When a ski holiday is on the cards, look no further than Bulgaria. With several large mountain ranges it offers plenty of fantastic skiing opportunities that are world class. Bansko, Borovets and Pamporovo all offer great skiing during the winter and wonderful hiking in the summer. Bansko is the most affordable of the resorts, yet it still offers much for the skiing enthusiast with six ski runs and trails for cross country skiing. After a day on the slopes relax and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area where you can try the mehanas, a traditional regional delicacy which is a mixture of rice, meats and sauerkraut simmered in a clay pot.

Borovets is the most popular and well established of the Bulgarian ski resorts. It offers world class skiing and has been home to the World Cup Alpine events twice. Here you can rent equipment and take ski lessons from experts. Located in the Rila Mountains, Borovets is also a great hiking destination in the summer.

Pamporovo is a beautiful ski resort located in the eastern Rodopi Mountains. This resort caters to children and you can easily start your children skiing with lessons here. There are five chairlifts and nine draglifts, some of which are open during the summer months for hiking. It is also an ideal location for snowboarding and other extreme sports.

If you're planning a beach holiday consider holidaying at the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. This area runs along the coast of Bulgaria and offers some of the best beaches in Europe. The coast is divided into two major sections, the north and the south. The largest resort in the northern area is Golden Sands. It has a huge 18km stretch of beautiful beach where you can relax and enjoy the ocean. Along the entire length of the beach you will find cafes, restaurants, bars and shops where you can buy virtually anything you are looking for.

Sunny Beach is the largest resort on the Black Sea. It has a large bay lined with several kilometers of sandy beaches. Here there are more than 120 hotels and over 600 cafes, restaurants and bars. It is popular with families and there are many activities for children. Try a two-person paddleboat for some fun ocean activity.

Bulgaria offers many choices for accommodation. Holiday villas and apartments on the sea or tucked into the mountain are becoming increasingly popular. You can choose from a wide variety of properties to suit your every need while on holiday. Most are close to the beach or mountain and offer all the amenities you want. Many have private beach access and may have their own pool or hot tub. Rentals have plenty of room and afford you the use of the kitchen and laundry areas, which will save you money.

Conclusion

Perhaps best known for its world class ski resorts, Bulgaria is becoming increasingly popular with those seeking beach holidays or inland cultural, hiking and sightseeing trips. A diverse country with a long and interesting history, there is plenty to explore.