Living in Popovo

Thank you for visiting our website and taking the time to explore what Bulgarian Property Experts can offer you.

Like many of you, I was once in the same situation—searching through countless websites, hoping to find an agent who could help me not only find the perfect home but also make relocating to Bulgaria a seamless experience for me and my daughter.

I carefully evaluated what different agents provided and, more importantly, pondered where the best place would be to start our new life. I wanted a village that welcomed English expats, offered beautiful, affordable homes, and most importantly, provided a better quality of life for my daughter and me.

During my search, I discovered Popovo. Initially, I found little information about the area, its people, or what made it special. We often asked ourselves, “What’s so great about Popovo?”—a question we now hear from many of our clients. Why do so many expats choose this region in Bulgaria?

Taking a leap of faith, we decided to give it a try, knowing that if it didn’t work out, we’d still gain valuable experiences. We were ready for a change and couldn’t stay in the UK any longer. Thankfully, it turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made.

Today, Popovo is our home, and we have never looked back. Along with the friends we’ve made from all over the world who’ve also chosen to settle here, we’ve truly fallen in love with this area and the life it offers.

With the support of my Bulgarian partner, Georgi, who has introduced us to the culture and traditions of Bulgaria, we’ve compiled this collection of things we love about Popovo. We hope you’ll enjoy them too. Life is short—live it, love it, and cherish it.

We will continue to update this page as we discover new things to share. We also welcome contributions from fellow expats who have come to call Popovo home.

1. The People

Having traveled extensively before settling in Bulgaria, we can confidently say that we’ve never encountered kinder people or a better place to raise a child. The locals in our village have made us feel like we’ve finally found our place in the world.

Our neighbours are like family, frequently visiting to check in and lend a hand whenever needed. Whether it’s material support or simply advice, they are always there for us. Bulgarians are proud of their achievements, and even if they have little, they take pride in the things they’ve worked hard for.

Family values are deeply rooted here, with time spent together being far more important than material possessions. Children are cherished, and the older generations play an active role in raising the younger ones, passing down traditions, recipes, and stories.

2. The Wildlife and Nature

Bulgaria is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, much of which has disappeared from other parts of Europe due to urbanization. In a single drive through the countryside, you might spot eagles, falcons, and kestrels perched by the roadside. Storks build their nests atop electric poles, with smaller birds making their homes at the edges of these nests. It’s a nature lover’s paradise.

The forests surrounding Popovo are home to deer, wild boar, and even red squirrels. We’ve had the pleasure of watching a family of deer cross the road in front of us, a truly magical experience. Foxes, hedgehogs, and the occasional wolf can also be spotted in the deeper forests.

3. Village Life and Countryside

Life in the village is tranquil and relaxed. The sense of community is strong, with everyone looking out for each other. Children roam freely, without the fear of abduction or bullying, experiencing a childhood that seems long gone in other parts of the world.

For those looking to escape the hustle of city life, the village offers peace, quiet, and a close-knit community. Elders pass down traditions to the younger generations, ensuring the village’s heritage is preserved.

4. History and Ancient Sites

Popovo and its surrounding areas are rich in history, with ancient tombs, churches, and fortresses waiting to be discovered. Many of these sites are still being excavated and restored, providing a glimpse into Bulgaria’s storied past.

5. Lakes and Rivers

The area is dotted with natural and man-made lakes, where fishermen gather in the warmer months. Many choose to cook their catch of carp right by the lake, accompanied by a bottle of Bulgarian Rakia. For those less interested in fishing, the lakes offer beautiful spots for birdwatching, walking, or simply enjoying nature.

6. Festivals and Name Days

Bulgarians love to celebrate, and name days are a significant tradition here. Similar to birthdays, they’re a time for family and friends to gather, often with spontaneous visits and traditional food. When you live here, your neighbours will be touched if you remember to wish them "Chestit Imen Den" (Happy Name Day).

7. Restaurants and Bars

Popovo offers a variety of restaurants and bars, many with English menus and staff who can speak English. The local cuisine is hearty and fresh, often made from ingredients straight from the garden. Whether you’re a vegetarian or vegan, there’s always something delicious on the menu.

8. Sunflower Fields

Bulgaria is one of the world’s largest producers of sunflower seeds, and in the summer, the fields around Popovo are a sea of golden blooms. These fields not only support local agriculture but also contribute to the beautiful landscape.

9. Bulgarian Food and Drink

Traditional Bulgarian dishes are made from fresh, local ingredients, often grown in personal gardens. We aim to share some of our favorite recipes on this site so you can try a taste of Bulgaria in your own home.

10. Ongoing Investments

Popovo is constantly evolving, with new buildings and infrastructure improvements funded by European grants. The town center is becoming a vibrant hub, making it an even better place to live.

If you have any questions or need more information about life in Popovo, feel free to reach out. We’re always happy to help!

 

(The yearly fair in the town centre- 2012)

 

 

 

Holidays in Bulgaria

  • January 1: New Year's Day
  • February 14: Wine Festival Day
  • March 3: National Day (Day of Liberation)
  • March 8: International Women’s Day
  • April 15: Orthodox Easter
  • May 1: Labour Day
  • May 6: St. George's Day (Day of the Bulgarian Army)
  • May 24: St. Cyril and Methodius Day (Day of Culture and Literacy)
  • September 6: The Unification of Bulgaria
  • September 22: Independence Day
  • November 1: Day of Bulgarian Revival Leaders
  • December 24: Christmas Eve
  • December 25: Christmas Day
  • December 31: New Year's Eve

Living in Popovo: Essential Information

EMERGENCY NUMBER  112 – YOU WILL BE TRANSFERRED TO AN ENGLISH SPEAKING OPERATOR

If there’s something specific you need and can’t find, feel free to ask, and I’ll update this guide accordingly.

