Montenegro and Bulgaria are similar in many ways: their beaches and ski slopes are popular with tourists from all over Europe, and real estate in these countries has long been chosen by buyers from Russia and other CIS countries. At the same time, there are differences between the real estate markets of Bulgaria and Montenegro, knowing which you can make the best decision for yourself when buying a second home.
Price issue
As a rule, real estate prices in Montenegro are higher than in Bulgaria: the average purchase budget here ranges from 50 to 170 thousand euros. For an apartment with one or two bedrooms on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro you will have to pay about 50-100 thousand euros, and for a house - about 130-170 thousand.
In Bulgaria, prices are somewhat lower: studio apartments on the Black Sea coast and ski resorts can be bought for about 30–50 thousand euros. The cost of individual houses is about 100 thousand euros. Don’t forget that prices are affected by the condition of the property and its location.
Like many other European countries, house prices in Bulgaria and Montenegro peaked in 2008, before the global economic crisis, and then plummeted. In Bulgaria they remained at a relatively low level until 2013, and in 2014 they increased by 2.05%. In the first half of 2015, the cost of houses and apartments in this country increased by another 4%. Local realtors believe that the real estate market has begun to recover.
A similar picture could be observed in Montenegro: in the post-crisis period, prices remained at a relatively stable low level. In this regard, right now in the markets of both Bulgaria and Montenegro the most favorable moment has come for buying a second home - subsequently the value of real estate will most likely begin to increase.
Main locations
The most popular locations among foreign property buyers in Bulgaria and Montenegro are seaside and ski resorts.
The best locations to buy a second home in Bulgaria
The most popular resort towns in Bulgaria are located in the east of the country, on the Black Sea coast, and the ski slopes are in the south, in the Pirin Mountains.
Varna- one of the largest Bulgarian cities located on the Black Sea coast. The main advantage of Varna is its high transport accessibility: you can get here by air and by rail, including from Russia, as well as by ferries. Since Varna is a large city and very popular both among tourists and real estate buyers, the supply of houses and apartments here is varied, and housing prices are high and second only to Sofia.
Burgas- another coastal resort popular with tourists, in 2013 it was recognized as the best city to live in Bulgaria. Burgas is also in demand among those wishing to improve their health: the city has a famous balneological treatment center. In Burgas you can find real estate for every taste and budget, however, there is a lot of dilapidated housing on the secondary market, which may require significant investments after purchase.
City Pamporovo located 250 km from Sofia, in southern Bulgaria. One of the most promising ski resorts in Europe, Pamporovo is located in the Rhodope Mountains and from December to April (and the season here lasts just that long) is invariably very popular among fans of alpine skiing and snowboarding.
Property prices here are somewhat lower than in the seaside resorts of Bulgaria, but in Pamporovo you can also find luxury residential complexes with a swimming pool, spa and restaurant.
Bansko- one of the most famous ski resorts in Bulgaria. It is located 150 km from Sofia, at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, on the slopes of which there are routes for both beginners and experienced athletes. Bansko has many restaurants and bars, as well as ancient fortresses - monuments to the history of the ancient city. At the resort you can find both modern townhouses and apartment buildings, as well as old housing in need of renovation. Prices in Bansko, as in other ski resorts in Bulgaria, are approximately two times lower than the national average.
Capital of Bulgaria Sofia is not a resort town - it is located 400 km from the Black Sea, so real estate here will be of interest to students who can study at the oldest university in Bulgaria - Sofia University. Entrepreneurs whose business is connected with Bulgaria can also become home buyers in the capital. Sofia has a rich history: the city has many attractions that attract cultural lovers. Real estate in the Bulgarian capital is approximately 24% more expensive than the national average,
The best locations to buy a second home in Montenegro
The coast of Montenegro is being urbanized and developed due to increased demand from foreign home buyers in recent years. Such resorts are especially popular among them.
Bar- the largest port of Montenegro with a yacht marina for 1,000 ships. From the capital of Montenegro - Podgorica - you can get here by rail. This city is extremely popular among Serbian and Montenegrin tourists, who are attracted by gently sloping beaches and pine groves. In Bar, modern buildings predominate, and there are almost no ancient houses. At the same time, local real estate is slightly lower in price than the Montenegro average.
Budva is one of the most popular cities in Montenegro among foreigners. This port is located 25 kilometers from the international airport in Tivat. During the peak tourist season, it is crowded - Budva's five magnificent beaches attract fans of a leisurely holiday from all over Europe to the city. Local real estate is mainly represented by apartment buildings and hotels, but there are also many luxury properties, for example on the island of Sveti Stefan.
