Data gurus at Eurostat may have declared Bulgaria the unhappiest country in Europe following a recent poll, but the survey - which analyzed levels of life satisfaction across the continent - only tells part of the story.
Whether you're looking for golden beaches on the Black Sea, cities bursting with creativity and echoes of history, or snow-capped mountains, Bulgaria should definitely be on your list of must-visits in 2024. Plus, it's easily accessible from Britain (flights take just over three hours) and eminently affordable.
All that's left to do is pack your bags - is it swimsuits for Sozopol, thermals for skiing in Bansko or comfortable shoes for exploring the streets of Sofia and Plovdiv? Read on and make your choice.
Delve into the history and café culture in Sofia
It is not surprising (and not just because the airport has the best connection by a country mile) that many Bulgarian odysseys begin in the capital Sofia, which is already an emerging city break destination.
When it comes to European capitals rich in heritage, it's no Rome, Athens or Paris - but Sofia nevertheless holds its own when it comes to history. This dynamic city may only have become a capital in 1879, but its history predates this distinction by some 7,000 years - making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Traces of Sofia's past range from the neo-Byzantine architecture of the iconic Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, whose domes have become symbolic of the city, to the Ottoman-era Banya Bashi Mosque and the ancient Serdica Archaeological Park, where the remains of the Roman city can be seen. Must-see museums include the Sofia Historical Museum, housed in the former city baths, and the National Archaeological Institute.
Turning to more recent history, those intrigued by the legacy of the Soviet Union - from which Bulgaria gained independence in 1991 - will also find much of interest here: both the National Palace of Culture, Largo (an architectural trio comprising the former headquarters of the Bulgarian Communist Party, the TZUM-Sofia central department store and the president's office) and the Museum of Socialist Art (full of statues and works of art from the socialist era) offer a taste of communist-era Sofia.
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After a stroll through the city garden or the wooded Borisova Gradina Park, get a taste of Sofia's contemporary flair (and perhaps a coffee or rakia fruit brandy) on Vitosha Boulevard, a bustling pedestrian street full of trendy boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Popular eateries catering to local tastes include the rustic Hadjidraganov's Cellars and the traditional, yet creative Cosmos. Don't leave without experiencing the cozy atmosphere at café-restaurants Made In Home and The Little Things.
Fall in love with the cultural capital of Bulgaria
When it comes to historical accolades, Sofia faces stiff competition from its little sister, Plovdiv, which claims to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe. Located around 135 kilometers south-east of the capital, it is easily accessible by train from Sofia (there are also a few direct flights from Britain) and was named Bulgaria's first ever European Capital of Culture in 2019.
The heart of Plovdiv is its fascinating Old Town, a labyrinth of cobbled streets lined with immaculately restored 19th-century houses. Even older is the ancient theater of Philippopolis - a well-preserved testament to the city's Roman past, built in the first century AD - which offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and still stages classical dramas, dances and music.
Contemporary Plovdiv is all about creativity - not least in the Kapana district, a vibrant area full of artistic spaces, boutiques, cafes and some of the city's most striking street art. Home to the Dzhumaya Mosque, and perhaps in Kapana, Plovdiv's marriage of ancient heritage, diverse cultural influences (the result of multiple imperial powers) and innovative take on the most spectacular.
Art lovers should start their tour at the City Art Gallery (with locations in the Old Town, near the leafy Tsar Simeon Garden Park and on the bustling King Alexander I shopping street) before discovering contemporary works at Sarieva and both Bulgarian and international artists at Kapana- art gallery. And you don't have to stop when night falls: the Arsenal of Art is a wonderful place to enjoy a cold beer or two, surrounded by art, and often live music.
Hit the slopes in Bansko and Borovets
Skiing is notoriously not a cheap holiday, but if you look past Verbier and Courchevel in favor of the Bulgarian mountain resorts you will inevitably ensure a winter break that is friendlier to the bank balance.
If you don't want to travel too far from the capital, choose Borovets. Just over an hour's drive from Sofia, you'll find snow-covered pine forests covering over 56 kilometers of slopes. There's plenty of room for freestylers at the Borosport Snow Park, and with traditional Balkan taverns and bars, the après-ski options also give their French counterparts a run for their money.
But when it comes to Bulgarian ski resorts, it's really all about Bansko. Further from Sofia (about a two-hour drive), it is considered the Balkans' premier ski and winter sports resort, and well worth the extra distance - after all, it has hosted the World Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Championships on more than one day. occasion. There are over 72 kilometers of slopes, plus the natural beauty of Pirin National Park and even a medieval town that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you'd rather trade your skis for hiking boots, visit Pirin in summer for hikes to Vihren Peak and Muratovo Glacier Lake.
Enjoy the sun on the Black Sea coast
Greece may have the Aegean and Ionian Seas, but Bulgaria has the Black Sea - and with average July temperatures of around 23 degrees Celsius, it's just as great a place for a beach holiday. The seaside resorts of Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, easily accessible via direct flights to Burgas and Varna respectively, attract the most attention - but to add a dose of culture to your beach holiday, it's worth visiting the port towns of Nessebar and Sozopol to consider .
Both have inviting beaches, as well as atmospheric old towns: a stroll through Sozopol means exploring the fifth-century Sozopol Fortress, the 18th-century Bulgarian Revival houses and the Archaeological Museum; while the cobbled streets of Nessebar are home to historic churches and ruins, including Byzantine-era fortifications and baths. However, Sozopol only comes to Nessebar in late summer, when film screenings, concerts and exhibitions take over the city during the Apollonia Festival of Arts.
Essentials
Wizzair (wizzair.com) flies to Sofia from UK airports from £30 return. The Grand Hotel Sofia (00 359 2 811 0800; grandhotelsofia.bg) has double rooms from £103 per night.
