Albena – The Pearl of Bulgarian Coast
The resort of Albena is situated 32 km north of Varna and just 12 km south-west of Balchik on a long sand stretch in the open northern part of Varna Bay. The resort’s construction was started in 1968, which makes it one of the most modern holiday cities along the Bulgarian coast. The complex lies beneath a relatively high hill and is given particular charm by the nearby forest of Baltata, a part of which is declared a protected area. The latter is also called Batova Gora (Batova Forest) after the Batova river, in the valley of which it grows.
The Albena’s architecture resembles one of Walter Gropius’ urban models as most of the hotels have a terraced structure aimed at providing as much sun as possible in summer days. To the north the coast is steep, featuring yellow sandstone and limestone typical of the area. It is in fact this stone slope that was the main source of construction material for the resort.
How to get to the place?
You can get to the place from Varna, Bulgaria (32 km), Sofia, Bulgaria (470 km), Bourgas, Bulgaria (132 km), Belgrade, Serbia (855 km), Istanbul, Turkey (515 km), Bucharest, Romania (270 km), by bus or train and from many cities of Europe by plane.
Main Bulgarian Airports:
Sofia Airport
Varna Airport
Bourgas Airport
Plovdiv Airport
Transport from the airports to Albena resort will be offered by the conference organizers. Please, visit Via Terra travel company for more information.
How to get a VISA?
Since 1 January 2007 the Republic of Bulgaria has been applying the European Union’s Common Visa Policy, subject to the terms of the Accession Treaty. Currently Bulgaria issues national visas only. Those visas do not give their holders the right to enter the Schengen area.
More information about countries whose citizens, holders of ordinary passports, require or do not require visa to enter Bulgaria is available here.
Requirements when entering the country
A foreigner may enter the Republic of Bulgaria if he/ she is a holder of a regular foreign travel document or another equivalent document as well as a visa if required.
VISA Application
To apply for a VISA you will need to submit an Invitation Letter to the Embassy. You can receive Invitation Letter from the Conference Organizers that will confirm that you are a participant in the conference. To obtain an Invitation Letter you have to send a copy of your passport via e-mail to bgcartography@gmail.com. On the copy, your full name, date of birth, date of expiry and the passport number should be clearly visible.
You can receive an Invitation Letter once you have successfully completed your registration and paid your registration fee.
Keep in mind that you should apply for a VISA no later than 1 month prior to the conference, as it takes time for VISA issuing. You may also be invited to an interview.
More information about visa application is available here.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Bulgarian Embassy in your country.
In case of VISA refusal, the registration fee will be refunded to you. Bank charges will not be refunded.