BULGARIA: Varna
OK, so hear the words 'beach break' and we can almost guarantee Bulgaria won't be the first place that springs to mind. It won't be the country that elbows all the others out of the way to snatch centre-stage in your mind's eye. But if you fancy a sunshine break from the norm, then check out this seductive stretch of coast that's wheedling its way onto wish lists everywhere. We're talking sun-bleached sands that snake into the distance. Crystal waters so warm you feel like you're getting into a hot bath every time you take a dip. A great menu of restaurants and more bars than you can shake a fresh fruit cocktail at. It's not hard to see why this sun-drenched slice of the world is rocketing in the popularity stakes. Take Golden Sands, for instance, or to use its less catchy local name, Zlatni Pyasutsi. Easier to fall for than it is to pronounce, this lively, modern resort has grown up around one of the best beaches on the north coast. And backing the gorgeous ribbon of sand is a promenade studded with shops, bars and restaurants. It's got everything you need for a fun-packed sunshine escape. Another one to consider is Albena, the Black Sea's sports capital. When you're not stretched out on sparkling white sands, take your pick from things like scuba and windsurfing, bowling and horse-riding. And then there's Varna itself. More than just your gateway to this sun-drenched slice, the Pearl of the Black Sea Coast, as it's otherwise known, combines glittering sands with an enviable array of museums, galleries and historical buildings. So, why not give the Costas and Canaries a miss this year and discover somewhere new? Bulgaria's sun-drenched shores are calling. Get there before the crowds come, too…
Beaches
Your swimming gear, a bumper bottle of sun cream and a stack of best-selling reads. You supply that and Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast will provide the rest. Milky white sands as soft as silk. Balmy waters seducing you in for a swim. Beach bars churning out cool-down cocktails. Bulgaria's sun-kissed shores are spot on if you're looking to spend most of your holiday horizontal. But although packing to come here might be easy, deciding which patch of sand to plump for is not so straight-forward. Varna, for example, is known as the seaside capital of Bulgaria, and for good reason. A glittering sweep of sand gilds Varna Bay - a gorgeous spot to lie back and lap up the 11 hours of daily sunshine that July and August bring. A short drive north of here, meanwhile, brings you to the family-friendly mega-resort of Golden Sands. One word – wow. Emerald green trees one way, the sparkling ocean the other and a delicious ribbon of sand in between – all basking in 27 degree heat. Bliss. Another sun-kissed stretch can be found at Albena. It's a beautiful Blue Flag affair, with golden sands gliding into a crystal sea. And, like the other ones we've mentioned, Albena's got a mixed bag of watersports, too, encouraging you to get wet when all that sunshine gets too much. When it comes to beach-lounging, Bulgaria's certainly got it sewn up.
Eating out
When it comes to food, it's fair to say Bulgaria's yet to make a name for itself in the world's culinary kingdom. It's not a name that trips off the tongues of the world's foodies like, say, France or Italy. But that's not to say you won't find plenty to send your tastebuds into overdrive. Varna, Golden Sands and Albena all have a good selection of restaurants, ranging from cosy, folk-style affairs serving local dishes to Western-style fast-food joints that are ideal if you're just looking to grab a quick bite in between sunbathing. One thing's for sure, they like their stews here, rich concoctions baked in earthenware pots. Keep an eye out for 'gyuvech', a tasty stew stuffed with meat, peppers, aubergines and beans. 'Kavarma' is another one to try, a spicy meat stew that's a bit like Hungarian goulash. Fancy something a bit simpler? Then go for easy-to-find grilled meat served with good-old fashioned potatoes and vegetables and a basket of oven-fresh bread. It's real no-nonsense fare in Bulgaria. If you've got a sweet tooth, nibble on syrupy 'baklava' or get your mouth round some of that delicious, sugar-dusted Turkish Delight. Just don't forget to save room for the local wine. Riesling, Merlot, Cabernet – the list's impressive so get sampling…
- Chiflika, Golden Sands Bulgarian favourites and folklore are on the menu at this restaurant, which serves up plenty to keep you in your chair.
- Neptun, Golden Sands If you're on the hunt for fresh fish dishes, give this place a try.
- Stariut Dup, Albena Local specialities and more familiar dishes do battle for your attention at this beachfront gem, which drops a cracking range of live entertainment into the mix.
- Mr Baba, Varna For a dining experience with a difference, climb aboard this old galleon right on the pier and take your pick of European classics.
- Godzila, Varna Tuck into inch-thick pizzas and pyramid-like piles of fresh salad at this great city snack bar.
Nightlife
Make no mistake about it, the cat's creeping out of the bag as far as Bulgaria's concerned. And the further out it comes, the more bars and discos pop up to give it somewhere to party. Unsurprisingly, the beach resorts are where it's at in terms of nightlife. Golden Sands certainly knows how to have a good time, with a great selection of bars, restaurants, discos and even a casino to keep the holiday vibe lively. Albena offers up plenty of choice, too, with bars and clubs to suit everyone, whether your idea of the perfect night is wine on the waterfront or dancing 'til dawn in a neon-lit nightspot. Varna, meanwhile, gives you everything from cool cocktail bars to open-air discos slap bang on the sands. Kick off your shoes and feel the fresh ocean breeze as you party beneath the stars.
- Roxy Disco, Golden Sands Like bees to a honeypot, hundreds of people swarm to this place to party into the small hours.
- Bonkers, Golden Sands Another popular hangout that booms long into the night. The live entertainment draws the crowds.
- Gorski Tzar, Albena Dance and disco, hip hop and pop – a mixed bag of sounds rings out from this club that fills two floors with party-goers from all over the world.
- New York, Varna America meets Bulgaria at this open-air club which finds a home smack on the sands. Its centrepiece is a 50 foot replica of Lady Liberty.
- Bulgari, Varna If you want to party with the locals, head for this open-air nightspot and party beneath the stars, Bulgarian style.
Shopping
Varna offers up the best selection of shops and you can do some serious damage to your finances here. Clothes, shoes, bags, electrical goods – you'll find all the usual suspects. But if you're looking for more traditional take-home trinkets, keep an eye out for the markets that spring to life on cobbles all along the coast. Wooden toys, colourful pottery and local wine are among the temptations persuading you to part with your Lev.
