Bulgaria

FOR quieter destinations and cheaper prices, a late summer holiday – when kids have gone back to school – is ideal.

And now is the perfect time to book one, whether you want to relax on a beach, sail the ocean, tour wineries or experience some Disney magic.

Trisha Harbord selects ten top trips to enjoy in the UK or abroad, with or without the little ones . . . 

NORWEGIAN FJORDS CRUISING

SAY goodbye to chores and ride the waves aboard P&O Cruises’ Britannia.

The round-trip from Southampton to the Norwegian Fjords, stops at Haugesund, Olden, Alesund and Stavanger, and takes in the Viking region, breathtaking glaciers, lush forests and stunning lakes.

In Olden, try the Loen Skylift, one of the steepest in the world, for an amazing view.

OO ARR!

The massive new pirate-themed waterpark open in Spain & you can stay for £34 each

QUEUE KNEW

Greece backtracks over plans to scrap queue-causing new rules for Brits

Britannia is an entertainment centre, with comedy, musical shows, bars, speciality restaurants, sports, a cookery club, kids’ clubs, play areas and a night nursery.

GO: Seven nights’ full-board from £785pp departing Southampton on September 11. See iglucruise.com.

BULGARIAN BLACK SEA ACTION

IF you like an active holiday, Bulgaria’s Black Sea is for you.

Along Sunny Beach, there are watersports galore, catamaran cruises, a theme park, Jeep safaris and biking.

The nearby Tui Blue Nevis hotel offers a multi-sports court for tennis, football and volleyball, pool games, guided walks, arts and crafts, and cooking classes.

Evening entertainment includes singers, acrobats, outdoor cinema and silent disco.

Don’t miss the ancient city of Nessebar, a Unesco World Heritage site.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £579pp including Manchester flights on September 10. See tui.co.uk.

LUXURY GREEK ODYSSEY

WHAT could be more enticing than fabulous food and cool cocktails in a gorgeous Greek island boutique hotel?

The 3* adults-only Nathalie Hotel in Ixia, Rhodes, is small and friendly with rooms that sleep up to four guests.

Or push the boat out and book a Jacuzzi room and Rooftop suite with views over the ocean and spectacular sunsets.

Ixia has a buzzing nightlife, with bars, tavernas and cafes, and is a surfer’s paradise.

Take a bus or taxi to explore the cobbled streets of Rhodes old town.

GO: Seven nights’ B&B from £579pp including flights from Stansted on September 27. See jet2holidays.com.

AND RELAX… WITH THE BELFRY BREAK

TREAT yourself to a relaxing break at one of the UK’s finest country resorts – The Belfry, set in 550 acres of countryside.

The spa has pools, sauna, steam rooms, A Fire & Ice Experience and aroma caves.

The resort has three golf courses, a driving range, restaurants and a cinema room.

A highlight this summer has been surfing simulator WaveSurfer, which will run at weekends during September.

GO: The Pamper or Putt offer is from £259 a night, including dinner, overnight stay, breakfast and your choice of a round of golf on The Derby or a 25-minute spa treatment.

Family two-night B&B weekend offer from £404. thebelfry.com.

LIFE’S A BEACH ON TURKEY’S RIVIERA

THE sun shines 300 days a year on the stunning beaches of Turkey’s riviera.

And the Prime Beach Hotel, in popular Marmaris, has its own private beach.

The 5* resort also offers an aqua park, pools, restaurants and snack bars.

Adults will love the wellness and spa centre, featuring a traditional hammam.

If you can travel for up to three hours, take a day trip to the thermal pools of Pamukkale or ruins of Ephesus, both Unesco World Heritage sites.

GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive from £757pp including flights from Luton on September 30. Price includes a free child’s place. See easyjet.com.

BEAT THE QUEUES AT DISNEYLAND PARIS

SEPTEMBER is a fantastic time of year to visit Disneyland Paris, especially if you avoid the weekend for shorter queues.