Tivat- another seaside resort on the Adriatic coast. There are not as many beaches here as in Budva, but they are ideal for families with children. The main advantage of Tivat is the presence of an international airport. Tivat is dominated by five-story apartment buildings, as well as mansions and villas. Like Budva, this city is popular among buyers of luxury real estate.
Kotor located on the shore of the bay of the same name, 85 kilometers from Podgorica. This city is considered the cultural capital of Montenegro. Part of this ancient settlement is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Since Kotor is an ancient city, you won’t find a wide variety of new buildings here, but you can buy an old house and reconstruct it.
Buying property in Herceg Novi will be an excellent choice for lovers of beaches, nightlife and cultural recreation. Herceg Novi is the largest city in the Bay of Kotor with a four-kilometer-long promenade, two ecologically clean beaches awarded the Blue Flag, and ancient architecture. Thanks to the hilly landscape, almost every local house has a view of the sea. Real estate in this city is diverse: here you can find both houses and apartment complexes, including in the elite price segment.
Many property buyers prefer Bulgaria and Montenegro to other European countries due to the relatively low cost of maintaining housing.
On average, the cost of maintaining real estate in Bulgaria and Montenegro is approximately the same, however, taking into account lower prices, the tax on Bulgarian real estate will be lower than on Montenegrin. At the same time, insuring an object in Montenegro will cost less.
Time to buy
So, if you are looking for property by the sea or in the mountains, in a location with developed infrastructure, but are limited on budget, it is better to opt for a house or apartment in Bulgaria.
If you want to buy a second home on the cleaner coast of the Adriatic Sea and be closer to central Europe, then it is better to consider options in Montenegro.
Real estate buyers from Russia should also remember that since 2007, Bulgaria has been a member of the EU. At the same time, the decision on its accession to the Schengen zone has not yet been made, therefore, to stay in Bulgaria, Russians need a national visa, which does not give the right to enter the Schengen countries. At the same time, citizens of the Russian Federation can stay in Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days.
However, many people ask the question: what is the point of buying housing abroad when “our own home” is becoming cheaper? The answer is simple: if we consider the purchase of overseas real estate not only as the purchase of a second home, but also as a savings investment, then it is better to invest in housing in a stable or growing market, rather than a falling market. Property prices in both Bulgaria and Montenegro have generally stabilized, so buying a home in these markets today is a smart investment. Moreover, having bought a house or apartment in a resort town, you get a bonus - the opportunity not only to live here on your own, for example, during vacation, but also to rent out real estate in the months when you are in your country of origin and receive foreign exchange income.
Ivan Chepizhko, "Tranio"
My friend is now just thinking about buying a home in Bulgaria. The cheapest apartments are located in Bansko and its outskirts. This is a ski resort in the mountains. Here you can buy a one-room apartment for 10 thousand euros plus mandatory real estate and renovation taxes, since the official websites of realtors do not sell ready-made apartments, but only boxes. The realtors themselves are ready to help you with repairs and paperwork, just know that the price on the website differs significantly from the final price.
The most expensive apartments are in large cities such as Sofia and Sandanski. It was in the latter that we wanted to look for housing. This is a small town in the south of Bulgaria, not far from the places where the great Vanga lived, closer to the border with Greece. There is no smell of the sea here, although Sandanski is considered the warmest settlement in Bulgaria. Subtropics reign here. The town is known as a balneological resort. When you come here, you really understand what real clean air is. For asthmatics this is a real paradise. I was here at the beginning of September 2016. I will say this: I had to get here by car from Sofia. I was advised not to use either the buses or the railway. They explained it simply: the bus only travels when it is full, that is, if you bought a ticket for 14:00 and, besides you, there are 2-3 other people on the bus, you will not go, but will wait for the next flight. But railway transportation is in a very poor condition. Therefore, I searched the Internet for the website of private road carriers (there are a lot of such websites) and agreed in Russian when I would arrive. The service did not disappoint. I was also able to get a discount for a two-way trip. The trip cost me 113 euros for two, round trip. In addition, the driver was waiting for us at the airport with a sign with my name and spoke excellent Russian.
Before this, I negotiated with the realtor via email and Facebook. Home inspections should be free, you don't have to pay. There is not much choice in Sandanski: the apartments are small, about 25-30 m2. The cost is 25 thousand euros plus taxes and repairs, that is, at the end you will pay 40 thousand euros. Pros: silence, clean air, key to the entrance. Of the minuses: in the city they don’t understand either Russian or English, you can only communicate with people associated with real estate in Russian. The realtor is local, but speaks Russian well, but it was difficult with the salespeople in the store and the bank employees. The second disadvantage: lack of work. Pensioners who like to walk in the park and breathe in the pleasant air should go to Sandanski. By the way, there are very tasty pastries and fruits, in the center there is a Billa supermarket. We stayed overnight in a family-type hotel and paid for all amenities (except breakfast) 15 euros for a double room - shower, huge bed, satellite TV, mini-fridge, dressing table, paintings on the walls.
