Bulgaria is the beach underdog, with loads of coastal resorts, gorg scenery and spicy kebapches that're calling your name.
Highlights
Beaut coast and rugged mountains - get a dest that can do both
Multiple UNESCO sites (so you can impress your friends and fam with a bit of history)
A swimmer's paradise, with lakes and rivers just begging for a dunk
Great value - you can get a meal for two for the equivalent of around £35!
What are the best beaches in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria might not be the first place that comes to mind when we say 'beach holiday', but is sure as heck should. We mean, it's literally got a beach called Sunny Beach and another called Golden Sands. Clearly, they know their way around a bit of coast around here. Give these hotspots a whirl:
Sunny Beach – THE coastal hotspot for fun and games along the Bulgarian Riviera, with watersports, a ton of bars and thrumming nightlife that goes down a treat with the youngsters (and the young-at-heart)
Golden Sands Beach – a proper long stretch with - you guessed it - golden sands! It's the perfect place for a bit of flop-and-drop, and it's got some fab facilities in the area if you fancy a shopping spree or a night on the town
Albena Beach - a beaut of a beach with fine sands, FREE sunbeds and parasols, a choice of sports and shallow waters perfect for paddling kiddos
Silistar Beach - tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this 1km-long stretch is proof that good things do come in small packages, with rugged landscapes for a bit of shelter, primo conditions for kayaking and paddle-boarding, and a big wooden swing (Bali-style), for the perfect Insta pic
Bolata Bay - a wild and rustic beach where there's no music - just the sound of the sea, with an ice cream truck for snacks, and steps leading up to a rocky clifftop where you can admire the 10/10 views
Irakli Beach - recognised as one of Bulgaria's most aesthetic beaches, with minimal facilities (including in the swimwear department, because it *is* a 'clothing optional' beach - just a heads up!), but the clear waters, soft sands and forest-like surroundings are all you need for a chilled-out time
What are the top hotels in Bulgaria?
Who says you have to break the piggy bank to have a jolly good time? Not us, and definitely not these cheap Bulgaria holidays we've picked out. With beaches to boot and loads to do in the area, these hotels bring the best of both worlds:
Mena Palace Hotel - a treat for the whole fam, where you can swing clubs at mini golf, let the kiddos run wild on the playground, take a dip in the outdoor pool and slurp something fruity from the beach-themed cocktail bar
Nobel - in a cracking location close to some fab beaches and just a 30-min stroll from Nessebar Old Town, this place has an on-site pool to dunk into, a Serbian restaurant to get your taste buds dancing, and a spa for a cheeky pamper sesh
Melia Sunny Beach Resort - with three outdoor pools, a mini waterpark, a private beach and a load of dining options (we're talking sausages, sauerkraut and baked potatoes in the beer garden), this place has everything you need, and a few things you didn't know you needed
Sol Nessebar Palace - five-star treatment and family fun combined, with pools (and waterslides) galore, play areas for the kids and tons of food options - including an Italian restaurant and an ice cream stand at the beach
Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa - Adults Only - a boujee little sanctuary away from the kiddos (hey, we're not judging!), with infinity pools, a swim-up bar, a lush spa and even on-site Pilates classes. All about that self-care!
Grand Hotel Sunny Beach - a beachfront beaut in Sunny Beach, with an outdoor pool for dunking into, a kids' corner, a buffet-style restaurant and an Irish pub to keep the good times rolling
Pssssst. We've got bucketloads of last minute deals for you to get your paws on. You could be on holiday as soon as next week. Fancy it?
As you'd expect, summer in Bulgaria is an absolute blast, with temperatures sitting comfortably between 25°C and 30°C. Mix that with the coolness (temperature and vibe-wise) of the sea breeze, and you've got the ultimate holiday combo.
Spring and autumn are still pretty toasty too, dancing between 18°C and 24°C - perfect weather for hiking, cycling or just flopping down on a beach and doing absolutely nothing. We know what we'll be doing.
Winter's a bit of a different story, but don't panic. Temperatures do drop to around 10°C-15°C, but let's be honest - that's practically spring compared to what we're used to at home. And wouldn't you rather wrap up somewhere with coastal views, room service and seafront bars? Yeah, we thought so.
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FAQs
What currency do they use in Bulgaria?
The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian Lev, and it's actually one of the best value currencies against the British pound!
What language do they speak in Bulgaria?
The official language spoken in Bulgaria is Bulgarian. Don't worry, speaking it is a little bit easier than trying to read it.
How long does it take to fly to Bulgaria?
It takes about 3.5 hours to fly to Bulgaria from the UK/Ireland, which is just enough time to stream Taylor Swift's Eras Tour on Disney Plus (with time to spare for a cheeky nap).
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Bulgaria?
The time in Bulgaria is 2 hours ahead of the UK/Ireland, which means you can pretty much gain back the time of your flight home! Winner.
