Bulgaria Holidays

From discovering fascinating ancient ruins to braving exhilarating outdoor activities, there are so many amazing things to do on holidays to Bulgaria.

• Explore the capital: Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, has a fascinating mix of Roman, Ottoman and Soviet influences. Visit the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and delve into the ancient ruins of Serdica, a Roman city unearthed beneath Sofia's streets.
• Visit beautiful beaches: Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast boasts a collection of blissful beaches. You’ll find lively stretches with water sports in Sunny Beach, peaceful coves near Sozopol and family-friendly shores with shallow waters in Albena. Try to visit more than 1 during your getaway and make the most of soaking up the sunshine.
• Discover Nessebar: This historic town (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is famous for its charming Old Town. Wander the cobbled streets, admire ancient ruins and visit medieval churches dating back to the 5th century. When you’re ready to relax, head to one of Nessebar’s gorgeous beaches.
• Hike through Rila National Park: If you love outdoor adventures, pull on your hiking boots, escape the city and delve into the heart of Bulgaria's nature at Rila National Park. Hiking trails take you past alpine meadows, pristine lakes and ancient forests, with jaw-dropping mountain views. Book a tour that combines transport, a hike of the 7 Rila Lakes and a visit to the Rila Monastery to tick the top sights off your list.
• Enjoy outdoor activities: Bulgaria offers a host of amazing outdoor activities that will make your holiday extra special. Go scuba diving to search for underwater shipwrecks, take a hot air balloon ride over breathtaking valleys or tackle daring pistes at ski resorts like Bansko and Borovets.

Holidays to Bulgaria wouldn’t be complete without treating your taste buds to traditional Bulgarian cuisine. Here are a few of our favourites:

• Shopska salad: This refreshing and colourful salad is considered a national treasure in Bulgaria. It originates from the Shopluk region and combines chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions. White cheese is crumbled on top, adding a creamy contrast to the crisp vegetables. A drizzle of olive oil, vinegar and fresh herbs completes the dish.
• Banitsa: This flaky pastry is a staple in Bulgarian cuisine and is a popular breakfast choice. Layers of thin filo pastry encase a tasty savoury filling. The most common is cheese and eggs, but you’ll also find them stuffed with vegetables, meat and pumpkin.
• Tarator: This chilled yoghurt soup is perfect for beating the summer heat. Bulgarian yoghurt forms the base, flavoured with cucumber, dill, garlic, walnuts and olive oil. It's a refreshing and healthy dish, sometimes served with a dollop of red pepper paste for an extra kick.
• Meshana Skara: Translating to "mixed grill", this flavoursome feast can’t be missed. The hearty platter of grilled meats typically includes kebapche (grilled minced meat with spices) kyufte (similar to meatballs) and pork or chicken shish kebabs, served with grilled vegetables and a side of french fries.
• Sarmi: These delicious stuffed vine leaves are a staple across many cultures in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. In Bulgaria, grape leaves are stuffed with a mixture of ground meat, rice, onions and herbs. Order as a starter or main and dip them in yoghurt.

Bulgaria has hundreds of sandy beaches dotted across the country, from lively beaches in bustling holiday resorts to spectacular surfing spots.

• Albena Beach: This beautiful beach is located on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It boasts wide stretches of fine sand, shallow waters perfect for young children and well-maintained facilities with a variety of water sports, restaurants and bars.
• Sunny Beach: This is one of the most famous beaches in Bulgaria. Spanning over 8km, this gorgeous golden stretch is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The beach has a gentle slope and clear waters making it a great choice for families with little ones. Teens and adults can enjoy water sports like windsurfing, jet skiing and banana boat rides.
• South Beach: This is the most popular beach in Varna thanks to its wide stretch of golden sand, clear waters and lively atmosphere. Rent a sun lounger to relax on the beach, cool off from the heat with a refreshing dip in the Black Sea and take a break for lunch at one of the restaurants or cafés along the Primorski Boulevard.
• Golden Sands: This popular resort’s namesake beach is a must-visit and has everything you need. You can rent sun loungers and parasols, try water sports like parasailing and jet skiing, or sip on refreshing cocktails at the beach bars. If you’re looking for a peaceful place to laze the day away, head to the northern or southern ends of the beach, where it’s less crowded.
• Veleka Beach: This southern coast beach is a surfer's paradise. It offers consistent waves, particularly during autumn and winter, making it ideal for experienced surfers. It has a wide stretch of golden sand that meets the Veleka River mouth, providing an ideal place to lay your towel.

