Bulgaria Holidays

Bulgaria may not be the first destination that springs to mind when you think of beach breaks, but it sure is a scorcher. With its coast meeting the Black Sea, the country has a wonderful selection of beautiful beaches, perfect for every type of holidaymaker. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing sun-soaked break, a culture trip, a family getaway or a wild party holiday – Bulgaria has it all.

Beaches
Situated by the Black Sea, Bulgaria has a number of charming beaches ready for you to discover. One of the most famous beaches is Sunny Beach, a long stretch of sandy shore with an array of bars and restaurants. This beach is popular with the younger crowd, but there also areas of it which are great for families. A lush beach in St Vlas, Marina Dinevi Beach has a Blue Flag certification and is a fine choice for those wanting a relaxing day by the harbour. A peaceful pick, Pomorie Beach is located between Nessebar and Burgas, and is a wonderful clean spot of shore with a very laid-back atmosphere.

Food & Drink
Fresh vegetables, meats and a variety of spices, Bulgarian cuisine is known for being tasty and exciting. Some dishes are similar to those in its neighbouring countries, but with its own Bulgarian twist. For example, moussaka is a popular dish in eastern Europe, much like a lasagne but filled with vegetables, eggs, and in Bulgaria it also features nutmeg and mushrooms. You’ll also find kebabs and mixed grills on most menus across the country, and if you’re looking for a snack, lukanka is a salami type meat eaten in slices. One of the most traditional local foods is banitza - a delicious cheesy, buttery pastry found pretty much everywhere you’d find snacks and baked goods! Rakia is the nation’s alcohol of choice, a strong spirit made from fermented fruit. Yoghurt is a celebrated snack in Bulgaria, but you can also get ayran, a chilled yoghurt drink which makes for a fantastic refreshment to cool you down in the hot weather.

Culture
Due to the country’s diversity, Bulgaria’s culture has Slavic, Greek, Persian and Ottoman influences, making it a wonderfully interesting place to be. There’s a great amount of religious buildings across the country, with jaw-dropping architecture and so much history behind them. Two of the most famous structures are the Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th Century and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Sofia – both of which are must-see landmarks for visitors. There are some unique festivals and celebrations in Bulgaria too. One is the Carnival of Kukeri, an ancient ritual to scare away evil spirits by dressing up (which is quite a show). They also ignore the rest of the world when it comes to Valentine’s Day, as for them the 14th February is their national vine-growers day, so they show love to their wine instead!

Nightlife
Sunny Beach is one of Bulgaria’s most popular holiday destinations, not only known for its shoreline but also its wild nightlife. In the daytime, you can explore the bars on the beachfront, or head to one of the beach parties that are held in the high season. In the evenings, the streets light up with bars, clubs and discos dotted across the city. Those who are here to solely party can go on organised bar crawls, as well as paint, boat and sundown parties, all of which are organised by the ‘Sunny Beach Party Crew’. For more peaceful evenings, Elenite is the perfect place to find chilled-out bars and restaurants for relaxing night time drinks.

Important Information
Flight Time: 3h 40m
Time Difference: +2 hours
Currency: Bulgarian Lev
Official Language: Bulgarian