This year is a big one for the attraction.

The new World Of Frozen has opened in Adventure World, along with Cascade Of Lights, a fireworks, water and drone spectacular.

New for summer are Princess Cavalcade Mickey And The Magician show. Grown-ups will love thrill rides, such as The Twilight Zone: Tower Of Terror  and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force.

GO: Two nights’ room-only at the Hotel Santa Fe and three-day park tickets from £831pp, for arrival on September 28. See disneylandparis.com.

CATCH A SEAFOOD FEAST IN DEVON

DIVE down to Devon for two-week festival England’s Seafood Feast, which showcases the county’s culinary qualities and begins on September 21.

Restaurants, cafes, pubs and hotels across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham create exclusive tasting experiences, including seven courses over seven hours in seven restaurants by seven local chefs, with seven award-winning drinks.

Riviera Bay Coastal Retreat in Brixham has lodges, caravans and chalets.

GO: Three nights’ self-catering in a two-bedroom lodge is from £369. See landscovecoastalretreats.co.uk and englishriviera.co.uk.

ESSEX HAS A TOUCH OF GLASS

WINE tourism in Essex is booming and the county is now home to 58 vineyards.

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in the beautiful grounds of Bardfield Vineyard near Braintree and you won’t need to book a taxi home after tasting their rosé, Bacchus or sparkling brut wines.

A tasting tour with ploughman’s lunch costs £40 per person.

Bed down in a rustic cart lodge, with two double en-suite bedrooms and kitchen.

Head to Saffron Grange for sparkling wines, or try the award-winning Tuffon Hall vineyard.

Both tours cost £25 per head.

GO: A cart lodge at Bardfield from £140 a night. See visitessex.com.

YORKSHIRE GOES BARKING MAD

CHEF James Martin will join pooch lovers at DogFest On The Farm at Harewood House, Yorkshire, on September 12-13.

James, who says his cocker spaniel Cooper is his best mate, will be giving cooking demos and dog nutrition advice.

Your four-legged friends can play in the giant ball pit and splash around at a pool party.

Trainers are on hand and there are sheepdog trials and breed meet-ups.

Tickets from £24.50. See dogfest.co.uk.

A perfect base for the festival is the Old Barn, near Harrogate.

GO: Three nights’ self-catering is from £525 for arrival on September 12. See caninecottages.co.uk.

TRY WALES FOR WALKING

WALKING tour company Ramble Worldwide is 80 years old this year.

It offers guided holidays in the UK and abroad for all levels of fitness, including along the beautiful Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coasts.

Ramblers who choose Wales will find clifftop paths, coves and fishing villages, with the chance to see seals, dolphins and porpoises, and Cilgerran Castle.

Groups of ten to 12 are based at the 3* Gwbert Hotel, on the River Teifi, for walks of around ten miles a day.

GO: Five nights’ half board from £699pp for arrival on September 28. See rambleworldwide.co.uk.

WHEN booking a city break, it can be hard to choose where to go with hundreds of cities to choose from.

Add in the fact that a lot are full of crowds most of the year round, the decision can feel a little like a minefield.

The good news, though, is that there are loads of cities that don’t have the crowds and still have loads to see and do.

Whether you want a history-focused city break or more of a foodie-themed holiday, here are some lesser-known city breaks for under £250 per person:

Ditch Lisbon for Coimbra, Portugal

Instead of heading to the crowded cities of Lisbon or Porto, venture to Coimbra, which used to actually be the Portuguese capital.

The city is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, which is even a UNESCO World Heritage University.

Read more on travel inspo

SO FLY

Our fave beach hols under 5 hours from UK with Caribbean dupes & £2 bottles of wine

CHEAP BREAKS

UK’s best 100 cheap stays – our pick of the top hotels, holiday parks and pubs

To see the university itself, head to the 18th-century Joanina Library which has Baroque architecture.

