BULGARIA: Bourgas
Tired of all the usual European suspects? Fancy something a bit different for your summer holiday this year? Shine your getaway searchlight on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. Okay, it might not be as glamorous as Italy, but this up and coming holiday hotspot strikes a balance between the modern resorts of Spain and the decidedly un-touristy villages of Slovenia. Cue gorgeous beaches, cosy restaurants and a vibrant nightlife that could put Majorca in the shade. From bustling Bourgas to laid-back Sunny Beach these seaside stunners are seriously easy going. And they're becoming ever more popular with sun-seekers, nature lovers and party people alike. Bourgas itself is the largest port on the southern coastline. It turns the cosmopolitan cheek on your typical seaside resort. Yes it does have a fantastic beach, but there's so much more than sun, sea and sand on offer here. We're talking galleries, museums, cathedrals and theatres. Bourgas is the culture capital of the Black Sea shores and the shopping's not bad either. Further afield you'll find glass-like lakes, craggy mountains and traditional villages waiting to be explored. Take a rowing trip across the crystal clear waters. Hike through the hills. Or haggle for some authentic handicrafts to take home. Tranquil it may be, dull it's not. On the other hand, if it's silvery sands you're after Sunny Beach will be right up your holiday street. What's more it's less than an hour away from Bourgas � perfect if you're looking to flit between the two. But if you step off the tourist trail, you'll discover tiny, historic towns like St Vlas and Nessebar that are every bit as beach-beautiful as their larger neighbours. It's not a secret, so spread the word � the Black Sea is very this season.
Beaches
The Black Sea Riviera by any other name would be the Blue Sea Riviera � think sun-bleached sands washed by a sapphire sea and you've got Bulgarian beaches down to a T. Stunning is not the word. These gently sloping beaches with shallows that stretch for miles are more akin with the Caribbean than Eastern Europe. And these exotic shores are the very reason people travel from all over the world to stretch out by the Black Sea. Ozbor Beach, Nessebar and St Vlas are all blessed with blonde powder-fine sands and crystalline waters. The perfect ingredients for sun-drenched days of sandcastle building, sunbathing and swimming. But for the best beach breaks in the Bourgas area, Sunny Beach is where it's at. This seaside resort is the stuff sun seeker's dreams are made of. You've got golden sands, calm sea and more watersports than you can shake a snorkel at. Life's a beach when you're taking it easy in Bulgaria.
Eating out
In Bourgas you'll discover meals that are heavily influenced by Greek and Turkish cooking. Think spit-roasted meats, fresh fruit and vegetables and piles of warm bread. Dine on the fresh fish like grilled turbot, crab soup and stuffed mussels. Sample satisfying meat stews cooked in terracotta dishes. Or set your taste buds tingling with bread fresh from the oven. Granted it's not on a par with the finest French cuisine, but this sumptuously simple food is definitely tasty. Still feeling peckish? Try a Kifla. It's a croissant filled with jam � a great on the go snack that fills a gap and tastes delicious too. If you're feeling a little home-sick, turn your back on tradition and head for one of the western restaurants that freckle this historic town. Pasta, pizza and pancakes - you name it, you'll find it here. Wash it all down with some great Bulgarian wines. Try a crisp Riesling with fish or a mellow Merlot to accompany a hearty stew. Perfect.
Nightlife
Away from the bigger towns and beach resorts, nightlife centres on small handfuls of bars and restaurants that pepper the seafronts. But if you're holidaying in Sunny Beach or Bourgas, you can expect something a little more upbeat. As night falls, the coastline lights up like a line of neon fireflies. Big club beats spill into the night, disco glitter balls light up the sky and, if you listen carefully, you can hear the distant clatter of the roulette wheel. And if you fancy something out of the ordinary, you're bound to stumble across some Russian dancing while you're here. Low-key or lively, your holiday is what you make it.
Shopping
Whether you're after popular brands, high fashion or some traditional gifts to take home, Bougas and the surrounding seaside towns offer some shop-a-licious treats. The outdoor markets are the perfect place to begin your shopping. From fruits, nuts and spices to religious icons, rose oil and Turkish delight, you can buy all manner of souvenirs and keep sakes. And remember, they'll expect you to haggle so get ready to bargain them down. Souvenir shops, tiny boutiques and village stores jostle for space beside more modern, western-style shops. But, the place to go if you want to shop till you drop is Troika Mall in Bourgas. Not only will you find the likes of Wrangler, Nike and Puma here but there are also restaurants, beauty salons and jewellery stores spread over several floors. It's a shopping heaven on earth.
