Panoramic view of Sunny Beach in Bulgaria

Bulgaria holidays

This overlooked summer hotspot is blessed with Blue Flag beaches, a Black Sea coastline and an irresistible nightlife. Bulgaria is a European delight with a melting pot of Greek, Slavic, Ottoman and Persian culture, find this showcased throughout its nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Captivating you with its Balkan Mountain backdrop and desirable vineyards, its natural marvels are simply breathtaking. Split into four major resorts, choose from Sunny Beach whose market stalls, fair grounds and after-dark scene make it a firm favourite with families and groups. Or, check out Golden Sands which is home to luxury hotels, thermal springs and the country’s only desert. Over at Nessebar there’s a protected Old Town overflowing with relics, while Obzor is a tranquil oasis with its off-the-beaten-track location.

Bulgaria information

Plane

Average flight time

3h 15m

Clock

Time difference

GMT +3h

Wallet

Currency

Euro €

Language

Language

Bulgarian

A guide to Bulgaria holidays

Food & drink in Bulgaria

There are some similarities between Greek and Turkish cuisine with its mouth-watering mix of meat, cheese and vegetables. Not to mention Bulgaria is the homeland of yoghurt, which is often referred to as ‘sour milk’. Holidaymakers tend to opt for dishes such as kebapche (especially after a night on its famous strip), which is a kebab made up of minced meat, spices and herbs. Another menu favourite is the mixed grilled, this includes meatballs, skewers of pork and steak. You won’t be able to resist its kashkaval, a yellow cheese which is typically served here. Your sweet tooth is also catered for thanks to its tikvenik, this delicious pastry is filled with pumpkin puree, brown sugar, walnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg. When you want to get a little tipsy, we recommend boza which combines rye whiskey and sugar. Staying in Sunny Beach? Head to Euphoria Bar & Grill for Mexican, American, Italian and local cuisine. In Nessebar, Foyer is highly recommended for its cucumber soup and moussaka. And for beachfront eats, The Martini Food & Cocktails spot in Golden Sands will certainly impress.

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Beautiful beaches in Bulgaria

As a country famed for its jaw-dropping shoreline, it’s impossible not to admire its award-winning sand spots. Pomorie Beach is one of the cleanest on the Black Sea coast, this intimate stretch offers seclusion with a small number of surrounding bars and restaurants. Bolata is part of a nature reserve and is camera-worthy, after all its Bulgaria’s most beautiful seafront. Both Golden Sands and Sunny Beach offer up flawless views and gentle ripples, they’re not only famed for their first-class amenities but live performances, beach clubs and DJ sets. Families, Albena is for you with its surrounding waterparks, bowling alleys, mini golf courses and amusements. There’s no shortage of activities, promenades bustling with shops, neon-lit bars and cosy eateries. Another major advantage is the facilities from its changing rooms to its showers and watersports.

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Things to do in Bulgaria

There’s an infinite list of must-visit sites and fun-filled attractions, whether you want to explore Bulgaria’s stone desert, home to the natural phenomenon – Pobiti Kamani, get competitive with go-karting and paintballing or seek a cultural fix in Varna with its iconic Roman baths.

Mud baths in Pomorie: Looking for a detox? Bathe in Pomorie’s mineral water and mud straight from the region’s lake. Locals use its magic healing powers to cure creases in the skin and relieve stress. Drawing out toxins and balancing out your body’s natural pH, it’s essentially a free spa. There’s also a salt museum if you fancy finding out about the local production. This miracle mud is said to knock years off your age.

Make a splash in Action Aquapark: Stretching 36 acres in the western part of Sunny Beach, find this adrenaline-packed waterpark and its extensive collection of wet rides. It’s the greenest aquapark in Bulgaria with its own mini zoo and a 300-metre-long lazy river. Choose from 30 slides, relaxation sections accessorised with hot tubs, wonderful beach areas and animal-themed splash zones. When it comes to food, there’s an a la carte Mediterranean spot with specialities including pepper steak and white fish pan. Fast food joints are also on site for a quick fix.

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Map of Bulgaria

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