Plus, the city is only an hour from Porto.

You could stay at Hotel D. Luís, which sits on the banks of the River Mondego in the heart of the city.

The hotel has 100 rooms with TVs, private bathrooms and complimentary toiletries and there’s even a restaurant in the hotel and a buffet-style breakfast too.

A three-night stay for two people between September 15 and 18, flying from London Stansted, costs £159 per person.

Ditch Rome for Bologna, Italy

Instead of heading to Rome, venture to Bologna in Italy.

Known for being a major foodie city, Bologna is loved for its restaurants selling fresh pasta as well as having hundreds of red terracotta rooftops.

Head to Piazza Maggiore, which is the central square in the city, and visit the unfinished Basilica di San Petronio.

In the city, you could stay at Savhotel Fiera, which features chic modern rooms – the hotel also has a restaurant and buffet-style breakfast, as well as outdoor terraces.

A three-night stay for two people between July 29 and August 1, flying to Forli (about a half- hour drive from Bologna) from London Stansted, costs £199 per person.

Ditch Brussels for Ghent, Belgium

Instead of going to Brussels, head to the city of Ghent, often considered Belgium‘s best kept secret.

In the centre of the city, you’ll find no cars, as well as fascinating architecture.

The city is known for its three towers – the 14th century Belfry of Ghent, St Bavo’s Cathedral and St Nicholas’ Church.

You could stay at the ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort, which is conveniently close to the train station with 119 rooms, each with a TV and there is also a bar and buffet breakfast.

A three-night stay for two people between November 8 and 11, flying from London Heathrow to Brussels (a 28 minute train journey away) costs £249 per person.

Ditch Budapest for Sofia, Bulgaria

Both Budapest and Sofia have lots of grand architecture with socialist-era buildings.

Yet, despite being the capital of Bulgaria, not many people head to Sofia for a city break.

But this vibrant capital is super cheap and has a lot to see including ancient Roman ruins and a bustling cafe culture.

If you love the outdoors, you can head to Vitosha Mountain as well, which takes under 20 minutes from the city centre.

You could stay at the Lopera Guest House, which is just a short walk from some of the city’ s main sights, such as St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is just five minutes away.

Rooms each have a private bathroom, as well as all the other features you’d expect.

You could stay for three-nights for two people between September 27 and 30, 2027, flying from London Stansted for £159 per person.

Ditch Berlin for Tirana, Albania

Like the German city of Berlin, Tirana has transformed historical spots in the city into creative attractions, with former communist structures now home to art galleries.

Even though Tirana is the capital of Albania, you’ll be hard pressed to find a crowd.

When in the city explore the lively cafe culture and head to Bunk’Art & Bunk’Art 2 to explore declassified Cold War nuclear bunkers that are now home to museums.

You could stay at the four-star Hotel Boka, just a short walk from Skanderbeg Square – the city’s main square.

The hotel boasts 20 rooms, each with a TV and minibar.

There’s also a bar with snacks and then a continental breakfast in the morning.

You could stay for three nights for two people between December 2 and 5, flying from London Luton for £169 per person.

Ditch Prague for Vilnius, Lithuania

Much like Prague, Vilnius has a similar fairytale-like atmosphere with mediaeval churches, towering castles and cobblestone alleys.

The capital of Lithuania is known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town where you can head on a walking tour.

In fact, it is one of the largest surviving medieval old towns in Northern Europe.

You could stay at the Panorama Hotel in the heart of Vilnius Old Town.

The hotel has 224 rooms with views of the Old Town’s rooftops.

There is an onsite restaurant too serving European food and a bar, as well as breakfast in the morning.

You could stay for three nights for two people between October 6 and 10, flying from London Stansted for £129 per person.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly city break this summer, a study has shown some of the cheapest options across Europe, and one country dominates the top ten with a huge selection of inexpensive cities

Summer is a great time to enjoy a city break. While some people prefer to head to the beach, the sunny weather can be a nice time to see a new city, as you can explore outside and enjoy a more relaxed vibe.

