If you’re already pondering your spring or summer holidays, you might think about jetting off to the Italian or French Rivieras, such as Nice or Cannes.
But if you fancy landing somewhere just as pretty, with golden sand, summer temperatures and coastal views for your eyes to feast on, you should be heading to Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast.
While travellers often embark on trips to Bulgaria’s snowy mountains for skiing adventures at this time of year, it’s worth looking ahead to summer for those of us dreaming of spending all day at the beach.
And Bulgaria’s remarkably affordable prices make it one of the few European holiday destinations that won’t burn a hole in your pockets.
How to get to the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
There are two hotspots you should consider when choosing the place to catch the summer’s rays this year. The two largest cities and main seaports on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast are Varna in the north, and Burgas on the southern coast.
If you’re flying from the UK, Wizz Air offers nonstop flights from London to Varna, with tickets from £54.
Alternatively you can fly with Ryanair to Burgas without stopovers, with prices starting from £87.
When to visit
Bulgaria’s Riviera stretches for more than 350km along the eastern part of the Balkan country.
The region is blessed with beautiful weather, with average air temperature in the summer usually peaking around 28°C, and average water temperature at 26°C — so you’ll need to pack sunscreen and swimwear.
The streets are beautifully cobbled and the buildings that line the street look like attractions themselves. The backdrop of the sea will also help you feel right at home.
Peak season runs from July to August, but you can visit anytime between May and September and still live your summer fantasy.
Plus, during the shoulder season resorts are much less crowded.
Where to stay
Burgas, the busiest area in the south, boasts a city centre lined with bars and cafés. The Grand Hotel & Spa Primoretz is ranked number one for best value on TripAdvisor .
A repeat customer named Janka left a five-star review on the website, gushing about how the hotel is ‘the best one in Burgas because of its location near the beach, sea garden, port with nice restaurants, and also near the city centre’.
The hotel also gets a shout out for ‘well kept rooms’ and ‘nice furniture’.
Booking.com is currently running a deal for two guests to spend a night at the hotel for £103, while Expedia has its own deal for just £1 more.
If you choose to stay in Varna, the Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel has a four-star rating on Booking.com and is ranked number one on the site. Prices start from £100.40 per night.
Former guest Kristalina gave the hotel a 9.0 score and said: ‘Excellent location. A Spacious, quiet and clean room with an amazing view.
‘The breakfast contains a big variety of food to any taste and all members of the staff are very polite. Beautiful property all together. Would definitely recommend it.’
Things to do on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast
Picture yourself walking through the sand on a sun-soaked beach this summer, knowing that you haven’t had to fork out as much money compared to a trip to Nice.
You can do just that by visiting the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, which not only has beaches, but also towns rich with culture.
Some areas in the north have rocky headlands and cliffs up to 70 metres in height, while the southern coast is renowned for its sandy beaches.
But Sunny Beach, near Burgas, is the name you won’t forget. The home of racuous nightclubs and coming-of-age holidays, it also happens to be one of the most visited beaches on the coast.
Burgas has streets lined with bars, cafés and restaurants, with plenty of places to find something to nibble on in the Sea Gardens.
Further along the sea the quieter resort town of Albena is a fabulous choice for families.
So too is Bolata Bay, a crescent-shaped haven that’s part of the Kaliakra Nature Reserve. It’s situated in the northern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast near the village of Bulgarevo and surrounded by limestone rocks.
Meanwhile, in cosmopolitan Varna, there’s an opera house, theatre and lots of restaurants and cafés dotting the promenade.
Sozopol is a bustling fishing port and resort town that also attracts locals as well as tourists. Kavasite beach is highly regarded among sea dwellers and looks breathtaking.
The Archaeological Museum in Sozopol holds ancient ceramics and artefacts that were found in the local area.
Although it may not be as bougie as the French Riviera, Bulgaria definitely offers sun, sand heat — and then some.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE : ‘Hawaii of Europe’ is a spectacular destination with flights from £71
MORE : Bored of the Great British cold? Fly to these 13 winter sun destinations from £28 return
source https://metro.co.uk/2024/02/09/bulgaria-black-sea-riviera-weather-hotels-holidays-europe-20254495/
0 Comments