Beaches, monasteries and mountains
Bulgaria holidays always come with a hint of adventure. Maybe it’s the fact that most of the signs are in Cyrillic. Maybe it’s the natural drama of turquoise seas, thick forests and wild mountains, where bears and lynx can still be found. Or maybe it’s the legacy of the past in a land fought over by Thracians, Romans, Bulgars and Turks. But Bulgaria is also straight-up fun. The Black Sea resorts – easily reached via a flight to Varna – offer warm sun, gentle sea breezes and drinks with a view, and are set up for an easy and well-priced beach holiday. For winter sports fans, Bulgaria’s equally affordable pistes are increasingly popular, and can be reached by a transfer from the capital, Sofia.
Sofia itself has a gentle energy that’s particularly noticeable on sunny days, when everyone seems to be out enjoying themselves. There are some good museums and a stunning cathedral, and it’s a fine base for exploring the rest of the country. The second city, Plovdiv, is the oldest continually inhabited city in Europe with great historic sites ranging from Roman remains to a charming Old Town and 19th-century mansions.
Many of those buildings are now galleries, shops and guesthouses, and a growing calendar of events and festivals is bringing more and more visitors to the city. Away from the coast and the cities, Bulgaria can be wonderfully wild. The Central Mountains boast dramatic peaks and remote monasteries with gorgeous wood carvings and frescoes. To the north you’ll find the Danube, great fortresses and more epic scenery. Head south and strange sandstone pyramids sprout near the border with Greece. Wherever you go, adventures beckon.
Need to know
Sofia
Bulgarian
Bulgarian Lev
GMT+2
2hrs 40mins
* Average time from London Gatwick to Sofia
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Your questions answered
Bulgaria has many beautiful beaches. Albena is considered the best beach resort in Bulgaria thanks to its still waters, golden sand, and extensive watersports offering. Albena beaches are perfect for families as the shallow water makes it ideal for paddling. Silistar beach is perfect for relaxing and comes with plenty of sunbeds and umbrellas to hire to ensure maximum comfort, as well as beach bars to keep you going with drinks and snacks. This beach is a short way from Sinemorets beach, just 10 kilometres.
Approximately 85% of the population speak the native language of Bulgarian. English is the second most commonly spoken language. Other popular languages spoken in Bulgaria include Italian, Spanish and French.
There are three main ski resorts in Bulgaria, all of which are suitable for first timers, beginners, and intermediate skiers. Additionally, there are a few smaller less developed resorts. Borovets and Bansko have the largest ski areas, but there are only three to five kilometres of black runs, which means that advanced skiers may find the resorts limiting.
The most well-known Bulgarian artist – Zahari Zograf – painted many murals and icons in several famous Bulgarian monasteries. You can find artwork by Zograf in the Rila Monastery, the Bachkovo Monastery, the Troyan Monastery, and more, and many are open to the public for viewing.
Bulgaria is home to many nightclubs and bars. Sunny Beach is a particularly popular area for a night out, and is known for world-famous DJ appearances.
Public transport is very affordable in Bulgaria. Sofia has a subway with two lines connecting to its city centre, as well as the airport, bus and train stations. In other cities, the public buses are very accessible and are considered the most common mode of transport for locals.