But city breaks can be expensive. If you’re looking for budget options, there’s one country in particular that should be top of your list. It has six out of the ten cheapest city breaks in Europe, and makes up the entirety of the top five named in the study.

The research, carried out by virtual card provider Getsby, looked at data from travel cost site Budget Your Trip and worked out the average cost for two people for a mid-range city break in 100 different European cities. It crunched the numbers on the daily cost for two people for two days, including mid-priced meals, a hotel stay, and using local transport.

Coming in with a daily average cost of £35 per person was Wroclaw in Poland, making it the cheapest option out of all the cities studied. Wroclaw, set in the southwest of the country, was built on 12 islands across the Odra River and its neighbourhoods are connected by over 100 bridges. It’s sometimes called the Venice of Poland thanks to its sprawling network of canals that offer you the chance to go sightseeing by boat.

Ostrów Tumski, or Cathedral Island, is the oldest part of the city, made up of cobblestone streets that are illuminated by 102 gas lamps, each one lit by hand every evening by a man in a cape. Just across the water is Rynek, one of the largest medieval squares in Europe, where you’ll find a towering Gothic old town hall and traditional tenement houses painted in soft pastel tones.

Centennial Hall is another of the city’s architectural masterpieces. Built in the 1910s, this vast concrete building was used as a filming location for Hunger Games prequel The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, its distinctive high dome making it perfect for the Capitol Arena.

Eating out is inexpensive in Wroclaw, and you can find plenty of hearty, cheap eats. Fill up on kluski sląskie, soft potato dumplings, or zurek, a tangy soup often served in a bread bowl. The city is also a popular place to visit during the winter months, where the icy weather gives it serious cosy vibes.

Rynek becomes the site of the city’s Christmas market from late-November until early-January, and opens late in to the night. You can try traditional Polish food and enjoy hot mulled wine served in ceramic, boot-shaped mugs that have become a collector’s item.

But Wroclaw isn’t Poland’s only inexpensive destination. The top five cheapest breaks are all in the country: Poznań, Katowice, Gdańsk, and Kraków, making up the list. Warsaw, the country’s capital, also comes in at number ten.

Outside of Poland, four other cities complete the top ten. These are Sofia in Bulgaria, Zagreb in Croatia, Malmö in Sweden, and Budapest in Hungary, putting the majority of cheap destinations in Eastern Europe.

The 10 cheapest European cities for a weekend getaway

1. Wroclaw, Poland
2. Poznań, Poland
3. Katowice, Poland
4. Gdańsk, Poland
5. Krakow, Poland
6. Sofia, Bulgaria
7. Zagreb, Croatia
8. Malmö, Sweden
9. Budapest, Hungary
10. Warsaw, Poland

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

They offer stunning views and culture without a hefty price tag.

Travel expert Simon Calder has shared his pick of European holiday destinations that won’t break the bank. While they come with a lower price tag, the spots are still packed full with stunning scenery, culture, food and activities.

Montenegro

Travel expert Simon has championed Montenegro as a breathtakingly beautiful yet criminally overlooked European gem, boasting a spectacular coastline, sweeping national parks and enchanting medieval towns.

The Balkan nation also happens to rank among Europe’s most affordable destinations, according to a recent study by Jersey Island Holidays.

The crown jewel of Montenegro is Kotor Bay, hailed as “a jewel of the Mediterranean,” and brimming with picturesque fishing villages and jaw-dropping scenery. On Tripadvisor, one visitor declared Kotor to be one of the “nicest places” they’d ever set eyes on.

Another wrote: “The bay is gorgeous with hills and mountains surrounding it. There are plenty of viewpoints to see it. The towns also look pretty with the red tiled roofs.”