No one likes a boaster, but this place is so HUGE, it houses 10 million litres of water with all its pools, surf simulators and rocket tube slides. If you're looking for something to entertain the kiddos (or just yourselves!), then this aquapark won't disappoint. If you're feeling really daring, then check out the Black Hole ride (a twisting tube slide in complete darkness), or the Tsunami - think skateboard ramp, but 10x bigger and with water, and you're in an inflatable dinghy rather than on a skateboard. Just a heads up that height, weight and age restrictions apply to the rides here, so have a read on their website if you've got your eye on something in particular.
Peek through the eyes of God
Yep, it's as cool and dramatic as it sounds. Head to Prohodna Cave in northern Bulgaria to find two giant eye-shaped holes in the ceiling, known as 'The Eyes of God'. Not only can you look out through the 'eyes' to the open skies above, but the cave has two entrances, and when the sun hits just right, the light shines through these holes to cast two glowing pools of light onto the cave floor. Spooky or magical?
Marvel over the seven wonders (i.e. the seven lakes)
There are seven lakes within the Rila mountain range (which sits about 2 hours outside of Bulgaria's capital, Sofia), and we've got good news - you can see every single one of 'em! You can drive up the mountain and then either hike the full whack, or hop in a cable car (which is worth it for the views alone, FYI), to the start of the loop trail, where you can see all seven lakes in their scenic glory.
Get your history hat on at Historical Park
OK, so it's not the most exciting name in the world, but this place is the first and biggest cultural-historical complex of its kind. It's designed as a journey through the past, taking you from Neolithic times right through to the Middle Ages, with creative sculptures, temple replicas, and stages for live performances - all in a peaceful park location.
Drive by the Snail House
This one's as wacky as it sounds. If you find yourself driving or strolling through the Simeonovo neighbourhood in the outskirts of Sofia, keep your eyes peeled for the five-story Snail House. It's big, rainbow-coloured and shaped like a snail...so chances are you won't miss it. Even the windows and doors are designed to be part of the whole illusion (acting as the snail's eyes and mouth). It's also made up of eco-friendly, lightweight materials - giving it the big energy efficient tick. We're still not sure of the hows and whys, but it definitely looks cool!
Take some funky photos at the Museum of Illusions
If you catch yourself on a rainy day (although we seriously doubt that), then Museum of Illusions in Sofia is the perfect indoor activity. From crazy-sized furniture to laser beams, 3D artwork and unique shadow photo ops, there's something at every turn in this topsy-turvy museum of mind-bending fun.
What events can I go to in Bulgaria?
Whether you're into smooth jazz, folklore (the Balkan kind, not the Taylor Swift album - although who are we kidding, we love both), or just a good ol' glass of vino (guilty), the celebrations just don't stop in Bulgaria. Keep your eyes peeled for these annual shindigs:
Masquerade Games (January) - Europe's biggest masquerade party (if that's not enough to convince you, we don't know what is!), with elaborate costumes, masked parades and a whole lotta mischief
Kukeri Festival (January/February)- if you search this one on Google images then you're probably going to be as confused as we were, but this ritual essentially sees costumed dancers in masks and head-to-toe fur parading the streets to warn off evil spirits. It's an experience!
Sofia Film Fest (March)- rub elbows with film buffs and catch screenings of the latest and greatest cinematic pieces from around the world at this annual film festival in Bulgaria's capital
Flora Burgas (May and September) - hundreds of flowers are showcased in specially-designed pavillions at this international flower exhibition open every year in the Sea Garden
Rose Festival (June) - wake up and smell the roses...literally. As the fields start to burst with colour, the whole thing is celebrated with a floral fiesta of parades, pink costumes and folk music
Varna Summer International Festival (June/July) - an international summer festival in Varna. Head to the outdoor theatre, Park Primorski and the Festival and Congress Centre to catch everything from opera and ballet to jazz, choirs and classical music concerts
July Morning (July)- exactly what it says on the tin, this annual festival celebrates the first morning of July (technically starting on the last night of June), with bonfire parties at the beach as locals flock to the coast to watch the sunrise
Yoghurt Fest (July) - the town of Razgrad becomes centre stage for this unique annual festival celebrating all things yoghurt (why not?!), with companies selling their homemade yoghurt along with different dishes based around it
Bansko Jazz Festival (August) - prepare for some toe-tapping fun as jazz musicians perform in open-air stages across Bansko
International Folklore Festival (August)- A colourful event in Burgas showcasing unusual Bulgarian customs with parades and shows.
Apollonia Arts Festival (August/September) - a 10-day long celebration with open-air concerts, film premieres, jazz performances and more
Plovdiv International Fair (September) - Bulgaria's biggest bash, showcasing everything from traditional crafts to cutting-edge tech
Melnik Vintage Festival (September) - 3 whole days of festivities, with live performances, food and craft stalls, and a range of wine and bourbon from the Czech region
Sofia Art Fair (October) - an event that brings together artists, collectors and art enthusiasts from all over the world with a modern art exhibition in Sofia Tech Park
Where is the best nightlife in Bulgaria?