If you want to buy a home for a summer vacation with your family, then stay on the east coast. But remember that there are always a lot of people there in the summer and quite deserted in the winter. That is, living in these places 12 months a year will be very problematic. And it’s unlikely that work will work out. Prices for apartments here are lower than in Sandanski, but higher than in Bansko, about 20 thousand euros plus taxes and repairs.
In Sofia, housing will be even more expensive, up to 100 thousand euros, although it all depends on what you want: maybe a studio will be enough for you. But there is a high probability of finding a job and communicating in English or Russian. There really is no work in small towns, people leave to work in Germany, and those that remain are mainly involved in the tourism sector. So choose what you like. But remember that Bulgarians are very open and friendly.
Bulgaria, Montenegro, and the Czech Republic are the most popular Slavic countries among our compatriots. Many people have real estate there, while others are wondering whether to buy or not to buy. And if you buy, where exactly? Which country to choose for your own residence or summer holiday, how they differ from each other, and is it even worth spending money on housing in one of them...
This article is a reference and information material; all information in it is presented for informational purposes and is for informational purposes only.
The real estate portal tried to answer these questions and reveal the secrets of the popularity of the fraternal countries.
General delights
Bulgaria, Montenegro and the Czech Republic are Slavic countries that are close to us in spirit, with similar cultural traditions and mentality. Of course, it will take years to become “one of our own” there, but this process will be easier than, say, in Spain or the Caribbean.
All three countries have a good climate. Bulgaria and Montenegro are especially different - warm sea, lots of sun. But thanks to the mountain ranges and the refreshing breeze, there is no sweltering heat, and even in the hottest months - July and August - the temperature does not rise above 30 degrees. And you can swim from May until the end of September, sometimes the swimming season lasts until mid-October. The winters there are very mild, usually the temperature does not drop below 0°C, although in some places in the mountains there is snow even in summer, so Montenegro and Bulgaria are also “options” for fans of alpine skiing. In the Czech Republic, the climate is, of course, not maritime. But it is much softer than the Russian one, and there is a resort there known throughout Europe - Karlovy Vary.
“Basically, buyers buy property in these countries for vacation or for their family members, for example, elderly parents with children. Sometimes they consider such a purchase for their own retirement future. And here the main question is not why these countries are better than Russia, but that these are countries with a warm sea, a good climate, and an abundance of sun, which we are deprived of. These are traditionally resort countries, where the entire passage of time is unhurried, subordinated to calm and relaxation,” says Elena Nekrytova, head of the resort real estate sales department of the New Quality company. Perhaps in Sofia and Prague the rhythm of life is dynamic, but even they are far from Moscow.
Another factor in favor of these countries is transport accessibility and relatively short flights (on average 3-3.5 hours). All three countries are also attractive because of the similarity of their languages, and many local residents of the older generation speak Russian quite well.
Well, the economic aspect cannot but rejoice. Montenegro, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic have a relatively low cost of living; there are relatively low prices not only for real estate, but also for consumer goods, food, and clothing. “And besides, low taxes and housing maintenance costs,” adds Yulia Titova, director of Rentsale company.
Where is it good for a Russian?
Today, the largest number of Russians is in Bulgaria; about 30 thousand emigrants from Russia permanently live there. This is approximately the population of an average regional center. In Bulgaria, Russians live mainly in Sofia, in the Lozenets quarter, primarily because there is a Russian school there at the Russian Embassy, also in Burgas and Varna. And also in the Plevna region. Firstly, units of the White Army were previously located near Burgas, Varna and Plevna, and descendants of the first emigration still live there, and secondly, Varna is one of the most popular cities among real estate buyers, because it is both a major economic and cultural center, and a resort on the Black Sea coast. Varna is even considered the most comfortable settlement in Bulgaria for living. This is the greenest and fastest growing city, but at the same time it retains its provincial flavor.
However, if you choose only for a summer holiday, then, according to Yulia Titova (Rentsale), you can buy in the cities of St. Vlas and Sozopol. You can also pay attention to Dobrichi, where, as reported Anastasia Duderova, head of the foreign real estate department of Delta estate, the Germans, mostly immigrants from Russia, organized their own settlement. But if you need “Russian infrastructure”: shops, clubs, clubs, schools, etc., then it is better to choose Varna or Sofia. What is especially pleasant is that there are two Russian schools in Varna; since 1999, the specialized Russian school “The Little Prince” has been operating. There is a kindergarten at the school. Training takes place in Russian and Bulgarian. In 2011, they plan to open two more Russian gymnasiums here.
