Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast, also known as the Bulgarian Riviera, has plenty to shout about when it comes to beach holidays. We’re talking amazing golden shores, a super-sunny climate and plenty of water sports. But scratch beneath the surface and there’s a lot more to uncover...

Like your holidays with a dash of culture or splash of adventure thrown in too? Well Bulgaria should be top of your wish list then! Between the bustling resorts and quaint coastal towns, there are hidden gems and unique things to do that will make a holiday here even more memorable. Let’s take a look...

QUICK FACTS
Average flight time: Four hours
Language: Bulgarian
Currency: Bulgarian Lev
Time difference: Two hours ahead

1. Take a dip in the mud baths and pink salt lake

Fancy an all-natural, open-air spa experience? Then make a beeline for the mud flats and dazzling pink lake, AKA Lake Atanasovsko, just north of Bourgas. First up, laze in the rosy-hued pool which is easy to float in as it’s super-salty. The minerals in the lye and salt will give your skin a rejuvenating lift!

Bulgaria's mud flats are natural wonders with both ecological significance and bags of therapeutic benefits. As well as providing a picturesque home for fascinating flora and fauna, including migratory birds and marine life, it’s rich in nutrients. That’s why it’s then time to brave the sludge to appreciate its healing properties, which is said to be great for your skin and overall wellness! The mud flats also play a crucial role in maintaining the surrounding coastal ecosystems, stabilising shorelines and supporting local fisheries.

When it’s time to wash off the mud, what better way than to dive into the refreshing Black Sea that’s only metres away? You’ll feel totally relaxed after the whole experience! When you choose Bourgas for your getaway, you can guarantee it will be more than just an ordinary holiday!

2. Stroll through the 'museum town' of Nessebar

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you wander the streets of the fascinating, UNESCO-listed Nessebar Old Town. It sits out on its own rocky peninsula, just minutes from lively Sunny Beach, but is a world away from the modern resorts.

You might even mistake some parts of the 3,200-year-old site for a film set, with its traditional, revival-style wood and stone houses, intricate churches and crumbling ruins dating back to the 5th century. As you enter from the mainland, AKA Nessebar New Town, you’ll pass the wooden windmill which is seen as a bit of an iconic landmark of Nessebar. It stands proud on the main walkway, and there are often local musicians playing their instruments here as night falls.

Moving into the town, you’ll pass through the crumbling fortress gates which date back to the Byzantine era. It’s here where you’ll spot the ‘Welcome to Nessebar’ stone sign, so it’s worth grabbing a photo or two!

If you’re in the mood for stretching your legs, you can actually walk the full perimeter of the islet. Passing by secluded beaches, waterfront restaurants and historical buildings, all with stunning sea views across the Black Sea. It takes around 30 minutes to walk the full site!

3. Sample traditional Bulgarian cuisine

Foodie fans, you’ll love it here in Bulgaria. And if you’re after the most traditional restaurants and authentic dishes, then enjoy a trip to Sozopol.

Must-try dishes include banitsa, a sweet or savoury filled pastry. A popular breakfast version is stuffed with whisked eggs and cheese, while the sweet options can include pumpkin, yoghurt, apples, walnuts and honey.

Seafood is also a real hit here, with many seafront restaurants serving up their freshest catch of the day from the Black Sea to locals and tourists alike. Sample classics like grilled fish, shrimp risotto, fried calamari and traditional Bulgarian fish stew known as ribena chorba. Don't miss trying local specialties like Black Sea mussels cooked in white wine or savoury fish kebabs. Yum!

4. Shop for local rose products

As Bulgaria wears the crown as the largest rose oil producer in the world (totalling around 75% of rose oil consumed worldwide!), you should certainly try some of its world-renowned exports while you’re here.

The country’s Rose Valley stretches for nearly 90 miles between the Balkan Mountains, and every May and June, it flourishes and glows in a blushing fuchsia colour. There's even a rose festival to celebrate the year’s harvest!

Rose oil in its original form can be used for skincare products like lotions and creams. And when it’s often referred to as ‘liquid gold’, it must be doing something right! Rose water is similar but can also be used in cooking and aromatherapy, while rose-infused cosmetics like soaps, bath salts and candles make great souvenirs and gifts to take home.

5. Whizz down waterslides at the country’s first waterpark

You can’t beat a day at a waterpark! Action Aquapark in Sunny Beach was the first water park in Bulgaria, and with ‘action’ in its name, you just know it’s going to be fun!

With over 30 exhilarating waterslides, pools and attractions, it promises an unforgettable experience for all ages. From adrenaline-pumping rides to relaxing wave pools and kids' play areas, it's the perfect way to cool off and escape from the summer heat.