Our Experience: This campsite was developed and is owned and managed by
the Jeffes family: Martin, Shirley and their son Matt. In the summer of 2008, we
followed a three-month circuit of Turkey with a three-month stay at Sakar Hills:
the components of a perfect journey. On other journeys, we returned in 2009 and 2010, and called in more recently for a
shorter visit in autumn 2014. All this is a strong recommendation in
itself.
Comments
from other Campers: The overwhelming opinion
is that this is an oasis of comfort and relaxation. It is particularly welcome
(and welcoming) after camping in Bulgaria, Greece or Turkey! Much appreciated
are the quality of the 'facilities' and the competence and warmth of the
owner/managers, a combination rarely found in eastern and southern
Europe.
Opening
Dates: The campsite is generally open from
April to October, during which time Matt lives on the premises. Contact Matt or
Martin for information on whether limited facilities may be available outside
the season.
Prices: In 2014, the rate was €14 per night for a couple with a
motorhome/caravan, including electricity, good water and hot showers. Campers with a tent benefit from a
lower rate of €10 per night. Check with Matt or Martin for special rates for a long-term
stay and for storage facilities.
Location: See the map below. In the far south-eastern corner of
Bulgaria, it is very well placed for travellers entering or leaving Turkey or
Greece, with border crossings to both countries just beyond the nearby town of
Svilengrad. The campsite lies on the edge of the village of Biser, off the old main
road between Harmanli to the north-west and Lyubimets and Svilengrad to the south-east.
Co-ordinates: N 41° 52' 13.22"E 25° 59' 29.23"
Getting
There: It's about 1,600 miles (2560 km)
from Calais to Biser on the shortest route via Germany, Austria, Croatia and
Serbia. There are, of course, many other ways to getting there! See, for
example, our roundabout northerly route in the autumn of 2014.
See the map below for the final few miles.
Travelling
south-east towards Turkey or Greece on road number 8, follow signs into
Harmanli. In the
town do notjoin the new
motorway (A4) for Svilengrad but continue on road No 8. Leaving town, look out
for the campsite sign indicating a left turn
before the river bridge. Follow the old main road under the bridge and then
bear left at the next campsite sign. Continue for 8 km, looking out for a campsite
sign on the right for the road towards Biser. Cross the railway line and the
campsite entrance is the big white house on the right just before the village
of Biser.
Travelling
north-west from Turkey on the A4 motorway, turn off at the exit for Lyubimets. Travelling
north-west from Greece on road No 8, continue through Lyubimets. Follow road No
8 out of Lyubimets for 10 km, then take the first left (with campsite sign) into
Biser.Cross the railway line and the campsite entrance is
the big white house on the right just before the village of Biser.
Facilities:
20 level pitches for tents, caravans or motorhomes. Barbecue and undercover
sitting/eating area, electric hook-ups with European sockets, drinking water
taps on pitches, private cubicles each with free hot shower, basin and WC, hot
water to washing up sinks, chemical toilet disposal, washing machine, free
wi-fi internet. Dogs permitted on a lead.
Local Amenities: A short walk into Biser village for a shop, bar or simple
restaurant. In Harmanli (about 11 km away) there is swimming and tennis, as
well as more shops, supermarkets (Billa and Lidl), Saturday market,
post office, bank ATM, restaurants, etc. Information and directions from the ever-helpful
Jeffes family.
Wine: This is Bulgaria's prime wine-producing area and the
campsite owners sell their own label red wine, an excellent 'Sakar Hills'
Merlot, selected from a top class local winery. A bottle or six makes a good
souvenir of your stay.
Istanbul: Given the problems of driving and parking in Istanbul,
some campers prefer to leave their motorhome or caravan at Sakar Hills and take
an express coach from Harmanli. More details from Matt or Martin.
Edirne: Similarly, the magnificent
ancient Roman/Ottoman city of Edirne, just over the border in Turkey,
can be visited from here. Quite a few people, including
us, have had very bad experiences on the campsite in
Edirne (Grand Omur) and we would say that it is best avoided.
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