Experts at Mintel and eurochange have looked at the price of flights, a three course meal and a beer to find the best-value holiday hotspots.
And Bulgaria is officially the best option for Brits looking to stretch their pounds that little further this year.
Flights start from as little as £28 and once you’re there, you can have a cold pint from £1.42.
Laura Evans Fisk, head of digital and engagement at eurochange, said, “Bulgaria is slowly becoming a holiday hotspot for UK travellers. Research shows an 8.8 per cent year-on-year increase in British tourists visiting Bulgaria in 2024.
« With incredibly reasonable prices and utterly stunning views, it’s easy to see why. Here you’ll find terracotta-tiled rooftops and beaches very reminiscent of Croatia, with a much smaller price tag.”
Bulagiara is one of the most affordable and beautiful places to visit in Europe, however it’s often overlooked.
Since it’s under the radar, there you’ll find fewer crowds and plenty of affordable activities.
Its rich history is evident everywhere, from ancient Neolithic settlements to mysterious Thracian tombs to fortresses left behind by powerful tsars.
Bulgaria even appeals to nature lovers, with several mountain ranges throughout the country, offering all kinds of breathtaking hikes.
So, whether you’re going for a long weekend or you want to spend a week or two hiking, enjoying the seaside or sightseeing – Bulgaria could be the place for you.
You should start your visit in Bulgaria’s capital, a vibrant blend of culture, rich history, bustling markets and contemporary architecture.
They also have a colourful food-market scene with organic and fresh produce stores dotted around, offering high quality eats.
Be sure to visit the Women’s Market, one of the best outdoor spots to discover everything from regional fruits and vegetables to spices, meats and even everyday household items.
For a deeper dive into the city’s history, check out the Sofia History Museum, housed in the beautiful former Central Mineral Baths, covering the gamut of the city’s past.
Plovdiv is another absolute must-visit. This charming city is the second largest in Bulgaria, and is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe.
Check out the Amphitheatre located in the Old Town – an iconic setting to watch concerts in the summertime, or just simply walk around and meet its feline inhabitants scattered across the cobbled streets.
The city is famously known as « the City of Seven Hills », and the best spot to watch a sunset would be at local spot Danov Hill.
If you’re more the adventurous type, grab your hiking shoes and head over to Musala Peak in the Rila Mountains.
The Rila Mountains are the highest mountain range in the Balkans, with Mount Musala towering over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet).
Here you’ll find some of the most beautiful hikes in the country.
Rila Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a visual and architectural masterpiece that attracts many visitors.
Lastly, for a truly unique experience, you should head to the heart of Bulgaria to witness the UFO- like Buzludzah Monument.
This abandoned, former communist headquarters is subject of ongoing revival projects that have been met with a lot of resistance from local authorities.
Though the hall slid into disrepair after the fall of communism, the space-age silhouette that remains is an irresistible stop for travellers.
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