid in the form of a fine.

REQUIREMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS IN 2017

Protest in Sofia

In the spring of last year, the Bulgarian authorities actively discussed the issue of a complete ban on unorganized tourism in nature, the so-called "wild camping". But a wave of popular anger arose and the adoption of strict measures was postponed. Serious legislative changes in the field of tourism, which should also affect caravanning, are planned for the fall of 2017. For the most part, they all come down to one thing – they prohibit certain actions, in particular, setting up tents in certain places, making a fire, etc.

To date, the main legislative act in this area is the Law on Protected Areas. Which, in particular, reads:

Article 21, paragraph 13: "In national parks it is forbidden to rest (pitch tents) and make a fire outside certain places." This directly concerns the regions of Rila, Pirin and the Central Balkans.

Article 31., paragraph 6.: "In natural parks it is forbidden to rest (pitch tents) and make a fire outside certain places." There are 11 natural parks in Bulgaria: "Belasitsa", "Bulgarka", "Vitosha", "Vratski Balkan", "Zlatni Piattsi", "Persina", "Rilski Manastir", "Rusenski Lom", "Sini Kamni", "Strandzha" and "Shumensko Plateau".

But that's not all. Local regional authorities and state bodies responsible for the preservation of historical and cultural monuments can establish their own prohibitions. Therefore, before going on an overnight camping trip, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the official list of prohibited areas available at this link. In addition, It is highly recommended to clarify information about possible bans in force in certain areas directly with local authorities.

In addition to direct prohibitions, Bulgarian legislation also contains a number of indirect restrictions related to unorganized "green" tourism. Thus, Article 136, subparagraph 3 of the Law on Forests states: "During the fire season, it is forbidden to make a fire in an open area and carry out appropriate work at a distance of less than 100 meters from the beginning of forest areas." This means that even if you put up a tent where it is allowed, it is not a fact that you can make a fire there. In addition, you can be fined a rather "round" amount if it turns out that the camp you set up is "disturbing animals" that are protected by law. The Bulgarian Law on Biological Diversity states that violation of the relevant articles – 38, 41 or 45 is punishable by a fine of BGN 100 to BGN 5000.

And, of course, if you set up a tent (set up a camp) on the territory of someone's property, then its owner – an individual or a legal entity, has the right to immediately contact the police.

"SAVAGES" ARE POSSIBLE, IF YOU ARE RIGHT

Czechs and Germans have chosen the Durunkulak district

As Bulgarian experts themselves admit, there are no clear rules regarding "wild camping" in the country today. Based on this, they give the following advice to lovers of outdoor recreation:

• Try to limit your stay in one place to 48 hours. A longer stay of tourists in the same place can have a negative impact on nature, namely: tents, equipment and a fire can damage the grass cover. Toothpaste, detergents, etc. also have a negative effect on flora and fauna. In addition, tourists can unwittingly disturb wild animals or prevent their natural migration;
• Use old fireplaces for the fire, and use special technologies to make a fire that allows you not to leave traces of your stay. Do not cut down live trees, use fallen dry branches;
• do not form groups of more than 10 people for recreation;
• Stay away from public places – roads, parks, beaches, shops, hotels, attractions, campsites, etc.;
• Do not leave garbage behind, carefully check the area before leaving the camp site. If you see that the place is being ennobled by someone, if possible, thank people in any convenient (possible) way;
• Before you go hiking, warn your loved one about your route. This will help you find it if something happens.
• Do not take with you "everything that has been acquired by back-breaking work". As a rule, the necessary for outdoor recreation is enough.
• For the camp, choose a flat, dry place away from people and closer to the water. At the same time, avoid valleys and river banks, as well as animal trails.

The World Wide Web offers many more such general recommendations, so let's move on to the Bulgarian realities in the field of more or less organized places for "green tourism".

CAMPSITES – PRICES AND CONDITIONS

There are relatively few campsites in Bulgaria, in the most diverse senses of the word – just places for parking, typical "post-Soviet" recreation centers and more modern bases. In total, according to various sources, there are about 50. On the coast, campsites are concentrated mainly in the southern part of the country (south of Burgas). In the central part of Bulgaria, tourists will have no problem finding tourist camps in the area of the Central Balkans National Park. Prices for accommodation in Bulgarian campsites are very different, but general trends can still be traced. In season and near the sea (below we will provide links with a complete list of campsites and parking lots with maps and contacts) for bungalows – House of "socialist" times For three or five people, they will ask for an average of 40 to 70 BGN. per day (20-35 euros).

Rest in your own "caravan" on the territory of a popular seaside campsite will cost from BGN 30 to BGN 50 per night. (15-25 euros). Set up a tent for a day on the "promoted" camp site Depending on the distance from the sea, it costs from 20 to 35 BGN. If pay "in bulk" immediately for the whole season, then the price will be reduced. A bungalow with amenities on the first line will cost 3500 BGN. (1750 euros), on the second line – 2900 BGN, on the third – 2300 BGN.

The farther from the sea (and the "hot" tourist season), the lower the prices for this type of recreation. For example, this summer in a "simple" campsite near the Dryanovo Monastery you can spend the night for only 10 BGN. (5 euros), as stated on the site, in a "nice house". The same price for a night in your own "caravan", and an overnight stay in a tent in a guarded area will cost 5 BGN. There are also free places in Bulgaria equipped for outdoor recreation. However, sleeping places and security, as a rule, are not provided there. One of them is Bivouac "Sveti Kirik", located in the area of the Central Balkans National Park near the city of Kalofer. There are toilets, a playground and places for making a fire on its territory.

At the recent international tourism exhibition, in particular at the beginning of 2017 in Romania, the Bulgarian side presented "campinguvane" as a separate and very attractive direction of national tourism. At the same time, as already written above, the state does not yet have a state policy aimed at the development of "camping" and a clear legislative framework. According to Bulgarian camping enthusiasts, all this (including the clear support of the hotel business by the authorities) leads to the fact that 75-80% of fans of this type of recreation prefer to leave and settle in Greecethan to stay in Bulgaria.

Taking into account the above, if anyone has questions related to "camping" in Bulgaria, it is better to address them to the connoisseurs – members of the Camping and Caravanning Association of Bulgaria. By the way, from June 16 to June 18, Banja (Karlovsko) will host 11th Annual Rally of Bulgarian Caravaners.

In conclusion, here are some useful links containing all the necessary information about the location of campsites in Bulgaria, conditions and prices:

pochivka.bg – List of campsites with location on the map and active links to sites

camping.bg – interactive map of campsites in Bulgaria, news, useful information (Bulgarian, English)

ru.camping.info – Map of campsites and parking lots

masismobile.eu is a Bulgarian company that converts minibuses into campers

fakti.bg – How to make a camper on your own (Bulgarian)

If you prefer an airplane, a hotel room and a buffet to spending the night in a tent and coffee on the fire, then there is always an opportunity to use our service – Transfer from the airport and in Bulgaria.

OUR SURVEY:

MC "Window to Bulgaria"
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