Turkey was once beloved by Brits keen for sea, sand and low prices and even lower crowds. However, this beautiful country is now creeping up in popularity and the costs are creeping up alongside it.
Skyscanner lists return flights from London to Bodrum in August starting at £285 per adult. Add a seven-night stay at a 4-star all-inclusive hotel for a family of four, and you're looking at around £5,755, according to Booking.com. Luckily, the travel experts at eurochange have shared a destination with sandy beaches, ancient history, bustling villages and delicious food. The best part is, it’s even cheaper than Turkey.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement said: “If you love the sunny coastal resorts, family-friendly atmosphere, and mix of culture and coastline that Turkey offers, Bulgaria might just be your next go-to destination.
“The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is often overlooked, but it offers many of the same benefits as Turkey’s Mediterranean hotspots. Resorts like Sunny Beach, Nessebar, and Sozopol combine sandy beaches, calm warm waters and plenty of activities for kids, but it’s often half the price of popular Turkish resorts like Marmaris or Bodrum, especially during school holidays.”
It’s not just the coast which resembles Turkey - there’s also similarities between Bulgarian and Turkish cuisine.
Laura said: “Bulgarian cuisine also shares similarities with Turkish food, boasting grilled meats, fresh salads, pastries, and lots of yoghurt-based sauces - but it’s incredibly affordable. Meals out won’t dent your holiday budget much, and most restaurants cater well to kids and families.”
“Plus, Bulgaria is one of Europe’s best-value destinations for all-inclusive holidays. Family resorts are designed with kids in mind, offering pools, kids’ clubs, entertainment, and easy beach access. You get the full-service experience you might expect in Turkey, but for less.”
For example, you can book a seven-night stay at a 4-star all-inclusive hotel for a family of four for just £2191, whereas in Turkey the same stay would cost £4,542