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Self-drive tours: how it works
Travelling independently to the seaside resorts of the republic is perfect for large families and for people who do not enjoy bus journeys, as well as for groups of young travellers who want to share the costs of driving. The savings on transport can be quite significant, but the benefits are not limited to money. An additional bonus of travelling with your own car is a pleasant scenic road trip through the picturesque landscapes of Romania. Car lovers will enjoy the excellent roads, foodies will appreciate the delicious local cuisine, and children and older travellers will love the opportunity to stop and stretch their legs wherever they like along the way.
After leaving Romania, travellers soon find themselves in the final destination – Bulgaria, the land of golden sands, sea and sunshine. Most seaside hotels are equipped with secure parking, so having your car right next to the hotel allows you to combine a relaxing beach holiday with day trips to other towns, interesting locations and tourist sights.
Although Bulgaria is close to us not only geographically but also in terms of mentality (many people speak Russian and the alphabet is Cyrillic), organising the perfect budget holiday there still has its challenges. This is where Admiral Travel’s managers are happy to help. Our work is to hand-pick the best hotels and guesthouses along the Bulgarian coast, reserve rooms at the most advantageous prices (with no overpayments!), advise you while you prepare for the trip and support you throughout your holiday. Depending on your request, in Bulgaria you can find luxury apartments, low-cost hostels, family-run guesthouses or lively hotels for those who love noisy parties. For some, the most important thing is a hotel complex right on the beachfront, for others – having an aquapark on site. Some people cannot imagine a seaside holiday without guided tours, while others are keen to improve their health at mineral springs – in all these cases, Admiral Travel’s team will help ensure safe and comfortable accommodation.
Driving your own car means freedom: choose your departure time, stop whenever you like and turn the road to Bulgaria into a mini-holiday through Romania.
Most Bulgarian seaside hotels offer secure parking – free or paid – so your car is always nearby and ready for short trips and excursions.
Admiral Travel handles hotel selection, bookings at the best prices, advice before departure and support throughout your trip.
There are options for every style: luxury apartments, cosy family hotels, hostels for budget travellers and lively resorts with aquaparks and nightlife.
With your own car you can easily combine lazy beach days with historic sights, mineral springs, wineries and quiet coves along the coast.
Bulgaria offers a mild climate, long summer season and a great price–value ratio for families with children, couples and groups of friends.
Driving your own car to Bulgarian hotels: what to consider
When planning an independent holiday in Bulgaria, it is important to keep in mind the specific features of the local tourism sector. Unlike Turkish resorts, the “All Inclusive” note in the description is not present for all hotels. Many properties offer budget stays without meals included – sometimes only breakfast (or breakfast and dinner) is in the price, and other services are available at an extra charge. For example, if you decide to spend your holiday without using our transport, you should check in advance whether free parking is provided.
Before departure, it is essential to take into account the following factors:
1) The driver will spend many hours behind the wheel, so you should build rest time into your travel plan (ideally, have a second driver to share the route);
2) Check the condition of the vehicle, first-aid kit, spare wheel and other technical details;
3) Allocate a separate budget for fuel;
4) Confirm with your manager all the formalities related to personal documents, insurance and road tolls;
5) Make sure your phone will have network coverage and mobile internet along the way (it is convenient to have a charger or adapter in the car);
6) Plan your itinerary in advance (ideally download maps for your phone’s navigator to avoid depending on mobile internet), and find out about local traffic rules and road signs;
7) Prepare any necessary medicines, drinking water and snacks, especially if you are travelling with children who have a special diet;
8) If you buy special travel pillows, your shoulders and neck will definitely “thank you”.
All booking-related tasks will be handled by Admiral Travel’s specialists – you will know in advance where you are going and how to get there, and any questions that arise on the way can be resolved quickly with their assistance.
Hotel overview in Nessebar
An independent holiday in the town of Nessebar , founded more than five thousand years ago, will be especially interesting for history and excursion lovers – here you will find preserved monuments from the Roman and Byzantine periods. At the same time, it is a popular destination for a classic summer holiday by the sea. The cost of a tour to this Bulgarian region without transport will be lower if you book in advance, but sometimes last-minute offers are surprisingly affordable too – the only important thing is that your car is ready to go.
PARK HOTEL OASIS - NESSEBAR 3*
A cosy budget-friendly hotel within walking distance of Nessebar’s main attractions (ancient Christian churches in the Old Town, the Archaeology and Ethnography Museums, the ruins of the amphitheatre and more), and only about 150 metres from the sea. Guests have access to free Wi-Fi throughout the property, a swimming pool, sauna, gym and a large terrace. There are facilities and entertainment for children, as well as a public paid car park on site – convenient if you arrive without using our transport.
