20 Jan 2022
Surprising Bulgaria – Part 5: Spa & Wellness
Our ‘Surprising Bulgaria’ series today introduces a range of spas in the country for those looking for relaxation and treatments whilst on holiday. Whilst in the mountains recently, our team used the spas in the Hotel Rila, Borovets and the Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena, Bansko. The quality of the spas in these two hotels is extremely high, on a par with the best 5-star options in hotels and destinations across the world. In the Kempinski, the number of saunas seems endless. You can choose between a herbal sauna, and infrared sauna and at the other end of the spectrum, a snow room! The whole set up is straightforward, dignified
19 Jan 2022
Could This Be The Perfect Day In Golden Sands?
Idyllic sands, plenty to do and personality aplomb, it really is no wonder Golden Sands is such a popular option for those seeking summer holidays in Bulgaria. So how would your perfect day here go? We've put our own one together in case you're seeking a bit of inspiration. Breakfast As the saying goes, breakfast is the most important meal of the morning. Bulgarian cuisine is renowned for using fresh ingredients and a simple but well-done approach. A favourite breakfast of the country is banitsa, a dough filled with various fillings that might include cheese, spinach, rice and meat, but the joy of staying in Golden Sands is
13 Jan 2022
It’s Nice Up North!
This week, we thought we’d look north, not to the wonderful north of England and Scotland, although those are beautiful parts of the world, but the northern part of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast!  There are two big cities on Bulgaria’s coastline, there is Bourgas towards the south, where there are various beach resorts including Sunny Beach, Nessebar and Sozopol. Further north is Varna, which is Bulgaria’s second-biggest city. Close to Varna are the beach resorts of Golden Sands, Albena and St Konstantin. It’s fair to say that most British holidaymakers head for Bourgas, staying in Sunny Beach, Nessebar and
04 Jan 2022
Surprising Bulgaria – Part 3: Festivals & Fun
When it comes to Bulgaria the first thing many people think of is its stretches of beautiful golden beaches, sparkling lakes and lush mountains sweeping the countryside. But if you scratch beneath the surface you’ll find there’s even more to this special country than first meets the eye. During the summer months the resorts, cities and towns of Bulgaria come alive with a host of festivals and events to suit almost every type of visitor. In this article we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular summer events across Bulgaria and some of our personal favourites! Bourgas Sand Sculpture Festival: The thought of
28 Dec 2021
Surprising Bulgaria - Part 2: Bulgarian Food & Drink Specialities
Great food and drink are integral to a memorable holiday. Many visitors to Bulgaria are surprised by the high quality of ingredients in dishes in Bulgaria, and the sheer variety on offer. Here is our list of unmissable choices to help any holiday here start on a high. Shopska Salad Widely available, this is no ordinary salad. On offer in restaurants and cafés such as on the open-air veranda at the Hotel Venus, little gem in the middle of Sunny Beach, this salad can be eaten either as starter or a light main course. It’s made of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, covered with slivers of salty white cheese called Sirene,
20 Dec 2021
Surprising Bulgaria - Part 1: Affordable Luxury
The Balkans are firmly on everyone’s wish list for travel. An area of striking natural beauty, many historic sites and cultural events, together with welcoming local people make that inevitable. Balkan Holidays, the award-winning specialist holiday company to the region, outline what to discover in Bulgaria, the country found in the sunny South East corner of the Balkans. But what does everyone already know about Bulgaria? It consistently tops the charts of ‘Best Value’ destinations according to the Post Office, in their worldwide ‘Holiday Costs Barometer’. This compares the costs of frequently-bought items
20 Dec 2021
What A Great Start To The Ski Season
The last time we had any skiers on holiday with us, in fact any holiday makers at all, was in March 2020, thanks to Covid. It’s been a tough 20 months, the travel industry has been hit really hard throughout the pandemic. What makes it difficult for travel companies is they can’t just shut your doors and furlough all staff because we need to service all our customers who have holidays booked. All of us here at Balkan Holidays are very happy to do that as the vast majority of our wonderful customers have stuck with us and transferred their holiday to the next season…and then the next season! We really do appreciate all your
17 Dec 2021
A Closer Look at Nessebar
A Closer Look at Nessebar Sunny Beach is the most popular resort on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, however so many people say ‘You must visit Nessebar’ – so we did, and this is what we found.. Nessebar is just round the bay from Sunny Beach, if you stand on the middle of the beach and look across there is Nessebar in all its splendour. To reach there you can catch a boat,  bus or taxi, alternatively you can walk along the beach as it curves round into Nessebar itself.  Often referred to as ‘The Pearl of the Black Sea’ it has a rich history stretching back over three thousand years. This
08 Dec 2021
Off Piste Hotels
The Best Off-Piste Skiing & Snowboarding Hotels In Bulgaria We often talk about the most popular hotels in ski resorts but what about those hidden gems, those family run hotels with the authentic feels or those off the beaten track accommodation outside of the resort centre. Many customers do not want to be around the hussle and bussle of the night life, perhaps they are a self-sufficient group or a family who like to enjoy the comforts of a home from home or hotel in a more quaint location.  Whilst visiting the 3 Bulgarian resorts I had the chance to experience all properties, meet the owners and find out what brings our
07 Dec 2021
Borovets preparing to celebrate end of Summer Season
After a hot hot summer, full of adventures and unforgettable moments, Borovets is preparing to close the summer season with three different  events, which will appeal to a wide range of mountain lovers and extreme sports fans.   Bike Park Borovets „Final DH Challenge” – the final summer season mountain bike downhill event in Borovets will surely bring together all the best downhill bikers in the country.  The organizers promise to make sure all routes in Borovets Mountain Bike Park will be in best possible shape and condition for everyone who
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