Holidays 
Cruises 
Flights 
Hotel Only 
Deals 
Destinations 
Extras
Experiences
Travel information
Help CentreList
7 nights
Your ultimate guide to Bulgaria
Banking on Bulgaria for your next break? Here’s what you need to know.
Bulgaria is one of Europe’s most affordable holiday destinations, with Black Sea beaches, budget-friendly hotels and an impressive mix of historic cities and mountain scenery. Tempted? Your Bulgaria travel guide starts here. Stick with us for the lowdown on where to go, what to do and what to eat.
Check out our holidays to Bulgaria.
Check out our holidays to Bulgaria.
The best time to visit Bulgaria
Honestly, it depends on your holiday vibe. If you’re all about sunshine, sea swims and making the most of those long summer days, July and August are the sweet spots. Temps can reach 30°C during these months, and the sea is warm enough to dive straight into.
Travelling with little ones or prefer your sunshine with a softer edge? June and September are your best bets. You’ll still get plenty of gorgeous weather, with temps hovering in the low to mid-20s – perfect for exploring if you ask us.
Travelling with little ones or prefer your sunshine with a softer edge? June and September are your best bets. You’ll still get plenty of gorgeous weather, with temps hovering in the low to mid-20s – perfect for exploring if you ask us.
The best beaches in Bulgaria
With almost 400km of Black Sea coastline, Bulgaria has a beach for pretty much every kind of traveller. You’ll find everything from secluded, unspoilt stretches of sand made for switching off to buzzing beaches where the atmosphere picks up after dark.
First up is Sunny Beach, the country’s big-name resort. Its huge stretch of sand comes with watersports, beach bars and plenty going on from AM to PM.
Then there’s Golden Sands, which – spoiler alert – really does live up to its name. Set in the Varna region, this Blue Flag beach is backed by hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, so everything you need for an easy beach break is right nearby.
If you’re more of an adventure seeker, base yourself at Primorsko North Beach and give windsurfing or surfing a go. Skip the summer high season (July and August) in favour of June and September, when the sea’s calmer and the crowds are more low-key.
First up is Sunny Beach, the country’s big-name resort. Its huge stretch of sand comes with watersports, beach bars and plenty going on from AM to PM.
Then there’s Golden Sands, which – spoiler alert – really does live up to its name. Set in the Varna region, this Blue Flag beach is backed by hotels, bars, restaurants and shops, so everything you need for an easy beach break is right nearby.
If you’re more of an adventure seeker, base yourself at Primorsko North Beach and give windsurfing or surfing a go. Skip the summer high season (July and August) in favour of June and September, when the sea’s calmer and the crowds are more low-key.
The best places to visit in Bulgaria
Plovdiv
For history lovers, Plovdiv has to be top of the list. With around 8,000 years of the stuff, it’s seriously old-school, and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Plovdiv has seen pretty much everything, from Roman and Ottoman rule through to communism, with each era leaving its mark.
And the wildest part? Here, history isn’t just something you visit. It can literally be right under your feet. Head to the Roman Stadium, where ancient ruins sit beneath the modern city centre, or visit the Roman amphitheatre, perched on the slopes of the Three Hills. Talk about showing off…
Sofia
The capital, Sofia, has so much going on, from Roman ruins and huge cathedrals to communist-era architecture. Where to begin? If you want our take, start on Vitosha Boulevard, the city’s main strip, and take in the mountain views before wandering off to find Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sveta Sofia Church and Sveti Georgi Rotunda. Thirsty? Make a pit stop at the Central Mineral Baths and fill your bottle with natural spring water. Yes, that’s really a thing.
Check out our holidays to Sofia.
For history lovers, Plovdiv has to be top of the list. With around 8,000 years of the stuff, it’s seriously old-school, and one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Plovdiv has seen pretty much everything, from Roman and Ottoman rule through to communism, with each era leaving its mark.
And the wildest part? Here, history isn’t just something you visit. It can literally be right under your feet. Head to the Roman Stadium, where ancient ruins sit beneath the modern city centre, or visit the Roman amphitheatre, perched on the slopes of the Three Hills. Talk about showing off…
Sofia
The capital, Sofia, has so much going on, from Roman ruins and huge cathedrals to communist-era architecture. Where to begin? If you want our take, start on Vitosha Boulevard, the city’s main strip, and take in the mountain views before wandering off to find Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sveta Sofia Church and Sveti Georgi Rotunda. Thirsty? Make a pit stop at the Central Mineral Baths and fill your bottle with natural spring water. Yes, that’s really a thing.
Check out our holidays to Sofia.
Which language is spoken in Bulgaria?
Bulgarian is the official language of Bulgaria, and English is widely spoken. But don’t assume you can get by everywhere speaking English. Learning a few phrases like ‘blagodarya’ (thank you) and ‘zdraveyte’ (hello) could be just the ticket to breaking the ice with the locals. Bonus points if you nail the pronunciation.
What food should I try in Bulgaria?
Pack your appetite because Bulgarian food is hearty and full of flavour. Start with Shopska salad, a Bulgarian classic made with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, peppers and plenty of tangy grated cheese. Think of it as the Mediterranean salad’s cooler Bulgarian cousin.
Want to satisfy your sweet tooth? We can’t judge. Tikvenik is a traditional pastry filled with pumpkin purée, sugar, walnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pair it with a coffee, and you’re golden.
Want to satisfy your sweet tooth? We can’t judge. Tikvenik is a traditional pastry filled with pumpkin purée, sugar, walnuts, cinnamon and nutmeg. Pair it with a coffee, and you’re golden.
Making a break for Bulgaria?
Check out all our Bulgaria holidays.
More inspo, incoming... See our top tips for travelling on your own with kids , how to get cheap flights and the best beach holiday destinations.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Laura Wilkinson
Last updated: 29.09.2026
Check out all our Bulgaria holidays.
More inspo, incoming... See our top tips for travelling on your own with kids , how to get cheap flights and the best beach holiday destinations.
Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.
Author: Laura Wilkinson
Last updated: 29.09.2026