Haskovo region is situated in the South-Eastern part of Bulgaria , bordering Greece and Turkey . It is a major cross road where the main road E80 connecting Europe with Asia (Sofia- Istanbul ) meats the one coming through Romania all the way from Northern Europe .
The regional centre Haskovo is at approximately the same latitude as Rome and Barcelona . The central part of the city captures the hearts of its visitor with the beautiful streets and old buildings . The world's largest statue of the Virgin Mary ( protectress of the city ) with Jesus stands overlooking it.
The town of Dimitrovgrad , only 16 km from Haskovo, is famous not only as Mecca of the Bulgarian pop-folk but with the biggest open market in the country selling almost everything from sandals to second-hand cars
In both cities one can do serious shopping, banking , or enjoy a night out . Two major supermarket chains – Germany 's Kaufland and Austrian Billa operate in the region as well as Technomarket Europe , the most successful retail chain in Bulgaria for consumer electronics, office equipment, telecommunications and IT products .
The Village of Mineralni bani, ( Haskovo Mineral Baths ) is a balneological resort of national importance, located 15 kilometres west of the town of Haskovo ). The 12 mineral water springs have a temperature of 48.5°C and an output rate of 35 liters per second. The water is excellent for joint and other bone-structure (spinal) disorders and some gynaecological deceases are cured, as well. There is an open mineral pool. The resort is a starting point for hiking tours along marked tracks through the Eastern Rhodopes
The region of Haskovo is a true Merlot country with this variety accounting for 95% of the harvest.
The territory surrounding Haskovo has a typical hilly relief. Being a northern extension of the Eastern Rhodopes, geographers justly call it Eastern Rhodope foothills or Haskovo hilly district. Its western border is the Mechkovets elevation (860 m a.s.l.). Its Turkish name Aidaa (Bear's Mountain) makes the locals smile. Because it reminds them of the better known name of Aida, but has nothing to do with Verdi's opera. Hot mineral springs gave rise to the famous Haskovo spas.
The southern geographical location of Haskovo and its proximity to the Aegean Sea, separated from it by the relatively low Eastern Rhodope Mountains, as well as the easy access of warmer air via the Maritsa River valley determine a transitional climate between the continental influence from the north and the Mediterranean from the south. The average annual temperature in the Eastern Rhodope foothills is 12.6 °C.
Spring comes relatively early and is short. It begins around 7 th of March and lasts until 1 st of May. S pring duration is about 55 days. With respect to temperature, spring in the Haskovo region is warm, and the average monthly temperature of the air in the typical spring month April is higher than 11 °C . The amount of rainfall in spring is about 156mm, and with respect to the humidity criteria it can be determined as humid.
Generally, summer in the region of Haskovo is quite dry , especially August and September, when a secondary rainfall minimum is also observed. S ummer is hot and the average monthly temperature in the warmest months of the year is 23,4-23,6 °C , with an absolute maximum of 41,8 °C , recorded in August.
Autumn begins in early October (7.X. being the average date) and lasts until the end of November (26.XI. being the average date). Its duration is about 50 days. With respect to temperature, it is warm, and the annual monthly temperature of the air in the typical autumn month October is higher than 13 °C . With respect to humidity, autumn is slightly dry. The summer dry period frequently passes into the autumn .
Winter begins at the end of November (26.XI. being the average date) and lasts until the beginning of March (7.III.). W inter in the region of Haskovo is mild. The minimal temperatures during the winter months often fall down to -13 °C and rarely drop below -20 °C . The average monthly temperature even in the coldest month of the year (January) is positive (0,2 °C ). The snow cover is characterized with comparatively small thickness and remains for a short period of time.
