Vacation inBulgaria
- Sofia
- capital
- Bulgarian
- official language
- 1 EUR - 1.96 BGN
- exchange rate
Vacation in Bulgaria, special vacation offers from Join UP!
We offer wide range of tours to Bulgaria for the best prices from the tour operator Join UP!
- Join UP!
- •Bulgaria
When is the best time to travel to Bulgaria?
The sweet spot is late May – mid-June and early September, when the Black Sea is warm (22-25 °C), beaches are quieter and prices up to 30 % lower than July–August. Ski fans should aim for January–February, when snow depth in Bansko and Borovets is at its peak and lift queues shortest.
What is the weather like in Bulgaria in summer and winter?
Summers on the coast are hot and dry (28-33 °C); inland Sofia sits a few degrees cooler. Winters bring snow to the mountains (-5 … +5 °C) but remain mild by the sea (+5 … 10 °C). Pack layers if you plan to combine city tours with skiing or beach breaks.
How expensive is a holiday in Bulgaria (accommodation, food, entertainment)?
Bulgaria remains one of the EU’s best value spots. A double room in a 3-star coastal hotel in high season costs €45-60; hearty restaurant meals run €8-12; draught beer €2. Club entry €5-10. Lift pass in Bansko ≈ €45/day. Overall, expect prices 20-40 % lower than Spain or Croatia.
What is a good daily budget for a holiday in Bulgaria?
Backpackers manage on €45/day (hostel bed, bus travel, self-service eateries). A mid-range couple should plan €90-110/day, covering hotel, two restaurant meals, sun-lounger hire and occasional excursion. Add €35-40 for ski rental or €60 for a full-day Black Sea yacht trip.
What is a good daily budget for a holiday in Bulgaria?
Backpackers manage on €45/day (hostel bed, bus travel, self-service eateries). A mid-range couple should plan €90-110/day, covering hotel, two restaurant meals, sun-lounger hire and occasional excursion. Add €35-40 for ski rental or €60 for a full-day Black Sea yacht trip.
Which national cuisines and dishes are most famous in Bulgaria?
Taste shopska salad (tomato–cucumber–sirene cheese), banitsa pastry, kavarma stew and grilled kebapche. Desserts include baklava and rose-petal lokum. Pair dishes with dry Mavrud red wine or aromatic Muscat. Vegetarian options abound—grilled veggies, bean soup, lyutenitsa dip—making dining easy for mixed groups.
Do Estonian citizens need a visa to enter Bulgaria?
No. Bulgaria is an EU member; Estonians may enter with a passport or ID card and stay indefinitely. From March 2025, Bulgaria joined the Schengen area for air/sea borders, so arrivals via Varna Airport undergo Schengen, not national, checks. Carry your EHIC card for healthcare cover.
Do I need to consider COVID-19 regulations in Bulgaria and what are they?
As of April 2025, Bulgaria has removed all pandemic-related entry rules—no vaccination proof, tests or forms. Masks are optional except inside hospitals. Event organisers may still cap capacity during flu season, so confirm when booking concert or SPA passes. Check Reisi Targalt (Estonian MFA) for real-time updates.
Is Bulgaria a good choice for family holidays with children?
Yes. Resorts such as Albena, Sunny Beach and Duni feature shallow, gently shelving beaches, waterparks and kids’ clubs. Many hotels let two children stay free in family rooms. Baby chairs are widely available but car-seat rental should be reserved early. Paediatric clinics in coastal cities meet EU standards.
Which national cuisines and dishes are most famous in Bulgaria?
Taste shopska salad (tomato–cucumber–sirene cheese), banitsa pastry, kavarma stew and grilled kebapche. Desserts include baklava and rose-petal lokum. Pair dishes with dry Mavrud red wine or aromatic Muscat. Vegetarian options abound—grilled veggies, bean soup, lyutenitsa dip—making dining easy for mixed groups.
How is public transport organised in Bulgaria?
Inter-city buses are fast, cheap and air-conditioned, e.g. Sofia–Varna 6 h for €18. Trains are slower but scenic. Urban transport uses tickets punched on board; Sofia’s metro connects airport to downtown in 20 min (€0.80). Ride-hailing app TaxiMe gives fixed prices and English interface.
How can I rent a car in Bulgaria?
Major agencies operate at Sofia and coastal airports; EU/EEA licence is accepted. Minimum age 21–23. Expect €25-40 per day for a compact in high season. Roads are well signposted, but watch for potholes on rural routes. Purchase the electronic vignette (toll) online or request from the rental desk.
What are popular Black Sea beach resorts?
Sunny Beach is the liveliest, with 8 km of sand and nightlife. Golden Sands offers a greener setting close to Varna. Albena is family-oriented with all-inclusive hotels. For quieter vibes choose Sozopol or Nessebar (UNESCO Old Town). All resorts have lifeguards mid-June – mid-Sept.
Where are the best ski resorts in Bulgaria?
Bansko (Pirins) tops the list—75 km of pistes, modern gondola and lively après-ski. Borovets (Rila Mountains) sits only 70 km from Sofia, ideal for weekend trips. Pamporovo (Rhodope) is sunniest and suits beginners. Lift passes and lessons cost roughly half of Alpine-region prices.
Are there good SPA or wellness centres in Bulgaria?
Absolutely. Velingrad calls itself “SPA Capital” with over 70 mineral springs and upscale hotels such as Arte Spa. Sandanski’s mild climate aids respiratory therapy. Most 4- and 5-star seaside hotels now feature thalasso pools, mud wraps and rose-oil treatments at friendly rates (€30-40 per session).
What should I definitely visit in Bulgaria besides coastal resorts?
Explore UNESCO-listed Rila Monastery, Plovdiv’s Roman theatre, and the Seven Rila Lakes hike. The Rose Valley blooms late May–June, while Veliko Tarnovo enchants with its medieval fortress. Wine lovers head to Melnik caves for tastings. Day tours run from Sofia and the Black Sea resorts.
What local festivals and events are popular in Bulgaria?
Highlights include the Rose Festival (Kazanlak, first weekend of June), Varna Summer Music (June–August), and Sofia Jazz Peak (April). Folklore lovers flock to Koprivshtitsa National Festival (every five years, next in 2026). Many events offer free open-air concerts—check local tourism boards for dates.
How is the nightlife in Bulgaria and which cities are especially popular?
Sofia’s Vitosha Boulevard and Studentski Grad district pulse until dawn. On the coast, Sunny Beach rivals Ibiza for EDM clubs; Varna offers stylish cocktail bars. Entry is relaxed; ID proving 18+ may be checked. Drinks: beer €2-3, cocktails €4-6—around 40 % cheaper than Tallinn prices.
Do Estonian citizens need a visa to enter Bulgaria?
No. Bulgaria is an EU member; Estonians may enter with a passport or ID card and stay indefinitely. From March 2025, Bulgaria joined the Schengen area for air/sea borders, so arrivals via Varna Airport undergo Schengen, not national, checks. Carry your EHIC card for healthcare cover.
Do I need to consider COVID-19 regulations in Bulgaria and what are they?
As of April 2025, Bulgaria has removed all pandemic-related entry rules—no vaccination proof, tests or forms. Masks are optional except inside hospitals. Event organisers may still cap capacity during flu season, so confirm when booking concert or SPA passes. Check Reisi Targalt (Estonian MFA) for real-time updates.