Bulgaria is a brilliant destination for beach holidays. Wondering where to stay? If you’re looking for sun, sea and sand, we’ve got you covered!

• Sunny Beach: This bustling resort is a hit with holidaymakers. It’s home to the longest beach in Bulgaria, making it an obvious choice for beach breaks. You’ll have everything you need (and more!) on your doorstep, including water sports, waterparks, amusement parks, restaurants, bars and a buzzing nightlife scene.
• Nessebar: Holidays to Nessebar combine beach relaxation with historical sightseeing. Start your day by exploring the UNESCO-listed Old Town, then unwind on the beach afterwards. Finish the day with a delicious meal at one of the beachfront restaurants.
• Golden Sands: Another top choice for beach holidays, Golden Sands is aptly named after its stunning stretch of golden sand and calm waters. If you’re looking for beach activities, you can try volleyball, jet skiing, parasailing or scuba diving to name a few. Base yourself at a beachfront hotel, so you’re never far from the action!
• Albena: If you’re after a more peaceful holiday, tranquillity awaits in Albena. This laid-back beach resort is known for its wide, sandy beach with shallow waters, perfect for young children. Well-maintained facilities like playgrounds and sports courts provide plenty of entertainment options. Beyond the beach, explore Albena's charming gardens and green spaces.
• Elenite: This is a great place to stay if you’re looking for a luxury beach holiday. The upscale resort has a collection of high-end hotels – some with on-site spas and direct access to the beach.

Bulgaria might be famous for its buzzing bars and nightclubs but there’s lots more on offer, from cosy jazz clubs to outstanding opera. Here’s our guide to the best Bulgaria nightlife:

• Open-air clubs and beach bars: During the summer months, the action spills onto the beaches. Sunny Beach is known for its open-air clubs and beach bars, where you can enjoy refreshing cocktails, dance under the stars and soak up the atmosphere. Mojito Beach Style in Golden Sands and Bedroom Beach Club in Sunny Beach are top picks.
• Live music: Beyond the club scene, Bulgaria offers lots of live music experiences. Cosy jazz bars, traditional folk music taverns and even rooftop restaurants with live bands cater to those looking for a relaxed but entertaining evening.
• On-site entertainment: Bulgaria has lots of amazing all inclusive hotels where you can enjoy evening entertainment without having to step foot outside. Themed nights, fun shows, DJ sets and acrobatics are all on the cards. There’s plenty of family-friendly entertainment too, with kids’ clubs, mini discos and film screenings.
• Traditional Bulgarian dinner and folklore show: Experience Bulgarian culture with a lively dinner show in Sofia. Savour a delicious meal of traditional dishes alongside a performance of folk music and dances in colourful costumes. This is a fun and interactive way to learn about Bulgarian traditions.
• Opera: For a sophisticated evening on the town, visit the National Opera and Ballet House in Sofia. Here, you can catch a world-class opera performance or ballet in a grand setting. Dress up for the occasion and enjoy the elegance of Bulgarian performing arts.

Bulgaria is a fantastic destination for a skiing holiday. From the epic slopes to affordable activities, here’s why we love skiing in Bulgaria:

• Affordable adventures: Bulgaria offers fantastic skiing experiences at a fraction of the price compared to other European resorts. Lift tickets, lessons and accommodation tend to be significantly cheaper, making it a budget-friendly ski destination .
• Beautiful Scenery: Bulgaria's ski resorts are nestled amongst the stunning scenery of the Rila Mountains. Enjoy a breathtaking backdrop at every turn as you carve your way down the slopes. Look out over mountain ranges, pine forests and snow-covered valleys.
• Off-piste activities: There's more to a Bulgarian ski holiday than just skiing. Many resorts offer a variety of off-piste activities, including snowshoeing, ice skating, traditional Bulgarian meals and great nightlife.
• Skiing in Bansko: Located in the Pirin Mountains, Bansko is Bulgaria's most popular ski resort. It boasts the longest ski season in the country, with reliable snow cover from December to April. Bansko offers a good mix of terrain for all abilities, with plenty of challenging runs for experienced skiers and a dedicated beginner area. Après-ski in Bansko is lively, with a good selection of bars and restaurants.
• Skiing in Borovets: This is the oldest ski resort in Bulgaria and is located in the Rila Mountains, just 80km from Sofia. It’s a great choice for family holidays as there are several slopes designated for beginners, plus a good selection of ski schools and childcare facilities.