Bulgaria

The eight-kilometre stretch of vibrant shore in Bulgaria they call Sunny Beach has gained a solid reputation as the next big party capital, hot on the heels of Ibiza and Ayia Napa. That reputation is richly earned, because Sunny Beach is capable of offering just as much of the glorious sunshine, blazing nightlife and all-night beach parties as any of those leading nightlife hotspots elsewhere. To help matters more, it's often a great deal cheaper too.

Between classical Croatia, historic Bulgaria and the mysteries of Montenegro, this sublime collection of countries down by the Adriatic Sea, just east of Italy and north of Egypt, fuses natural wonders and cultural craftsmanship to sublime effect. If you simply have to see the most scenic sights out there, this handful of places should definitely be on your agenda.

Although the cities, woodlands and sunshine of Bulgaria are actively enjoyed by countless holidaymakers every year, it's the beaches that really entice us. Along the eastern edges of the country the coastline curls from Turkey's borders in the south to Romania's in the north. Huddled against the Black Sea, the shorelines are some of Europe's most glorious beach holiday destinations. Below, find a brief overview of what you can expect from Bulgaria's Black Sea coast.

Holidays to Bulgaria offer a fascinating mix of contrasts and this includes when sampling the delicious food and drink. There are a wide range of regional dishes which vary depending on the local landscape and what can be grown. And on top of that, national dishes have been developed over the centuries from Russian, Italian, Greek, Indian and Middle Eastern dishes. This makes traditional Bulgarian cuisine very tasty and extremely diverse.

Not only is Bulgaria great value for money, but there are many sites of cultural and historical importance to explore. If you're visiting the popular Black Sea Coast, head to the old town of Nessebar, an area affiliated with numerous civilisations. Many other UNESCO World Heritage Sites are scattered throughout the country, so take a look at our top picks.

Holidays in Bulgaria offer a range of cultural destinations from gorgeous seaside resorts like Obzor Beach, to several UNESCO World Heritage sites including the entire ancient town of Nessebar.

We all love Bulgaria for its warmth, superb beaches and lively atmosphere. But if you dig a little deeper, you can also uncover a history full of twists and turns, with echoes of the past that are still felt today. Like Turkey, Bulgaria's location makes it a meeting point between Europe and Asia, which gives the country plenty of individuality.

For many of us, a holiday to Bulgaria is an opportunity to relax by some of the most welcoming shores in Europe. But there's more to this country than relaxing on the shore of Obzor Beach or museum trips in Nessebar. Bulgaria is quickly becoming one of the top places for a skiing holiday. With that in mind, we've put together a brief guide of the best ski resorts in the country.

The largest resort in Bulgaria's northern Black Sea coast, your week at Golden Sands will be a mix of beach time and exciting nightlife, with natural parks, waterparks and health spas thrown in. Though there's easily enough here to fill seven days, neighbouring towns and cities also add to the variety and appeal.

A holiday to Bulgaria is a fun getaway, whether you're opting for the parties and sun of Sunny Beach or the cultural treasures of Nessebar. Bulgaria actually has several claims to fame, plus a long and often surprising history. Have a look at some of our Bulgarian fun facts to brush up on your trivia before your trip.