A further holidaymaker gushed: “What a spectacular scene. Kotor Bay is winding and resembles a fjord. It is located in the Adriatic Sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

“The natural beauty is stunning, with Mediterranean landscapes, mountains, and cliffs in contrast with the historic buildings.”

Portugal

Though better known as a summer hotspot, Portugal is a stunning destination in its own right, offering vibrant towns and a glorious stretch of coastline.

Simon singles out Lisbon, along with the charming towns of Cascais, Estoril and Sintra as must-visit locations.

He said: “I love Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, and the locations on its western flanks – in particular Cascais, Estoril and Sintra.

“But until now I haven’t strayed south to the Setubal Peninsula: much less well known, but full of surprises.

“Do try O Barbas – an amazing seafood restaurant overlooking the Atlantic in Costa da Caparica; the wild, windy and atmospheric cape of Espichel; and Setubal itself, a sleepy, friendly city.”

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is yet another undiscovered treasure and a destination where “your money goes further,” according to Simon.

He said: “We’ve been telling everyone for years that Bulgaria is a great holiday destination, about how wonderful the weather is, how soft the sandy beaches are, the excellent hotels and of course the low cost of living there.”

Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index has identified the top 10 destinations where you can enjoy a five-star stay on a budget – with some high-end options available from as little as £70 a night

The top 10 destinations offering five-star stays on a budget have been revealed. Despite unpredictable travel costs, securing a luxury holiday without breaking the bank is entirely achievable – with high-end range accommodation available for as low as £70.

The findings from Hotels.com’s 2026 Hotel Price Index drew on internal booking information and a worldwide survey of 11,000 travellers from the UK, USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, France, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and South Korea.

Travel expert and spokesperson Melanie Fish said: “Travellers may be feeling the squeeze, but they’re also getting smarter. “With increasing volatility in travel prices this summer, fuel costs may be dominating the conversation, but hotel prices are where travellers are making real trade-offs.”

The research revealed that luxury breaks in Croatia, Estonia, Zaragoza, Spain and Bulgaria can also be enjoyed for less than £150 a night.

The Index also uncovered other affordable yet indulgent alternatives destinations, including stays in Wrocław, Poland (£120), Tirana, Albania (£130) and Riga, Latvia (£130). Five-star accommodation can be found in the UK as well – with options in Brighton (£115), Cornwall (£135) and Liverpool (£170).

Alongside identifying 10 of the most budget-friendly destinations, the research highlighted 10 notable locations that have experienced significant price reductions over the past year – including Loire, France (down 32%) and Edmonton, Canada (down 31%).

Additional destinations include St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands (down 30%), Dortmund, Germany (down 21%) and Turin, Italy (also down 21%).

Surprisingly, the findings showed that booking last minute can actually save money, with hotel rates up to 26% cheaper when reserving closer to your departure date. For those seeking to reduce expenses even further, the data revealed prices are 14% lower for Sunday stays – with Saturdays proving the most costly.

Escaping in January delivers the best value, while the second week of July commands the highest rates – domestically at least.

Hotels.com’s global study, conducted through OnePoll, also disclosed what tops everyone’s luxury dream wish list – a hot tub with a view (44%) followed by a penthouse suite (41%).

When questioned about what defines a genuinely luxurious hotel experience, exceptional food at the hotel (31%), a room with a view (30%) and premium in-room amenities (28%) emerged as the top priorities.