A respectable hotel complex on the seafront, offering free breakfast and a wide range of leisure facilities for both adults and children. In addition to the pool and spa treatments, you can try various sports, visit the beauty salon, enjoy lively parties and karaoke, and leave your children in the care of experienced animators. A secure car park with a limited number of spaces is available on the hotel grounds.
A beautiful, modern hotel with an extensive territory, private beach, water slides and attractions, and pools for both adults and children. The food is excellent (All Inclusive), with fresh fruit served throughout the day. A large infrastructure of entertainment, sports, beauty and wellness services is available. Parking is provided free of charge on the hotel grounds.
Seaside relaxation in Pomorie
Wellness tours in Bulgaria are often associated with the healing mud of Pomorie resort . The beach here is clean with a gentle slope into the sea, covered in small shells. Travellers usually arrive by car (without a tour-operator bus) to undergo treatment, relax, see the glistening salt pans, visit vineyards and the large local wine cellar.
A compact seafront hotel with its own sandy beach. Guests enjoy superb sea views from the rooms and pool, a range of spa treatments, beauty salon services, a restaurant and a night club. A public paid car park is located next to the hotel.
A modern apart-hotel with its own well-kept garden, located 100 metres from the beach and offering free parking. It is a comfortable choice for a longer holiday with treatment – all apartments feature a living/dining area with a small kitchenette. Guests can enjoy a buffet restaurant, bar, pool, gym, children’s animation, spa treatments and massages, stable internet access, private balconies and a terrace with lovely views.
Self-drive tours to Sveti Vlas
Driving to the coastal town of Sveti Vlas will not leave you indifferent: this upmarket resort lies at the foot of a mountain and is often called the “Saint-Tropez of Bulgaria”. The town has been known since the 2nd century AD and today offers a wide choice of Bulgaria’s best hotels. In addition to beach relaxation, your holiday can be enriched with yacht trips and excursions.
A small hotel 400 metres from the beach with free parking – just what you need for an economical holiday in Bulgaria if you love travelling with your own car. By saving on transport services, you can try delicious Bulgarian cuisine in seaside restaurants, enjoy yacht trips, and spend carefree time with your family on the beach or by the pool.
TIVA DEL MAR (FORMER CAESAR PALACE) 4*
A Mediterranean-style hotel right on the seafront, offering All Inclusive dining and free parking – an excellent choice for a beach holiday in Bulgaria. Most rooms have a dining area with a small kitchenette and a living room with a sofa and TV. The hotel’s service and animation programme have been highly rated both by guests and by hospitality experts.
A popular seafront hotel with All Inclusive dining, appreciated for its convenient location and very comfortable beds, bathrooms and showers in the rooms, as well as wide opportunities for recreation and wellness for both children and adults. If you come to Bulgaria without the tour operator’s transport, the hotel offers free underground parking.
Relaxation in Sozopol hotels
Sozopol is a favourite spot of Bulgarian bohemians – painters, actors and musicians. In this ancient town, built on a hilly peninsula, you can enjoy both budget-friendly and upscale holidays. Beaches with fine sand and a gentle slope into the sea are ideal for family holidays with small children, as well as for those who want to explore the region’s rich historical heritage. Sozopol is easily accessible by car via the international road that runs along the Black Sea coast.
A small hotel with an excellent central location in Sozopol, famous for its tasty traditional dishes and spacious rooms with a separate living area. There are many shops, cafés and restaurants nearby (Italian restaurants are especially recommended). The hotel does not have its own car park, but guests can enjoy the pool, spa treatments and a clean beach with soft sand.
A seafront hotel for lovers of international cuisine, clean sandy beaches and walks in nature. Nearby you will find the famous Bulgarian campgrounds “Gradina” and “Golden Fish”, considered among the most beautiful and peaceful spots on the southern Black Sea coast for complete relaxation. Parking is available on the hotel grounds.
Staying at Golden Sands
Hotels in Golden Sands resort have been popular in our region for decades. For many, they were an accessible chance to travel “abroad” and sunbathe on sand recognised as some of the best in Europe. Hotel complexes are located inside a large forest park, and the local thermal springs help quick recovery. However, when holidaying at Golden Sands with children, you need to be careful: the entrance into the sea is not very shallow and the depth increases quickly near the shore.
A much-loved hotel with red roof tiles, nestled in a shady oak grove. The sea is about 600 metres away, but in return you get All Inclusive & Free Parking! Considering the entertainment options for children and adults, the sandy beach, cleanliness of the rooms and friendliness of the staff, this is a great choice for a family seaside holiday.
Another excellent option for a comfortable stay with your own car – this hotel offers free parking and Ultra All Inclusive dining. In addition to standard leisure facilities for children and adults, the hotel organises vibrant evening shows and sports events, and children’s activities are run by professional animators. With your car always available, you can easily visit local attractions, such as the nearby rock monastery Aladzha.
