'Overlooked' holiday destination has Mediterranean beauty without the crowds
Turkey was once adored by Brits craving sun, sea and bargain prices with fewer tourists in sight. Yet this stunning nation is now surging in popularity, with costs climbing accordingly.
Skyscanner shows return flights from London to Bodrum in August beginning at £285 per adult. Factor in a seven-night stay at a four-star all-inclusive hotel for a family of four, and you're facing roughly £5,755, according to Booking.com.
Fortunately, travel specialists at eurochange have revealed a destination boasting sandy shores, ancient heritage, vibrant villages and mouth-watering cuisine, reports the Express. The cherry on top is that it's even more affordable than Turkey.
Travel expert's verdict on whether booking holiday on a Tuesday actually saves you money
'Underrated' European budget travel destination' costs just £160 for a weekend away
"If you love the sunny coastal resorts, family-friendly atmosphere, and mix of culture and coastline that Turkey offers, Bulgaria might just be your next go-to destination," said Laura Evans-Fisk, the website's head of digital & engagement.
"The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is often overlooked, but it offers many of the same benefits as Turkey's Mediterranean hotspots.
"Resorts like Sunny Beach, Nessebar, and Sozopol combine sandy beaches, calm warm waters and plenty of activities for kids, but it's often half the price of popular Turkish resorts like Marmaris or Bodrum, especially during school holidays."
It's not merely the coastline which mirrors Turkey — there are also parallels between Bulgarian and Turkish gastronomy.
Laura explained: "Bulgarian cuisine also shares similarities with Turkish food, boasting grilled meats, fresh salads, pastries, and lots of yoghurt-based sauces - but it's incredibly affordable. Meals out won't dent your holiday budget much, and most restaurants cater well to kids and families.
"Plus, Bulgaria is one of Europe's best-value destinations for all-inclusive holidays. Family resorts are designed with kids in mind, offering pools, kids' clubs, entertainment, and easy beach access. You get the full-service experience you might expect in Turkey, but for less."
As an example, families can secure a seven-night break at a four-star all-inclusive resort for a family of four for just £2191, whilst in Turkey the identical stay would set you back £4,542.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
15 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Full list of European countries that recognise UK Blue Badges
People planning to use their Blue Badge abroad need to check local guidance before heading off For those with severe mobility issues planning a trip abroad, using their UK Blue Badge may be possible, depending on their destination. Some countries acknowledge the parking permit and allow tourists to use it as they would back home. However, other nations may have slightly different regulations that need to be considered, while some do not recognise the Blue Badge at all. The website provides current information on European countries and their varying requirements for Blue Badge holders. European countries that recognise UK Blue Badge Austria Belgium Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Germany Hungary Ireland Latvia Liechtenstein Malta Netherlands Norway Poland Portugal Slovakia Sweden Switzerland Even in countries that accept the Blue Badge, additional rules and regulations may apply. For instance, in Denmark and Switzerland, you'll need to have a parking disc clock to make use of parking time concessions. Greece, Iceland, Luxembourg and Romania are all listed as 'accepting non-EU parking cards' rather than explicitly recognising a UK Blue Badge. The official government guidance states that it has 'no information' on whether a UK Blue Badge is accepted in Bulgaria. In Lithuania and Italy, non-EU parking cards are accepted only in certain regions. In Spain, the recognition of a UK Blue Badge is determined by local administrations. The UK Government advises checking its specific guidance and contacting the relevant local authority for detailed information if needed. Tourist centres can also provide advice on parking rules for disabled tourists. It's also suggested to have supporting documents on hand when using your Blue Badge abroad. This could include a doctor's note or translation of your Blue Badge entitlement. A Blue Badge permits people with physical disabilities or health conditions that affect their mobility to park in nearer or more accessible spots. In some instances, it can also allow the person to park for free or be exempt from other parking restrictions. Obtaining a Blue Badge can cost up to £10 in England and £20 in Scotland, but the permit is free in Wales. It typically lasts for three years before needing a renewal. Certain benefits recipients can automatically receive a Blue Badge, while others will need to apply for the permit. They will need to provide proof of identity, address and eligibility,y such as prescriptions or diagnosis letters.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Rare 'black alert' issued for Canary Islands as tourists warned to stay away
