If you are thinking of jetting off somewhere but are not sure where and don’t want to spend tonnes of money then look no further as a renowned travel expert has named a stunning European country where “your money goes further”. Simon Calder says there were only a couple of ‘very cheap’ destinations he’d consider this year including one country where “your money goes further”.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast, the travel writer shared his top two European holiday destinations for a cheap break. For many, Bulgaria may not be at the top of your travel list, but Simon Calder says not only is it cheap, but it also boasts white sandy beaches. Simon told viewers: “In Western Europe, it has to be Portugal, and in Eastern Europe, Bulgaria – obviously a very popular package holiday destination.”
Simon said: “Your money goes further in Bulgaria. 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.”
Jet2 runs direct flights from Birmingham Airport to Burgas, with the cheapest starting from £45 in October, while prices in August start from £99.
Boasting a lesser-known coastline Burgas is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and is highly-underrated as far as holiday destinations go.
A local beer costs just £2.47, and a three-course dinner for two with wine will only set you back around £48.25 – nearly unthinkable on most Greek islands during peak season.
Sunny Beach – a resort town in Burgas Province – has miles of golden, sun-soaked coastline with turquoise waters, and lively promenades that are bustling well into the evening.
Just to the south of Sunny Beach, is Sozopol, one of the oldest towns on the Bulgarian coast, boasting cobbled lanes, traditional wooden houses, and a working fishing harbour.
Burgas is also home to stunning beauty spots including a free outdoor spa at Lake Atanasovsko, the pretty Sea Garden public park and the Poda Protected Area nature reserve.
Alternatively, Simon recommends Lisbon as ‘one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities. The travel guru 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.”
