Bulgaria Travel guide

Located at the heart of the Balkans, at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, Bulgaria is a country full of surprises. For a start, it's particularly good value for money, with prices in restaurants among some of the lowest in Europe. In fact, the strong exchange rate against the Bulgarian Lev makes most purchases, from traditional handicrafts to beer, ridiculously cheap. And of course you don't have to have wads of cash to appreciate Bulgaria's stunning scenery. Its landscape is incredibly beautiful. Inland you'll find jagged mountains cloaked in lush forests and sun-drenched valleys where the sweet smell of Edelweiss drifts in the air. The wooded valleys shelter silent monasteries, ancient ruins and timeless little villages, where you can still find folk enjoying a hearty meal farmed from the land.

But it's the rugged beauty and deep-cutting coves of the Black Sea coast that is the jewel in the crown. Named by the Greeks as Pontus Euxinos meaning 'hospitable', the calm waters of the Black Sea lap against gently shelving golden shores. Here under the cool shade of a Juniper tree you can relax and enjoy an al-fresco lunch and a beer or two. Or if the mood takes you, enjoy a dip in clean, safe waters. Since virtually all of Bulgaria's beaches have the EU blue flag it's the perfect place to try water sports - with everything from pedaloes to paragliding on offer.

Choose from the following resorts in the Bulgaria:

Albena
The resort of Albena is situated 30km north of Varna on a long stretch of sand. Conceived in 1968, it's one of the most modern holiday resorts along the Bulgarian coast. Surrounded by a lush forested area, there's a good choice of bars and restaurants, as well as plenty of water sports and leisure options.

Golden Sands

One of the biggest tourist resort complexes along the northern coastline, Golden Sands is famous for the healing properties of its hot water mineral springs as well as for its beautiful two-mile stretch of fine sandy beach. The resort is 11 miles (18km) north of Varna, and sits at the foot of the forested hills of the Zlatni Piasaci National Park, which is one of the oldest in the country and features a variety of interesting flora and fauna. Golden Sands offers plenty of entertainment for all ages, sporting activities, restaurants, bars and spa treatments, making it one of the most popular summer holiday destinations on the Black Sea Coast.

Sunny Beach
Sunny Beach is Bulgaria's largest beach resort, and is situated on a wide semi-circular bay along the southern part of the Black Sea Riviera, with a five-mile (8km) strip of beach backed by natural golden sand dunes, regarded as the best beach along the coast. It is naturally protected by the Balkan mountain range to the north, and with its warm Mediterranean climate, clean and calm water and safe swimming, it's an ideal all-round holiday destination. There's a wide variety of activities and entertainment here, and plenty of fun and games for children.

Situated on a small peninsula near to the well-established beach resort of Sunny Beach, Nessebar is actually one of the oldest towns in Europe, and it's possible for eagle-eyed visitors to spot a staggering amount of different architectural influences as they walk round the narrow cobbled streets. Both the old and new towns offer different kinds of attractions: the Old Town boasts stunning views out over the Black Sea, whilst the New Town is scattered with cafès, bars and restaurants outside, enjoying the benefit of the Bulgaria sun.

Mixing ancient history with an exotic character and modern facilities, St Konstantin is surrounded by a beachside natural park full of cypresses and fig trees as well as quiet bays, sandy beaches and even mineral springs with supposedly curative powers. Varna is only 5 km for those who want to explore beyond this serene resort.

Written by Mark Wilson