This country offers an affordable escape with untouched beaches (Image: Getty Images)
A sun-soaked destination with unspoilt beaches has been dubbed the ‘new Majorca’ as it’s set to be a favourite among holidaymakers this year.
Amid the chilly British weather, many of us are looking to escape to a warmer climate and plan our next getaway. With the promise of balmy rays, the Balearic Islands, made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza, and Formentera, have long been popular destinations, but a trip here isn’t always the cheapest.
Giving the Balearic Islands a run for their money is Bulgaria, with stretches of pristine Black Sea sand beaches and a backdrop of dramatic alpine mountains. The picturesque nation has been hailed as the ‘new Majorca’, with its affordable prices just as appealing as its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage and culinary scene.
Burgas is a coastal town in Bulgaria with golden sand beaches (Image: Getty Images)
Known as one of the cheapest countries in Europe, holidaymakers can expect to spend a mere £8.50 for a budget-friendly meal out in Bulgaria, while a three-course dinner for two could set you back around £30. Meanwhile, a pint will only lighten your wallet by a cool and thirst-quenching £1.50.
Flights are just as reasonable, starting from as little as £13, and are available to four major destinations in Bulgaria: Sofia, Plovdiv, Varna, and Burgas. Plus, there are plenty of flight options from various UK airports, as budget airlines Wizz Air, Ryanair, easyJet, and Jet2 all fly to the underrated country.
The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, offers a charming city break with magnificent churches and vibrant streets, while serving as an excellent base for hiking to some of the country’s majestic mountains or visiting Bulgaria’s most renowned religious site, Rila Monastery. One traveller recalled their trip to the city and shared on Reddit: « Sofia is a beautiful modern city with great architecture, churches, and a wonderful European style of living. The food’s very tasty, too. »
Sofia is the capital of Bulgaria (Image: Getty Images)
With a waterfront overlooking the Black Sea, Burgas is a coastal town, described as having a ‘laid-back Mediterranean’ atmosphere, sprawling sand beaches and a picturesque Sea Garden. Meanwhile, Varna offers an idyllic beach retreat, with resorts scattered along the unspoilt Black Sea coast, and an undeniable city charm.
When it comes to the weather, visitors can expect to bask in a warm 17C during April, while the summer months welcome a blistering 29C. Emerging as an essential travel destination, holidaymakers have praised Bulgaria for its « charm of Europe at half the price ».
One holidaymaker said Plovdiv Old Town is ‘absolutely beautiful’ (Image: Getty Images)
One traveller shared on Reddit: « I honestly had the best time in Bulgaria and would personally recommend. It had all the charm of Europe at half the price (at least it was when I was there in 2017). There was good food and nightlife, plenty of stuff to see, and I found the people to be kind. I liked Plovdiv more than Sofia, so don’t skip that! I’d personally recommend more time in Plovdiv than Sofia, but YMMV. We also went to Rila monastery, and it was pretty cool. »
In a TikTok video that garnered over 89,000 views, it showcased the country’s sun-drenched coastal villages, stunning beaches and stone-paved alleyways that could easily compete with those found in Greece, Spain or Italy. One user commented: « I have been going to Bulgaria for nine years and have loved every year! I say, every year I go 2/3 times a year, it’s the people I think that keep drawing me back. »
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