Bulgaria — Travelrags

The GuardianOct 9, 2026

‘A candelit spa, followed by an ice-cold plunge and a nightcap’: readers’ favourite European wellbeing breaks

From a historic bathhouse in Sweden to forest bathing in Croatia, readers share their favourite places to relax and recharge • Tell us about a small European ski resort – the best tip wins a £200 holiday voucher Tucked away off a pretty shopping street in a beautiful art nouveau building is one of Stockholm’s oldest spas, Centralbadet where a day ticket costs from £23. As winter darkness descen…

18 things in this story

Gamla StanTrain stationStockholm, SwedenOld town seen from Fotografiska restaurant.
CentralbadetHotelStockholm, SwedenStockholm's oldest spa in an art nouveau building.
Fotografiska restaurantRestaurantStockholm, SwedenRestaurant with views of Gamla Stan and Lake Mälaren.
Lake MälarenSightStockholm, SwedenLake seen from Fotografiska restaurant.
Cley and Salthouse marshesSightCley-next-the-sea, United KingdomBirdwatching spot in Norfolk with two bird hides.
Hello Outdoors shepherd’s hut saunaPlaceLymington, United KingdomSauna with window overlooking Lymington Sea Water Baths.
Lymington Sea Water BathsSightLymington, United KingdomHistoric sea water baths in Hampshire.
BankyaNeighborhoodSofia, BulgariaOutskirts of Sofia with natural mineral springs.
Central Mineral Bath BankyaHotelSofia, BulgariaOpulent bathhouse owned by Sofia municipality.
Terma BaniaHotelZakopane, PolandPool and spa centre in Zakopane ski resort.
Lochside Sauna at West Coast WellnessPlaceEvanachan, United KingdomPeaceful sauna on the shore of Loch Fyne.
Loch FyneSightEvanachan, United KingdomLoch where Lochside Sauna is located.
Inver restaurantRestaurantEvanachan, United KingdomRestaurant near Lochside Sauna.
Pool Bridge FarmSightYork, United KingdomSite with four lakes for wild swimming and sauna.
Wheldrake Ings nature reserveNature reserveYork, United KingdomWildlife destination for waterfowl in North Yorkshire.
Park mit Allen SinnenSightFreiburg, GermanyPark of all senses with barefoot sensory trail.
Sliabh Liag SaunaPlaceTeelin, IrelandWood-fired sauna on Teelin pier in Donegal.
Sliabh Liag sea cliffsSightTeelin, IrelandSea cliffs towering 601 metres above the sea.

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Lonely PlanetSep 27

The Best Budget Destinations in Europe for 2026

Looking to travel for less? Check out our top budget travel destinations for 2026.

25 things in this story

Tirana International AirportSightTirana, Albaniaserves Tirana with budget airlines
Pazari i RiMarketTirana, Albaniamarket by Avni Rustemi Square for picnic ingredients
Pyramid of TiranaAttractionTirana, Albaniaco-designed by dictator's daughter
Sheshi SkënderbejSightTirana, Albaniagrand square with a restored 18th-century mosque
Aleksander Nevski CathedralSightSofia, Bulgarianeo-Byzantine, Russian-inspired landmark built between 1882 and 1912
Serdica amphitheaterAttractionSofia, Bulgariaruins of the Roman-era amphitheater
Vitosha BoulevardTram stopSofia, Bulgariabusy boulevard for people-watching
City GardenParkSofia, Bulgariagarden home to the Ivan Vazov National Theatre
Ivan Vazov National TheatreTheatreSofia, Bulgariaelegant theatre in the City Garden
City Art GalleryMuseumSofia, Bulgariafree on the second and fourth Thursday of the month
Vasil Levski Sofia AirportAirportSofia, Bulgariaserves Sofia with budget airlines
Namazgja MosqueSightTirana, Albaniaimposing mosque built after state atheism policy relaxed
National Historical MuseumMuseumTirana, Albaniaentry fee for Communist-era frieze
Tirana Lake ParkSightTirana, Albaniapark with church, palace, and zoo
St Procopius ChurchSightTirana, Albaniachurch within Tirana Lake Park
Presidential PalaceSightTirana, Albaniapalace within Tirana Lake Park
Tirana ZooParkTirana, Albaniazoo within Tirana Lake Park
ČaršijaNeighborhoodSkopje, North Macedoniaatmospheric old town to wander around
Tvrdina Kale FortressAttractionSkopje, North Macedonia6th-century fortress with views
National Gallery of MacedoniaGallerySkopje, North Macedoniahoused in a former Ottoman bathhouse
DestanRestaurantSkopje, North Macedoniaoffers tasty kebabs with freshly baked bread
Skopje International AirportPlaceSkopje, North Macedoniareceives low-cost Wizz Air flights
Kameni MostSightSkopje, North Macedonia
Sveti Spas ChurchPlace of worshipSkopje, North Macedonia
Mustafa Pasha MosquePlace of worshipSkopje, North Macedonia

Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Condé Nast TravelerJul 29

How We Pulled It Off: A Palace Wedding on the Bulgarian Coast Full of Happy Color

The celebration took place by the Black Sea, but the color palette was anything but.

11 things in this story

IDo EventsPlaceBerlin, GermanyBerlin-based firm specializing in destination weddings.
EuxinogradSightVarna, BulgariaFormer summer palace of Bulgarian monarchy; wedding venue.
Boutique Hotel OasisHotelVarna, BulgariaHosted welcome dinner; luxury getaway on private beach.
Lussó by BorisoviPlaceSofia, BulgariaSofia-based florist willing to take on unique challenges.
L'Instant CateringRestaurantSofia, BulgariaAcclaimed catering company from Sofia; grew its own food.
EversoPlaceVarna, BulgariaAdaptive artist collective band; immersive and fun.
Julist QuartetPlaceVarna, BulgariaProvided strings for a more romantic vibe during ceremony.
Internet ToursPlaceLos Angeles, United StatesLos Angeles-based travel agent; Ekaterina Budevska.
Thracian CliffsSightVarna, BulgariaDramatic coastal area; hosted golf outing and spa day.
shopska salataRestaurantVarna, BulgariaTraditional Bulgarian cold salad; fresh and delicious.
Garash cakeRestaurantSofia, BulgariaTraditional Bulgarian cake; brownie nodded toward it.

Read the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

National GeographicJun 28

10 European food festivals you won't want to miss this summer

Whether they’re celebrating sardines, spicy sausage, plums or pickles, these events bring communities together with local food, traditional drinks and rich culinary cultures.

14 things in this story

OktoberfestFestivalMunich, Germanytall glasses of Festbier are raised into the Bavarian air
La TomatinaFestivalBuñol, Spaina sea of crimson tomatoes flow down the streets
Festival da SardinhaFestivalPortimão, Portugalaroma of fish on charcoal rises from the riverside
Sagra della ’NdujaFestivalSpilinga, Italyspiciest traditional festival centered around spreadable sausage
Natural Cider FestivalFestivalGijón, Spaincelebrated by thousands who come together to drink it
Fête du Bleu d’AuvergneFestivalRiom-ès-Montagnes, Francedraws up to 20,000 people to the town
Gentiane ExpressPlaceRiom-ès-Montagnes, Francetourist train weaving through lush valleys and villages
Roštiljijada Barbecue FestivalFestivalLeskovac, Serbiacelebration of Serbian barbecuing renowned in the Balkan region
Dürkheimer WurstmarktFestivalBad Dürkheim, Germanylargest wine festival in the world
The Big BrineFestivalLondon, United Kingdomnew festival for lovers of pickled, brined and fermented foods
Bulgarian Plum FestivalFestivalTroyan, Bulgariaplum festival that takes over the town
EplafestivalFestivalSandur, Faroe Islandscelebrates the humble potato
Mikkeller Beer CelebrationFestivalTórshavn, Faroe Islandstakes place in Tórshavn
ÄppelmarknadenFestivalKivik, Swedenlargest apple market in Sweden

Read the full piece at National Geographic →