Looking for your next sun-soaked getaway from the UK? Want a cheap and more interesting alternative to Spain, France or Greece? Then TUI has the perfect answer to your 2025 holiday as it expands its flight routes to the coasts of Bulgaria, highlighting Bourgas as the perfect summer getaway.
Starting this summer, travellers will be able to fly directly from East Midlands Airport (EMA), enhancing its existing routes from London, Manchester, Birmingham and Dublin.
You may not have heard of this jewel of Bulgaria before, but here is why Bourgas is more than deserving of a place on your travel radar this summer.
A Bit More About the Route
TUI’s new route from EMA signals a strategic boost to the airline’s offering in Bulgaria. The flight path makes it even easier for UK travellers to reach the allure of the Black Sea coast. The addition proves that Bourgas has already been a popular destination among holidaymakers, yet many people still overlook the relatively unheard beach-side location.
With a flight time of under four hours, make this summer your moment to soak up some sun with the golden sands, exotic nightlife and deep cultural history that Bulgaria has to offer.
Cost Breakdown
Undoubtedly, the biggest draw of Bulgaria is its affordability, especially compared to its more established European beach destination counterparts. Bourgas is no different.
So here is a breakdown of what you might be expecting to spend:
- Flights: TUI’s route to Bourgas starts from as little as £80 for a return ticket this summer!
- Accommodation: Beachfront hotels and self-catered apartments are plentiful, with prices often starting at as low as £25 per night. Obviously, more extravagant options are available for those looking for a bit more luxury.
- Activities: Choose from a surplus of adventures that Bourgas has on offer. Whether it’s water sports, surfing or guided tours of the surrounding areas, most of the activities available are wallet-friendly.
What to Do in Bourgas
As the ‘Go To Bourgas’ tourism board described their city as “ exciting and artistic”, they say:
“To experience Bourgas is to experience your dreams. The caress of the salty sea breeze, the scent of the sea… Bourgas will make you fall in love.”
Relax on Blue Flag Beaches
Bourgas’ best feature is its coastline, with the aptly named Sunny Beach stealing the spotlight. The eight-kilometre coastal stretch boasts Blue Flag-certified sand and is perfect for beach lovers. The strip also has over 600 bars, cafés and restaurants, so the next refreshing drink or tasty bite is never far away.
If you’re looking for something a bit more relaxing and secluded, head south to villages like Sinemorets or Tsarevo, where the much quieter beaches and nature parks await.
A Taste of History at Nessebar
Looking for a bit of culture? Just a short drive from Sunny Beach you will find Nessebar, the UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can get your teeth sunk into 3,000 years of history. Take a stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets, lined with Byzantine churches, Roman ruins and characteristic wooden houses built in the 1800s. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Black Sea” Nessebar offers a cultural excursion mere minutes from the coastline.
Soak Up the Nightlife
If you enjoy a drink and a dance, Bourgas will not let you down. After dark, the sunny coastline transforms into a strip of vibrant nightlife. With anything from Karaoke nights and paint parties, to bar crawls and booze cruises, do not miss out on the party atmosphere of Bulgaria’s coast.
If you prefer a more laid-back, quiet drink, Tsarevo has an exquisite fine dining scene, balancing out the coastline with a tranquil and elegant alternative.
Thanks to TUI’s expanding network to Bourgas, this gem of the Black Sea has never been easier to discover.
Stay tuned to Travel Radar for more route announcements and travel inspiration for planning your perfect summer getaway in 2025. Will you be using TUI’s route to Bourgas for your summer holiday?
