Searching for somewhere that’ll engage hard-to-please teens, entertain endlessly energetic tots and enchant ready-for-a-break adults? Then say hello to Bulgaria. Whether you’re a family of sandcastle sculptors, ruin roamers or waterpark whizzers, this Balkan beauty doesn’t put a foot wrong when it comes to all-the-gang getaways.

Unbeatable value

If it’s a bargain-busting break you’re after, Bulgaria’s got you covered. It regularly features at the top of the table when it comes to great-value holidays, and it’s easy to see why. Many of the sights don’t cost a penny to visit, which means you can soak up the country’s culture without any of the wallet worries. Holiday essentials are more than affordable too, so extra bits and bobs like sun cream and bottled water won’t break the bank. Like to head out and about for your family dinners? The resorts are crammed full of restaurants to suit every taste and budget. All of this makes it one of the best places to go to keep spending low, so there’s never been a better time to add it to the bucket list.

Blue Flag beaches

Bulgaria’s coastline is a Blue Flag beach bonanza, making it ideal for flop-and-drop breaks with the whole crew. Sunny Beach is primed for toes-in-the-sand trips, thanks to its endless stretch of pristine sands. Outgrown the bucket-and-spade stage? There are plenty of watersports on offer for those looking to scratch that adventurous itch! South Beach in St Vlas is another that’s great for broods of beach bums. It’s located in the centre of town, so you won’t have to trek far with your inflatables, and kids will love chasing the shallow surf. Once you’re all beached out, peckish paddlers can head to the waterfront restaurants to refuel.

Stacks of sights

Bulgaria’s rich history has created a cultural melting point that’s sure to capture the imagination of your youngsters. Prehistoric picks? Medieval marvels? Byzantine buildings? There’s plenty to keep adventurers happy! Family fun is the dish of the day in UNESCO-stamped Nessebar, where mini explorers can clamber over ancient ruins and immerse themselves in a living time machine. Or why not swap the hustle and bustle for a nature-filled day out at Lake Pomorie? This natural lagoon is a wildlife haven, so look out for the flocks of birds soaring above you. The lake’s mud is thought to be curative, so encourage the kids to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in for a team mud bath.

Thrills and spills

Delve into Bulgaria’s toy box of attractions and you’ll find splash-tastic waterparks and thrilling theme parks aplenty. There will be no thumb-twiddling at Aqua Paradise, where daredevils can tackle Bulgaria’s longest slide. Action Aquapark’s another that scores high on the adventure meter, more than living up to its name with adrenaline-pumping slides like the Kamikaze. If you’d prefer to stay dry, you’ll find all the fun of the fair at Luna Park. Battle it out on the dodgems or prepare to be spooked on the ghost train. And if you can drag your children away from the treat-topped food stalls, we’ll be thoroughly impressed!

A medley of restaurants

Bulgaria’s resorts offer a cornucopia of child-friendly restaurants, and in many of these, you’ll get a side of entertainment with your dinner. Adventurous eaters can tuck into local specialities like banitsa, a cheese-stuffed pie or sarmi, a tasty mix of rice, spice and mince wrapped in vine leaves. Even those with the pickiest palates won’t be able to resist kurabiiki, honey-sweet cookies dipped in sugar. If there are a few fish finger fanatics in your tribe, that’s catered for too, with plenty of eateries serving up English-style dishes.