Bulgaria holidays: beaches, mountains and ancient cities
Bulgaria packs Black Sea beaches, ski resorts, Roman ruins and a revived wine scene into one compact Balkan country, and it is easier to reach than you might think.
Streets of the old town
Plovdiv's historic quarter is one of the best preserved in the Balkans.
Why choose Bulgaria for your next holiday?
Most Bulgaria holidays from the UK start on the Black Sea coast, and with good reason: long sandy beaches, warm water and lively resorts. But stay a little longer, or head inland, and you discover a very different country. Bulgaria has some of the oldest settlements in Europe, high mountains with snow all winter and a food and wine culture that is finally getting the attention it deserves.
The country sits in south-eastern Europe, between Romania, Serbia, North Macedonia, Greece and Turkey. It is compact enough to combine a city break, a few days in the mountains and a beach in a single trip. Browse more ideas in our Europe travel guides.
Things to do in Bulgaria: two cities to start with
Sofia, the capital, sits at the foot of Vitosha mountain. It is a city of golden-domed churches, Roman remains under the pavements and a growing restaurant and wine scene. Picolo found a small shop with hundreds of bottles in a brand new spring for Bulgarian wine, and a 22-course dinner at Secret Chef Table, a feast for all the senses.
Plovdiv, the second largest city, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Its colourful old town, Roman theatre and creative Kapana district make it a perfect two-day trip. Read how to step 8,000 years back in time in colourful Plovdiv.
Roman theatre in Plovdiv
Discovered by chance after a landslide, the theatre now hosts concerts and opera in summer.
Black Sea beaches
Bulgaria's Black Sea coast stretches for hundreds of kilometres, from busy resorts to quieter bays. Sunny Beach is the best known with British visitors, ideal for families and those who want plenty going on. For more culture, the old town of Nesebar, on a small peninsula, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the port cities of Varna and Burgas have long seafronts, parks and restaurants.
Summer is hot and sunny, and the sea is warm enough for swimming from around June to September.
Bulgaria ski holidays and mountain escapes
In winter, Bulgaria is a popular choice for affordable ski holidays. Bansko, in the Pirin mountains, is the biggest resort, while Borovets near Sofia and Pamporovo in the Rhodopes are also well known. They suit beginners and intermediate skiers especially well.
In summer, the same mountains are excellent for hiking. Rila Monastery, the country's most famous monastery, is a UNESCO site set deep in the forested Rila mountains, and the Seven Rila Lakes are one of Bulgaria's classic day hikes.
Wine tasting in Sofia
Bulgaria has around 120 local grape varieties that you will struggle to find anywhere else.
Bulgarian food and wine
Bulgarian food is fresh, simple and full of flavour. Start with shopska salad, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and white sheep's cheese, then try banitsa, a flaky cheese pastry, and grilled meats. Bulgarian yoghurt is famous for good reason.
Wine has been made here since the time of the Thracians, around 3,000 years ago. After decades of mass production under communism, small producers are now making bold, expressive wines again. Ask for Mavrud, the most popular local red grape, which gives a deep ruby wine with notes of blackberries and prunes.
Secret Chef Table
In Sofia, the chefs cook right in front of the guests and tell the story behind every dish.
Practical tips for Bulgaria
Bulgaria is a member of the European Union and adopted the euro on 1 January 2026, so you no longer need to change money into lev. Bulgarian is written in the Cyrillic alphabet, which was developed in this part of the world, but many signs in cities and resorts are also in Latin script.
There are direct flights from the UK to Sofia, Varna and Burgas, and Plovdiv is an easy trip from Sofia by road or rail. Remember that a nod can mean no and a shake of the head can mean yes, which can make conversations interesting. Check the latest entry rules before you travel.
When is the best time to go to Bulgaria?
For beach holidays, June to September is the season, with July and August the hottest and busiest months. For city breaks in Sofia and Plovdiv, spring and autumn are ideal, with mild weather and fewer visitors. Ski resorts usually open from December to March or April, with the best snow in January and February.
Bulgaria holidays: frequently asked questions
What currency does Bulgaria use?
Bulgaria uses the euro, which replaced the Bulgarian lev on 1 January 2026. You can pay with euro cash and cards across the country, and ATMs dispense euros. If you still have old lev notes from a previous trip, check with a Bulgarian bank about exchanging them.
Is Bulgaria in the EU?
Yes, Bulgaria has been a member of the European Union since 2007, and it adopted the euro as its currency in 2026. For UK travellers, the usual EU entry rules for non-EU visitors apply, so check the latest requirements on passports and stays before you travel.
Is Bulgaria safe for tourists?
Bulgaria is generally a safe country for tourists, and millions of visitors enjoy the coast, the cities and the mountains every year without problems. Take normal precautions in busy resorts and nightlife areas, use licensed taxis and keep an eye on your belongings. Check your government's travel advice for the latest information.
Is Bulgaria cheap for a holiday?
Bulgaria is still one of the more affordable holiday destinations in the EU, especially for eating out, wine and local transport. Prices in popular beach and ski resorts are higher in peak season, while cities like Plovdiv and smaller coastal towns often offer very good value. Travelling in spring or autumn helps keep costs down.