With quaint houses, cobbled streets, a stunning coastline and bright blue waters, you’d be forgiven for thinking this is the heart of the Amalfi Coast.
One of Bulgaria’s oldest coastal towns, this hidden gem is lesser-known compared to the beloved area and comes without the high price tag.
Sozopol mimics the riviera glamour of Amalfi – and boasts restaurants, beaches and far more budget-friendly prices.
Bulgaria has seen a significant tourism boom in recent years, with over 13.6 million foreign visitors in 2025 – a 2.7 per cent increase on 2024.
With incredibly low prices compared to other popular tourist destinations in Europe, but equally stunning scenery and beaches, it’s easy to see why Brits are flocking to Bulgaria for their summer holidays.
Travel experts say Bulgaria is an excellent holiday destination for anyone looking for a budget break.
Laura Evans-Fisk, head of digital & engagement at eurochange, said: ‘Although Bulgaria has joined the euro, prices for things like food, accommodation and drinks are still particularly low compared to other popular holiday destinations like Greece, Spain and Italy.
‘For example, you can expect to pay less than €2 (£1.74) for a beer and around €10 (£8.70) for a meal.
For sunshine and long sandy beaches, head to Sozopol in Bulgaria
You’d be hard-pressed to find a budget-friendly spot that brings to mind images of the Amalfi Coast quite this much
‘And, Brits don’t need to compromise on the beautiful scenery and beaches these popular hotspots offer.
‘In fact, there are plenty of destinations in Bulgaria that are almost a “like for like” but at a fraction of the cost.’
Laura shared some of the best budget Bulgarian ‘destination dupes’ to visit this summer, with Sozopol ranking highly.
Similar to the Italian Amalfi Coast, the destination is ideal for a crowd-free summer holiday.
Laura said: ‘This gorgeous coastal town has a really similar feel to the likes of Positano and Cinque Terre, in Italy’s famous Riviera.
‘Sozopol’s old town is dotted with quaint wooden houses and cobbled streets that overlook the stunning coastline and bright blue waters.
‘One of Bulgaria’s oldest coastal towns, it is a less crowded alternative to nearby resorts like Sunny Beach, which makes it perfect for a relaxing cultural trip. Enjoy a delicious seafood meal in one of its many cliff-edge restaurants, which are also the perfect spot to catch the sunset.’
It’s not the only Bulgarian paradise spot you should consider for your next break.
Sozopol is one of Bulgaria’s oldest coastal towns
And without the crowds of popular getaways in Italy, it makes for a calmer break
Sinemorets and Veleka Beach have been compared to Greek islands including Zakynthos and Kefalonia.
Laura explained: ‘Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is becoming increasingly popular, with very similar scenery to the likes of Crete and the Ionian islands.
‘Here you’ll find all the familiar traits of a Mediterranean holiday, including golden sands, turquoise waters, coves, and quiet historic towns to explore.
‘Sinemorets is a relatively unknown area on Bulgaria’s southern coast, but it’s a hidden paradise. It has a striking landscape where the Veleka River meets the sea, with beautiful dunes and lush greenery. A sand strip separates the river from the sea, which means you can choose between fresh or salt water for a dip.’
And if you’re keen to try the Portuguese Algarve but for less, head to Tyulenovo and Varvara.
Laura revealed: ‘These secluded, rocky coastal villages sit on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast, around 60km north of Varna.
‘The landscape is rugged and dramatic, which means the coastline is dotted with beautiful caves, very similar to the ones you’ll find in the Portuguese Algarve. It’s the perfect spot for boat trips, kayaking, and diving.
‘In July, the fields close to Tyulenovo village come to life with endless blooming sunflowers. Make sure you visit at sunset to capture some epic photos.’
