There is a place in Berkovitsa where anyone can try to ride a horse. It looks easy to ride but it appeared not be.

However the instructor there is really nice and explains everything – how and what to do if you sit on a horseback for the first time in your life.

This place is just at the entrance of the town on the right side of the road if you are coming from Sofia. Just call the mobile written at the sign and make an arrangement.

You won’t regret it. It is real fun. We were even invited to see a baby-horse that was born the day before. So cute…

The world lost one of the biggest talents in music Michael Jackson! We are all devastated by the death of the great musician, singer dancer a showman and would like to say one last good bye to the man.

We can say so many things about The King of Pop – Michael Jackson, but also so much has been said… What is very significant for us is the magic that happens with the death of someone, who was so important to the whole world. This magic made us forget about politics, wars, crisis, etc., they somehow faded.

Rest in Peace Moonwalker and thank you for doing the magic again!

Natural And Cultural Factors

• Abundance of culture, history and magnificent architecture.
• Stunning variation in natural beauty, from lakes, mountains and lush vegetation to rugged or sandy beaches.
• Warm Mediterranean climate.
• Recreational activities to cater for all needs, from skiing, hiking or beach holidays to sightseeing and cultural activities.
• Dream lifestyle, modern systems and friendly people make Italy an easy relocation destination.

Economic Factors

• No capital gains tax on profits from Italian property, creating maximum returns on investment.
• Possibility to cut purchase costs in half by becoming a resident.
• Prices remain relatively low, compared to many EU destinations.
• Capital growth of 20% per year in some locations.  Many new markets in Italy still remain undiscovered and ripe for investment.
• Possibility to renovate beautiful old Italian houses into fabulous residences that earn high rent in peak season.
• Italy is at the hub of the low cost flights revolution, forever enhancing its strong tourist industry.
• The Italian government offers investors grants to reform rural.
• Italy has pioneered property tax reforms, offering great opportunities for the rural renovator, including substantial VAT discounts.
• EU member country.
• Economic and political security.
• Only 2 ¼ hours direct flying time from UK.

Summary

Italy’s booming and ever expanding tourist industry is a clear indicator of a healthy investment climate.  Latest price rises in key locations of Italy were around 22% last year while Italian property remains relatively cheap compared with many other EU countries.

Flying to Italy has been revolutionized by budget airlines, so wherever you choose to invest, your property will be readily accessible.  Variety in property type and prices are an added advantage, making Italy an ideal investment for a second or holiday home destination.  A gradual move away from the more popular destinations towards some more hidden investment hotspots is the current trend while today property in southern regions such as Calabria is well regarded as a highly promising investment.

Pic: Evgeni Dinev

I know that many foreigners like the rural life; many are tired of the rush in the big city. And many have decided to choose Bulgaria.  But is it possible to gain money from living in a village where the unemployment is high by offering rural tourism?

I would say: Why not.

I will give you an example with me. I live in the big city; I am tired of the traffic, of the rush to be at a certain place at the exact moment. Every day I am in a hurry to go to work, but before that someone has to drop the kid to school then after work to pick from school, then to go to the swimming pool or dancing classes or birthday party or something else has to be done (there’s always something else). Just imagine there are two kids!!! The hurry is double. And 90% of those who live in a city are just like me!

So, from time to time obviously I need a rest. What do you think I’d choose for the weekend? – I’d love to go somewhere deep in the country, where there are no cars, no traffic lights. It would be great to be in the middle of nowhere and listen to the silence. That’s fine for me but that’s boring for the children.

And here comes my idea for the English speaking villagers – what would be great for my family:

1. I would enjoy B&B in a nice and quiet area

2. It would be great for the children to practice their English

3. It would be great if someone tell me where to go for a walk, perhaps to visit the nearby caves, springs and waterfalls, hunting and fishing, mountaineering, picking forest products and medical herbs and many other recreational and entertaining activities.

4. It would be great for the children if there is a small tent in the garden where they can play and pretend to be somewhere else – far from the parents.

5. It would be great both for children and adults if a ride on a donkey is offered (or a horse). I just imagine how fun it will be!!! The kids that live in a city can see a donkey only on a picture or in the zoo.

6. How about if I am offered to milk a goat? Or to pick vegetables from the garden and make a salad? I would be interested in agricultural activities involved in the everyday works of the farm.

Now I need offers. I feel excited of my own idea. I’m going to ask Google is there a nice place for me and my family? A place where we can ride a donkey…

There is a very popular interpretation of the Chinese character of “CRISIS” as a combination of two other characters. The first means “DANGER” and the other “OPPORTUNITY”. This is exactly how we can describe the present situation in Bulgaria. Every difficult moment appears to be a crucial point for everybody and a big opportunity for those who have the courage to make investments.

