There’s a city where wellness lovers can bask in warm weather and sunshine in April while soaking up centuries of history and indulging in spa treatments for a fraction of the cost of a UK break. Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has quietly become one of Europe’s top short-break destinations. It offers an exceptional spa experience for much less than you’d pay in the UK.
In new research conducted by Wizz Air, which compared spa costs across Europe to those of its counterparts in London, Plovdiv ranks as one of the most affordable cities for a relaxing retreat. In fact, flights between London Luton and Plovdiv start at just £44, and a stay at the top-rated Landmark Creek Hotel & Wellness can cost as little as £66 a night—a fraction of the price of similar stays in the UK.
Wizz Air explained: “With return fares from London to Manchester averaging £95 and a one-night stay at The Savoy priced at £624, opting for a flight to Plovdiv and staying at The Landmark Creek Hotel & Wellness instead would save you around £609 compared to taking the train to London and staying at The Savoy.”
This makes Plovdiv an affordable choice and an ideal spot for those seeking a rejuvenating break to recharge energy without the hefty price tag.
Beyond its exceptional spas, Plovdiv is full of history and culture as one of the oldest cities in the world. Greek, Slavic, Ottoman, and Persian influences are reflected in the traditional dances, music, costumes, and crafts.
Bulgaria’s second-largest city highlights include a remarkably well-preserved Roman amphitheatre dating back to the 2nd century AD and Ottoman-era houses that sit side by side with Roman ruins.
The city is also twice a European Capital of Culture, boasting an Ancient Stadium of Philipopolis and the imposing Dzhumaya Mosque, highlighting its rich cultural diversity.
Tripadvisor reviewer KemikOjstra highlighted: “The old town of Plovdiv is really charming. The coloured timber-framed merchant houses in Bulgarian-Ottoman style are really nice to see and carry much history in them (just like coloured timber-framed houses in Colmar, Alsace). They were mainly built in the 19th century and now mainly turned into hotels, restaurants, or the head locations of some local institutions.
“They are situated around the hill, old city walls and ancient theatre, so it is a very nice and pleasant walk all around the old town, a paradise for all history buffs and artists.”
With averages of 19C to welcome you in April, as reported by NOAA, Plovdiv is ideal to discover on foot while basking in the Balkan sunshine.
Wizz Air’s top 10 cities for a spa break
- Grenoble, France
- Warsaw, Poland
- Riga, Latvia
- Bucharest, Romania
- Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Berlin, Germany
- Bari, Italy
- Burgas, Bulgaria
- London, UK
- Vilnius, Lithuania
