Best locations for British to buy in Bulgaria. Explore coastal towns, historic cities, and peaceful mountain villages ideal for UK buyers seeking a holiday home, investment property, or permanent relocation.
1. Burgas Region – Peaceful Seaside, Villages & Untapped Potential
Burgas is a quiet coastal city offering relaxed living, beautiful beaches, and access to some of Bulgaria’s most charming seaside and rural areas. It’s becoming increasingly popular with retirees and UK buyers seeking a slower pace of life.
✅ Affordable property near the beach and in nearby villages
✅ Quick access to Burgas Airport – ideal for regular travel to the UK
✅ Excellent public services, hospitals, and modern infrastructure
✅ Year-round calm compared to more touristy cities
Nearby Places to Consider
- Sozopol – Ancient seaside town with history, charm, and quiet beaches
- Duni – Gated holiday village with calm, resort-like feel
- Villages around Sredets – Budget-friendly countryside homes with scenic surroundings
- Villages close to Burgas Airport – Great for accessibility and peaceful living
- Sunny Beach & Nessebar – Very touristy and overbuilt, but still attractive to average tourists and rental investors
For cost planning, see Costs & Fees for UK Buyers in Bulgaria.
For help with viewing, see Property Viewing Checklist for UK Buyers.
2. Varna Region – Golden Sands, Seaside Living & City Comforts
Varna is Bulgaria’s main Black Sea city, offering a great mix of coastal charm, modern living, and cultural life. It’s a top choice for British buyers seeking sea views, amenities, and connectivity.
✅ International airport with direct UK flights
✅ Modern hospitals, malls, schools, and transport
✅ Seaside resorts and charming neighborhoods
✅ Active rental market and solid property value growth
Places to Explore Around Varna
- Golden Sands – Popular resort with long beaches and nightlife
- Saints Constantine and Helena – Quieter alternative with mineral springs
- Albena – Family-friendly resort with clean beaches
- Villages north and south of Varna – Peaceful countryside with sea access
For insights into buying newly built homes, see Buying Off-Plan Property: Pros & Risks.
3. Veliko Tarnovo – Historic Beauty & Peaceful Living
Veliko Tarnovo, the old capital of Bulgaria, is a favorite among British expats thanks to its charm, affordability, and culture.
✅ Breathtaking views and architectural heritage
✅ Budget-friendly traditional houses and renovations
✅ Welcoming international community
✅ Central location for exploring the country
4. Plovdiv – Culture, Connectivity & Lifestyle
Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second-largest city and one of its cultural hubs. It’s ideal for those seeking a blend of urban life and historic charm.
✅ Vibrant arts scene and historic Old Town
✅ Modern services, restaurants, and shopping
✅ Excellent transport connections and central location
✅ Strong real estate investment opportunities
5. Sofia, Bansko & Pamporovo – Urban & Mountain Alternatives
Sofia – Bulgaria’s Capital for Business & Education
✅ Job opportunities, schools, and universities
✅ International community and expat-friendly services
✅ Access to banking and legal institutions
Bansko – Popular Mountain Resort
✅ Famous for skiing, digital nomads, and affordable apartments
✅ Year-round activities: hiking, festivals, and spas
Pamporovo – Peaceful Nature and Affordable Homes
✅ Smaller, quieter ski destination
✅ Good value for winter homes and nature lovers
6. Other Beautiful Small Towns & Danube Riverside Cities
These additional locations are ideal for UK buyers looking for scenic beauty, rich history, or low-cost investment in peaceful areas with tourism potential or workforce availability.
Melnik – Bulgaria’s smallest town, famous for its wine and sandstone pyramids.
✅ Ideal for wine lovers and historical tourism.
✅ Traditional homes and peaceful lifestyle.
Koprivshtitsa – A cultural treasure of Bulgarian heritage.
✅ Well-preserved 19th-century architecture.
✅ A living museum surrounded by mountain scenery.
Hisarya – Spa & wellness town with Roman ruins.
✅ Mineral springs and mild climate.
✅ Roman walls, parks, and resorts.
Lovech – Historic town in north-central Bulgaria.
✅ Covered Bridge and historic Varosha district.
✅ Nearby waterfalls and caves.
Vidin – Danube city with cultural heritage.
✅ Baba Vida Fortress and riverside promenade.
✅ Close to Belogradchik Rocks.
Ruse – “Little Vienna” on the Danube.
✅ Elegant architecture and lively culture.
✅ Strong infrastructure and cross-border access to Romania.
Silistra – Historic river town.
✅ Roman tomb, medieval fortress, and natural reserves.
Nikopol – Quiet Danube town with history.
✅ Ancient churches and fortress remains.
✅ Surrounded by nature and river views.
These areas offer great value, especially for investors and business owners who benefit from lower property prices and access to local workforces.
7. Nature & Healing Destinations – Ideal for Wellness & Recovery
Of course, Bulgaria has countless beautiful places, and this list is just the beginning. There are many hidden gems worth exploring across the country.
Some Bulgarian regions are known for their healing nature, mineral springs, and peaceful energy, ideal for buyers seeking wellness, rehabilitation, or spiritual retreats.
7 Rila Lakes – Spiritual and natural wonder in the Rila Mountains
✅ Breathtaking glacial lakes and energy zones
✅ Popular among spiritual visitors and nature seekers
✅ Close to Rila Monastery and eco-villages
Rhodope Mountains Region (Rodopi) – Healing energy and calm lifestyle
✅ Known for clean air and natural healing climate
✅ Villages like Shiroka Laka and Smolyan offer tranquility and charm
✅ Ideal for rehab, retreats, and remote living
Useful Resources for Exploring Bulgarian Regions
1️⃣ Bulgaria Travel Portal – Learn more about each destination.
2️⃣ National Statistical Institute – Data on population, economy, and infrastructure.