“In general, all conditions have been created in Bulgaria so that Russians living here can receive education in their native language and study Russian culture. In Sofia there is a Russian school at the Russian Embassy, famous not only for its deep traditions, but also for the fact that it fully follows the Russian state education system,” says Stanislav Zingel, President of the Gordon Rock International Real Estate Agency.
In addition, in all 28 regions of the Republic of Bulgaria there are 39 secondary and 6 higher educational institutions where the Russian language is studied. There is also a Russian-language newspaper in Bulgaria, distributed throughout the country through a network of kiosks and by subscription.
There is a Russian newspaper in the Czech Republic. Here, the majority of Russians live in Prague (especially in the Prague 13 area), Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne. “In these cities, the “Russian infrastructure” is very developed, there are many Russian kindergartens, schools and shops,” says Stanislav Zingel (Gordon Rock). But still, the “most Russian” Czech city is Karlovy Vary, famous for its hot mineral waters that cure a lot of ailments. The Czechs jokingly call them “Russian Vary”. Our compatriots began coming to Karlovy Vary (then called Carlsbad) back in the 18th century; Peter I was even treated and lived here, who took an active part in the construction of the first Russian real estate property in this resort - his own home. And after the revolution of 1917, the share of the Russian population of Karlovy Vary increased several times. The same thing happened in the 1990s, when the idea of buying a house or an entire mini-hotel at this resort was very popular in “new Russian” circles, and, according to some experts, most of the Karlovy Vary real estate today belongs to Russians. Therefore, Karlovy Vary is replete with signs, signs, posters and advertising in Russian; Russian pop stars come here during the season, and Russian speech is heard everywhere. And naturally, there are no problems with communication in shops, sanatoriums and restaurants, the menu of which, by the way, is everywhere translated into Russian.
Of the countries under consideration, the least “Russian” is Montenegro. There are no specific cities with a high concentration of Russians, our compatriots are dispersed along the entire coast: Budva, Herceg Novi, Becici... But given the fact that Russians are the most active buyers of real estate in Montenegro after the local population, the “Russian infrastructure” there is quite well developed . True, we should not forget that Montenegro is a former socialist and far from the richest state with corresponding disadvantages, so if you are thinking about permanent residence in this country, then, as Yulia Titova (Rentsale) advises, it is best to choose real estate in the capital Budva or in Herceg Novi, but if you are choosing a holiday residence, then it is preferable to pay attention to Becici, where the most modern beaches today are equipped with sun loungers, with bars and water attractions.
Thus, each of the countries under consideration is quite comfortable for Russians, but, of course, each has its own characteristics.
Bulgaria - for Russian pensioners and businessmen
Bulgaria is the most economical of the countries featured in our review. The cost per square meter in Bulgarian cities and resorts, according to experts, starts from 400 euros, for example, this is how much apartments in democratic Sunny Beach cost. Thus, a two-room apartment with an area of 50 sq.m. near the sea can be bought here for 26 thousand euros. In the Bulgarian province, prices are even lower, but in Varna and Sofia, as well as in the ski resort of Bansko, of course, they are higher. For example, a similar two-room apartment is offered for 47 thousand euros in Varna and beyond 37 thousand euros in Sofia. A studio in the center of Bansko, 10 minutes from the ski lifts, costs almost the same. By standards, the prices are ridiculous, but chasing cheapness is still not recommended, because, as he warns Igor Indriksons, director of the foreign real estate investment department at IntermarkSavills, these may be illiquid goods and unfinished houses, and they sell them at inflated prices, since many Russian agencies include their own commission of 12-15% in the price.
We also note that Bulgaria is the most loyal country towards Russian pensioners, for whom obtaining a residence permit is simplified. It is enough for pensioners to have the minimum funds to live in the country for a year, which is about 2-3 thousand euros, and be provided with a pension in Russia. And of course, you must have your own home or a rental agreement.
“But Bulgaria also has exceptional conditions compared to the rest of Europe for the so-called “business immigration” of Russians,” says Anastasia Duderova (Delta estate). Through registration of a company, the state provides the right to obtain permanent residence, and opening a company or representative office of a Russian company there is very simple and inexpensive. You can even do it in one day, and the total costs will be about 1000 - 1500 euros.
Czech Republic – for students and lovers of water and culture
The Czech Republic is already a Schengen country, so its multiple visa, residence permit and permanent residence already give the right to freely travel throughout Europe. But real estate there is also more expensive. Of course, a square meter in the little-known town of Most, Usti region, and indeed in the north of the Czech Republic, where the social situation is not the most wonderful, can be bought for an average of 400-450 euros on the secondary market and for 700
on the primary, but something more liquid, say, in the central Czech Republic, not to mention Prague and Karlovy Vary, is worth from 1000 euros/sq.m.
