Bulgaria : Profile

Facts

• Recent reports indicate that visiting boats are not subjected to many restrictions now, though there are still areas closed to foreigners, such as parts of the naval port of Sozopol. Cruising along the coast, one has to clear in and out of every port.

• The best port to clear in is Varna, where there is a marina-type facility, and where foreign sailors have always been warmly welcomed by the local sailing community.

• Burgas, the nearest port of entry to the Turkish border, is not recommended as it is a commercial harbour and not very suitable for yachts.

• On January 1 2007 Bulgaria joined the European Union.

Weather

The climate is similar to the Northern Mediterranean, with very hot summers, but colder winters. The prevailing winds of summer are north east, although there is a daily alternation of land and sea breezes.

Weather Broadcasts from Varna Radio broadcast at 10:30, 16:30, 20:30 local time on VHF 26.

Istanbul Broadcasts at 10:00, 16:00, 22:00 local time on VHF 67 sometimes in English and always in Turkish.

www.meteor.gov.tr (Turkish, English or German) provides a good 3 day forecast for the Black Seas Regions.

Navtex out of Odessa also covers the region.

Main Ports

Balchik * , Burgas * , Nesebar , Varna * , Vos

*Indicates a port of entry.

Related Reports

Bulgaria: Port of Entry Experience May 2007 (13 Jun 2007)

Romania and Bulgaria join The EU (15 Jan 2007)

Bulgarian Port Update 2006 (27 Jun 2006)

Bulgarian Formalities 2006 (27 Jun 2006)

Cruising Report Bulgaria (13 Nov 2005)

Seeking Advice On Voyage From Marseille to the Black Sea (22 Aug 2005)

A journey down the Rhine and Danube (04 May 2001)