Bulgaria holidays

Many overlook Bulgaria’s understated capital in favour of more illustrious European cities, but Sofia has a quiet beauty to rival its glossier cousins.

On the shores of the Black Sea, this underrated Bulgarian city packs in golden beaches, charming waterfront parks and plenty of fresh seafood feasts.

Glistening sandy shorelines await in Varna. And with its thermal springs, Roman ruins and Ottoman-inspired architecture, this Bulgarian charmer offers more than just great beach days.

Seeking out the remnants of ancient civilisations is one of the main things to do in Bulgaria. Head to Sveshtari to visit a circa 300 BC burial chamber with statues and murals. See prehistoric artefacts at Sofia’s Serdika II Metro Station, unearthed during construction. And explore what remains of a stadium that once held 7,000 cheering Romans right in the middle of Plovdiv.

Bulgaria is Europe’s not-so-well-kept ski secret for snowbirds who love the grandeur of a European winter holiday without the sky-high price tags. The town of Bansko, located at the foot of the Pirin Mountains, is the country’s heavy hitter when it comes to ski slopes. Its namesake resort boasts 75 kilometres of ski runs, 14 lifts and some pristine powder.

Bulgaria’s cultural traditions have survived centuries, including 45 years of communist rule. In winter, attend festivals featuring the Kukeri ritual, in which participants don masks and striking costumes made of animal fur to drive out evil spirits. And keep your eye out for intricate wood carvings, weavings and embroidery, all Bulgarian specialities found in artisan markets.

The 380 kilometres of gorgeous coastline along the Black Sea is home to the best beaches in Bulgaria. Party it up at Sunny Beach, where beachgoers hit the many nearby nightclubs after the sun goes down. Or check out pristine Bolata Beach, ringed in picturesque cliffs as part of the Kaliakra nature reserve.

Carpeted in dense forest and bordered by the Black Sea, Bulgaria’s landscape offers diverse experiences. Explore alpine meadows and caves in mountainous Pirin National Park. Hike the Seven Rila Lakes for breathtaking views of the pristine pools. And visit the semi-arid Pobiti Kamani Natural Monument to see a ‘stone forest’ of sandstone columns.

Bulgarian cuisine is heavily influenced by neighbours Turkey and Greece. Don’t miss popular dishes like ‘banitsa’, a flakey cheese pastry. Grilled meats and ingredients like feta, olives and yoghurt are big here. You’ll find some of the best restaurants in Bulgaria in Sofia and Plovdiv and along the coast. Journey inland to the Thracian Valley to sample wine at some of Europe’s oldest vineyards.

The best museums in Bulgaria lean into the country’s rich history, such as the immersive Etar Open Air Museum, which recreates pre-industrial village life. One of the country’s top cultural attractions is the medieval Rila Monastery, an architectural feat decorated in stripes and murals. For something newer, visit the Kapana creative district in Plovdiv, which hums with galleries and art happenings.

The best time to visit Bulgaria depends on your motivation. If you want to ski or snowboard, visit in winter when the mountains are coated in world-class powder. For sunbathing and water sports, aim for summer. But if neither of these are on your Bulgaria bucket list, skip the extreme weather and crowds and visit in spring or autumn.

Cheap holidays in Bulgaria don’t mean skimping on frills. An inexpensive meal will cost you about 18 Bulgarian leva (лв), and you can order a coffee or local beer for about лв4. The average short taxi ride costs less than лв6, while in the major cities, public transport is even less expensive.