If you are one of these clever people and you have considered a purchase of a property in Bulgaria we can assure you that you have chosen the perfect moment. The prices of holiday apartments are falling down and time for investments has come. It appears that because of the investment rush of the last few years some properties have been overpriced. These are the middle-class properties, whose prices are reduced now. This is good news for a lot of people who have always wanted to have a holiday apartment in Bulgaria and for all the others who are looking for an investment. A lot of developers are trying to attract buyers of seaside apartments before the summer season has started. Similar is the situation with properties in winter resorts. To make the long story short I will have to say that the key words of the holiday property market this spring are promotions, reduced prices, and better payment conditions.

We – the team of Excel Property have always tried to help our customers in any possible ways. It is very important for us to keep you well informed of all new tendencies and to help and support you in any situation. This is why Excel Property is offering an exclusive Spring Promotion for all holiday property buyers. In order to make it easier for you we are inviting you on a Free viewing trip until the end of May. Everyone who comes over to Bulgaria up to 31 May and decides to purchase a property during his viewing trip will receive €250 per person capital return (up to €500). This means that if you are really interested in holiday properties you can not only buy one with reduced price, but will also save money for the viewing trip.

You don’t have to hesitate! Contact one of the brokers of Excel Property, who will help you organize your viewing trip and guide you through the whole purchase process.

In the section bellow you can see some of the cheapest seaside apartments as an example of the article!

Sandy Pines apartments are only 250 meters away from the award winning blue flag beach! It is within easy walking distance of popular bars, restaurants and casinos…There is a new promotional price of the fully furnished apartments is… Prices start from € 25.200… See more

Sunny House village – a charming place with fascinating beautiful sea panorama, easy access to key roads and social services. The village consists of 4 luxury villas on 4 floors with total 64 apartments, offers wide range of facilities and ameneties… Prices start from € 24.336… See more

Excel Property announces a Spring PROMOTION – FREE COMPANY REGISTRATION!

According to the Bulgarian law foreign citizens who wish to buy a property with land in Bulgaria should set up a limited company in the country and make the purchase through it.

NOW Excel Property offers you to take an advantage of this promotion and save 600 euros for company formation. All of our clients who start property purchase process during the period 1 March – 31 May 2009 will have a regular limited liability company registered in Bulgaria. We will save you 600 Euros for the company registration. On the name of your company you can purchase more than one property.

And we will even do more – we will be happy to give you a discount for second and further purchases or pay you a commission for introducing us a friend who purchased a property with us.

Here are some houses worth to buy:

Three bedroom house in Elhovo area. The house is located in a nice village not far from Elhovo town. On the first floor of the house there are 3 rooms and a corridor. On the ground floor there is one more room and a corridor.

Price: 5 850 EUR. Read more

Four bedroom house in Topolovgrad area.

The house comprises of kitchen, living-room, bedroom, storage room, bathroom and terrace on the first floor, two bedrooms, one small bedroom and small hall on the second floor. The house has lovely views and vines in the garden. There are also some farm buildings and garage.

Price: 12 900 EUR. Read more

A house with 4 bedrooms in Elhovo area. This two – storey house has 120 sq.m. total bult-up area. On the first floor there are two big rooms and on the second floor are located four rooms and a hall. The garden is 1530 sq.m. big with many fruit trees. There is an additional outbuilding. It is a typical Bulgarian house and with some renovation you can keep its character.

Price: 8 800 EUR. Read more

Saint Vlas is situated at the foot of the Balkan mountain surrounded by picturesque nature and beach line of total length of 1,5 kilometers. For the last few years Saint Vlas has become a very popular touristic area and is attracting more and more investors. In 2007 the small town made a big step forward with the opening of the modern yacht port Marina Dinevi.

Port Marina Dinevi is a unique yacht port at the Black Sea. It has capacity of around 300 boats. The situation of the port, its construction technology and especially the services, rank Marina Dinevi among the most elite yacht facilities in the world.

Besides luxury marine facility, the yacht port managed for a short period of time to become a favorite place for recreation and entertainment for many people.
Let me describe to you how it looks in the daytime! From early morning the attractive beaches on both sides of the port are full of interesting people who have come to enjoy the sun and sea. It is really crowded and by lunchtime is almost impossible to find a place under an umbrella.
At sunset, when all sun-lovers withdraw for a rest, start hectic preparations for the nightlife. Since the opening of the yacht complex, its restaurants and bars have turned into real hot spot amongst nightlife lovers. There is something for everyone – romantic restaurants with different types of cuisine, elegant piano bars and ultra modern night clubs. Here you can also meet a lot of Bulgarian celebrities, attracted by the gloss and charm of Marina Dinevi. Party is at its height until early morning, when Marina Dinevi turns again into a place for relaxation.

For people who come here on foot the port is fun and beaches, but we must not forget that it is at first place a very reliable and convenient moorage for all who come by sea.

As a modern yacht complex, The Marina offers excellent conditions for stay and residing of yachts. Usage of electricity, water, cable television and Internet are only part of the offered package of services related to the exploitation and the maintenance of the yachts. Besides the luxury hotel Marina Dinevi offers to its visitors a medical center, business building containing offices for the port as well as: Customs, Border Police, Port Administration, halls for business meetings and press conferences.

