IF YOU want a European city break with warm weather, great culture and cheap food and drink, we've found the pocket-friendly holiday destination just a few hours from the UK.
And with cheap flights and hotels, it won't break the bank this summer either.
Why Sofia?
While most Brits flock to Hungary in Budapest or Prague in the Czech Republic for a quick city break, another European city promises to be an affordable and vibrant alternative.
Bulgaria was named one of the cheapest holiday destinations for Brits, according to the latest research from Love Holidays.
And, the capital city of Sofia is no exception.
Set in western Bulgaria at the bottom of Vitosha mountain, Sofia is surrounded by breath-taking views with direct flights from the UK.
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Both Wizz Air and Ryanair operate direct flights from London to Sofia for as little as £20 each way.
Ryanair also runs direct flights from Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Liverpool – although they're a lot pricer.
With a flight time of three hours and 10 minutes, holidaymakers will arrive in the capital in less time than it takes to get to Athens in Greece and Antalya in Turkey.
The country doesn't use the euro, so you can get much more for your money when booking trips and when on holiday.
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Food and drink is cheap too, with a bottle of beer costing as little 80p, meanwhile a meal out a mid-range restaurant will cost £12.
When booking a trip, the summer is the best time to visit, with highs of 28C in the capital.
Hotels are extremely affordable too with a night at the Sofia Balkan Palace, a five-star hotel, costing as little as £65 per person per night.
Despite these bargain luxury stays, holidaymakers can also book to stay in the Easyhotel for as little as £14 per night per person.
What is there to do in Sofia?
There's plenty to do in the Bulgarian capital too.
To delve into the country's history, head to St. Sofia Church, which gave the city its name.
There's also the St. Alexander Nevski Cathedral and St. George Rotunda – a red brick building that is among the oldest in modern Sofia.
For a spot of shopping head to Vitosha Boulevard, the city's main commercial street where you'll find designer shops and household names.
Sofia is also known for its springs, so be sure to check out the central mineral baths.
While this landmark is no longer open to the public, Bulgaria is home to more than 700 mineral springs.
The small town of Velingrad in the Rhodope mountains has over 70 hot springs and can be reached by car in under two hours from the capital.
As well as day time activities, Sofia also has a vibrant nightlife too that includes Once Upon A Time Biblioteka – a nightclub inside the National Library.
What else is there to do in Bulgaria?
Bulgaria is also well-known known for its beach resorts but these are on the Eastern side of the country – a five-hour drive from the capital.
Holidaymakers who solely want some of Bulgaria's sun, sea, and sand can fly to Bourgas Airport direct from London.
While most Brits flock to Bulgaria's Sunny Beach, Kavarna, which is 40 miles north of Varna, is another seaside resort with beautiful beaches but without the crowds.
Tourists who don't want to drive for five hours for a day out at the beach will be relieved to know there are several lakes closer to Sofia where swimming is allowed.
Just outside Kardzali, a three-hour drive away from the capital, lies several lakes where swimming and sunbathing are both allowed.
Closer to Sofia is Lake Pancharevo, which is a short bus ride from the Bulgarian capital.
While swimming is banned, it's an ideal spot to try some water sports like rowing or kayaking.
What else do I need to know about Sofia?
The local language in Kavarna is Bulgarian although people may speak English at the beach resorts.
Bulgaria is currently three hours ahead of the UK.
The local currency is the Bulgaria lev with £10 getting around 22 lev.
There are currently no Covid restrictions and Brits can stay in Bulgaria for up to 90 days without a visa.
However, your passport must have at least three months left after the day you plan to leave.
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