As far as holidays go, Bulgaria is on the verge of great things. It might not be as well-known as the Greek Islands or the Spanish Costas at the moment, but that’s likely to change over the next decade or so. With its gorgeous Black Sea coast and all-singing, all-dancing tourist resorts, the country has just as much to offer as its European counterparts.

Sunny Beach wins the popularity contest here. This purpose-built resort leaves holidaymakers wanting for nothing. The 18-kilometre stretch of sand is accessorised with everything from football pitches and massage huts to fairgrounds and market stalls. And the after-dark scene is nothing short of legendary. However, if you prefer your holidays with a bigger dose of peace and quiet, consider Obzor. Days at this small seaside town revolve around the 6-kilometre beach, while evenings usually play out in laid-back restaurants and bars. Yet if history is your top priority, head to Nessebar, where you can nosy around the UNESCO-protected old town.

Visit Bulgaria during the summer months, and sunshine is pretty much guaranteed. The mercury regularly exceeds 30 degrees in July and August, and swimmer-friendly waters nudge the mid-20s. Pick a date in spring or autumn and you can still expect beach weather, with temperatures hovering in the low to mid-20s and just a couple of rain showers a month.