Discover Bulgaria’s year round appeal on the slopes and beaches

Situated in south-east Europe, Bulgaria’s landscape is both mountainous and coastal. Hikers come to Bulgaria to climb the trails of the Stara Planina, Rodopi and Rila ranges. Ascend to Musala, the highest peak in the Balkan region and take in sweeping views over Bulgaria. Winter resorts including Pamporovo, Chepelare, Borovetz and Bansko are popular with international visitors and locals looking to ski. The summer months are particularly warm and draw an altogether more relaxed crowd; Albena, Golden Sands and Sunny Beach are attractive coastal resorts with long shopping boulevards and restaurants located just off the promenade. Learn about the Bulgarians’ rich history, influenced by Romans, Slavs and Bulgars, in one of the museums in Sofia. Visit the ancient Rila Monastery or tour the 19th century Euxinograd Château. The nightlife in the capital city is energetic with numerous bars and clubs; sample sumptuous cuisine and try the locally brewed rakia.

Why Go?
Travel to Bulgaria to enjoy a year-round destination. Try out winter sports on the slopes at Ropodi and Rila or unwind on the coast at Sozopol and Sunny Beach in the summer months. Tour heritage sites including ancient tombs and churches and enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine such as kozunak and banitsa.

When To Go?
Summer months in Bulgaria are warm and sunny with average daily temperatures of 30ºC in June and July. August is the hottest month of the year, attracting tourists from across the continent. Short rain storms can pass through at any point in the year. October through to February is usually cold with heavy snowfall and December is the coldest month of the year. Tourists still flock to the mountains during winter to enjoy snow sports.

How To Get There?
Bulgaria is served by three main international airports; Sofia International Airport (SOF) , Bourgas Airport (BOJ) and Varna Airport (VAR) offering scheduled flights to the UK. easyJet, British Airways and Bulgaria Air operate direct flights from London Gatwick and Heathrow; the journey takes 3.5 hours. Burgas is reached by a domestic air link from Sofia with Monarch Charters and Bulgaria Air. Shuttle bus services link all major airports to the neighbouring cities.

Must See
Bulgaria proudly boasts over nine listed heritage sites that are must-sees for any first-time visitor to the country. Explore the Thracian tombs in Sveshtari and Kazanlak and take a guided tour of the Boyana Church. The Sreburna Nature Reserve is a beautiful lakeside home to several species of rare birdlife. Follow a path through Pirin National Park and climb the mountain trails. Discover the ancient city of Nesbar and marvel over the monolithic rock-hewn churches of Ivanovo. Be sure to visit the stone carving of the Madara Rider.