At the same time, new buildings in the Czech Republic, as a rule, are more expensive than secondary ones, since new houses are distinguished by the quality of construction, good layouts and are very comfortable for living. The exception to this rule is perhaps Karlovy Vary, since there are not many new buildings there and they are built on the outskirts, while the historical ones in the center of the resort are of particular value - they can be quite expensively and successfully rented out. But even here everything depends on the specific object - of course, brand new apartments on the outskirts are more expensive than an apartment in the center, which requires a fair amount of repairs. In general, housing prices in Karlovy Vary start from 800 euros/sq.m and reach 2-3 thousand euros/sq.m. But the most expensive housing in Prague is in the central district of Prague 1, here the cost per square meter is on average 3.5 thousand euros on the secondary market and 3.8 thousand euros in the new buildings market. In the “Russian” district of Prague 13, a studio with an area of 38 sq.m. can be bought for 90 thousand euros, and a similar apartment on the outskirts of Prague - for 64 thousand euros.
You can choose the Czech Republic both for permanent residence and for vacation, says Stanislav Zingel (Gordon Rock). As the expert points out, the undoubted advantage of this country is its location in the center of Europe; from the Czech Republic you can drive to the ski resorts of Germany or go shopping in Italy in a few hours. Prague is ideal for students. In the Czech Republic there is classical higher education of a high level, for example, at Charles University. In addition, Prague has a lot of educational institutions and workplaces, so it is more suitable for study and career. Although it’s also nice to relax here, because Prague is considered one of the most beautiful European capitals with many cozy cafes, vibrant nightlife and all kinds of exhibitions and festivals.
For a respectable holiday, it is better to go to Karlovy Vary. In addition to water and treatment, here you can enjoy the beauty of nature and clean air, and in the evenings go to restaurants, nightclubs, casinos, the Summer Amphitheater with unique natural scenery, the City Theater and concert halls.
Montenegro – a resort country
Montenegro is, first of all, a resort: nature virtually untouched by civilization, magnificent views and clear sea. On its territory there are four nature reserves and 40 lakes, some of which, including the largest - Skadar, are recognized as natural monuments. Also impressive are the Tara River canyon, the depth of which reaches 1300 m, the Kotor slopes and the fjord (the only one in southern Europe). And at the same time, a modern infrastructure for recreation and entertainment is being created here, five-star hotels and a port are being built, which promises to become the largest in Europe. Montenegro now has excellent roads, Internet and digital television, and a regional water supply system bringing water from mountainous to coastal areas.
You have to pay for natural beauty: real estate prices in Montenegro are relatively high, in coastal areas the cost per square meter is on average 1.5-2 thousand euros, and in business class club residences it reaches 4.5-7 thousand euros/sq..m For example, a one-bedroom apartment with sea views 300 m from the beach and an area of 64 sq.m in one of these residences in Herceg Novi can be bought for 135 thousand euros. But a simple apartment or even a house in Bar, where running water has not yet reached, costs about 45-50 thousand euros.
Portal summary
The Czech Republic, Montenegro and Bulgaria are Slavic countries with a pleasant climate, close to us in spirit and culture. In each of these countries, many compatriots live and vacation, there are Russian communities, so they are great for vacation or for permanent residence, especially after completing active work. And which country to choose depends on your goals and personal preferences.
Discussion
I see that the discussion has been going on for a long time, but I cannot help but speak about Croatia. Having visited this country for the first time, I realized that my heart belongs to this place, a year later I am in Zadar for a residence permit. On the Russian market, Croatia is presented very one-sidedly and it is clear why, large agencies sell large accommodation facilities (this is economically profitable) and Croatia is experienced not from a hotel window, but from the terrace of an apartment. 80% of real estate in Croatia are apartments (private sector). And they sell in Russia mainly Dubrovnik, Makarska, Pula, Rijeka, Rovinj, Split. A lot of areas remain behind the scenes. I live in one of these areas. The combination of pine forest, sandy beach, mountains and shallow blue lagoons is unique and fabulous. And if you add the attitude of local residents towards children, the picture becomes perfect. How touching is the sight of dads walking with strollers, bursting with pride for their child, while mommy chats in a cafe with her friends. If you live in the private sector, your child will always be treated with care and supervision.
I can’t say anything bad about either Montenegro or Bulgaria, it seems to me that it’s worth visiting everywhere and there are no bad places to vacation, be it Haiti or Altai, there are unscrupulous companies that give unqualified advice.