TEN OF THE CHEAPEST FIVE-STAR STAYS ABROAD:

1. Nha Trang, Vietnam (£70)
2. Zaragoza, Spain (£120)
3. Wrocław, Poland (£120)
4. Tirana, Albania (£130)
5. Riga, Latvia (£130)
6. Zagreb, Croatia (£130)
7. Sofia, Bulgaria (£135)
8. Heraklion (Crete), Greece (£135)
9. Tallinn, Estonia (£140)
10. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (£140)

TEN OF THE BIGGEST INTERNATIONAL PRICE DROPS YEAR-ON-YEAR:

1. Loire, France (-32%)
2. Edmonton, Canada (-31%)
3. St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands (-30%)
4. Dortmund, Germany (-21%)
5. Turin, Italy (-21%)
6. Kassandra (Khalkidhiki) Greece (-21%)
7. Agrigento (Sicily), Italy (-21%)
8. Montego Bay, Jamaica (-18%)
9. Cancun, Mexico (-16%)
10. Dominica (-13%)

PARIS — U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a D-day anniversary speech Saturday that appeared to link immigration by sea to the wartime liberation of Europe, warning that the freedom won by Allied troops could prove temporary if leaders failed to defend it against today’s “invasion.”

Hegseth, speaking at the Normandy American Cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer overlooking Omaha Beach in northwestern France during commemorations for the 82nd anniversary of the June 6, 1944, landings, said that today, “different European beaches are stormed by different dangerous ideologies.”

“Beaches in Spain and Italy and Greece and Bulgaria. Boats and men arrive,” he said.

“When will European capitals do something about that invasion? Or is it too late?” he added. “I pray not, and I believe not.”

Hegseth did not use the word “immigration,” but his remarks echoed broader Trump administration criticism of Europe over migration, borders and what U.S. officials have described as censorship of nationalist and far-right voices.

On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s office condemned Vice President JD Vance’s remarks blaming immigration for the killing of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old British student stabbed to death in Southampton, even though both Nowak and his killer were British.

In December, the Trump administration’s national security strategy warned that Europe faced the “prospect of civilizational erasure” and could become “unrecognizable” within 20 years.

THE spotlight is on Bulgaria this year as one of the most affordable family holiday destinations for Brits.

Cheap beers. all inclusive hotels from £279 and flights under £15 – how could you go wrong?

The country regularly ranks as one of the best value holiday destinations for Brits, in reports such as the Post Office’s yearly Holiday Money Report.

Furthermore Bulgaria, and more specifically the Bourgas Area, has come out on top as the cheapest all inclusive holiday destination in 2026.

The country offers the most affordable week-long all inclusive breaks, beating destinations such as Tunisia and Turkey according to Travel Supermarket.

Plus a beer here costs as little as 89p, according to data from Wise.

Read more on cheap holidays

TURK NOTE

Turkey urges tourists it’s ‘safe to travel’ with insanely cheap holiday deals

SI YA

Jet2 boss reveals the three holiday spots that Brits are booking over Spain

A meal out at an inexpensive restaurant averages £8.82, and a cappuccino from a local cafe just 88p.

There’s some seriously affordable holiday deals available, including last-minute bargains for the summer and super cheap holidays to secure now for next year’s holiday

Here’s our roundup of the best value 7-night Bulgaria holiday package deals including flights.

All of these deals are for all inclusive hotels – so enjoy the unlimited poolside cocktails.

Izola Paradise, Sunny Beach – £279pp

This four star stay sits smack-bang in the lively resort town of Sunny Beach, just a short walk from its golden shores.

The family-friendly, all inclusive hotel has a kids club and adventure playground to keep the little ones entertained, plus a games room and activities like tennis and darts.

Adults can unwind at the spa, which has a hot tub, steam bath and fitness centre.

Plus with your all inclusive package covering three meals a day in the buffet restaurant, as well as snacks, soft drinks, cocktails and more, there’s no need to spend any extra on food and drink.

This four star hotel sees prices surge to £750pp+ in the summer months – but you can secure your stay for May next year for £279pp.

Book a 7-night all inclusive stay at the Izola Paradise in Sunny Beach from £279pp

Sunrise All Suites Resort All Inclusive – £309pp

This glam resort in the relaxed seaside resort of Obzor offers spacious suites, perfect for families.

This all inclusive hotel has three freshwater outdoor pools, plus activities like fitness classes, badminton and a kids daytime entertainment program.

