The Most Beautiful Cities in Bulgaria: Photos, Features and Housing Prices

Bulgaria is a country you fall in love with at first sight. Its old streets, mountain landscapes, the Black Sea and mild climate create a special atmosphere for living and relaxing. But when investing in property, the beauty of a particular city is not the only thing that matters. The location determines the infrastructure, the property's liquidity, the pace of life and potential returns. It is therefore worth assessing Bulgaria's resorts against various criteria. The Sundays team will be a trusted guide, offering professional assistance and support: “We work to ensure that every transaction brings not only favourable terms, but also a sense of making the right choice, confidence and satisfaction”.

Nessebar – the UNESCO-Protected Old Town

Nessebar is among the most popular cities where history meets the sea. Nessebar's Old Town is located on a small peninsula and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The city's distinctive features include:

• stone streets;
• historic churches;
• wooden houses;
• panoramic sea views.

When planning a move to Bulgaria, people often choose Nessebar for its ideal combination of developed infrastructure, a cultural environment and access to the sea. This makes the city suitable for anyone who wants to combine seaside holidays with the opportunity to rent out studio apartments to tourists.

The cost of housing depends on the chosen district, the distance to the sea, the condition of the complex and the property's additional features. For example, a studio measuring 45-46 m2, located about 500 m from the sea, will cost from EUR 73,500.

Sveti Vlas – a Quiet Premium Seaside Resort

If you are looking for a place that combines a peaceful holiday, beautiful nature and a relaxed pace of life, Sveti Vlas is an excellent choice. The town is located at the foot of the Stara Planina mountain range, offering tourists sea air combined with green slopes of incredible beauty. However, the resort's main attraction is considered to be the modern Marina Dinevi yacht marina, with boats for excursions, various cafés and restaurants.

Buying and renting housing in Bulgaria largely depend on the specific location. Sveti Vlas offers apartments in modern complexes, allowing you to choose any option: from a compact studio to spacious apartments with stunning views through panoramic windows. Due to the prestige of the area and the type of property, prices here are slightly higher than in other, more mainstream resort locations: from EUR 94,000. 

This option will therefore appeal to those who want to obtain a visa to move to Bulgaria and buy two-room apartments for their own holidays, for a relaxed life on the coast, or as an investment to rent out later.

Sunny Beach (Слънчев бряг) – the Largest Beach Resort

Sunny Beach is the largest and liveliest resort on the Bulgarian coast. Its main advantages include:

• Bulgaria's extensive sandy beaches;
• well-developed tourism infrastructure. 

The resort is particularly lively in summer, when numerous cafés and restaurants, water parks and entertainment areas for children and adults are open.

When planning to buy a house in Bulgaria, many people consider Sunny Beach in particular, as it offers a varied selection: inexpensive studios and spacious apartments, three-room apartments in new complexes with swimming pools and their own infrastructure. This range makes it possible to choose a property to suit any allocated budget.

From an investment perspective, this resort will appeal to those seeking an opportunity for short-term tourist rentals during the high season. Buyers looking for properties to rent out most often consider small apartments close to the sea: from EUR 84,000. 

Varna – Bulgaria's “Seaside Capital”

The warm sea (Bulgaria) attracts tourists from different parts of the world, which makes Varna, a large, modern city on the Black Sea coast, particularly popular. Residents call this city the “seaside capital”, where resort life combines with a familiar urban atmosphere. Compared with other equally popular resort towns in Bulgaria, Varna remains active throughout the year.

The property catalogue offers many different options: from new developments to fully equipped modern residential complexes and apartments on the resale market. Depending on the district and the condition of the building, prices generally start from EUR 70,000.

An important advantage of the city is the opportunity to live by the sea without giving up familiar urban infrastructure. This makes it a choice for families with children, those planning to move to Bulgaria permanently and buyers wishing to acquire properties for investment. 

Burgas – a Business and Resort Centre

Burgas is another major city on the Bulgarian coast, also described as the region's economic, cultural and transport centre. At the same time, its beaches and access to the sea make it popular with tourists too.

