Known by some as the Pearl of the Black Sea, Nessebar is one of Bulgaria’s most remarkable destinations, with a blend of history, culture, and seaside charm, as well as charming cobblestone streets and a famous seafood scene
A little-known European resort with white sandy beaches, a UNESCO-listed old town and beer that typically costs less than £2 has landed in the top spot of a new ‘Cheap Beach Index’.
In the constant hunt for a new, cheap beach resort to visit, Nessebar, a small peninsula in Bulgaria, has been named the best value. EasyJet has put together an index designed to tempt sunseekers to lesser-visited beach spots during the shoulder season.
Known by some as the Pearl of the Black Sea, Nessebar is one of Bulgaria’s most remarkable destinations, with a blend of history, culture, and seaside charm, as well as charming cobblestone streets and a famous seafood scene.
The Strandzha Mountains’ natural beauty hangs over the coastal town, which is surrounded by the lush landscapes of the Ropotamo Nature Reserve. These offer great opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring Bulgaria’s Strandzha villages.
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The more than 3,000-year-old site of Nessebar was originally a Thracian settlement. At the beginning of the 6th century BC, the city became a Greek colony, with the surviving parts of Nessebar today harking back to that Hellenistic period, including the acropolis, a temple of Apollo, an agora and a wall from the Thracian fortifications. Houses built in the 19th century are typical of the Black Sea architecture of the period. Together, these historical gems haveflights
It’s not all about culture and the finer things in life, however. Nessebar is a great spot for water sports, including jet skiing, windsurfing, and diving. Plenty of rental outlets along its scenic beaches are happy to provide equipment. For family fun, Aqua Paradise Park has exciting water slides and pools.
When the sun sets, the town comes alive with bars, clubs and nightlife that won’t break the bank. According to easyJet’s research, Nessebar is breathtakingly cheap. You can score beers for £1.60, ice cream for £1.20, a family meal for £28 and a hotel for the night for just £45.
The front is packed with about 20 bars and clubs, with Caramel, Kiko Beach Bar and Bar Che favourites among locals.
The easiest way to get to Nessebar from the UK is to fly into Bourgas Airport, which is a short transfer away from the beach resort. There are currently flights from UK airports including Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Nottingham and London Luton from £19 one-way in October.
Close behind on the easyJet Cheap Beach list is the Budva Riviera in Montenegro, which boasts a range of idyllic beaches along a 35-kilometre stretch of the Adriatic coast in western Montenegro, and the Costa de Almería in Spain, which is known for the unique Tabernas Desert and its golden beaches.
Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “With summer behind us, there is plenty of opportunity to still find great weather throughout the early autumn across Europe. With thousands of flights across hundreds of routes from the UK throughout September, great value beach breaks are still available across Europe. Our unrivalled network of flights across the continent provides direct links from many UK airports to a whole host of great value, sun-friendly beach breaks on a budget. Our Cheap Beach Index offers a brilliant variety of value choices for passengers looking for one last dose of summer sun and fun.”
The top 20 table was compiled by analysing areas within easy reach of airports that offer affordable direct routes to the UK, with each destination priced on the basis of a typical holiday ‘basket’ which includes criteria such as the price of beer, an ice cream and a family meal out.