WHEN planning a holiday, cheap beers and beautiful beaches are often high up on the list of things to look out for.
And there’s one destination in Europe that’s easy to get to, has some stunning stretches of shoreline and two litres of beer is less than a quid.
Bulgaria might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip away, but it’s becoming increasingly popular with Brits and other European tourists.
Tourists from the UK, Czechia, Germany, Poland and Romania are the most common visitors to the Balkan nation, which has almost recovered its tourism figures to pre-pandemic levels.
It’s not hard to see why, with its beaches some of the most underrated in Europe, its cities filled with amazing architecture and its drinks cheaper than a lot of other places in the continent.
Its locals are also playing their part, according to Rumen Draganov, director of the Institute for Analysis and Assessment in Tourism.
He told Euro News that the authentic experience the Bulgarian people offer guests is one that is not often found in other countries.
He said: “Visitors are surprised by what they see. Unlike in the big European cities, where you can meet people of all nationalities, in Sofia, the people on the streets are mostly locals, and most are very friendly.
“You can easily find company in a park in Sofia and spend a great evening sitting in front of the National Theatre with a two-litre bottle of beer that will cost you less than €1 (90p).
“Bulgaria is a country where you can have fun and a good life – hopefully, we don’t lose it.”
The most famous sites in the capital city include St Alexander Nevski cathedral, the Vitosha Boulevard shopping area and the Ivan Vazov National Theatre.
However, there’s also the Boyana Waterfall and Vitosha Mountain nearby, for those who want to combine their city break with some exploration.
However, arguably the best of the country’s nature can be seen out towards the coast, with the likes of Sunny Beach, Albena Beach and Silistar Beach all among a number of places where the Black Sea Coast impresses visitors.
The seaside town of Sozopol is one of the most popular places among tourists, where walls of an ancient fortress can be found overlooking the sea.
One visitor wrote of the town on TripAdvisor: “The views around the town are stunning especially the old Fort. Cobbled streets & wooden houses with museums. Well worth a visit.”
Another guest claimed the town’s beach was the “best in Bulgaria”, which is quite a bold claim considering the other coastal destinations on offer.
Sunny Beach is arguably the best known and is a popular place for stag and hen parties, as it has something of a party town reputation.
However, much more peaceful seaside stays are available in places like Albena, which is described as “undiscovered” by Mail Online.
World Beach Guide praised its warm and clear waters that have contributed to the beach picking up awards.
They said: “This beautiful expanse of fine golden sand stretches for three miles and is largely backed by the woodland of the Baltata National Reserve.
“Despite being on the Black Sea coast the water is anything but black here. Maybe the ‘crystal clear azure coast’ would have been a more appropriate name as this beach is the proud owner of a Blue Flag award.”
One visitor wrote on Holiday Truths: “Albena is a small and quiet resort compared to its big brothers Sunny Beach and Golden Sands.
“Lot’s of trees, gardens and open space.”
Return flights to Bulgaria can be found from around £25 return and take just over three hours.
A hotel for two people in the capital Sofia can be found for around £30 a night, while prices at seaside destinations aren’t much different.
Meanwhile, this European city has been described as “ideal” for a family break.
And this city in Bulgaria has been dubbed “little Vienna”.
