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

Despite often being the more economical alternative to popular Mediterranean destinations, Bulgaria offers stunning beaches featuring a balance of family-friendly resorts and party towns, vast opportunities to explore a rich and facscinating culture, and tons of ammenities catering for all holidaymakers. What’s more, you’ll enjoy it all with a sunny outlook as, similar to the rest of southern Europe, long hot summers can see temperatures reach above 30°C.

Even in the shoulder seasons of May and October, when you can bag an extra good bargain, the temperatures still hover at 17°C, making it a great climate for plenty of exploring.

Bulgaria holidays can offer something different in every resort. While the resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands are developed with tourists and fun in mind, there are plenty of less discovered bays along the charming Black Sea coast, like Elenite or Obzor Beach. Then, there’s palces that provide a mix of the two, like Nessebar and Varna, where you can be at a ston’e sthrow from the action, but deep dive into Bulgaria’s past at the same time.

The Black Sea Coast

Bulgaria’s beaches are seriously stunning – afterall, the Black Sea Coast isn’t well known for no reason! Known for its mix of sandy beaches and rocky cliffs, the Bulgarian Riviera offers a variety of golden and white stretches so whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, the beaches here offer something for everyone.

• Sunny Beach is arguably Bulgaria’s most famous beach, known for its wide expanse and soft golden sands, and plenty of action. The beach is lined with several bars and restaurants, even some nightclubs which really make this sandy stretch come alive after sunset. It’s a great pick for those looking for a lively scene and with plenty of watersports, adrenaline junkies can’t get enough.
• On the other hand, Golden Sands, in the Varna region, offers a more quiet and scenic spot to lay out your towel. As expected, the soft, golden sands here really are magnificent, and being surrounded by a natural park, it’s endless beautiful views in any direction. There’s a more high end feel to this beach with lots of luxury hotels and fine dining joints nearby, perfect for a romantic holiday or those looking to really indulge.
• Tsarevo Beach provides the seclusion and tranquility some holidaymakers seek. Surrounded by luscious greenery and towering cliffs, you’ll be sheltered from the wind and crowds here all while enjoying the serene views. There are several small beaches around Tsarevo so you can mix up your quiet spots each day.

Culture and heritage

Bulgaria has a rich and diverse culture that’s been shaped over time by various civilisations like the Thracians, Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans. It’s a long and complex history but Bulgaria seamlessly blends its rich traditions and folklore with modern tourism which results in a wealth of cultural experiences to enjoy on holiday in Bulgaria.

• Dating back over 2,000 years, the Ancient Thracian civilisation is still present in Bulgaria today with many important archaeological sites, including remains of ancient cities, scattered across the country. Several of these are even listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and being a civilisation known for their intricate art, there’s some really fascinating sights to see.
• Bulgarian folklore is distinctive and vibrant, with much emphasis on music, dance and craftsmanship. On holiday in Bulgaria, it’s a must to catch one of their colourful festivals for an immersive experience into Bulgarian culture. Rose Festival is held every June and with vibrant processions, flower picking and plenty of folk music, you’ll start to wonder why you hadn’t been a part of this before.
• One of the key traditions passed down through generations in Bulgaria is their craftsmanship, in fact, Bulgarians are renowned for their skill in pottery, carpentry, textiles and embroidery. Head into any of the local villages or workshops to see the masters at work, the Village of Koprivshtitsa is particularly well-known for its handicrafts and you could even pick up some goods if something catches your eye.

Family friendly

Bulgaria is a fantastic destination for family holidays and being a relatively new, up and coming tourist pick, you can still enjoy it without the crowds. From being budget-friendly to boasting sandy beaches with shallow waters to the tons of outdoor adventures, holidays in Bulgaria will keep all the family happy.

• Bulgaria is home to a few impressive waterparks – the perfect way to keep cool on a hot day! Action Aqua Park in Sunny Beach has over 30 attractions including wave pools, chutes and flumes and indeed, a lazy river. Aqua Paradise in Nessebar is a bit bigger, boasting over 50 attractions with everything on offer from daredevil chutes like the Kamikaze and Freefall to Treasure Island for the younger ones and several different pools for splashing around.
• Another great day out for families is exploring Plovdiv Old Town. As one of Bulgaria’s oldest cities it’s a great adventure walking through the beautiful, cobbled streets taking in the fascinating blend of history and modern attractions. Head to the Roman Theatre and enjoy a family-friendly tour and you may even be lucky enough to catch a show.
• If you’re an active family a trip to the Sliven Waterfalls will be right up your street. Sliven is home to beautiful waterfalls, the Blue Rocks Nature Reserve and The Ekopark, all of which are rich in wildlife and natural beauty perfect for nature loving families. Enjoy a family hike along one of the many trails and even stop for a picnic (or two) along the way.

Places to go

From vibrant cities, sandy coastal towns and ancient ruins, Bulgaria is bursting with experiences for all holidaymakers. Whether you crave that relaxation, or the tourist hustle and bustle or you love an immersive deep dive into a new culture, you’ll find plenty of places to explore and things to do in Bulgaria.

