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Bulgaria's sunkissed beaches are the new hotspot for holidaymakers
James Moore, Daily Star, 01.08.2004
The Black Sea is turning out to be a bit of all white. Bulgaria's sunkissed beaches are the new hotspot for holidaymakers. With bargain deals and cheap food and booze, the country has recently been named one of the Top 10 international destinations. And Brits are voting with their sun hats as they ditch traditional resorts in Spain and Greece for a brilliant Balkan break. Bulgaria's stunning capital, Sofia, is great for weekend breaks and easily accessible from coastal airports for a beach holiday. But the real draw of the former Communist state is its 240-mile coastline known as the Black Sea Riviera. Here, after lazing in the sun on pristine sand, you can sink a bottle of local wine for about £1.50 or a beer for just 50p. A meal for two costs no more than £5 and there's plenty of pizza joints, burger bars and Greek and Italian restaurants to try, alongside the Bulgarian taverns and folk venues. Despite the bad reputation of eastern European fare, Bulgarian food is surprisingly tasty. Favourites include minced meat rolls and speciality salads. But more humble feeds are a bargain, too. An ice cream will set you back just 40p, while a burger is typically around 30p. And although it is a relatively poor country, crime is no worse than in any of the traditional destinations. So here's our guide to some of the best Bulgarian beach resorts ... ALBENA named after a local beauty, this resort just south of the Romanian border is getting a top-notch reputation for its buzzing nightlife and seven-mile sandy beach. It is child-friendly and activities include everything from parascending and Jeep Safaris to mini-golf. At night, the Variety Club is a must, while great bars include Arabella's and the Fisherman's Hut. For a quality traditional eaterie, stop at Slav's Corner. But there's every kind of food here, including a Norwegian steak restaurant. GOLDEN SANDS Bulgaria's second-largest resort is set on a pretty hillside, but the fabulous beach shelves gently and is ideal for youngsters. There is an array of water sports on offer and the resort is famous for its diving centres. There are plenty of food options, including pizza and hamburgers. But for a real Bulgarian experience try venues such as Sheepfold and Izvora. Golden Sands also has a string of Western-style discos. The best is called Bonkers. SUNNY BEACH with glorious sands and soaring summer temperatures, this resort certainly lives up to its name. Its fivemile beach has an attractive promenade with a mini-train. It's the biggest resort on the Black Sea and a great place for water sports of all kinds. Check out the great local cabaret at Khan's Tent, one of the resort's superb discos. There are also plenty of top restaurants. Perfect for families, there's a brilliant water park and many of the hotels have great clubs for children. There is easy access from the airport at Bourgas 30km away and twoday round trips can even be made to Istanbul in Turkey. It's also near the fishing village of Old Nessebur. ST KONSTANTIN a quieter resort near the bustling port of Varna, excellent for couples and older visitors. It is beautifully positioned in woodland and dubbed "the garden village". The beaches are superb. Best nightlife in the town is at the Grand Hotel Varna. FACT FILE A seven-night half-board holiday at the three sun plus Hotel Laguna Garden in Albena costs £1478 from First Choice for a family of four with two adults and two kids. see source
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