This beautiful ‘hidden gem’ seaside city is a direct flight from the UK

Britons looking for a summer getaway can now jet off to what has been described as a “hidden gem” on the Black Sea for as little as £49 from this week.

Southend Airport has debuted a new service to Burgas, Bulgaria‘s fourth-largest city and a major cultural and tourist centre.

The service, run by Balkan Holidays, will operate for 13 weeks with one flight per week until September 2.

Southend Airport‘s business development director Nigel Mayes said: “With this summer already looking like a bit of a washout at home, many people will be seeking the sun, sea and sand that Burgas in Bulgaria has to offer.

“With low deposits from £49 per person, and free 22kg luggage and transfers on all package holidays, Balkan Holidays is making a sunny break overseas easy and affordable for people in Essex, the East of London and East Anglia.”

The city has historically played a huge role in the country’s fishing industry and is home to the biggest oil refinery in southeastern Europe.

Despite its industrial background, Burgas has emerged as a popular travel destination both for locals and international visitors thanks to its stunning long beach and balmy summer conditions.

The city centre is easily walkable and no visit is complete without a stop at the Sea Garden, where holidaymakers can enjoy some lovely views of Burgas’s pier.

Beach lovers will get plenty of chances to lie down and relax along the long stretch of beach right outside the city centre.

As the name suggests, Central Beach is the easiest to access from the city. Located between the port and Burgas Bridge, this beach is among the most frequented by locals.

The nearby North Beach is more popular with tourists looking for a bit more exclusivity and is closer to the marine where one can take a break from sunbathing with a nice cocktail from one of the local bars.

Burgas is surrounded by four lakes, including its pink lake which has nothing to envy its Mexican counterpart.

Lake Atanasovsko is close to Burgas Airport just north of the town and is home to a diverse flora and fauna – and is renowned for its healing and therapeutic mud.

Burgas is also a gateway to lovely cultural hotspots, including UNESCO World Heritage Site Nessebar just 30 minutes away.

With its narrow, cobbled streets, the lovely city museum has preserved fine examples of traditionally Bulgarian timber-style homes.