Walk down from the hotel to its private beach to find reserved loungers and parasols propped on a stretch of sand facing the calm sea.

On the beach you’ll find various watersports, a beach volleyball set-up and even a fire pit to cosy up and enjoy your evenings outdoors.

Roomy suites come with a living area, kitchenette, air-con, a flatscreen TV and a balcony – everything you’ll need for a comfortable base.

Book a 7-night all inclusive stay at the Sunrise All Suites Resort from £309pp

Azalia Hotel Balneo & SPA – £349pp

This modern hotel and spa offers a giant outdoor pool with waterslides and sea views, plus plenty of loungers and parasols on its own stretch of beach.

While kids have days packed with activities in the kids club, grown-ups can retreat to the spa centre with a gym, pool, sauna, steam bath and hammam.

Plus there’s treatments like massages and facials to add on for an extra bit of me-time.

Whether you’re wanting a fly and flop type of holiday, or one action-packed with activities like mountain biking, volleyball and tobogganing, this hotel caters to either.

The spa hotel sits in St Konstantin, a peaceful resort town with quiet woodlands and thermal springs close to Varna.

Book a 7-night all-inclusive stay at Azalia Hotel Balneo & SPA from £349pp

Gladiola Star – £349pp

The four-star Gladiola Star hotel sits in Golden Sands, a bustling seaside resort with great nightlife and a fine sand beach that matches its name.

This hotel is just 100m from the beach and a lively promenade packed with bars, restaurants and shops that come to life at nighttime.

At the hotel you’ll find a large outdoor pool, plenty of loungers to laze on, plus there’s a sauna and massage treatments available, too.

Nearby there’s water sports like water-skiing and parasailing, plus the Aquapolis Waterpark is just over 10 minutes’ walk away.

Book a 7-night all-inclusive stay at the Gladiola Star from £349pp

Not only is Bulgaria a cheap and cheerful holiday spot, but it’s full of beautiful beaches and landscapes, too.

There’s 26 Blue Flag beaches to choose from across the coastline, including the wide, flat sands of Albena in the north which provide plenty of room for sunbathers without the crowds.

There’s also the crescented cove of Bolata near Varna, with a calm turquoise bay and a more remote feel than other popular resorts.

Down near Burgas you’ll find Smokinya beach, which you’ll find a large beach with shallow, clear waters and plenty of parasols – perfect for families.

And there is of course Sunny Beach, with over six miles of golden sand, a strip of buzzy bars and restaurants and its renowned nightlife.

The resort lives up to its name, too, with temperatures reaching an ideal 30°C in the summer months.

If you prefer booking your flights and hotels individually, there’s plenty of very affordable flights from the UK.

You can fly from Birmingham to Sofia from £14.99, London to Burgas from £22 and Manchester to Varna for £40.

*Prices correct at the time of publication.

Travel expert Simon Calder recommended some stunning but underrated European destinations

Montenegro

Travel expert Simon Calder has championed Montenegro as an absolutely breathtaking yet underrated European gem, boasting a spectacular coastline, sweeping national parks and enchanting medieval towns. The country also happens to rank among Europe’s most affordable destinations, according to a recent study by Jersey Island Holidays.

The most popular holiday spot is Kotor Bay, hailed as “a jewel of the Mediterranean,” brimming with picturesque fishing villages and jaw-dropping vistas.

On Tripadvisor, one traveller gushed that Kotor is one of the “nicest places” they’ve ever visited. Another remarked: “The bay is gorgeous with hills and mountains surrounding it. There are plenty of viewpoints to see it. The towns also look pretty with the red tiled roofs.”

A further visitor enthused: “What a spectacular scene. Kotor Bay is winding and resembles a fjord. It is located in the Adriatic Sea and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The natural beauty is stunning, with Mediterranean landscapes, mountains, and cliffs in contrast with the historic buildings.”