A superb resort for connoisseurs of style and luxury: tastefully furnished rooms with bath and shower, well-appointed balconies and a poolside terrace. The view from the rooms is either towards the sea – just a short distance away – or to the forest-covered hills. The complex features a two-level spa centre and five pools, and dining is available in three formats (breakfast / breakfast and dinner / All Inclusive). If you travel to the hotel with your own car, parking is available on site.
Hotel overview in Sunny Beach
Driving to Bulgaria’s largest resort, Sunny Beach , without using the tour company’s transport will not be difficult for an experienced driver, but it will allow you to save part of the budget for varied family entertainment. Several aquaparks operate here, and along the coast you can choose water attractions for every taste. The seabed is sandy with a gentle slope into deeper water – holidays with children bring only pleasant moments, and young groups have countless opportunities for active fun.
A hotel with an original design, decorated in a bold modern style with a maritime theme. The sandy beach is 250 metres away and there are pools and water slides on site. Guests will enjoy tasty food beautifully presented at the buffet. In addition, parking is included in the price for those who book tours without our transport.
A hotel operating on an All Inclusive basis, delighting guests with its proximity to the sandy beach (50 m), pools and its own aquapark. Rooms and public areas are elegantly furnished, with balconies and everything needed for a pleasant summer holiday. If you choose the option without transport, you can park your car free of charge inside the complex.
A popular hotel in Sunny Beach with on-site parking, indoor and outdoor pools, and a fully developed infrastructure for entertainment and wellness. The attractive building is set on the seafront, and the interior is decorated in a modern style with bright ethnic elements – stone, wood, wicker furniture and stylish cushions – all of which create a perfect backdrop for photos from the southern coast.
A luxurious hotel with its own aquapark, pools and a short distance to the sea, offering Ultra All Inclusive dining and free parking for those who travel to Bulgaria in their own car without bus services. Saving on transport allows you to enjoy extra spa treatments, massages and excursion programmes.
What to do in Bulgaria when you drive yourself
Having your own car on holiday gives you the freedom to change your plans from day to day. In the morning you can enjoy the beach near your hotel, and after lunch head to a historic town, a winery or a spa resort with mineral springs and healing mud. You are not tied to a coach schedule or a group programme and can set the pace of your holiday according to your family’s needs.
History lovers will appreciate Nessebar and Sozopol with their churches and museums, while those seeking wellness will like Pomorie and areas with mineral water. In resorts such as Golden Sands, Sunny Beach and Sveti Vlas, you can combine beach days with aquaparks, water sports, yacht trips and lively evening walks.
Between excursions, you can stop at small family-run restaurants and taverns to enjoy traditional Bulgarian dishes, local wine and a welcoming atmosphere – an important extra plus of self-drive holidays.
Sample one-day itinerary on the Bulgarian coast
Start your morning with a walk along the beach near your hotel: at this time the sea is usually calmer, and the sun is still gentle. After a swim and breakfast, get in the car and drive to the nearest old town or port – for example, from Sunny Beach to Nessebar, or from Golden Sands to Varna.
Around lunchtime, stop at a restaurant serving Bulgarian cuisine and then allow time for a stroll through the old streets, visiting a museum, church or viewpoint. In the evening, return to the hotel – children can play by the pool or in the kids’ area, while adults relax at the spa or on the terrace.
End the day with a walk along the promenade, dinner with a sea view or a visit to a bar with live music. If your hotel offers evening animation, you can simply stay on site and enjoy the entertainment programme.
Sample two-day itinerary with your own car
On the first day, focus entirely on the resort where you are staying: explore the beach, pool, restaurant, aquapark and spa area. This is the perfect time to rest after the drive and understand how the hotel works and what services are included.
On the second day, plan a circular route of 50–80 kilometres: visit a neighbouring resort (for example, from Pomorie to Sozopol or Burgas, or from Sveti Vlas to Sunny Beach and Nessebar), stop at viewpoints, vineyards or natural attractions. With your own car, you can easily adapt your schedule to the weather and your energy levels, adding extra stops wherever you like most.
Admiral Travel’s managers can suggest what is worth seeing near your chosen hotel and how best to combine beach time with excursions so that the two days are full but not rushed.
How to get to Bulgaria with your own car
Most routes to Bulgaria run through Romania and then head south towards the Black Sea coast. Before departure, it is important to check your personal documents, insurance policy, “green card” for the car and all vehicle papers, as well as current requirements for transit and entry.
There may be road tolls, vignettes and paid bridges on the way – all these aspects can be clarified in advance with your Admiral Travel manager. It is also useful to plan in which towns you will stop for fuel, rest and meals so that the journey is comfortable for both the driver and passengers.
