Where do you find the sea clean, cocktails per liter and vibe from Riviera – at a throw of old Customs, that is only 3-4 hours from Bucharest, depending on traffic? The vloggers “2 wands” They returned to the Golden Sands, and we learned why Bulgaria again deserves the first place on the holiday list.
“Welcome to the cheapest resort!” -This is how a recent vlog of the couple Corina and Alexandru begins, in a decoration in which the sea glitters, the glasses are filled without a number, and the payment note remains, surprising, friendly.
But how much luxury can you buy with less than 200 euros per day in a couple pack, or family with a small child all inclusive? What does it mean, actually, “cheap” In 2025, when it comes to accommodation, meals, beach, trips and holiday vibe? I followed their experience step by step – and we have all the answers.
E 2025, and Bulgaria returns spectacularly in the preferences of Romanians. Why? Simple: because it offers luxury at the price of Lidl.
The Golden Sands, the resort considered by the ones from “2 wands” the cheapest destination shipped
A holiday with a budget of 850 lei, all inclusive
After a break of eight years, “2 wands” They return to the Golden Sands-the cult resort on the Bulgarian coast, built under the communist regime as an eastern replica of the French Riviera.
With a child in the stroller and a well -developed plan, the journey starts from Bucharest, bypassing the bridge of friendship and crossing the border through the south, on the coast.
Full in Romania: 200 lei. All inclusive accommodation, at a four -star hotel (only on paper): 525 lei per night. In total, a day of Bulgarian holiday reaches 850 lei – fuel, accommodation, vignette (Bulgarian vignette), extra expenses.
Costs are calculated for a couple, not per person.
But how luxury can you actually get with such an amount?
4 -star hotel … with parking on the field
The reality strikes from the first: the hotel stars do not really kiss with the front asphalt. Parking is not officially arranged, it is how to say “At the free”on a viran land near the accommodation unit, for 20 levs per day (about 50 lei, according to the daily course in July 2025).
And the room – although clean and decent – seems rather a three stars upgraded from the pen.
However, what loses in the chapter of architectural details, the hotel seems to recover for food and activities: rich shortage, from cheese to cheese, vegetables, fruits and sausages, but also facilities for tourists, such as swimming, zumba courses, sports grounds and other sun-to-sunlights.
Fine sand, cocktails per liter, umbrellas with expensive loungers and the only McDonald’s directly on the beach
The road to the sea, from the hotel chosen by the wands, lasts between 20 and 30 minutes – it depends on how quickly you are following the third pancake or if you still be with your partner on the road. The beach, however, does not disappoint: the fine and clean sand rivals with the one in Greece, and the water is clear, without algae and without garbage.
But the sun bill comes: 28 lev for a package pack + lounge and mattress. That is, over 70 lei per person. In the couple? About 45 lev (at the discount for the second person), that is around 115 lei. This explains the multitude of tourists who prefer the alternative: towel on the sand, near the leased luxury. Budget economy and, why not, more authenticity.
On the cliff, cocktails flow per liter – literally: 34 lev for 1 liter (about 90 lei) or 69 lev (180 lei) for 5 liters. The donuts and pancakes cost between 8 and 10 Leva (20–26 lei). Kebapul? Between 15 and 17 Leva (up to 45 lei). And if you are craving a Big Mac, you can find it on the sand-at the first McDonald’s directly on the beach in southeastern Europe. Such facilities exist in other parts of the world, such as Spain or Dubai, but in the Balkans you can find another. Romania, for example, cannot boast of such an option.
Excursions, parks, nocturnal fun: what (not) is included
The tourist offer is generous. From trips to other Bulgarian resorts from the Black Sea or tourist attractions such as Balcic or Nessebar (85–95 Leva by person), to rural tours in the Bulgarian villages, all are available directly from the resort. The massive architecture of luxury hotels contrasts beautifully with the green, shady areas, which offer shelter from the scorching sun, but also with the old-style houses, which have been kept in the area.
In the evening, the resort is transformed: the terraces pulse from music, the cocktails reinvent themselves in the light of neon, and the shops remain open until late. “The fun is at home”I say “Hoinarii”. And so it seems.
All Inclusive in Bulgaria: Paradise or tourist cage
With all inclusive you get rid of meals, budget and shopping. But you pay for freedom: if you are the exploreal genre, the hotel routine can become monotonous. “Luxury on little money”say the vloggers – but also a “Restriction” For those who prefer spontaneity.
The food? Much and, surprising, tasty. Even if the menu does not vary radically from day to day, the meat is different, the fresh salads, and the cakes – over expectations. The only real minus: the pool closes at 18.00. But … who wants the pool when the sea is just 20 minutes?
How much does it cost, for good, an all inclusive day in 2025
According to “2 wands”, the budget for a family with a young child looks like this:
- Accommodation 4 stars All Inclusive – 525 lei (just over 100 euros)
- Dou-return diesel-200 lei
- Bulgaria vignette (vignette) – 25 lei
- Extra expenses (parking, souvenirs, snacks) – 100 lei
- Total: 850 lei / day of holiday for a couple with a small child in 2025.
An amount comparable to a day on the Romanian coast, but with more organization, cleanliness and hospitality – in contrast to the online reviews, which granted note 1 to the staff. “We did not meet figures”I say “Hoinarii”denying myths.
The Bulgarian coast, more Romanian than ever
A question that plans as a bitter joke over the vlog: “Do Romanians come to Bulgaria?” The answer is in the pictures – the beaches are full, the hotels work at capacity.
But the real question, spoken with an ironic smile, is another: “Where I am Bulgaria? ” – Because, in full season, the Bulgarian coast seems more Romanian than our coast.
Conclusion: Bulgaria did not cheap but refined
Golden sands in 2025 can no longer be considered a low-cost destination in the traditional sense. The prices aligned with those specific to a resort, without reaching the luxury level. The services have grown in quality, the beach is impeccable, and the experience – if you make the right choices – can be complete and pleasant.
A useful detail is related to the payment methods: in most places the card has been used, except for parking, where the payment has only been made. Here, however, the Romanian vloggers were surprised by a very large commission, of 30% of the amount withdrawn.
They also explained why they consider the Golden Sands the most accessible destination: “We know that Albania, Turkey or Greece are cheap options, but due to the proximity to Romania – at just an hour and something of Vama Veche – the transport costs place it in the top of the preferences.”
“We are sorry that the mini-concentration ends”at the end I say those “2 wands”. And in that honest sigh is the answer to the essential question: yes, Bulgaria is still worth visiting. Even more than eight years ago.
