Bulgaria

Bulgaria is best for...

Families: A popular choice for families with its wide range of choices, Bulgaria has something for everyone when it comes to multigenerational holidays. From calming holidays at the sun-kissed beaches and the majestic mountain scenery with serene waterfalls to ancient cities filled with centuries of culture and endless adventures in skiing and hiking spots, Bulgaria’s variety keeps people of all ages entertained.

Adventurers: The unique landscape of Bulgaria makes it one of the best destinations for those seeking some adrenaline rush in their holidays. Its many peaks offer a range of skiing and snowboarding locations for beginners and experts alike, while the rugged mountains are the hot spots for climbing and mountaineering. Fly high over Bulgaria from the country’s many paragliding spots or remain close to the waters with beautiful rivers fit for kayaking and rafting.

Explorers: Bulgaria has a lot to offer with its unique natural scenery, whether you experience it on foot or driving across the country. You can go for a hike in historic routes in Bulgaria’s highest peak and see the World Heritage-listed Rila Monastery or explore remote villages where you’ll be offered local food, the grape brandy rakia and the quieter side of the country. Or drive through the iconic landscapes, seeing everything from mountain ranges and the Valley of Roses to quaint towns and cliff-backed monasteries.

Getting around Bulgaria

By bus: Reliable and economical, buses offer extensive coverage throughout the country. There are regular services between cities, towns and some rural areas.

By train: Trains offer affordable and scenic alternatives to buses and cars. Although slower in comparison, its connections between major cities and smaller towns allow you to see some of the unique countryside of Bulgaria while travelling.

By air: Domestic flights may be limited, but they are the quickest way to travel between major cities like Sofia, Varna and Borgas. This is an especially popular option during the busy summer times.

By car hire: If you prefer to go sightseeing at your own pace, hiring a car is the best option for you. Bulgaria’s well-maintained road network allows easy access to popular destinations as well as the country’s hidden gems.

Fast facts for Bulgaria

Language: Bulgarian. Most people speak English in more touristy areas but make sure to bring a phrasebook or a translation app if you’re going to visit the off-the-beaten-path locations.

Currency: Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Local time: GMT+2

Fly to

· Sofia Airport: For visits to Borovets

· Plovdiv Airport: For visits to Pamporovo and Bansko

Flight time from the UK: Around 3 and a half hours.

Tourist Information: For more information on all Bulgaria locations, please visit the official tourism website here.

Visa/health: If you are a UK citizen and have a valid passport, you do not need a visa for Bulgaria holiday visits for up to 90 days. Visit the official UK travels website for restrictions, travel advice, visa requirements and health advice here.

Your Guide to Bulgaria holidays

Food & Drinks
Beaches
We Love
At a Glance

Food & Drinks

Bulgarian culinary traditions are extremely rich, both in their unique flavours and the centuries of history they carry. The list of must-try dishes is impossibly long, but some of our favourites include the cheese pastry banitsa for a satisfying breakfast, slow-cooked meat stew kavarma for a hearty dish and cold cucumber soup tarator to cool off during the summer heat.

Try the restaurants in Sofia where you can find authentic Bulgarian meals with local ingredients, or visit Mehana for a more rustic experience of the rich cuisine along with some local spirits.
Don’t forget to go wine tasting where you can sample indigenous grape varietals unique to the region.

Beaches

Bulgaria's stunning coastline offers long stretches of soft, silky sand and clear waters where you can enjoy the sun and get your tan on, or choose the adventurous route and try your hand at windsurfing along the Black Sea. The beaches are so unique in what they offer that the towns are named after them, with locations like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands calling for anyone who wishes to spend long days lounging by the sea.

The clue's in the name when it comes to Sunny Beach, where you'll find warm waters sheltered from the waves of the Black Sea by the curving bay, making it perfect for enjoying the calm. If you're looking for something more on the adventurous side, some jetskiing and paragliding is also possible - or remain on the shore and enjoy some beach volleybal and mini golf courses with the whole family.
Golden Sands is another such go-to destination, especially for those who are seeking a bit more excitement at the beach. The sandy beach is wide and long, with plenty of space for lounging, playing games or just going for a relaxing walk after a lively day. The stunning location makes it possible to enjoy a number of activities from scuba diving to parasailing, while the long stretch of beach offers plenty of space for volleyball and tennis games. You could even try your hand at driving quad bikes or archery!

We Love

The unique natural scenery in Bulgaria is vast and massive, making the country an ideal destination for nature lovers and families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the cities. With a wide range of national parks and tranquil lakes, you can go birdwatching and take some stunning photographs while the verdant forests and the serene Black Sea coast will offer you a rejuvenating retreat amidst nature’s embrace.

The country’s history is as lively as its natural beauties, often existing side by side along the cliffs and mountains. A visit to the ancient city of Nessebar will be an unforgettable experience that could only be rivalled by the stunning Roman Amphitheatre in Plovdiv. Bulgaria’s highest peak houses the ancient Rila Monastery, founded in the 10th Century, while the charming village of Dryanovo at the base of the Balkan Mountains boasts a stunning cliff-backed monastery dedicated to St Michael.

At a Glance

The average flight time from the UK to Bulgaria is 3 and a half hours.

There are flights from a majority of UK Airports to Bulgaria.

Bulgaria boasts a continental climate in the north and a Mediterranean climate in the south, where it tends to get hotter and drier during the summers.

travel advice

Get advice about traveling abroad, including the latest information on coronavirus, safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings on the

FCDO website.