We recommend checking the car’s technical condition before leaving, having enough cash and bank cards, and downloading offline maps to your phone. If you have questions on the way related to the hotel or route, you can quickly contact the manager who arranged your booking.
Seasonality in Bulgaria
Bulgaria lies on the western shore of the Black Sea and enjoys a mild climate without sharp temperature changes. The peak season for beach holidays lasts from June to September (in August water temperatures reach around +26°C), but seaside resorts already come to life in May, and lovers of “velvet season” warmth linger on the coast until the end of October.
Why choose Admiral Travel: reliability, experience and personal approach
Admiral Travel specialists confidently recommend tours to Bulgaria without our bus transport because, based on their experience, car owners cope easily with the drive. As a result, the family holiday budget is used more rationally, and happy clients receive the best possible accommodation conditions and extra opportunities for leisure. Our professional managers will select the most suitable accommodation options in Bulgaria, reserve them at the best price and provide detailed advice on any questions you may have. Many years of successful work in international tourism are made possible by our team’s expertise, as well as by the reliability and safety of the services we provide.
Book your Bulgaria tour without transport services now
Bulgaria pleasantly surprises visitors with clean, comfortable beaches (many of them have received the prestigious “Blue Flag” eco-award), a well-developed infrastructure, hospitable locals and an abundance of fruit and vegetables. Traditional Bulgarian and international cuisine, attentive staff, ancient historical monuments, soft sand, warm sea and a feeling of freedom and safety – all this will leave you with wonderful memories of your holiday in Bulgaria, a small but very cosy country on the Black Sea coast.
By contacting Admiral.Travel, you can rely on the best offers that appear promptly on our website. Sometimes last-minute tours are particularly advantageous; in other cases, early booking can become your lucky ticket to the best hotels along the Bulgarian coast. When discussing your preferences with our managers, be sure to mention all the details, not just the approximate price you have in mind. This helps us do our job better – and makes your holiday truly pleasant, carefree and unforgettable.
FAQ: self-drive tours to Bulgaria
What is a tour to Bulgaria without transport from the tour operator?
It means you travel in your own car, while Admiral Travel takes care of choosing the resort, booking the hotel and advising you on the route and documents.
Who is a self-drive holiday in Bulgaria best suited for?
For large families, people who dislike coach travel and groups of friends who are happy to share fuel costs and value flexibility and independence.
What documents do I need to cross the border by car?
Typically you will need a passport, insurance policy, a valid green card for the car and vehicle documents. Your manager will help you check the exact list before departure.
How long does it take to drive to the Bulgarian seaside?
This depends on your departure city and route, but with normal stops the journey usually fits into a single day. Your manager can suggest a convenient breakdown into stages.
Are there road tolls and vignettes in Romania and Bulgaria?
Yes, on some stretches you’ll need vignettes or to pay tolls. We will explain where and how to pay and what amount to budget for road charges.
Is it safe to leave my car in the hotel car park?
Most hotels offer parking, sometimes free and sometimes paid. When booking, we always check whether it is secure parking and what conditions apply.
Which resorts are best for families with children?
We often recommend Sunny Beach, Sozopol, Pomorie and selected hotels in Golden Sands with gentle beaches, aquaparks and children’s animation.
Can I combine treatment and a beach holiday?
Absolutely. Pomorie, for example, is famous for its therapeutic mud and mineral springs. We can recommend hotels close to clinics and spa centres.
What should I do if the car breaks down on the way?
Stay calm, contact your insurance company and roadside assistance. Your Admiral Travel manager is also just a phone call away for advice on accommodation and next steps.
How do I book a tour to Bulgaria without transport included?
Simply contact Admiral Travel, tell us your dates, budget, group composition and preferences. We will send you offers, make the booking and provide full travel information.
Can I book apartments with a kitchenette for a longer stay?
Yes. Bulgaria has many apart-hotels with kitchenettes and living rooms. We especially recommend them for families with children or longer holidays.
What’s more advantageous: early booking or last-minute offers?
Early booking gives a wider choice of hotels and good prices, while last-minute deals are great if your dates are flexible. We’ll advise you which option suits your plans better.
Which resorts are best for young people and nightlife?
Sunny Beach, Golden Sands and Sveti Vlas are very popular thanks to their bars, clubs, concerts and water activities.
When is the best time for a beach holiday in Bulgaria?
The main beach season runs from June to September, while those who prefer fewer crowds can choose late May, early June or September.
Will Admiral Travel support me during my holiday if issues arise?
Yes. Throughout your stay you can contact your manager with questions about accommodation, excursions, extensions or changes to your plans.
Can I change the hotel or dates after booking?
This depends on the tariff rules and the hotel’s policy. We inform you about the conditions from the start and, if possible, help to make changes with minimal extra cost.