Bulgaria Holidays

Destination highlights

Jump to...

Beaches | Hotels | Nightlife | Food & drink | Events | Things to do | Weather | Important information | Reviews |

What are the best beaches in Bulgaria?

Break the mould with a beach holiday in Bulgaria, where the Black Sea coast is home to these stunning seashores that cater to every taste:

• Sunny Beach – The number one destination for partying by the sea, where kids play by day and world-class DJs rule the night. It also has good wheelchair access with wide pavements and dropped kerbs.
• Golden Sands Beach – A sociable beach famous for its pure sands and beautiful views, it’s a hub for water sports fans.
• Pomorie Beach - Clean water and calm surroundings make this beach a top spot for relaxation.
• Kavatsite Beach - Close to the historic town of Sozopol, with safe shallows ideal for kids to swim.
• South Beach - The UNESCO-protected sand dunes of this Nessebar beach are a treat for nature lovers.
• Irakli Beach - A chilled-out place to escape the crowds and take a dip in the warm and clear water.

What are the top hotels in Bulgaria?

You won’t need to compromise on your Bulgaria holidays, as the country’s beach-side resorts promise heaps of fun in the lap of luxury. Get the best of both worlds here:

What’s the food like in Bulgaria?

Hearty stews, salads, and pastries are among the country’s most traditional dishes, and in summer you’ll also find these tasty Balkan treats:

• Tarata - A cool soup flavoured with cucumber, yoghurt, and herbs.
• Lozovi Sarmi - Vine leaves stuffed with flavourful rice, mince, and veggies.
• Banitsa - The nation’s favourite snack, layers of eggs and cheese baked into filo pastry.
• Kebapche - Bulgaria’s take on the classic kebab, topped with local Sirene cheese.
• Kiselo Mlyako - You’ll find this creamy yoghurt served everywhere, and it’s packed with probiotic goodness.

All Inclusive holidays to Bulgaria can come complete with an incredible range of resort restaurants but if you’d like to check out some extra local flavour, try these dining spots:

• Magdalena, Golden Sands - Local seafood dishes await you at this charming and affordable location away from the crowds.
• Tivoli, Sozopol - This sea-side restaurant serves traditional Bulgarian dishes on a terrace with fantastic views.
• Khan’s Tent, Sunny Beach - Chow down on meaty BBQ treats while you take in a spectacular show in a big-top ten
• Organdga, Varna - Everyone can enjoy delicious plant-based and gluten-free Bulgarian treats at this charming lunch spot.
• Castro Mesembria, Nessebar - A romantic location for date night, serving local dishes in an ancient manor house.

Where is the best nightlife in Bulgaria?

Party people should head to Sunny Beach, where there are more clubs than you can shake a glowstick at! Other resorts along the coast offer their own mix of dance spots and more relaxed options. Here are our hot picks for both:

• Cacao Beach Club, Sunny Beach - Ibiza comes to Bulgaria at this nightclub, where international DJs regularly play right on the sands.
• Michael’s Eco Bar, Nessebar - The entrance to this hidden gem may look plain, but inside you’re greeted with magical forest decor complete with cocktails by a terrapin pool. A unique evening for kids and adults alike.
• Bulgarian Forest Fiesta, Varna - A full evening extravaganza, complete with traditional food, drink, and cabaret acts.
• Bar Sunrise, Sunny Beach - The LGBTQ+ scene in Bulgaria remains fairly underground, but the Sunny Beach area welcomes people from all walks of life. Meet the locals and enjoy some drag or karaoke at this friendly bar.

What events can I go to in Bulgaria?

The country’s national calendar is packed with weird and wonderful celebrations of local culture. If you’re wondering when to book your 2022 holiday to Bulgaria, why not plan around one of these coastal events?

• Lazaruvane (April) - Villages and towns across the country hold Easter parades where young women display traditional costumes and dance.
• Sea and Memories (May) - Musicians from Bulgaria and across the globe play songs dedicated to the sea-loving life at this Varna festival.
• Sand Sculptures Festival (July) - This great event for families sees awe-inspiring sand creations hit the beach near Burgas.
• July Morning (July) - Your chance to mingle with the locals as they flock to the coast on the first day of the month for bonfire beach parties.
• International Folklore Festival (August) - A colourful event in Burgas showcasing unusual Bulgarian customs with parades and shows.
• Apollonia Arts Festival (August–September) - Sozopol plays host to a whole season of events celebrating contemporary art in all its forms.
• Autumn Passages Festival (October) - Nessebar puts on this annual event to celebrate all things fishing, including seafood cookery contests and folk dancing.

What is there to do in Bulgaria?

Sail away the day

Get out on the water with a catamaran cruise from Sunny Beach, where your friendly guide will take you for a relaxing day trip. You’ll be fed and watered before getting the chance to swim and snorkel by the boat, and often a local pod of dolphins will make an appearance too!

Slip, slide, and ride

Thrill-seekers have plenty of options along the coast, whether you’d like to stay dry or keep cool in the water. The Luna Park has rollercoasters for riders big and small, and the Action Aquapark is full of fun ways to get wet ‘n’ wild!

Take the plunge

Go diving on your holiday to Bulgaria and you’ll discover a gateway to underwater secrets that will satisfy even the most adventurous of swimmers. Get your diving gear on at centres along the coast and explore the sub-aquatic stone forest, or swim the halls of many haunting shipwrecks.

Float like a butterfly

If you’ve got a family of curious animal lovers, the Butterfly House in Varna is a lovely day out on cheap holidays to Bulgaria. You’ll get the chance to see lots of colourful critters up close, and take some enviable family photos.

What's the weather like in Bulgaria?

The sunniest season runs from May to September, which is when the coastal resorts really come alive. If you’re considering a last-minute holiday to Bulgaria in the winter, you can expect temperatures to drop quite significantly.

Important Information about travelling to Bulgaria

How long does it take to fly to Bulgaria?

Flights from the UK to Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast take around five hours.

What’s the time difference between the UK and Bulgaria?

Bulgaria is two hours ahead of the UK.

What currency do they use in Bulgaria?

The official currency of Bulgaria is the Bulgarian lev (BGN).

What language do they speak in Bulgaria?

Bulgarian is the official language, though you will find many English speakers in the tourist areas.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Bulgaria?

Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.

Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Bulgaria?

There is currently no tourist tax to pay in Bulgaria

Will Covid-19 affect my holiday to Bulgaria?

We are currently closely following the Covid-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Bulgaria on the FCO website.

Customer reviews

At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers to Bulgaria for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.