If you are worried about delays in charters, fly on regular flights, the roads in Croatia are ideal and there are serpentine roads for maybe 50 km in total, and mostly fantastic views from the window. I flew 5 times on regular flights to Zagreb, there was never a flight delay and the road to the place was not at all tiring, the country is small. Write if you need help, I will definitely help you, and if you are on vacation in the Zadar area, I will be glad to meet you. Have a nice holiday and good health for your children
19.07.2007 15:47:42, 9323
We just returned from Montenegro, we were on holiday in Sveti Stefan. The water temperature is almost body temperature, children flounder for hours. The air temperature is 30-39 degrees. There are really no sanitary facilities on the beaches, this is very unpleasant. The beaches are pebble, the water is clear, the views are picturesque. We chose the private sector for our holiday - a wonderful three-room suite with a huge shady balcony (25m) and two bathrooms and a kitchen. Stone house with a garden and beautiful sea views. There is a huge staircase to the sea, people have problems with strollers. By the way, there is not a word about this in the agency, in the brochures, on the website. There are no problems with food, breakfast is provided by the owner of the apartment, the rest is at your own request: cafes, pizzerias, etc. Sometimes we were happy to cook ourselves from wonderful fresh products; the only problem with fruit was what to choose, our eyes ran wild. It’s very calm, everyone treats the children very kindly. We swam, played enough in the water and on the beach, toured all the coastal surroundings, tried different delicacies, the child (2.8) was delighted, every day he asks when we will go to our house by the sea. We had a great rest, except for the arrival and departure, because this is just a separate topic for litigation, why thousands of people (half of them are small children, mostly sleepy, hungry and exhausted) have to wait standing for a plane for half a day in a small cramped airport , which is completely unprepared for such an influx of tourists. I think you just need to prepare in advance and find out all the details of what can await you. And decide what you yourself expect from your vacation and how you want to spend your vacation. And how much money can you spend to feel comfortable. Especially when you are traveling with a child. We concluded for ourselves that for now we will refrain from further travel during the season to Montenegro until the problems with air travel are resolved.
07/12/2007 17:53:41, LyubaI don't quite understand. Visa-free entry to Croatia? I have other information...
A bit strange article. I have been working for many years in a travel agency, and have been to each of the countries listed. It is surprising that the myth about the “Sovietness” of Bulgaria still lives on - this has not been the case for a long time. And the fact that Montenegro is not “burning” is burning; this year there is an excess of transportation to this country.
And it’s not very clear what the author of the article considers to be a criterion for a country’s “suitability” for holidays with children. I have been to each of these countries with my son, I don’t know how it is for other children, but for me the presence of a water park and a dolphinarium is not important at all. For example, I am always more interested in the entrance to the sea, the quality of food and good rooms in hotels, the availability of children's animation and playgrounds. And in each of these countries there are hotels that fully meet these requirements. This is quite a good option for a holiday with children. And I’m just blown away by Montenegro. The private sector there, by the way, is simply magnificent, it’s incomprehensible to compare Montenegro with Crimea: (And Croatia is calm and charming. And Bulgaria is so rich in excursion tourism - it’s hard to even imagine, it’s just that few people know about it.
The only thing that is true about Croatia is the predominance of rocky and pebble beaches (there are sandy ones on the islands) and a cuisine very similar to ours. The year before last we vacationed with three children in Central Dalmatia (near Sibenik), a hotel with a SPA center, all inclusive, cost 1,400 euros for two weeks. True, the hotels, although newly reconstructed, were somehow Soviet (very reminiscent of Dagomys). Everything is located at very accessible distances, not like in Turkey (convenient, half a day on the beach, the other for cultural events). Only you need to set aside a full day for the KRKA waterfalls, it’s beautiful there, cool in the heat, and you can swim. The cities are very beautiful, clean and not overloaded with tourists. It’s easy to drive by car and now it’s not at all necessary to follow serpentine roads; they’ve built a highway straight through the mountains (though there’s a toll).
The children were delighted and ready to go to Croatia again at any moment. If anyone is interested, the photo album is full of photos, come in.
It’s not worth comparing Croatia with Bulgaria, if only for reasons of different nature. in Bulgaria the Black Sea, in Croatia - the Adriatic. Both are not very warm, but the Adriatic has a very rocky bottom. plus the landscape - it is worth noting that the roads in Croatia are mostly mountainous, many resorts are located far from the airport, and if you are traveling with a child, you should think about how he will cope with the serpentine road. The same goes for the road to most excursions - the national parks are not located at all on the coast, and if an adult stoically endures a 5-6 hour drive to see the beauty of the same Plitvice Lakes, the child will be very tired. Bulgaria also has its disadvantages: unstable weather, it’s difficult to say what the weather will be like. and the Soviet quality of 3* hotels is present in all of the listed countries, but only if the hotels are old. in any case, IMHO, the service will be better, and the trip will be cheaper than at our resorts. The prices in the article are also overpriced, to put it mildly. We went to Croatia in 4* on half board for 299 euros per person; we just flew from Bulgaria for 700 euros with 2 adults and a child, and we stayed in 5* on an all-inclusive basis. By the way, the food and drinks are much better than in Turkey and Egypt, everything is more familiar to the stomach, this is also important if you are vacationing with a child. By the way, I still want to disagree that eating in restaurants is better than taking an all-inclusive package. Children are such mysterious creatures who first say that they will eat this or that dish, and after five minutes they change their minds. Therefore, you can always change your choice, and the restaurant will definitely bring only what you ordered. But the resorts of all 3 countries have one thing in common - a quiet, measured holiday. If you're going to hang out, choose another place. And for a holiday with children, or just to take a walk, eat, sleep, this is an excellent choice.
