FANCY Spain, but for half the price – and half the crowds?
One European country has exploded in popularity as a travel destination over the last three years, thanks to its stunning coastline and affordable hotels – with Jet2 offering deals from £24pp per night.
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The Sun’s Pavlena Todorova is a born-and-bred Bulgarian, originally from Plovdiv, who’s been living in London for the last nine years, and she says that she’s baffled at the prices some Brits will pay for trips to Western Europe.
While all her friends fly out to Spain for a holiday, she always goes home to Bulgaria in the summer to spend time with her family.
She said: “Sometimes I get flights for £15 on Ryanair or Wizz Air from Luton or Stansted to Plovdiv airport off season. It’s so cheap.
“I have been visiting beaches and resort towns across Bulgaria since I was a kid, and they are some of the most stunning spots in Europe.
“Brits are great at finding interesting, affordable places to holiday, so I find it really surprising that more Brits haven’t cottoned on to the great resorts and cheaper deals in Bulgaria.”
Pavlena grew up close to one of the best-known beaches in Bulgaria, Sunny Beach.
However, the resort is now really busy in the summer months, and she says there are even better beach spots tourists can visit when they’re holidaying in her home country.
Pavlena told The Sun: “All the tourists flock to Sunny Beach because it’s the most famous, but there are a lot of other small towns across the coastline that are cheaper and have nicer beaches.
“In fact, many of the Bulgarian resorts are exactly like the Spanish equivalents.
“Varna is just like Barcelona with a lot of history, great restaurants and a beach.
“This area has some very nice all-inclusive resorts too. If it’s a cheap beach holiday you’re after, go to Sunny Beach, which is like Benidorm – but I think it’s much nicer!
“It’s great for families and has a busy bar and club scene in some areas.”
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It’s not just the hotels and flights that are more affordable – bars and restaurants are equally easy on the wallet, according to Pavlena.
She said: “It’s so much cheaper to eat and drink in Bulgaria compared to other places in Europe.
“In Sozopol, which has a really similar vibe to Malaga, beers are just £3 and you can have a family meal for less than £30. Plus, hotels are much cheaper.”
Families can get great deals on Bulgarian breaks with companies like Jet2, with package prices starting at £1,300 for two weeks – including during the school holidays.
That works out at £24-per-person per night.
It pays to work out what area’s best for you, Pavlena says, explaining: “With kids, I would go to Sveti Vlas, as it’s close to Sunny Beach but not quite as crowded.
“It’s very relaxed and friendly here. The water is calm and there are a lot of activities and attractions for families.”
There are quieter, more serene places too. For couples who want a spot to get away from it all, Pavlena recommends Veleka Beach in Sinemorets.
She adds: “This is a natural beach that my family like to visit.
“It’s not commercial like the bigger resort areas and it’s one of the most beautiful spots I’ve ever seen.”
So where do Brits start when planning a bargain break in Bulgaria?
We look at the best Spanish swaps to save money this summer…
If you like Benidorm, go to Sunny Beach
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Wander along the sunny strip, lined with beach bars, all blaring party tracks and offering 2-4-1 deals on cocktails, and you could be forgiven for thinking you were back in Benidorm.
Sunny Beach has a party atmosphere, which spills out onto the golden sand and makes a great base for a group holiday or lively family trip.
As well as the picturesque beach, there is also a huge Aquapark which is ideal for families and a full range of fun water sports, including Jet Ski, Banana Boats and water skiing.
If you like Marbella, go to Lozenets
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Marbella is undoubtedly the boujee side of Spain, with swanky tapas bars beside million-euro yachts and exclusive beach clubs.
Lozenets has a similar vibe. Slightly more expensive than other beach areas in Bulgaria, but this seasonal beach town is a little slicker than its sister resorts along the coast.
The seafront here has less sticky beach bars and more stylish restaurants, like Bistroto and Olive Tree.
Ideal for couples or a weekend away with the girls.
If you like Barcelona, go to Varna
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Burgas and Varna are on the Black Sea Coast and Varna, in particular, is an atmospheric city with beautiful, cobbled streets and lots of history weaved into its culture and architecture.
The Roman Thermae in Varna are some of the largest Roman remains in Bulgaria.
Streets date back to the 2nd Century AD and with medieval buildings and alleyways weaving around the whole city.
Much like Barcelona and Valencia, Varna also has a fantastic beach with soft golden sand and azure-blue water, making it a perfect city by the sea.
If you like Malaga, go to Sozopol
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Sozopol is one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns.
The Instagram-tastic Old Town is on the peninsula, surrounded by water and it’s a chilled out hideaway with cute coffee shops, independent stores and private homes.
It’s a tale of two cities, as Sozopol’s new town is a party mecca, popular with hen and stag dos, taking advantage of the lively bars and clubs and cheap-as-chips beer.
If you like Tarragona, go to Plovdiv
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Roman ruins, beautiful buildings, ancient history and a lively atmosphere, Plovdiv is giving cultural Tarragona – and even Italian cities like Rome and Florence – a run for its money.
This is a perfect mini break for couples, with winding cobblestone streets and romantic candlelit cafes.
