Bulgaria has fast become a favourite holiday destination with British holidaymakers; and with pristine ski resorts, beautiful beaches and low prices that undercut Western Europe, it's easy to see why. Sofia, the country's capital and Bansko, its premier ski resort, have been particularly big winners in the tourism game, attracting a large share of international travellers. But there are many other less known spots which are worth a visit.

The coastal city of Bourgas, for example, has often been overlooked and dismissed by tourists as being over-industrialised - and it makes sense as to why. Situated on the coast of the Black Sea, Bourgas is the fourth largest city in the country and a major economic and cultural centre. However, there are beautiful beaches within the city itself and it's a major starting point for those who want to visit other seaside resorts in the area, such as Slantchev Bryag and Elenite Village to the north and Duni Village in the south. These areas are heavily geared towards tourism, offering the choice of some 90 hotels and 17 camp sites and drawing about 2.5 million foreign and domestic tourists every year.

Bourgas itself is an attractive city, and while it is large in size, it makes for a refreshing break from the crowds and commercialism of other seaside resorts in the area. The centre is very tourist friendly and provides an ideal base from which to explore nearby towns all along the Black Sea coastline. Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy surfing or scuba diving, and those intrigued by Bourgas' industrial history can visit the salt pans to learn how salt is made and refined.

Bourgas is also a city rich in culture and history, and was left largely untouched by the communist urbanisation - so tourists can enjoy its nineteenth and twentieth century architecture. The local people of Bourgas are also known for their artistic spirit, which is represented by various festivals throughout the year, such as the International Folklore Festival and the National Exhibit FLORA, as well as international contests for Latin and American dances. The Sea Garden Park is also well worth a visit, consisting of a large area of neatly tended flowerbeds, shady tree lined paths, a small zoo and an open-air theatre. It is one of the major recreational areas in Bourgas, stretching from the harbour along the Black Sea coastline to the northern end of the city.

The many attractions of Bourgas make it a fantastic holiday destination; however, the region's stunning scenery also makes for a perfect opportunity to experience Bourgas and its environs by car. You'll find that there are various facilities available for car hire in Bourgas, offer cars of various sizes - so whether you're on a romantic break for two or travelling with your entire family, you'll be able to sightsee in comfort. Hiring a car during your holiday in Bourgas will also make the city and its environs more accessible, allowing you to use your time to see more, rather than simply get from one place to another.

So whether you want a base from which to explore the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, or simply looking for a fantastic city to holiday in, Bourgas is an ideal choice. And if you hire a car in Bourgas, you're guaranteed to make the most of your sightseeing experience.