• The capital is a must visit when on holiday in Bulgaria for its intriguing mix of the old and new is simply breathtaking. Sofia is home to an impressive array of historical sites showcasing its rich history throughout the different civilisations as well as a vibrant cultural scene with art galleries and modern shopping centres. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral might be one of the most famous sights as one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world known for its golden domes and beautiful colouring. The National History Museum is another top pick to dive into Bulgaria’s deep history.
• Varna, AKA the Sea Capital, is the largest beachfront city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast. It’s a great holiday pick because it blends sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife with history and culture. Spend the morning lazing around on Golden Sands beach, before heading to the Varna Archaeological Museum for a fascinating and educational afternoon, then hit one of the many restaurants in the centre and enjoy a cocktail or two as the sun sets.
• Nessebar is another must-visit in Bulgaria. This ancient town, in fact one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, will have you feeling as if you’re stepping back in time as you wander the cobbled streets and take in the impressive Byzantine architecture. There’s several ancient, well-preserved churches, including the St Sophia and St John the Baptist, as well as traditional wooden houses all contributing to the town’s UNESCO World Heritage status.

Things to see

Holidays in Bulgaria are an adventure – where ancient history meets natural beauty and every town has its own story to tell. From the timeless villages to the spectacular natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Bulgaria will leave a lasting impression.

• The Rila Monastery is one of Bulgaria’s most iconic landmarks and another one of Bulgaria’s many UNESCO sites. Sitting around two hours south of Sofia, it’s the largest Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria and an architectural masterpiece with its black and white striped arcades and incredible interior art. Sitting in Rila National Park it’s nestled in a peaceful area with beautiful forests and lakes just adding to its alluring charm.
• A gold mine for nature lovers, the Rila Mountains are home to seven incredible glacial lakes all uniquely shaped and named after that shape, e.g. the Tear or the Eye. There’s a variety of hiking trails that will take you around all seven lakes, through alpine meadows, past waterfalls and dramatic mountain peaks, while you enjoy the serene scenery. Once you reach the highest point at the Tear, you’ll enjoy simply incredible panoramic views where you’ll be able to see the other six lakes shimmering below you.
• The Belogradchik Rock is another must see on holiday in Bulgaria – it’s a seriously Instagram-worthy view. As a result of millions of years of wind and water, this jaw dropping collection of red sandstone and limestone rock formations stands as high as 200 metres at its highest point and they really look like something out of a fantasy movie. The Belogradchik Fortress has been partially built into the rocks and despite being centuries old, is still as impressive as ever. Enjoy the sweeping views over the Balkan mountains and find out all about the fascinating local legends.

Bulgarian cuisine

As you might expect with everything else we know about Bulgaria, Bulgarian cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition and boasts flavorful and hearty meals you’ll devour. A blend of Balkan, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, plus a focus on fresh ingredients and simple techniques, the result is something quite impressive.

• Fresh vegetables are a staple in Bulgarian dishes, particularly, tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and aubergine, as well as herbs and spices like parsley, dill and paprika for plenty of flavour. Chicken, lamb and pork are the most common meats you’ll find in recipes, alongside beans and lentils which are key for stews.
• Shopska salad is a national dish made from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, peppers and grated sirene cheese and it makes for a great refreshing and light lunch on a hot day.
• For a hearty and delicious dinner, Kavarma is a slow cooked stew in a rich tomato and paprika sauce with meat and vegetables. This is commonly served with white rice or chips, and perfectly complemented with a refreshing beer.
• For a sweet treat, trying baklava is a must! Layers of thin filo pastry filled with chopped walnuts and soaked in a sticky honey or sugar syrup glaze then baked to a crisp perfection – the result is a melt in your mouth sticky and sweet masterpiece.You’ll find this in almost all restaurants, shops and cafes.

Nightlife in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s nightlife scene offers something for every holiday-goer. Whether you’re looking for a full-blown party, fun beach clubs and live music, or a relaxed evening with a beautiful view and refreshing drink, holidays in Bulgaria offer it all.

• The nightlife in Sunny Beach is the ultimate party spot. Packed with beachfront bars, all-night clubs and international DJs, it’s a non-stop party central. Cacao Beach is a popular indoor-outdoor venue playing everything from R&B to Rock music, great for enjoying a drink and a boogie from dusk until dawn.
• Sofia’s nightlife is another popular pick. As the country’s capital, there’s much on offer with a mix of hip bars, dance clubs and an all-round buzzing energy. There’s even some hidden speakeasies and stylish cocktail bars that offer a real trendy vibe for a fun night out.
• For those who love a good night out but like a venue they can sit back and chat in, Nessebar is a good spot. Enjoy the quiet atmosphere with small cocktail bars dotted along the cobbled streets and majestic sea views.
• Varna’s nightlife mixes coastal with an urban vibe, where you can enjoy chilled out beach clubs by day and stylish cocktail lounges by night. Cubo Beach Bar is known for its boho vibe with beanbags on the sand, live DJs and chilled vibe, perfect to enjoy the sea views or welcome in the sun set.