Bulgaria is a multi-layered country nestled in south eastern Europe with a terrain as diverse as its culture. The gorgeous Black Sea coast is Bulgaria’s most popular holiday spot, serving up purpose built resorts and some beautiful hidden gems. All of them are backed by mountains and tree-lined landscapes.

Reached in less than four hours from London airports, cheap holidays to Bulgaria are a mash-up of untamed landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and captivating cities bursting with history and culture.

Often seen as a more economical alternative to popular Mediterranean destinations, Bulgaria offers stunning beaches featuring a balance of family-friendly resorts and party towns. You can enjoy it all with a sunny outlook as, similar to the rest of southern Europe, long hot summers enjoy temperatures of up to 30°C.

While the resorts of Sunny Beach, Nessebar and St Vlas are developed with visitors in mind, there are still plenty of less discovered bays along the charming Black Sea coast. Try quiet Elenite or Obzor Beach for uncrowded breaks with everything close at hand.

Enjoy a walking tour of Nessebar

Located on the southeast, rocky peninsula of the Black Sea Coast, Nessebar is a major seaside resort offering a host of Bulgaria holidays All Inclusive deals. Don’t be fooled by the modern hotels stretching along the golden beach, because away from the array of sunloungers you’ll find the magnificent old quarter. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with grand 18th century houses and the remains of over 40 churches from different periods of history.

Connected to the mainland via a narrow strip of land, the old town is full of Roman ruins and Bulgarian houses complete with terracotta rooftops and cobbled streets. Enjoy walking through this romantic, living museum, picking up locally made souvenirs from the plethora of street sellers before heading to one of the seafood restaurants dotted along the harbour.

The Sunny Beach experience

The self-contained, purpose built resort of Sunny Beach is the biggest in Bulgaria and the ultimate party destination. Leaving you wanting for nothing, you’ll find an 18-kilometre stretch of golden sand lined with bars, restaurants and shops. Plus there’s a host of activities that range from fairground rides to waterparks and parasailing.

Popular with the 18 to 30 crowd, once the sun goes to bed the resort goes wild. Along the main strip you’ll find a wide range of bars and clubs ranging from traditional Balkan venues to Coyote Ugly style drinking holes. During the summer months famous DJ’s host events on the beach itself and you’ll almost definitely stumble into a foam party at one of the mega clubs.

Vibrant Varna

If you’re looking for vibrant culture steeped in history and a great party atmosphere, head to the elegant coastal resort of Varna. Surrounded by gardens, vineyards and groves the city is a significant port and trade centre while offering up an array of lively restaurants, bars and clubs along its promenade.

Close to the cosmopolitan seaside town of Varna are a hub of cultural and heritage sites. So from here you can enjoy day trips to the Kamchia River and Reserve or discover the natural phenomenon of The Stone Forest.

Spot golden eagles

There are several mountain ranges spread out over Bulgaria that are filled with exquisite natural beauty. The Strandja Mountains are only an hour’s drive from the coastal resort of Sunny Beach, making the area easily accessible if you’re based along the coast. Follow scenic winding roads through ancient forests concealing wildcats, wolves and golden eagles as you make your way up the mountain, stopping at authentic, historical villages.

The Strandja Nature Park also harbours a network of caves, steep limestone cliffs, sparkling lakes, mineral springs and ancient Roman ruins. The wild and sometimes difficult terrain can be reached with a 4X4 vehicle and many professional drivers offer day excursions to the area.

Splash out at Bulgaria's biggest waterpark

For a wet day away from the beach head to one of Bulgaria’s waterparks. Popular ones are the fun-filled Aqua Paradise waterpark in Nessebar and Action Aqua Park in Sunny Beach. With free shuttle buses servicing the surrounding resorts, the parks provides fun for all ages and promises an exciting day out.

With both parks having big slides, perhaps the most extreme are at Aqua Paradise, including the 22-metre high Kamikaze slide and 13-metre long Tsunami. Younger guests will enjoy the children’s areas at both Aqua Paradise and Action Aqua Park, with multiple slides and water castle to explore.