Cheap flights to Bulgaria from C$ 586

While most European countries suffered various levels of identity crisis over the centuries, Bulgaria was the only country to remain true to its given name. After 500 years of living by Turkish rules, Bulgaria sought independence and opened its arms to a new culture filled with artists, writers and musicians. First time visitors booking flights to Bulgaria can be confident that Bulgaria is rich in more than its natural landscape. A member of the European Union (as of January 2007), Bulgaria is part of an ever-growing community of countries focused on powerful and peaceful personal relationships. 

Board a flight to Bulgaria for the same reasons you would travel to any other European country – get out and explore the scenery. Bulgaria sits along the Black Sea and most visitors book Bulgaria flights for a respite along the beach during the hot summer months. If the sun gets to be too much, take a trip through the tiny Bulgarian villages and immerse yourself in the red poppy-lined roads that seem to travel back in time. When your flight to Bulgaria arrives, you’ll learn that men and women still hold their ancient lifestyles sacred and thrive in their small communities, operated by rickshaws and street markets. A cheap flight to Bulgaria might be your way into the country, but visitors never forget the plentiful lifestyle Bulgaria enjoys. 

Bulgaria climate

Bulgaria has hot, dry summers, much like the rest of the Balkan countries along the Black Sea. Winters can be cold and snowy, especially in the Balkan Mountains, and summers can be very hot.

Getting around Bulgaria

Planes, trains, and automobiles: They’re all available and commonly used by locals and visitors alike when it comes to travel in Bulgaria. If you’re ready to hit the ground running once your cheap flight to Bulgaria touches down, trams, trolleys, and well-connected bus systems are prevalent in all of Bulgaria’s major cities. Taxis are readily available as well, though the most favored form of transport by Bulgaria’s local population is taking advantage of the reliable bus systems which also run to Bulgaria’s major airports.

Bulgaria Air flies between the main destinations of Sofia, Varna and Bourgas.

The following chart gives approximate journey times from Sofia (in hours and minutes) to other major cities and towns in Bulgaria.

What is good to know if travelling to Bulgaria?

• Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital and most likely where your Bulgaria flight will land, is still filled with ancient ruins and historical sites that prove Sofia’s standing as one of Europe’s oldest capitals. If you’re only going to be in Sofia for short time before continuing onto other destinations in Bulgaria, be sure to stop by the National Ethnographic Museum. For those of you who didn’t spend your flight to Bulgaria reading up on the traditions and history of the Balkan Peninsula, the vast collection of art, jewellery, national costumes and musical instruments from the region is an astounding presentation of Bulgaria’s culture and history.
• When booking accommodations, including Sofia hotels, hotels in Varna and Plovdiv hotels, be aware that some of the older hotels, though advertised as offering cheaper fares, often charge “foreigner rates.” These rates are for non-Bulgarian nationals, which can sometimes result in double the standard room rate.
• Cyrillic, the family of alphabets utilized by most Slavic languages, has its roots in the Bulgarian Empire. Though many street signs and tourist offices will have subtitles in Western characters or offer materials in English, Cyrillic becomes much more prominent as you get farther outside the major cities. Throw a Bulgarian/English dictionary in your carry-on, and spend an hour on your flight to Bulgaria browsing through important key terms so that you’ll have a better chance of recognizing Cyrillic characters should you find yourself lost in translation.
• While visiting Varna, Shabla, and the other resort towns along the Black Sea, consider renting a car to fully explore the gorgeous beaches and comb the sand for the sunniest spot. When you were fantasizing about surf and sand on your cheap flight to Bulgaria, we’re sure you weren’t picturing the crowds of your fellow vacationers. An impromptu road trip could introduce you to remote, untouched beaches that remain the best kept local secrets.