Last Minute Holidays to Bulgaria

You won't miss a beat on a last minute holiday to Bulgaria

At just over three and a half hours from the UK, Bulgaria is a popular choice for a last minute getaway due to its golden beaches, endless sunshine and breathtaking natural parks, all easily reached with no need to plan ahead.

Bulgaria has 70 golden sand beaches along its 378-kilometre Black Sea coastline with many gorgeous seaside towns ideal for a last minute break. Obzor Beach, once a favourite destination of Roman emperors, is an eight-kilometre long beach set against the backdrop of the Stara Planina mountains. The beach has a friendly, laid-back ambience with restaurants, bars and shops just a short stroll away in the charming piazza of Obzor village. Holidaymakers in search of even more seclusion can take a taxi to the southern section, a nature reserve with wild dunes and tall grass known as Irakli Beach.

If, on the other hand, your idea of the perfect last minute getaway is endless sun, fun and a hedonistic nightlife, head to nearby Sunny Beach. With around 300 days of sunshine per year, Sunny Beach is the most popular destination on the Black Sea coast. The beach is Blue Flag certified and two nearby aqua parks ensure there’s never a dull moment for families. Adults can enjoy beach volleyball, mini-golf and a variety of watersports. In the evening, you can hit the shops, bars and restaurants along the promenade or delve into the pulsating nightlife.

For a memorable day trip, visit the ancient city of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with narrow cobbled streets, historic buildings, and delightful fish restaurants only three kilometres away.

The best time of year to book your last minute holiday

Some of the cheapest deals to Bulgaria can be found by booking last minute, which is anywhere from eight weeks before your planned departure date to right up to the day before you want to set off.

You can save even more planning your visit outside of high season, which in Bulgaria is in the summer between May and September every year. Low season, between October and April, is cheapest, making it worthwhile to book a last minute getaway. However, keep in mind that if you book in low season, attractions such as aqua parks and might be closed for the winter, so do a little research beforehand if that’s what you’re looking for.

Other popular last minute holidays

If you love the idea of booking a last minute deal but are still weighing up your options, there are plenty of other places in the region you’ll love. Take a look at similar destinations in southeast Europe, like Croatia or Montenego. If you decide Bulgaria is still the one for you, our handytravel guide can help you plan your travels. To start, here are the top last minute hotels for you to check out.

Sol Luna Bay Hotel

This All Inclusive 4* hotel overlooks Ozbor Beach with many of the rooms offering magnificent sea views. You can relax by the large outdoor pool or continue a few steps further to the beach. Dine in the buffet restaurant, or the Bulgarian or international themed restaurants. The hotel is situated in a quiet location, making it an ideal last minute escape for families. It has its own aqua park with six water slides. A shuttle service is available to Obzor and Byala, but to experience the shops, restaurants, bars and vibrant nightlife of a major Black Sea town, take a taxi to Sunny Beach.

Trakia Garden

This charming family-run hotel is situated within beautiful green gardens only five minutes from the beach. The friendly staff, spotlessly clean rooms, excellent service and unbeatable location – central Sunny Beach, yet away from party crowd – makes this hotel a popular last minute choice. The shops, bars, restaurants and nightclubs of Sunny Beach are all just a short stroll away. The hotel has two superb restaurants serving a variety of delicious foods, including barbecue. For families with children, there is a kids play area and pool area.

ClubHotel Riu Helios Paradise

Opened in May 2015, this All Inclusive 4* hotel is situated right by the beach, making it an excellent choice for a last minute holiday. You can chill out by the pool, revitalise in the whirlpool or daydream on golden sands. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a wide variety of sports can be enjoyed on Sunny Beach. The main restaurant offers a buffet of hot and cold meals, with Italian, Asian and Bulgarian cuisines also available for dinner. The quiet suburb of St Vlas is only a short taxi ride away from the shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs of central Sunny Beach.

Festa Panorama Hotel

This modern All Inclusive hotel is just a few minutes from the beach and within easy reach of Nessebar’s old town. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite TV, minibar and balcony furnished with table and chairs. After a day at the beach, your revitalisation continues in the spa with sauna, Turkish baths and massage. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided by Mediterranean or Bulgarian-themed buffets, but there are plenty of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance too, and the party hotspot of Sunny Beach is only a short taxi ride away. If wine tasting is your thing, visit the Pomorie Wine Cellar, one of the oldest wineries in Bulgaria, just a few kilometres south in Pomorie.