With all my dislike for Bulgaria, I can say that the “German part” of Golden Sands is a very high level and real Europe. New hotels, well-known hotel chains, all of a very high level in everything! Iberostar, Kempenski, LTI and European brands in Africa. Therefore, compared to Croatia and Montenegro, the service for children and adults is very good. In terms of nature, of course, Croatia and Montenegro are ahead, I don’t argue. According to the visas below, the Muse corrected the author.
Having holiday experience in all the countries listed in the article, and having some connection to the hotel business, I absolutely cannot agree with the author of the article. I highly recommend Bulgaria for holidays with children, namely Golden Sands, where there are excellent beaches and hotels for every taste. The service is at a very high level (a 4 star hotel with breakfast was beyond praise) and very punctual with transport. There were no problems with the food. no transport, no entertainment, no beach.
Croatia is a country for young lovers to relax in the lap of gorgeous nature and a leisurely holiday for respectable people. The most ideal holiday option is a yacht. So if children are active, they will very soon get tired of contemplating the beauty of these places and enjoying the fresh air. Hotels are quite expensive, but still do not reach the European level.
Montenegro is a country that I would not even compare. Everything there is still on the path to development that they still need to work hard to somehow get closer, not just to the European level, but at least to equip the beaches with basic sanitary amenities. The food in the hotels is terrible; the hotels themselves resemble a pioneer camp from the distant pioneer past.
And most importantly, the sea is always cold (in the town of St. Stephen, in any case, the water is usually 18 degrees) due to currents.
I wish you good luck in choosing the right place and a good operator to help.
The information about visas to Bulgaria is outdated: documents must be submitted strictly 10 working days in advance and for children over 6 years old the visa fee is the same as for adults
that's what I'm talking about. tell us who was there in person? pleeeeeeeeeeeeeez :)
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Bulgaria and Montenegro are quite popular tourist destinations due to their natural and financial attractiveness. But the rest and landscapes outside your window in these countries await you completely different. We hope that our comparison will help you make the right choice.
We are confident that despite the general equality that our research showed, after reading all the material you will easily be able to decide which country suits you best. It’s quite difficult to definitely recommend anything here, since everything ultimately depends on your inclination towards active recreation and the presence of children in the group.
| Criteria | Montenegro | Bulgaria |
| 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | |
| 1 | 1 | |
| 1 | 0 | |
| 1 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | |
| 0 | 0 | |
| 0 | 1 | |
| TOTAL | 4 | 4 |
Where to vacation is cheaper?
For comparison, let’s take the average price of the first 5 results from the Level.travel aggregator. As initial parameters, we indicate a 3* hotel for two for 7 nights in early August from Moscow.
Bulgaria from RUR 73,830
Montenegro from RUB 56,513
As you can see, a trip to Montenegro will cost significantly less. This is due to the less busy destination and the peculiarities of the hotel business (more on this below)
Where are the best beaches?
In Bulgaria, the entire Black Sea coast is covered with fine-grained sand. There are no beaches with pebbles or stones. The width of the beaches is 30-100 meters. Coastal areas located within resort towns and villages, as well as near hotels, are well equipped. Between the health resorts there are a sufficient number of wild beaches.
In Montenegro, the rocks approach the shore. Because of this, a significant part of the country’s beaches are covered with medium and large pebbles, and some have stones. The only corner of the coast where white sand lies is Velika Beach. It has a length of 13 km and a width of 50-70 meters. There are also several sand and pebble beaches on the territory of the state. It is worth highlighting the presence in Montenegro of large stretches of coastline and resorts intended for nudist recreation.
Bulgaria is definitely better suited for a beach holiday.
Black Sea coast
Adriatic coast
Where is the best weather and climate?
The water temperature is approximately the same, but the Adriatic Sea is visually cleaner and more transparent due to the pebbles. But in Bulgaria the climate is hotter and the season, in good conditions, can last until the end of September. Weather conditions in summer are still more stable on the Black Sea coast.
