I visited the little-known European seaside town where cocktails cost £4 & summer hits 28C
IF YOU want a European seaside break with warm weather, and cheap food and drink, I’ve found the pocket-friendly holiday destination just a few hours from the UK.
And with cheap flights and hotels, it won’t break the bank this summer either.
Why Nessebar?
While most Brits flock to the Algarve in Portugal or Tenerife in Spain for a European seaside break, another little-known town in Eastern Europe promises to be an affordable and sizzling alternative.
Bulgaria was named one of the cheapest holiday destinations for Brits, according to the latest research from Love Holidays.
And the seaside town of Nessebar is no exception.
Set in the east of the country, this ancient town is found inside Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast.
Apart from one road running onto the mainland, the town is completely surrounded by water.
Both Ryanair and Wizzair run direct flights from London to Burgas, which is a 30-minute drive from Nessebar.
This charming town is steeped in history and culture thanks to its narrow cobblestone streets, eclectic folklore, traditional Bulgarian houses, and ancient ruins.
How expensive is it?
One of the best things about Nessebar, and Bulgaria generally, is its affordability.
Food and drink is cheap – I paid as little as £1 for a bottle of beer while a meal at a mid-range restaurant will cost £10.
One of the cheapest, and freshest, places to grab something to eat in the old town is a restaurant called Hemingway.
I indulged in traditional Bulgarian dishes, such as banitsa (a pastry dish) and kebapcheta (a grilled meat dish), while enjoying stunning views of the sea with a meal costing £6 and a cocktail £4.
During the summer months, local street food vendors line the streets giving tourists even more pocket-friendly choices.
Hotels are affordable too – a budget bed and breakfast costs as little as £35, while a sunlounger will cost just £20 for an entire day.
What is there to do?
While the beaches in Nessebar are popular, they can also get crowded.
During the summer peak season, Bulgarians flock to other popular Black Sea getaways.
One of my favourite hidden beaches in the area is Irakli Beach, which is located about 30 minutes away from Nessebar by car.
The stunning beach is surrounded by crystal-clear water, making it a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing.
Meanwhile, in Nessebar, tourists can also visit the Old Windmill – an iconic landmark overlooking the town.
For those interested in ancient history and culture, Nessebar is home to several ancient ruins and monuments, including the Church of Saint Stephen, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to the 11th century.
One of the most significant ancient attractions in Nessebar is the Thracian necropolis, which dates back to the 6th century BC, with has 40 tombs.
There’s also the Nessebar Archaeological Museum, which offers a glimpse into the town’s history.
Entry tickets into the museum cost £3 for full-paying adults and £2 for children.
What else do I need to know about Nessebar?
The local language in Nessebar is Bulgarian although people may speak English at the beach resorts.
Bulgaria is currently three hours ahead of the UK.
The local currency is the Bulgaria lev with £10 getting around 22 lev.
There are currently no Covid restrictions and Brits can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, your passport must have at least three months left after the day you plan to leave.
What’s the verdict?
Nessebar has a bit of something for everyone from its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters to its history and culture.
But with its pocket-friendly prices, Nessebar is the perfect destination for holidaymakers on a budget who want to experience the beauty of Eastern Europe.
Bulgaria isn’t the only country to have cheap and cheerful towns providing Brit holidaymakers with everything they need for a dream holiday.
Poreč in Croatia is a great beach destination that is popular with Europeans thanks to its low prices.