Be one of the few to discover historical Bulgarian towns For the last few years, Bulgaria makes up the top of the list of the UK Post Office’s Worldwide Holiday Costs Barometer as a value for money holiday destination. But this is just one of the reasons why Bulgaria is becoming such a popular country for people to explore in their pastime. Read on to learn about the best Bulgaria holiday destinations and other reasons to visit the country for an active break away.

Here are 8 reasons why Bulgaria is a top value for money holiday destination:

1. Weather

Travel to Bulgaria in spring, summer & autumn for an active break The climate of Bulgaria is in the ‘temperate-continental’ category. Characteristic for other countries in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria sees hot summer and long and cold winters. This makes spring and autumn particular good times to travel in the lower regions and the summer months (similar as in the Alps) excellent for walking in the mountains.

2. Old-charm Villages

Tiny villages are alive with traditional lifestyle Bulgaria is rich in tiny villages that brim with traditional hospitality, local produce for local prices, and utensils that most of us probably forgot even exist. It is a land where time seems to have stood still and this is evidenced by the old water mills that are still in operation and the use of centuries-old methods to produce local specialities such as 'rakia' (brandy), wild berry jams and Balkan brine cheese.

3. Landscape

Explore the unspoilt Balkan Mountains on foot The unspoiled Balkan Mountains offer fantastic off the beaten track cycling and walking opportunities. Hidden in the landscape are the Seven Rila Lakes, the Central Balkan National Park, and the country’s highest peak of Musala (2925m). A series of trails lead you through a rich and varied landscape of alpine meadows, glacial lakes, sheer cliffs and forests.

4. Religious Sites

Many churches with ancient icons and colourful murals are scattered throughout Bulgaria. And several of the country's most significant and historic Orthodox monasteries offer free admission. For example, visit Rila Monastery, Glozhene Monastery, Troyan Monastery, and All Saints Church.

5. Historical Towns

Along the way, pass picturesque historical towns

Veliko Tarnovo - one of the most charming Balkan towns and the former Bulgarian capital

Plovdiv – Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city and home to a Roman theatre and a romantic old town

Bansko – from the charming town there are footpaths into the Pirin Mountains, which are home to bear and wolf

Ribaritsa – with its location on the foot of the Balkan Mountains and the Beli Vit River flowing through, this is a popular mountain resort

Bozhentsi – a must-visit town that is noted for its well-preserved architecture of Bulgaria’s national revival

Cherni Vit – go here to taste its exclusively produced green cheese known as, here it comes, ‘Cherni Vit’

Teteven – considered one of the most picturesque towns of Bulgaria with a series of old houses like Bobevska, Yorgova, and Hadji Ivanova

6. Local Libations

The price of a pint of beer is 49p (1 AU$) on average for local brews like Zagorka, Britos, and Ariyana. Rakiya, Bulgaria’s fruit brew with an alcoholic percentage of 40-80%, is often brewed at home and with the long history of wine production dating back 6000 years, these alcoholic drinks are widely available. As they are some of the most popular libations among Bulgarians, the drinks offer good value for money too.

7. Museums

Bulgaria knows a long and rich history With so much culture and history in Bulgaria, there is a selection of interesting museums to visit during your exploration of the country. These are exceptionally good value for money with admission to the Etar Ethnographic Museum being just around £3 pp, the Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv at £2.50 pp, £2.75 per head for the Konstantsalieva House in Arbanasi, and free admission to the Philippopolis Art Gallery.

8. Hospitality

Combine activities like walking or cycling in Bulgaria with time spent absorbing the local way of life. Wooden carts are still pulled by horse or donkey and farmers make hay with a pitchfork. In our specially chosen hotels and guesthouses you’ll receive a warm welcome from a people that is delighted to receive foreign guest in their villages and home.

For more information on Bulgaria holiday destinations, you can download the trip notes or get in touch with one of our travel experts around the world.