Quality of hotel infrastructure
Most of the hotel infrastructure in Bulgaria is 2* or 3* hotels, converted from hotels that existed during the Soviet era. Such buildings usually have at least 200 rooms. There are relatively few establishments with new buildings (up to 25%). Some modern hotels have 4* or 5* categories. There are apart-hotels at the resorts opened in the 2000s (Elenite, Duni).
Cost of living in Golden Sands (Bulgaria)
| Hotel | Stardom | Discount | Price per night, from | Select dates |
HVD Club Bor - Ultra All Inclusive | ★★★ | 5 905 5 199 | ||
Sunny Residence Complex | ★★★ | 2 888 2 696 | ||
Iberostar Sunny Beach Resort | ★★★★ | 6 440 4 985 | ||
Grand Victoria | ★★★★ | 8 216 7 424 | ||
Dit Evrika Beach Club | ★★★★ | 7 510 4 429 | ||
Karlovo (Karlovo) | ★★★ | 3 808 2 632 | ||
Dunav Hotel - All inclusive | ★★★★ | 3 723 3 274 |
In Montenegro, on the contrary, there are almost no hotels left from the communist era. Approximately 80% of the establishments intended to accommodate tourists are small private hotels with 20-40 rooms. Since quite often these are private hotels, the prices in them are more reasonable than in chain Bulgarian hotels. At the same time, several dozen modern hotel complexes of 4* and 5* categories have been built in the country.
Cost of living in Budva
| Hotel | Stardom | Discount | Price per night, from | Select dates |
Splendid Conference & Spa Resort | ★★★★★ | 33 955 13 608 | ||
★★★★ | 7 510 5 263 | |||
★★★★ | 12 837 8 794 | |||
★★★ | 4 814 4 365 | |||
Hotel Slovenska Plaza | ★★★ | 7 082 6 312 |
If we are talking about the price/quality ratio, hotels in Montenegro have an advantage, equipped with everything necessary for a wonderful holiday, but lacking sophistication. In Bulgaria the situation is slightly different. There are more opportunities for accommodation in 4-5* hotels, but you will have to pay noticeably more, and the quality sometimes leaves the best.
Excursion program
In Bulgaria, many beautiful places are located near the Black Sea coast. These are nature reserves, botanical gardens, ancient and modern palaces, bridges. But a significant part of the country’s attractions (monasteries, ethnic villages) are located at a distance of 200-300 km from the beaches, in the capital of the country - Sofia, as well as in the mountains near it.
The area of Montenegro is 8 times smaller, so all the attractions of this country can be reached in 2-3 hours. The mountainous terrain of the state allows travelers to engage in various types of outdoor activities: rafting, mountaineering, cycling, steam flying and hang gliding. The presence of monasteries, fortresses and museums provides a unique opportunity to combine all types of leisure activities.
Vacation with children
Bulgaria is better suited for family holidays because:
- There are sandy beaches
- Most hotels have everything necessary for children's recreation (animation, children's clubs, playgrounds)
- More 4* hotels that meet all children's requirements
- More water parks and children's excursions
But if you're traveling with older children who like to be active, then Montenegro is likely a more interesting option.
Safety
As elsewhere, in both countries tourists may encounter petty thefts of wallets or money from pockets. Walking at night in all areas of cities and towns is not dangerous. It is difficult to determine which country is safer to vacation in.
Price level
| Type of products | Bulgaria | Montenegro |
| Fruits (melons, watermelons, apples, oranges, lemons) | 0.5-1.5€ per 1 kg | 0.5-1.3 € per 1 kg |
| Vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, potatoes) | 0.4-0.8€ per 1 kg | 0.3-1 € per 1 kg |
| Milk | 0.6-1 € per 1 liter | 0.6 -1.1 € per 1 liter |
| Meat (pork) | 6-8 € per 1 kg | 4-6 € per 1 kg |
| Natural juices | 0.75-1.5 € per 1 liter | 0.75-2 € per 1 liter |
| Mineral water | 0.4-1 € per 1 liter | 0.5-1.2 € per 1 liter |
| Lunch at a restaurant for 2 persons | 20 euros | 26 euros |
In Montenegro, prices are greatly inflated due to the fact that only private shopping centers operate in tourist regions and they do not have the proper level of competition.
Holidays in Bulgaria are cheaper, but less interesting.
Summary
In terms of budget, safety, and price levels, the country is at the same level. Lunches at a restaurant in Montenegro will cost more, but you will have to pay less for accommodation and flights.
The main advantages of Bulgaria are the presence of sandy beaches and excellent children's infrastructure almost everywhere. There will be problems with this in Montenegro.
Montenegro will appeal more to independent tourists who travel without children and prefer active holidays with walks in the mountains and sightseeing tours.
