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Holidays in Bulgaria
Traditional beach resorts and glorious nature. With beach holidays for all tastes, watersports and some incredible scenery to explore (plus surprisingly good value for money), it's really no wonder that Turkey's northern neighbour has gained in popularity. Grown-up relaxation or family fun awaits with our wide selection of Bulgaria holidays
3-23 °C
From warm, dry summers on the Black Sea coast, to snowy winters on the Pirin Mountain ski resorts, take your pick of your favourite climate in Bulgaria.
3-3.5 hours
If you’re going to the Black Sea resorts, Bourgas airport lies 35km south of Sunny Beach and 40km northwest of Duni. If you’re heading to Bansko, fly to Sofia, 120km north.
Recommended offers in Bulgaria
Sunny Day Hotel
7 Nights, Bed & Breakfast
Hotel highlights
- Across the road from the beach
- Within walking distance of resort centre
- Two bedroom family rooms available
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 401 reviews
Thomas Cook Customer Rating
Based on 10 reviews
What is included ?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
- Return Transfers
£362
Step Hotel
7 Nights, Self Catering
Hotel highlights
- Within 350m of the beach and nightlife
- Wi-Fi in selected areas
- Two bedroom apartments available
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 81 reviews
Thomas Cook Customer Rating
Based on 2 reviews
What is included ?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
- Return Transfers
£380
Lion Hotel
7 Nights, Half Board Plus
Hotel highlights
- 200m from the beach
- Family rooms
- Two buffet restaurants
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 281 reviews
What is included ?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
- Return Transfers
£401
Palace Hotel
7 Nights, Half Board
Hotel highlights
- Just 50m to the beach
- Wi-Fi
- Comfortable rooms
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 669 reviews
Thomas Cook Customer Rating
Based on 9 reviews
What is included ?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
- Return Transfers
£401
Hotel Belleville
7 Nights, Half Board
Hotel highlights
- Quiet location away from the nightlife
- Weekly barbecue night
- Outdoor swimming pool
TripAdvisor Traveller rating
Based on 253 reviews
Thomas Cook Customer Rating
Based on 13 reviews
What is included ?
- 15kgs Standard Luggage Allowance
- ATOL Protection
- Resort service
- Return Transfers
£409
Bulgaria has some absolutely brilliant beaches with plenty of appeal for both families and adults travelling without children. The sand at lively Sunny Beach (the hub of holiday life here on the Black Sea coast) just seems to stretch on forever, and there's a delightful collection of beaches at classy Duni. Plenty of bars and restaurants and an array of watersports await, while visitors can discover the more traditional side of Bulgaria's coast in the picturesque seaside towns of Nessebar and Sozopol with their fascinating old architecture.
Rugged coastline aside, this is a country of inspiring natural scenery – forests, mountains, valleys and waterfalls abound, especially in Stranja National Park. Amongst the mountains are age-old villages, where life is slower, simpler and more peaceful. In Varna, the capital, sights are more cultural and include a beautiful cathedral. There's a quiet but strong culture in Bulgaria – local traditions are still observed in folk festivals all over the country, while authentic meals combine eastern European flavours with those of Turkey and Greece.
Bulgaria’s ski resorts mean that there’s plenty of year-round fun. In Bansko, experience top-class skiing and snowboarding with the charm of a traditional village. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site with quaint black-and-white houses and cobbled streets. At popular Borovets, Bulgaria’s first ski resort, you can enjoy the Pirin Mountains plus an easy trip to the famous Rila Monastery – it’s Bulgaria’s largest. Just 60 miles north of the Greek border, Pamporovo is Europe’s southern-most ski resort so you’re guaranteed around 250 sunny days a year.
BULGARIA IS BEST FOR...
Sun seekers: Enjoy a relaxing swim on Sunny Beach.
History lovers: Bask in the late afternoon sun as you stroll around the history-laden town Nessebar.
Skiers: Glide down the slopes in the ski resort of Bansko.
FAST FACTS
Language: The language spoken in Bulgaria is Bulgarian.
Currency: The currency used in Bulgaria is leva, but the Euro (€) is widely used.
Local time: Bulgaria is 2 hours ahead of GMT/UK time.
Fly to: If you’re going to the Black Sea resorts, Bourgas airport lies 35km south of Sunny Beach and 40km northwest of Duni. If you’re heading to Bansko, fly to Sofia, 120km north.
Flight time from UK: 3-3.5 hours
Tourist Information: Further Bulgaria tourist information can be found at http://bulgariatravel.org
Visa & Health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bulgaria for recommendations and advice on visas and health for your holiday to Bulgaria.
WEATHER AND CLIMATE
Temperature: 3-23 (°C)
Book your holiday for the summer to bask in glorious highs of 28 (°C), but remember to bring your brolly, as rainfall picks up during this time. Temperatures hover in the mid-teens during the spring and autumn which is perfect for exploring, while the cold and snowy winters are popular with winter sports fans.
GETTING AROUND
By bus: There’s a great network of high-speed buses and coaches to help you get around Bulgaria between most towns and cities, privately run, on good highways.
By hire car: Renting a car means that you can really get off the beaten track and explore the country’s hidden-away villages – although bear in mind that most signs are in Cyrillic.
By train: Why not take a leisurely train journey? In addition to domestic journeys, there are also buses and trains over international borders, to Turkey, Greece and Romania.
By taxi: Within all towns and cities, taxis will take you around – make sure the meter is switched on, and try and get your destination written in Bulgarian script in case the driver can’t speak English.
EVENTS
Easter: During Orthodox Easter families head to local churches and play games with coloured eggs on Holy Saturday.
Varna: In Varna, it’s a packed programme throughout the summer with music, theatre and folklore in outdoor stages across the city.
Folklore festival: The ancient capital, Veliko Tarnovo, stages its annual Folklore Festival where acts gather from all over the world in the picturesque medieval city.
Bansko: The mountainous resort Bansko enjoys the International Jazz Festival for a week in August, where the quaint old town becomes a hub of world musicians.
Roses are red: Harvests are widely celebrated – enjoy one of the sweetest ones, June’s Rose Festival in Kazanlak.
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