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.

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.

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.