Party people can't go wrong in Bulgaria's Sunny Beach resort (it's giving Ibiza meets Magaluf), but there are some great nightlife spots all over the place here, from rooftop cocktail bars to beachfront clubs. Get your groove on at one of these party places:
Bedroom Beach Club (Sunny Beach) - an extravagant beach club named after its huge, king-sized daybeds by the pool. Come here for bangin' tunes, guest DJs, fruity cocktails and an infinity pool just begging for a dunk
Rock'n'Rolla Club (Sofia)- *the* place to be for rock-music-lovers, with regular events, DJs playing all the hits, and even a rock karaoke room if you think you could do it better yourself
Disco Orange (Sunny Beach) - a legendary club with multiple dancefloors, themed nights and international DJs spinning the latest tracks
Sense Rooftop Bar (Varna) - this place is POPULAR, so get your reservation in, but it's a gorg rooftop bar with twinkly lights, a swanky cocktail menu and panoramic views of the sea and surroundings
Candy Club (Sunny Beach) - the kind of venue where the music is sweet but the drinks are even sweeter - expect themed parties and guest DJs
Bonkers Club (Sunny Beach) - a classic nightclub with high energy, a neon dancefloor and pulsing DJ beats that'll send you...well, bonkers
Club VOID (Sofia) - your go-to venue for live gigs, with neon lights, a bangin' sound system and an atmosphere where techno reigns supreme
Bee Bop Café (Veliko Tarnovo) - a retro-inspired jazz joint where you can slurp on smooth cocktails and tap your toes to live performances
What’s the food like in Bulgaria?
Hearty stews, sweet treats and summery salads - Bulgaria's food scene's got it all. Get ready to tuck into these must-try local dishes:
Banitsa - Bulgaria's answer to a good ol' pasty - picture flaky filo stuffed with eggs, cheese and sometimes spinach or pumpkin. It's crispy, it's creamy and it's downright delish.
Shopska salad - it's like a Greek salad, but with a Bulgarian twist (including the fact that the colours match the Bulgarian flag!). Think tomatoes, cucumbers, onions and roasted red peppers with a generous sprinkling of feta.
Kavarma - a hearty stew with tender chunks of meat (usually pork or chicken), onions, peppers, tomatoes and a splash of white wine - best served with crusty bread
Tarator - a refreshing cold soup (don't knock it 'til you try it!) made with yoghurt, cucumbers, garlic and dill
Kebapche - juicy sausage-shaped koftas made from pork or beef, served with fresh bread and a dollop of yoghurt
Sarmi - cabbage leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, minced meat and spices, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It's Bulgarian comfort food!
Bulgarian yogurt - there's a whole festival dedicated to this, so did you really think we were gonna miss it out? Creamy, tangy and thick, this yoghurt to Bulgaria is like what feta is to Greece - a pure legacy (and oh-so-delish). Try it in its pure form, or topped with honey and walnuts for a sweet twist.
Baklava - layers of flaky pastry filled with chopped nuts and drenched in sticky, sweet syrup
Places to visit
Devil's Bridge
If you love a good view, then this is the spot for you. It's the perfect mix of jaw-dropping scenery for that perfect Insta pic, with a dash of Bulgarian folklore to impress your folks back home with. It stretches across the Arda River in a narrow gorge, with rushing water below and mountains and forests all around. Legend has it that this whopping stone arch was built with help from the Devil himself - some even claim that you can see the devil's footprint somewhere in the rocks. There's another dark tale that the builder's wife passed away during construction, and her shadow was left trapped in the structure, which is why locals avoid passing over here at night. Whatever you believe, we just think it's a really pretty structure, and a cracking photo op. We can totally see it as the background for your next profile pic!
Old Nessebar
If you're on the lookout for some history with a side of seaside charm, then the Old Town of Nessebar should be way up on your Bulgaria bucketlist. It's all narrow cobbled streets, oldy-worldy buildings, ancient ruins and cute little cafés - all against the backdrop of the Black Sea. This is the kind of town where you can - and should - get lost (in the nicest way). You'll find loads of quaint little side streets lined with wooden houses and 100s of shops selling everything from local food and drinks to artwork, clothing and toys. Just a heads up for the kiddos and small-bladder-crew - public toilets are lacking around here, but you can use restaurant restrooms if you buy something or pay a small fee.
St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral
Boujee and brimming with history, this is the kind of attraction that does both. It's not just any old church - it's a whopper of a cathedral with gorgeous architecture and domes shining brighter than your cup of Fanta Lemon in the sunshine. The structure was built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian solders who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War, and it's been standing tall since way back in 1912. If you drop by at night, then you'll see the whole place lit up with a golden glow. Just a heads up that this is a religious landmark, so if you plan on going inside then be sure to dress modestly and respect the 'no photos' rule. You're welcome to snap as many pics as you like from the outside, though. And let's be honest - it's an absolute beaut, so you're gonna want to!
Key facts about Bulgaria
Flight Time
Around 3.5 hrs
Time Difference
+2 hrs
Currency
Bulgarian Lev
Language
Bulgarian
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Bulgaria?
We'd recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all up-to-date info before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Bulgaria?
Depending on where abouts you're staying, there is a small overnight tax that applies in Bulgaria. This can vary depending on the location and star rating of your hotel, but it typically ranges from around 0.2 Bulgarian Lev to 3 Bulgarian Lev, per night.
