Bulgaria Holidays 2026/2027

• Great-value holidays – Bulgaria offers excellent value with affordable hotels, food, drinks and activities, letting you enjoy a holiday with all the extras, without breaking the bank.
• Beautiful Black Sea beaches – From the long golden sands of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands to quieter stretches around Elenite and Obzor, Bulgaria’s coastline has beaches to suit all.
• Resorts to suit every holiday style – Choose lively Sunny Beach for nightlife and entertainment, laid-back Golden Sands for a mix of beach and nature, or Nessebar for a more relaxed stay with historic sites.
• History around every corner – Bulgaria is packed with ancient ruins, medieval towns and fascinating architecture- even an UNESCO-listed town that offers an easy way to combine a beach holiday with history.
• Hot, sunny summers – The Black Sea coast enjoys warm summers, with temperatures soaring into the high twenties in July and August, making it ideal for beach and pool days.

Beaches in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s beaches are seriously stunning – afterall, the Black Sea Coast isn’t well known for no reason!

• Sunny Beach is arguably Bulgaria’s most famous beach, known for its wide and soft golden sands and plenty of action. Lined with several bars and restaurants, even some nightclubs, it’s a great pick for those looking for a lively scene from sunrise to sunset.
• Golden Sands, in the Varna region, offers a quiet and scenic spot to lay out. As expected, the soft, golden sands here are magnificent, and being surrounded by a natural park, it’s endless beautiful views in any direction. It oozes romance with the surrounding luxury hotels and fine dining restaurants.
• Tsarevo Beach provides seclusion and tranquility. 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.

Places to go in Bulgaria

From vibrant cities, sandy coastal towns and ancient ruins, Bulgaria is bursting with experiences for all holidaymakers.

• The capital is a must visit for its intriguing mix of the old and new. Sofia is home to an impressive array of historical sites, including the iconic and well-known Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, showcasing its diverse past as well as its vibrant cultural scene with art galleries and modern shopping centres.
• Varna, AKA the Sea Capital, is the largest beachfront city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast, blending beaches and nightlife with history and culture. Laze around on Golden Sands beach, learn something new at the Varna Archaeological Museum, or enjoy an evening in one of the many restaurants and bars.
• One of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, Nessebar, makes you feel like you’re stepping back in time. Wander the cobbled streets and take in the impressive Byzantine architecture and seek out St Sophia and St John the Baptist, some of the most ancient but well-preserved churches.

Things to see in Bulgaria

From the timeless villages to the spectacular natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage sites, Bulgaria holidays are an adventure.

• One of Bulgaria’s most iconic landmarks and the largest Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria, the Rila Monastery is an architectural masterpiece with its black and white striped arcades and incredible interior art. Plus, being in Rila National Park, the beautiful forest and lake surroundings just add to its 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. A variety of hiking trails wind through the lakes, alpine meadows, waterfalls and dramatic mountain peaks.
• The Belogradchik Rock is the result of millions of years of wind and water – a collection of red sandstone and limestone rock formations that stand 200 metres tall. The Belogradchik Fortress has been partially built into it offering sweeping views over the Balkan mountains.

Nightlife in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s nightlife offers something for every holiday-goer – whether you’re after a full-blown party, beach clubs or a relaxed evening with a beautiful view.

• The nightlife in Sunny Beach is the ultimate party spot packed with beachfront bars, all-night clubs and international DJs. Cacao Beach is a popular indoor-outdoor venue playing everything from R&B to Rock music, great for enjoying a boogie from dusk until dawn.
• As the country’s capital, Sofia’s nightlife offers a variety 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 lively yet relaxed vibe, 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 and urban vibes, 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, live DJs and seaviews.

Food and drink in Bulgaria

Bulgarian cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition and is a blend of Balkan, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences, resulting in hearty meals.

• 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.
• Kavarma is a slow cooked stew in a rich tomato and paprika sauce with meat and vegetables, commonly served with white rice or chips – and perfectly complemented with a refreshing beer.
• For a sweet treat, try baklava! 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 sticky and sweet masterpiece.You’ll find it in almost all restaurants, shops and cafes.
• Mavrud wine is one of Bulgaria’s most iconic reds, produced mainly around Plovdiv and Asenovgrad. Made from native Mavrud grapes, it’s rich, bold, and full of dark fruit flavours that are best enjoyed with hearty dishes like lamb or pork. It’s the perfect evening companion, especially when shared over a long dinner in the cooler months.

Costs in Bulgaria

Prices in Bulgaria can vary depending on where you are staying, but here are some typical average costs:

• A three-course meal at a mid-range restaurant for two might cost around £18-£28, depending on the city or resort area.
• A small local beer typically costs £1.50-£2.50, a soft drink around £1-£1.50, a glass of wine £3.50-£5, and cocktails £5-£8.
• A short taxi ride of about 5 km usually costs £2.50-£5, with fares being slightly higher in Sofia.