Bulgaria voted tops for cheap summer breaks

This year’s financial woes have prompted many Brits to put their summer holiday plans on hold, but this needn’t be the case if you choose your destination wisely.

Consider Bulgaria, which has claimed the top spot in this year’s Holiday Costs Barometer from Post Office Travel Services, overtaking last year’s top three Thailand, South Africa and Egypt – and the good news is you don’t need to fly half way around the world to get there!

The survey highlighted Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach resort as fantastic value, with 10 holiday items, including drinks and meals, costing on average only £42. Combined with a cheap holiday rental, this makes for a fantastic break in the sun that should appeal to even those on the strictest budgets. Holiday-Rentals lists 220 self-catering villas and apartments in Bulgaria, including 50 in Sunny Beach. See below for some bargain properties which still have availability this summer.

1-bedroom properties

holiday-rentals.co.uk/p92492 - Fully air-conditioned modern apartment in the Royal Dream Holiday Complex, which boasts large communal pool, separate children’s pool, car parking, 24-hour security, restaurant and shops. It is a 5 minute stroll to the blue flag beach. The apartment is south facing ensuring sunshine on the balcony for most of the day. £250 per property per week

holiday-rentals.co.uk/p67242 - 4-star apartment furnished in cherry wood and marble, giving it a luxurious feel, in keeping with the quality building that is Hotel Poseidon. The whole top two floors of the hotel are given over to apartments and this one is right at the top with panoramic views. The hotel includes on-site restaurant and lobby bar, plus supermarket, two swimming pools, medical centre and secure parking. The beach is only 50m away. £300 per property per week

holiday-rentals.co.uk/p401883 - Luxury, beautifully finished apartment located in a 5-star resort which includes the international hotel chain Barcèlo. The resort offers four swimming pools, including a children’s one, six restaurants and a large spa. £541 per property per week

2-bedroom properties

holiday-rentals.co.uk/p72216 - Situated 1 mile from Sunny Beach, this air-conditioned apartment boasts two balconies with lovely views and shared pool. 24-hour security and parking, and staff/management are ensuring the upkeep of the complex. The fabulous beach and bustling pedestrian promenade full of shops, bars, restaurants and loads of watersports are nearby. £250 per property per week

holiday-rentals.co.uk/p94965 - Air-conditioned apartment in the secure Nessebar View complex nestling below the Stara Mountains overlooking Sunny Beach and the historical town of Old Nessebar. The apartment has terracotta tiles throughout and two balconies. £265 per property per week

holiday-rentals.co.uk/p99376 - Spacious, modern villa located in a gated complex with 24-hour security. The villa has an outside garden area, patio and veranda. The property is south facing enjoying the sun throughout the day. The surroundings are calm, quiet and relaxing, whether you wish to lounge at the patio or spend your day at the pool surrounded by the beautiful panoramic views. On leaving the complex there is a regular local bus service just outside which will bring you to Sunny Beach within 5 minutes. £350 per property per week

for more information, visit holiday-rentals.co.uk.