Bulgaria holidays

Bulgaria has a history stretching back 7,000 years, and hasn’t changed its name since it was first established in 681 AD.

This small and hospitable country offers scenic splendour, historic landmarks, superb hiking and numerous skiing opportunities, all easily explored whether you opt for a cheap holiday package or an all-inclusive deal.

Boasting more than 370km (232 miles) of glorious coastline and a string of Blue Flag beach resorts, the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast has become a major beach holiday destination. Sunny Beach, located 35km (21 miles) north of Burgas, is the liveliest resort town and a popular party destination, but its massive water park means it also appeals to families with young children.

For a quieter holiday experience, head to Albena in the north, or Sozopol in the south. The best-kept secret of the Black Sea Coast has to be its spa resorts, with the mineral-rich mud baths found here allegedly preventing wrinkles.

Reliable snowfall and affordable après-ski options make Bulgaria a burgeoning ski destination in Europe. In the heart of the Rhodopi Mountains, Pamporovo ski resort attracts beginners and early intermediates to its gentle and sheltered slopes.

Bansko is another popular ski resort; it caters to skiers of all ability levels and is popular with families. The ski season runs from mid-December to mid-April – you can find and compare prices on the TravelSupermarket website to find the cheapest all-inclusive ski packages for the winter season in 2024 and beyond.

Holidaying in Bulgaria is like taking a journey through the ages. There are often great cheap city break deals on offer to the capital city Sofia, where the ancient ruins of Serdica rub shoulders with the neo-byzantine style Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

A short distance away, in the deep valley of Rilska amid dense pine forest, the majestic Rila Monastery is a 10th century Eastern Orthodox monastery with brightly coloured frescoes.

Bulgaria has four distinct seasons. Spring is warm, summer is long and hot, autumn is pleasant with stunning foliage, and snow falls abundantly during the winter.

Although each season attracts different types of visitors, summer is by far the most popular travel season. The months of February to May are considered the low season and can be marginally cheaper.

Local and international artists will grace the Jazz Festival in August. The midnight jazz programme that runs till the early morning hours is a firm favourite among festival-goers.

In the same month, the sound of bagpipes echoes off the mountainsides in Gela, in the south of the country. With the aim of promoting Rhodope folklore, a bagpipe contest attracts players of all ages.

Responsible for producing 85% of the world’s rose oil, the Rose Valley in Bulgaria celebrates this beautiful blossom in the first week of June with a parade and the crowning of a Rose Queen.

Currency: Bulgarian lev (лв)

Capital city: Sofia

Language: Bulgarian

Key phrase to learn: Nazdrave! (Cheers! To your health!)

Time difference: Bulgaria is two hours ahead of the UK

Average flight time: 3 hours.

International phone code: +359

Emergency services number: 112

Public holidays: New Year’s Day (January 1), Liberation Day (March 3), Orthodox Good Friday (Friday before Orthodox Easter Sunday), Labour Day (May 1), Saint George's Day (May 6), Saints Cyril and Methodius Day (May 24), Unification Day (September 6), Independence Day (September 22), Revival Day (November 1), Christmas Eve (December 24), Christmas (December 25-26).

Link to FCO travel advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/bulgaria