Bulgaria is a great choice for a holiday at any time of year, since it has four distinct seasons that offer their own separate attractions.
The spring and summer see less rain than most other parts of Europe. From May to September, the average daytime high is 82°F (28°C), making Bulgaria a popular beach destination.
For a beach holiday, Golden Sands is a purpose built resort, more popular among the younger tourist crowd thanks to the vibrant nightlife. The miles of sandy beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag award for cleanliness and there are plenty of facilities nearby, including bars and clubs for when the sun sets.
Sunny Beach is another beach resort well suited to tourists looking for an active nightlife. Hotel L&B in Sunny Beach is one hotel that is a great bargain, for any tourists travelling on a budget.
Albena is the perfect beach resort for cheap, family holidays. The beaches are long and the water is 75°F (24°C) throughout the summer, which is perfect for trying out the many different water sports on offer, including scuba diving, jet skiing and parasailing. The Dolphin Park is also one of the main tourist attractions, with the dolphin shows popular with people of all ages. Hotel Flamingo in Albena is ideal for families, with a number of facilities geared towards kids, including play areas and separate swimming pools.
For those looking for a city break, Bulgaria’s capital city, Sofia, is the country’s largest city and the place to head to. Sofia is home to some of Bulgaria’s most famous attractions, including the Bulgarian National Library- the SS. Cyril and Methodius National Library, Boyana Church– a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral– one of the world’s largest Eastern Orthodox cathedrals and the cathedral of the Bulgarian Patriarch.
Varna, on the other hand, is the largest city on Bulgaria’s Black Coast and is known for its rich culture, with numerous art galleries, museums and a thriving music scene, as well as the many sandy beaches. It is also home to Stone Forest, which has been equated to Stonehenge.
For younger tourists after a party holiday in Bulgaria, Plovdiv (the country’s second largest city) is the place to try, rivalling the capital in both cultural attractions and nightlife.
The winter months see a good deal of snow yearly, so skiing and other winter sports are popular during in Bulgaria’s mountainous regions.
Borovets is the oldest and largest ski resort in Bulgaria, closely located to many of the country’s major cities. Snow can usually be expected from December to April, with the coldest average temperatures of the year at 4.8ºC in January. The resort is also known for its thriving nightlife
Pamporovo is the sunniest ski resort in Bulgaria. The season tends to run from mid December to mid April, with an average temperature of -3°C. Pamporovo is an ideal resort for beginners, thanks to the gentle slopes. However, there are also runs for more advanced skiers too.
Bulgaria is known for its spa holidays too and the country is rapidly becoming one of the top destinations for a luxurious, relaxing break. Some Bulgarian resorts, including Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, are known as spa havens because of their medicinal mud deposits and mineral waters. A spa vacation can be enjoyed at any time of the year as well. The Riu Helena Sands’ Wellness Centre in Sunny Beach is one popular option.
Adventurers will love all the opportunities the Black Sea can provide. Everything from diving, surfing, kite surfing, and jet skis are available through almost every resort. Off the beaten path, tourists can find white water rafting excursions on the Struma, Iskar and Mesta Rivers, especially during May and June. Outfitters such as Splash are great for booking an extreme sports holiday
The most rustic type of holiday, camping, is also an option in Bulgaria’s many sites that are conveniently located near the Black Sea’s beaches. Hiking and camping are most enjoyable in this Mediterranean climate during late spring/early summer and then again in early autumn.
From a beach holiday to a cultural break, Bulgaria can accommodate whatever type of trip you’re planning.