Portugal

Though better known as a summer hotspot, Portugal is a stunning nation of vibrant towns and a glorious shoreline. Simon Calder singles out Lisbon, along with the charming towns of Cascais, Estoril and Sintra as must-visit destinations.

He said: “I love Lisbon, one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities, and the locations on its western flanks – in particular Cascais, Estoril and Sintra. But until now I haven’t strayed south to the Setubal Peninsula: much less well known, but full of surprises.

“Do try O Barbas – an amazing seafood restaurant overlooking the Atlantic in Costa da Caparica; the wild, windy and atmospheric cape of Espichel; and Setubal itself, a sleepy, friendly city.”

Bulgaria

Bulgaria is another under-the-radar treasure and a place where “your money goes further,” according to Simon.

He said: “We’ve been telling everyone for years that Bulgaria is a great holiday destination, about how wonderful the weather is, how soft the sandy beaches are, the excellent hotels and of course the low cost of living there.”

Bulgaria has won Eurovision for the first time, pushing Israel into second place amid boycotts and protests over Israel’s wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. The result reignited debate over the apparent double standard with Russia banned for invading Ukraine.

The singer, whose real name is Darina Yotova, said at a press conference after her win: “I want to thank my husband, because he was the one to push me to come to Eurovision.

Because in the beginning I was not sure if I want to come or not, because I had anxiety and doubt with myself, and he was the one that he just pushed me, and he was like, ‘you need to go right now to Eurovision, right now, pick up your phone tell them you’re going’.”

The Eurovision Song Consest has closed out its milestone seventieth year as another winner of the international competition has been confirmed after a close call

Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest. Singer DARA, 27, had been representing the country with Bangaranga and managed to reign supreme in the international competition by accumulating 516 points in total.

Following their big win, DARA collapsed to the floor as confetti rained down. This is the first time the country have won, after previously finishing second in 2017.

To cheers from around the stadium in Vienna, she then performed the track once again to close out the contest, and, in the process, confirming that it will all take place in Bulgaria next year. Just moments before her big win, DARA admitted: “Honey, I still do not know what’s going on.

READ MORE: Eurovision humiliation for the UK as public give ZERO points for fourth year runningREAD MORE: Graham Norton’s Eurovision 2026 zingers as he savages hosts in Vienna

“I want to thank everyone who gave us those points, we really tried to give our best. Thank you so much for the whole show.”

Last year’s winner, JJ, then presented the trophy as he screamed: “Oh my god, I love you, congratulations girl!” It all got tense in the last few moments as it was either going to be Israel or Bulgaria but, in the end, Bulgaria stormed ahead with having been awarded an incredible amount of points.

Things didn’t end so well for the United Kingdom as Look Mum No Computer crashed out of the competition with just one point.

The YouTuber, whose real name Sam Battle, picked up one point from the jury votes and zero from the public tonight. Three previous acts – Remember Monday, Olly Alexander and Mae Muller – also received zero points from the public vote.

The UK gave its 12 points to France in the jury vote of the Eurovision 2026 grand final. The result, presented by Strictly Come Dancing star La Voix, also saw Bulgaria awarded 10 points, Czechia awarded eight and Ukraine given seven.

The social media star was fairly optimistic just hours beforehand, but it just wasn’t to be. Asked if he has a fear of scoring nothing, he said: “No, in fact, there’s a T-shirt that I’m dreaming of saying, ‘Look Mum, No Points’ There’s an outcome where there’s still fun to be had, even if there is nul points.”

Sam admitted that while it was a “very risky” track to put forward to represent the nation, he is confident that he has put a lot of effort into making it right for the big night.

Speaking to The Sun, he added: “It’s got a good ring to it, even though I have a feeling in my crystal ball, I might be wrong — and don’t hold me to this — I do think we’re gonna get points.

Join The Mirror’s WhatsApp Community or follow us on Google News , Flipboard , Apple News , TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads – or visit The Mirror homepage .