 

Doctors

Doctors in Bulgaria typically specialise.

When moving to Bulgaria, I recommend registering your family with local doctors early on. In Popovo, there’s a general practitioner, Dr. Nelly, who speaks excellent English. You can contact her at 0893453308 to arrange an appointment. For specialised needs, she can provide referrals.

The Bulgarian health insurance is currently 38 leva per month (October 2024) and is mandatory unless you are covered by an S1 pension. Private health insurance is also available. For children, doctor visits are free if they’re registered, though you could be charged between 5–50 lev if not.

Hospitals

Popovo has a 24 hour A&E service for serious issues patients are transferred to Targovishte Hospital the main hospital for the area. 

 

Dentists

We have several Dentists in popovo and like everything we have our favourites. 

Vets

We have 3.

Nina, S1 vets and Stoyan.  All 3 speak English.

 

Banks

There are several banks in Popovo, however alot of them are not accepting people without an id card/ residency.

 

Airports and Airlines

 

The nearest airport to Popovo is Varna (1.5 hours away). Other options include Bourgas (3.5 hours), Sofia (4 hours), and Bucharest in Romania (3 hours). Airlines serving Bulgaria include Wizz Air and Ryanair.

Trains, Buses, and Taxis

Bulgaria’s trains are an affordable way to travel. Some trains offer separate rooms, while others are more like regular seating. First-class tickets give you a higher chance of privacy. Be sure to bring your own tissue and sanitiser, as train restrooms often lack supplies.

Buses are similarly priced but can get hot in the summer. They are comfortable but lack the privacy of train compartments.

Taxi rates are around 1.00 lev/km during the day, though drivers often negotiate flat rates for longer trips.

Click here to check times and availability of trains.

Fuel Prices (as of February 2017)

  • Petrol: 2.00 lev/liter
  • Diesel: 2.00 lev/liter
  • Gas: 1.30 lev/liter

Car Insurance and Tax

All vehicles used on roads outside of the village will need a Vignette.  This is currently 87 leva per year for vehicles under 3.5 tons. This may be purchased online at bgtoll.bg, OMV fuel stations or Epay offices

Car insurance rates vary depending on whether the car is left-hand or right-hand drive. Third-party insurance costs between 200–400 lev annually, while comprehensive insurance depends on the car’s value. Payments can be made annually or every three months.

All vehicles require an annual check (mot).  This is currently around 70 leva per annum with prices having just increased.  There are 2 stations in Popovo

Once your car is registered with Bulgarian plates, you must pay an annual council tax based on engine size and other factors. Contact us if you need help with registration or quotes for car insurance.

Where to Stay in Popovo

Here are a few accommodation options:

  • Stara Gara
  • Vodstroy
  • Popovo Inn
  • Hotel Marini:
  • Hostel:
  • hotel kati
  • Hotel dani bell

A number of expats over recent years have set up B&B style accommodation.

Where to Eat

Popovo offers a variety of restaurants with Bulgarian, English, and European food. Some top picks include:

  • The Old Station (referred to as the Pine Tree) https://www.facebook.com/starata.gara
  • Hotel/Restaurant Marini: English menus and good service
  • Stefani:
  • Evita:
  • Makao
  • Iskra
  • Vodsroy
  • Republika
  • Danibel
  • Blue Bar
  • Popovo Inn

Pastry shops and cake shops are also popular. One bakery we call “Gregg’s” offers pastries, pies, and Bulgarian pizza breads. The local cake shop, a favourite with kids, sells cakes by the slice or whole cakes made to order for birthdays and events.

Post Office and PO Boxes

The Popovo post office is open Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM, with a lunch break from 12 PM to 1 PM. You can pay bills, taxes, and other utilities here. A PO Box in Popovo costs 30 lev/year and is a safe way to receive mail.

Internet and Phone

Skat             offers cable and satellite internet options

Digsys           cable, fiberoptic

Networx        fiberoptic

Cable installation fees are about 120 lev, with a monthly cost of 25 leva thereafter.

 

The mobile operators also offer Internet packages and depending on the village as to which will be suitable.

Yettel, A1, and Vivacom.

 

TV and Satellite

You can access Bulgarian satellite TV starting at 14 lev/month for 70+ channels, though few are in English. Alternatively, you can invest 500–600 lev in a system that provides free channels from around the world. Android boxes are another option for free channels if you have a strong internet connection.

Swimming pools

We are lucky to have 2 on our doorstep. 

Relax which is located in the park and Iskra on the way to Razgrad.  2024 charges where 10 leva a person   Travelling further afield you have Opaka Pool.

For the more daring we have 2 water parks in Targovishte a 45 minute drive, Aqua magic and The White horse.

 

Supermarket.

The main supermarket in Popovo is TMarket.  There are a number of smaller ones scattered throughout the town.  Always worth a look as you will find oddities and bargains in the smaller ones. 

Lidl and Kaufland are easily found in Razgrad and Targovishte, both a 40 minute drive from Popovo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

photos of Popovo

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.665717488886872&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10154896657140615&type=3