Bulgaria is the cheapest beach destination reachable by charter from Riga — 7 nights with flights and hotel start from an astonishing €199 per person. The flight takes just 1.5 hours, and the same day you're on the Black Sea coast. In 2026 Bulgaria continues to attract families, young travellers and budget holidaymakers with warm seas, a friendly atmosphere and prices 30–50% lower than Turkey or Greece. Let's examine the four most popular resorts, their features and real prices.
Why Bulgaria from Latvia?
Bulgaria is convenient for Latvian travellers for several reasons. First, flight time — just 90 minutes from Riga to Varna or Burgas airport. Second, currency — the Bulgarian Lev (BGN) is pegged to the Euro (~1.96 BGN per 1 EUR), so no exchange rate surprises. Third, local prices are significantly lower than other Mediterranean countries — a restaurant meal from €5–8, beer from €1.50, a beach lounger €3–5 per day.
Sunny Beach: Budget Kingdom
Sunny Beach is Bulgaria's largest and most popular resort — 8 km of sandy beach, hundreds of hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. The ideal destination for young travellers and budget holidaymakers. Nightlife is active June–August, and prices are far lower than Ibiza or Bodrum.
Prices: 7 nights from €199–350/pp depending on hotel level. 3* with breakfast from €199, 4* AI from €279.
Top hotels: DIT Evrika Beach Club 4* (families, water slides, from €299), Kuban Resort 4* (central, near beach, from €249), Kotva Hotel 4* (quiet, beachfront, from €269).
Golden Sands: Family Favourite
Golden Sands lies 18 km from Varna and is known for wide golden sandy beaches and green hilly surroundings. The resort is quieter than Sunny Beach with better family infrastructure. Home to the famous Aquapolis water park — one of the largest in the Balkans.
Prices: 7 nights from €229–399/pp. 4* AI from €299.
Top hotels: Grifid Hotel Arabella 4* (seafront, excellent kids' club, from €319), Melia Grand Hermitage 5* (luxury, SPA, from €399), HVD Viva Club 4* (sports, animation, from €289).
Nessebar: History Meets Beach
Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage town with an ancient old quarter on a small peninsula. Narrow streets with medieval churches are just 15 minutes' drive from Sunny Beach. Nessebar's modern area has contemporary tourist infrastructure — hotels, restaurants and sandy beach.
Prices: 7 nights from €219–350/pp. Calmer atmosphere than Sunny Beach.
Top hotels: Sol Nessebar Palace 5* (large grounds, kids' club, pools, from €349), Sol Nessebar Bay 4* (seafront, from €279), Marieta Palace 4* (good value, from €239).
Sozopol: Quiet and Authentic
Sozopol is a small fishing town 35 km south of Burgas. No massive resort complexes here — instead, charming streets, art galleries, fish restaurants and beautiful beaches. Ideal for couples and those seeking authentic Bulgarian atmosphere without mass tourism.
Prices: 7 nights from €249–399/pp. Fewer hotels but higher quality.
Recommended: Santa Marina Holiday Village 4* (apartment complex with pool, from €279), Selena Beach Hotel 3* (beachfront, simple but clean, from €249).
Resort Comparison Table
| Resort | Price from | Best for | Beach | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunny Beach | €199 | Youth, budget | 8 km sand | Burgas (30 min) |
| Golden Sands | €229 | Families, kids | 3.5 km sand | Varna (18 km) |
| Nessebar | €219 | Culture + beach | Medium, sand | Burgas (25 min) |
| Sozopol | €249 | Couples, peace | Small, sand | Burgas (35 min) |
When to Visit Bulgaria?
Bulgaria's beach season is short — early June to mid-September. In early June air temperature is 25–28°C, sea 21–23°C — ideal for those who dislike extreme heat. July-August brings 30–35°C air and 25–27°C sea — full summer mode. Early September remains warm (27–30°C) with fewer tourists and lower prices.
Practical Tips
Money: Bring Euros — exchange is convenient locally (avoid airport exchange counters with high commissions). Cards accepted at larger shops and restaurants.
Dining outside the hotel: Bulgarian cuisine is excellent and cheap — shopska salad (€3), kebapche (€4–5), Bulgarian yogurt. Wine is good and cheap (bottle from €4–6).
FAQ
How much is the cheapest tour to Bulgaria from Riga?
The cheapest charter tours to Bulgaria from Riga in 2026 start from €199 per person for 7 nights, including flights, transfers and hotel with breakfast. All Inclusive options start from approximately €279. The lowest prices are found in early June and late September.
How long is the flight from Riga to Bulgaria?
The charter flight from Riga to Varna or Burgas takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes — one of the shortest charter routes from Latvia. For comparison: Turkey is 3.5h, Egypt 4h. Ideal for travelling with small children.
Does Bulgaria have All Inclusive hotels?
Yes, many 4* and 5* hotels in Sunny Beach and Golden Sands offer All Inclusive. AI includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and local drinks. Quality is lower than Turkish AI, but the price more than compensates — AI from €279 vs €499 in Turkey.
What currency does Bulgaria use?
The Bulgarian Lev (BGN), pegged to the Euro at ~1.96 BGN = 1 EUR. Euros are accepted in many tourist spots, but the rate may be unfavourable. Best to exchange at a bank or withdraw from an ATM — commission usually 0–2%.
Is Bulgaria suitable for families with children?
Definitely yes. Golden Sands and Nessebar are especially family-friendly — sandy beaches with shallow water, children's pools at hotels, animators and water parks. DIT Evrika Beach and Sol Nessebar are the most popular family hotels with kids' clubs and playgrounds.
Which is better — Sunny Beach or Golden Sands?
Depends on priorities. Sunny Beach is larger, cheaper with active nightlife (ideal for youth). Golden Sands is quieter, greener with better family infrastructure. With kids — Golden Sands; for parties — Sunny Beach.
Is Bulgaria worth visiting if I've been to Turkey?
Yes, but expect a different experience. Bulgaria is in Europe (EU member), with Slavic culture, lower prices and more compact resorts. AI quality is below Turkey's, but local food outside the hotel is excellent and very cheap. The atmosphere is calmer and more authentic.
When to book a Bulgaria tour for the best price?
Best prices (from €199) appear 2–3 months before departure. Early booking discounts start in January-February with 10–20% off. Late May last-minute deals can be cheap, but hotel selection is limited. Families should book earlier — popular family hotels sell out quickly.
Find cheap tours to Bulgaria — see offers here