Camping Dragijevo, Veliko Tarnovo
An oasis with glorious views, this site is one of a kind. Owned and run by a British couple, who are fluent in Bulgarian, you really have the best of both worlds: home comforts in the midst of often bewildering Cyrilliclettered Bulgaria.
The sloping site – not quite terraced – is visually a delight. The facilities are first class and there is a swimming pool on site that is open from June through to September. The site owners say they have to drain down the water supply in winter, as the temperature can fall to -250C but they never turn anyone away. A fine example of good old British hospitality in action. Outside of the site’s listed open dates it is also possible to pre-arrange to stay on site with limited facilities available. Visitors come here from all over the world. At least 34 nationalities and counting, from as far as South Korea and the USA.
Maps of the city with motorhome parking marked, plus cycling and walking tours (laminated copies to borrow), and local places of interest are all available in the reception area, which is close to the café bar with its Bulgarian and international menu. For 2021, due to the pandemic, the kitchen is not in operation, but hot and cold drinks, alcoholic drinks, snacks and ice creams are still served from the coffee shop.
The site is just east of the village of Dragizhevo with its church, a few shops and bars. The real attraction, though, is the city of Veliko Tarnovo, some 15 minutes’ drive away. Public transport is not really an option. An inexpensive taxi is a better bet. The city has a fascinating and very rich history with architecturally important buildings and city walls.
A few miles away – we used a taxi again – is Arbanasi, where the Nativity Church is a recommended visit. Book a guide to explain the seventeenth century frescos and you will be enriched rather than overwhelmed.
Travelling through Bulgaria, you can relax and recharge here, or linger a few days and experience the
‘real’ Bulgaria.