Two beaches on La Graciosa, in the Canary Islands, have been given a black flag by an environmental group which is blaming mass tourism for causing so much pollution A Spanish holiday hotspot has been given two black flags for pollution by an environmental group which is blaming the amount of tourism. Many Brits are among the millions of tourists that head to the Canary Islands each year and as well as the larger Tenerife or Lanzarote many also visit the La Graciosa. It has become increasingly popular having been viewed as less spoilt but now two of its beaches have been given a black flag for being so dirty. La Graciosa, located two kilometres north of Lanzarote across the Strait of El Río, has had the two beaches listed by Ecologistas en Accion (Ecologists in Action) which gives a list of the dirtiest locations along the Spanish coast each year. It has given black flags to Playa de Caleta de Sebo, which is the most populated area of the island as well as Playa de la Francesa, a little further along the coast. Ecologistas en Acción's annual report has been highlighting environmental mismanagement in Spain since 2005. And it focused on tourism for the environmental problems facing La Graciosa saying that there are only 720 residents and yet it sees 300,000 people visit a year. According to the environmental group, the beach in Caleta de Sebo is in a 'poor state of conservation', with waste from private boats and ferries arriving at the port, beach users and restaurants contributing to pollution. "The increase in the number of boats, waste, and activities pollute the beach," the organisation stated. At Playa de la Francesa they have warned about "boats with tourists that come, generating noise, feeding seagulls and fish, and leaving excrement and toilet paper". It is the second time this beach has been given a black flag as it was also put on the list in 2023 Specifically about the catamaran tours that arrive at the beach, the environment group says they 'hold parties, meals, games, and contests with loud music and leaving waste behind on the sand and in the water.' It comes as locals on the Canary Islands as well as other holiday hotspots in Spain have been complaining and holding protests at what they see as too much tourism. But it seems the threat of protests and a lukewarm reception have not been enough to deter holidaymakers from the Canary Islands. In June 2025, the Islands recorded their highest-ever number of international visitors, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics (INE). The total number of international arrivals rose to 7.84 million in June, an increase of 4% compared to the same period last year. The tourist arrivals also increased spending on the Islands, with international visitors contributing €1.56 billion (£1.35bn) to the local economy in June, nearly 8.5% more than last year.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
UK's 'dirtiest' beach named as tourists claim it's filled with 'faeces and broken glass'
A new list has been made of the "dirtiest" beaches in the UK as many Brits are heading to the coast this month during school summer holidays to enjoy the hot weather Brits have been given a list of the dirtiest beaches in the UK where there have even been reports of human faeces found, according to new research. With the exceptionally hot weather so far this year many people have taken advantage by heading to the coast on holiday and some have been left shocked at the state of the beaches they have visited. Experts have also told how there is a lot of litter which is lift behind after vast crowds turn up with plastics a particular problem as it is a hazard for local wildlife. And for those wondering which is the dirtiest beach, Skegness Beach in Lincolnshire has been named as the worst offender, closely followed by Margate Main Sands and Formby Beach in Merseyside. The research was carried out by plastic waste specialists at have listed the most litter-strewn beaches in the UK. The experts analysed TripAdvisor reviews to determine how many mentioned litter on the beach. One review of Skegness Beach from June 2025 warned: "Avoid the grass dunes between the car park and the beach. Not only do you have to dodge the dog waste you also have to with human waste and serviettes covered in faeces and left for you to tread in." Another visitor lamented: "Unfortunately, on the walk down the beach, we passed a lot of trash, dirty nappies and baby wipes strewn about the place in one area, and broken glass." However, it's not all doom and gloom, with many tourists sharing positive experiences on TripAdvisor. Despite some comparing Skegness to North Korea and Syria as the worst place to visit, it continues to be a popular destination for many British families. A review posted in May 2025 reads: "Skegness is a proper seaside resort. It has everything that you expect from a trip to the coast and a lot more besides. From the iconic Clock Tower to its many attractions. "But for us the best part was the beach, immaculate golden sands with plenty of places to buy ice cream, fresh food and drinks (including beer and wine). Well done Skeggy! ! ! PS The Blue Fin Fish Bar serves battered fish that is phenomenal." Holidaymakers visiting Margate Main Sands have voiced comparable grievances, with assessments highlighting shattered glass, canine excrement, and human waste. Whilst Formby Beach has received positive feedback generally, countless evaluations reference rubbish scattered across the shoreline. One visitor grumbled that they discovered the car park completely occupied by 10:30am and the coastline already packed with crowds and strewn with debris. Numerous other beachgoers remarked on abandoned picnics, discarded disposable barbecues littering the sand, and even discovering drug-related items, reported the Express. Graham Matthews, plastic waste specialist at says: "Litter on the UK's beaches turns our natural beauty spots into an eyesore and poses a huge environmental threat to marine life. "Each year, as the weather heats up, we see a sharp rise in people flocking to the seaside, but sadly, many don't clean up after themselves. It's common to find food packaging, disposable BBQs, and even human and animal waste scattered across our shores. "All this unsightly litter ruins the enjoyment of our beaches, but it also threatens local wildlife. Plastic is a particularly major hazard as it takes so long to break down naturally. Initially, this litter can endanger wildlife, entangle animals or be ingested. However, over time, plastic breaks down into smaller particles known as microplastics that find their way into water, sea life, and even our food chain." The UK's most littered beaches Skegness Beach, Lincolnshire Margate Main Sands, Kent Formby Beach, Merseyside Blackpool Beach, Blackpool Whitmore Bay Beach, Barry Island Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth Scarborough Beach, Scarborough Weston-super-Mare Beach, Somerset Botany Bay, Kent Clacton-on-Sea Beach, Essex