Each year in the Marina a lot of business, sport and entertainment event take place, the most important of which are the Yacht exhibition Marina Dinevi, the International Regatta Evolution cup, a stage of the Regatta Port Bourgas, first edition of the regatta of the secondary sea schools in Bulgarian. The end of season 2007 was celebrated with a show performance of the actors from the travelling theater – ship Amara Ziy – Canada.

Marina Dinevi is the place where you can relax, enjoy the crazy summer life and why not buy a yacht and chase the sunset!!!

Why do I admire this area?

If I go there is summer time to escape from the boiling whether and dust of the capital city (where I live) I can enjoy the calmness of the forest greenery, listen to the silence and breathe, breathe and breathe – deep and long. You can’t imagine how fresh the air is.

When was the last time you went in the forest to pick forest fruits? And did you find any? You should try near Berkovitsa. There is plenty of forest strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, mushrooms (be careful with the mushrooms and don’t pick them if you don’t know their poisonous twins).

As for the winter season, I could tell you a lot because I like to ski and this place is one of the places in Bulgaria which is not crowded, the prices for the ski facilities are still reasonable and you can really enjoy your winter holydays.

On the opposite direction – from Berkovitsa toward Montana town there are several lakes where you can go fishing. There are also places for hunting and many places with hot water mineral springs where people go to bath and to cure some skin and bone diseases.

May be the reasons above plus the closeness to the capital (only 89 km) made the area attractive for property hunters. There are many foreigners that own rural properties there. We also notice a significant increasing interest from Bulgarians who want to purchase rural properties in this area – some to remove and retire, others to use as holiday homes.

Why Bulgaria?

The cost of Bulgarian properties is one of the lowest in Europe, though properties’ quality is not lower than it is in other countries. So, it’s not surprising that there is still interest in local real estates from buyers from UK, Israel, Russia, Germany, etc. Furthermore, as Bulgaria has joined the European Union in 2007, rules governing the real estate market are being altered in order to ease international buyers. The prices of the seaside apartments are decreased at this current moment influenced by the world financial crises. Now is the time to invest in real estates because Bulgaria remains an attractive tourist destination.

Bulgaria is rich in history, art and architecture. Bulgaria’s charming countryside is also very attractive, combining mountain and sea resorts, old towns and mild climate attracts people all over the year, thus turning Bulgaria into one of the best places for holiday and retirement. The cost of living is also surprisingly low.

Living on the Black Sea

If you are bored of ordinary life in the city you should consider living in Bulgaria. We will help you with our Top Ten reasons for living on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria.

1. The weather. You can enjoy four lovely and tender seasons in Bulgaria. Beautiful blooming spring, dry and hot summer, long and pleasant autumn, and mild winter with lots of opportunity for skiing. Always lit by the sun Bulgaria has between 2200 and 2500 hours of sunlight per year. Average temperature (April – September): + 23 °C. The average yearly temperature is 14.7 °C.
2. The beaches. Bulgaria is famous for its nice sandy beaches, which can vary from lively and sports-facilitated beach stripes to calm and beautiful campsites. The total length of the beach line is 380km, which definitely means that there should be some space for you.
3. The attractions. It may have sounded like a passive type of vacation, but there are also a lot of places for those who prefer the action. Along the coast there are some of the most famous beach resorts in Europe. There you can chose between nice restaurants, beach bars, crazy night clubs and etc…
4. The kids enjoy it. What about the kids, will they have fun? Enjoy the summer attractions for every age like the numerous aqua parks or take them out for an exciting safari in the Bulgarian outback. The waters of the Black Sea are calm and without strong tides, making them ideal for children as well.
5. The culture. For thirteen centuries, Bulgaria – the cradle of Slav culture, the land of Orpheus and Spartacus has given the world men of great achievements, mysterious Thracian treasures and burial tombs, magnificent frescos and many brilliant examples of ancient applied arts. Along the coast you can see many of the interesting sights like the Aladzha rock monastery, the historic architecture of Nessebar and old Thracian Tombs.
6. For travelers. Another advantage of the Bulgarian coast is its closeness to Turkey, Romania, and Greece. Bulgaria has always been a cross road and you can make a cheap excursion for a day or two and see totally different culture. If you love the sea you can also sail to Turkey, Romania and Ukraine, which won’t cost you much neither.
7. Cheap, fast flights. The availability of cheap flights to Bulgaria has made it easy for forward-thinking travellers to make the most of this emerging hotspot. Low-cost companies are flying to Sofia, Varna and Bourgas.
8. Be healthier. Bulgaria is famous for its eco fruits and vegetables grown in the sun and for its clean air. The nice weather itself makes you go out, be active and just enjoy the life.
9. Be happier. Life on the seaside coast is slow and easy going. People are smiling and everyone is having fun. There is some magic in the air or in the water that makes you happier!
10. Cheap, cheap properties. You still have some time to catch the low prices of properties. Although Bulgaria has joined the EU in 2007 and prices have started to increase slowly, they still have a long way to reach the normal prices of properties in the rest of Europe. The last few months, because of the world recession, you can make a real bargain and have a beautiful sunny home with wonderful price!