Bulgaria is the beach underdog, with loads of coastal resorts, gorgeous scenery and spicy kebapches that're calling your name.

Holidays to Bulgaria 2026

• Beautiful coast and rugged mountains - get a destination that can do both

• Multiple UNESCO sites (so you can impress your friends and fam with a bit of history)

• A swimmer's paradise, with lakes and rivers just begging for a dunk

• Great value - you can get a meal for two for the equivalent of around £35!

Best beaches for your Bulgaria holidays

Bulgaria might not be the first place that comes to mind when we say 'beach holiday', but is sure as heck should. We mean, it's literally got a beach called Sunny Beach and another called Golden Sands. Clearly, they know their way around a bit of coast around here. Give these hotspots a whirl:

• Sunny Beach – THE coastal hotspot for fun and games along the Bulgarian Riviera, with watersports, a ton of bars and thrumming nightlife that goes down a treat with the youngsters (and the young-at-heart)

• Golden Sands Beach – a proper long stretch with - you guessed it - golden sands! It's the perfect place for a bit of flop-and-drop, and it's got some fab facilities in the area if you fancy a shopping spree or a night on the town

• Albena Beach - a beaut of a beach with fine sands, FREE sunbeds and parasols, a choice of sports and shallow waters perfect for paddling kiddos

• Silistar Beach - tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this 1km-long stretch is proof that good things do come in small packages, with rugged landscapes for a bit of shelter, primo conditions for kayaking and paddle-boarding, and a big wooden swing (Bali-style), for the perfect Insta pic

• Bolata Bay - a wild and rustic beach where there's no music - just the sound of the sea, with an ice cream truck for snacks, and steps leading up to a rocky clifftop where you can admire the 10/10 views

• Irakli Beach - recognised as one of Bulgaria's most aesthetic beaches, with minimal facilities (including in the swimwear department, because it *is* a 'clothing optional' beach - just a heads up!), but the clear waters, soft sands and forest-like surroundings are all you need for a chilled-out time

What are the top hotels for your holidays to Bulgaria?

Who says you have to break the piggy bank to have a jolly good time? Not us, and definitely not these cheap Bulgaria holidays we've picked out. With beaches to boot and loads to do in the area, these hotels bring the best of both worlds:

• Mena Palace Hotel - a treat for the whole fam, where you can swing clubs at mini golf, let the kiddos run wild on the playground, take a dip in the outdoor pool and slurp something fruity from the beach-themed cocktail bar

• Nobel - in a cracking location close to some fab beaches and just a 30-min stroll from Nessebar Old Town, this place has an on-site pool to dunk into, a Serbian restaurant to get your taste buds dancing, and a spa for a cheeky pamper sesh

• Melia Sunny Beach Resort - with three outdoor pools, a mini waterpark, a private beach and a load of dining options (we're talking sausages, sauerkraut and baked potatoes in the beer garden), this place has everything you need, and a few things you didn't know you needed

• Sol Nessebar Palace - five-star treatment and family fun combined, with pools (and waterslides) galore, play areas for the kids and tons of food options - including an Italian restaurant and an ice cream stand at the beach

• Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa - Adults Only - a boujee little sanctuary away from the kiddos (hey, we're not judging!), with infinity pools, a swim-up bar, a lush spa and even on-site Pilates classes. All about that self-care!

• Grand Hotel Sunny Beach - a beachfront beaut in Sunny Beach, with an outdoor pool for dunking into, a kids' corner, a buffet-style restaurant and an Irish pub to keep the good times rolling

Pssssst. We've got bucketloads of last-minute deals for you to get your paws on. You could be on holiday as soon as next week. Fancy it?

Bulgaria holidays 2026 travel guide

Things to do in Bulgaria for families

Bulgaria is a total winner for family holidays, mainly because it’s super wallet-friendly (hello, cheap ice creams!). But it’s also packed with fun stuff that’ll keep the kiddos smiling all week... or fortnight... or month, heck, we respect all jollies round here.

• Action Aquapark - located in Sunny Beach, this place is massive with a mini zoo and rides that are screaming good fun.

• Old Nessebar - take a little train ride to this ancient town; it’s like a history lesson but with cool ruins and ice cream shops.

• Khan’s Tent - a dinner show with acrobats and dancers that will have the kids’ jaws on the floor – a proper good night out.

• Sea Garden - head to Varna or Burgas for these huge parks right by the beach, perfect for a run-around or a chilled picnic.

Things to do in Bulgaria for couples

If you want a couples' getaway that doesn't break the bank, holidays to Bulgaria are the one. You can get boujee for less here, with spa days and sunset dinners that feel top-tier.

• Pomorie Mud Baths - get messy together in the healing muds – it’s great for the skin and guarantees a laugh (and a funny photo).

• Nessebar Old Town - wander the cobbled streets at sunset and find a seaside restaurant for a romantic dinner with a view.

• Sozopol - a bit quieter and super charming, perfect for strolling hand-in-hand along the wooden houses and rocky coast.

• Varna Thermal Baths - treat yourselves to a spa day in the natural mineral waters – total relaxation vibes.

Things to do in Bulgaria for groups

Let’s be real, Sunny Beach is legendary for a reason. If you are here for a group holiday, the nightlife is an absolute must and the drinks prices are cheap as chips.

• Flower Street - the heart of Sunny Beach nightlife; it’s neon lights, loud music and bar crawls that go on 'til sunrise.

• Boat Parties - get the squad on a party boat for an afternoon of tunes, dancing and jumping into the Black Sea.

• Paintballing - if you need a break from the booze, shoot it out with your mates in the forest – loser buys the first round.

• Casino Varna - feeling lucky? Get dressed up and hit the tables for a swanky night out that feels a bit James Bond.

Things to do in Bulgaria for foodies

Bulgarian food is hearty, fresh and absolutely delish. It’s not just kebabs (though they are good); the local scene is full of flavour bombs you need to try.

• Banitsa - flaky pastry filled with cheese and eggs – grab one from a bakery for the ultimate breakfast of champions.

• Shopska Salad - super fresh tomatoes, cucumber and peppers covered in a mountain of grated white cheese – simple but elite.

• Traditional Mehanas - visit these rustic taverns for live folk music and slow-cooked stews that taste like a hug in a bowl.

• Rakia - the local fruit brandy is serious rocket fuel – sip it slowly at the start of your meal like a true local.