"Legend has it that when God was giving lands to the peoples of the world he forgot the Bulgarians. To set things right he took a piece of Heaven and gave it to them."

Blessed with mountains rising to over 3,000m in the south and the white sandy beaches of the Black Sea coast in the east, Bulgaria is fast being discovered as a hidden gem by all sorts of visitors.

Following extensive investment programmes in recent years, Bulgaria has shaken off its cheap holiday image to emerge as one of the fastest growing and trendiest destinations in Europe.

From black ski runs to deserted beaches, Bulgaria is inspiring a whole new generation of visitors.

Bulgaria has always had an impressive winter season comparable of that of the Alps. New investment in ski lifts and better piste management has brought Bulgarian skiing to an international level.

The ski season runs from mid-December to mid-April with reliable snow conditions within this period. Piste varies from 1,000m up to 2,850m above sea level. An increasing number of visitors are also discovering the unspoilt beauty of Bulgaria's mountains during the summer months as well.

Bansko. Offering a wide range of ski runs from beginner to intermediate, Bansko is a 3 hour drive from Sofia by road.

Combining a traditional village at its centre with a modern bustling ski resort around the lift, Bansko has over 75 restaurants and bars. Its main gondola whisks skiiers up the Pirin mountain range. The piste totals over 85km and rises to 2,850m above sea level.

Pamporovo. Situated in the heart of the Rhodopi mountains, the resort is just over 1 hour from Plovdiv, Bulgaria's leading ski resort or just 3 hours from Sofia.

Known for its outstanding natural beauty, the resort has always been a magnet for families and offers a relaxed and secluded atmosphere. Set in rolling pine forest, Pamporovo offers a wide range of beginner and intermediate level skiing.

With a coastline spanning nearly 400km (over 250 miles), Bulgaria has a varied range of summer coastal holiday destinations.

The southern Black Sea coast combines modern beach resorts such as Sunny Beach with cultural sites like Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. For those looking for warm seas (the Black Sea is a warmer temperature than the Mediterranean!) and perfect sandy beaches, Bulgaria is for you.

Direct flights to Varna have recently opened up a whole new area of coastline to the north. Boasting an undeveloped coastline, the area has becoming a hub for golf and sailing. Explore secluded coves and its sheltered beaches! The cleanest water in the Black Sea, why not try some clear water diving off Kaliakra or a round of golf on the cliffs above Balchik?

Balchik. A small town dating back to Greek times, its charming stone houses and quiet promenade continue to attract a dedicated following.

Most holiday makers stay on the dramatic cliffs and coves north of the town where three international golf courses are sited. Varna International airport is just 45 minutes away.

With a wide array of restaurants you won't go hungry, seafood fans should try the mussels which benefit from the areas clean water and attractive marine climate. The summer palace of the Romanian Queen Marie and the second biggest botanical gardens in Europe (after Monaco) means there is something for everyone.

Sunny Beach. Just 45 minutes from Bourgas airport, this resort has grown to become a leading beach destination. Literally hundreds of restaurants and bars stretch along the 12km white sandy beach.

Watersports, two water parks, a dolphinarium and more provide plenty of entertainment. Popular with families and the young alike, for those wanting lots to do, Sunny Beach is an ideal base.

Major scheduled airlines currently service two airports in Bulgaria, Sofia (for Bansko) and Varna (for Balchik). In addition charter and so called 'seat only' deals are available in season with airlines and tour operators flying to Bourgas (for Sunny Beach) and Plovdiv (for Pamporovo).

All major car hire companies have operations in Bulgaria and are available at all the major airports and city centres.

The local currency lev is used, we advice simply using visa to withdraw cash from the many cash machines available to secure the best rates.