Transport accessibility is considered an important advantage, thanks to the international airport located not far from the centre. The city is also connected to other regions of the country by road and rail. 

Housing prices also depend on the district and proximity to the sea. The property market offers various options: for example, more affordable housing in residential neighbourhoods or expensive apartments near the centre or the coast. Prices generally start from EUR 75,000. The cost of living in Bulgaria is favourable here, and the year-round pattern of “life” allows buyers from other countries to consider Burgas as a city they can move to.

Sofia – the Capital of Bulgaria

For those interested in property in Bulgaria not only for holidays but also for living or investment, Sofia is considered an excellent option. The capital is located at the foot of Vitosha, combining a modern urban atmosphere with Bulgaria's remarkable historic architecture.

This property market differs significantly from those of typical resort towns. Buyers are offered far more options for living here: from small studios in central districts to modern apartments in new complexes. The highest prices are found in central and prestigious districts, while budget options are available on the outskirts. Prices generally start from EUR 150,000.

Stable urban demand makes Sofia attractive to most investors: tenants are most often students, professionals and employees of various international companies, as well as families with children. The capital therefore suits those who are planning a move, want to earn income from long-term rentals or view properties as investment assets.

Plovdiv and Bansko – a Historic City and a Mountain Resort

When considering the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria, it is important to explore not only seaside resorts but also other equally well-known cities.

For example, Plovdiv is one of Europe's oldest cities, where the Old Town and a Roman amphitheatre have been preserved. Cultural life here is quite vibrant. Despite the lack of beach infrastructure, Plovdiv has a relaxed urban pace, operating universities and everything needed for comfortable living.

Bansko is one of the best-known ski resorts at the foot of the Pirin Mountains. In winter, it sees a huge influx of tourists who ski and snowboard, while in summer the town attracts those who enjoy mountain walks and active holidays.

Property prices in Plovdiv start from EUR 90,000, and in Bansko from EUR 45,000. Both destinations are attractive for buying a home for personal use or a property to rent out.

Housing Price Comparison by City

Property prices in different Bulgarian cities depend on the specific location, property type and its key features.

How to Choose “Your” City in Bulgaria

There is no universally suitable city for buying property that would work for everyone. The right choice depends on the specific purpose of the purchase and your lifestyle.

Before making a purchase, you should therefore consider several key criteria:

1. Purchase budget.
2. Seasonality of demand.
3. Distance to the sea or ski slopes.
4. Transport accessibility
5. Neighbourhood infrastructure.
6. Potential rental format.
7. Floor area and condition.

Sundays specialists offer not only instant buyout of various properties but are also ready to provide professional advice on selecting properties for a specific set of objectives. The catalogue contains many options in different cities that can be compared by price, location and other key features.

FAQ

1. Can you buy property in Bulgaria remotely?

Yes, this is possible. However, every case is individual, so the process depends on the type of property and the upcoming stages of completing the paperwork.

2. What matters more when choosing: the city or the specific property?

Both factors are important, but the selection process should begin by defining the purpose of the purchase. This helps you quickly rule out less suitable cities and districts.

3. Do you need to visit Bulgaria before buying?

A personal visit is not mandatory, but it is very useful for getting to know the districts and comparing several properties at once. When working remotely, property viewings take place online.

4. What additional costs should you consider when buying?

In addition to the property price, you should also allow for transaction costs, taxes and fees, and, for a property in a complex, an annual maintenance fee.

5. How can you tell whether an apartment is suitable for renting out?

You should assess the apartment's location, infrastructure, seasonal demand, the condition of the complex and the intended rental format.

Find the City That Is Right for You

Bulgaria is a country that offers several appealing possibilities for living, holidays and investment. When choosing properties, it is therefore important to consider your own goals, allocated budget, personal preferences and current offers on today's market.

To avoid getting lost among the many offers, simply submit a request for a free selection of properties in your chosen city, and the specialists will find suitable options for your budget and objectives.