Surprising Bulgaria – Part 4: Beautiful Beaches
It’s good to know that the Black Sea Coast was named not after the sea, the beach or the shore, but in ancient times, after the dangers of crossing the waters. Nowadays, the vast majority of visitors to Bulgaria seek it out because it has long sandy beaches, almost all of which are gently sloping, and therefore which hold a huge appeal to families, couples, and anyone who just wants the simple pleasures of a day in the sun. The water is azure blue, clean and sparkling.
Here are eight examples of great beaches on the coast. There are all types from remote and quiet (Sinemorets) to lively and bustling (Sunny Beach). Whilst many have lifeguards, some don’t and at all times, Balkan Holidays asks guests to respect the possible dangers of swimming in the sea.
Most beaches offer parasols and sunbeds to rent, and a ‘free’ zone, where you can just drop your towel. Many have beach cafés and bars on hand. Whilst some beaches are well-equipped and busy, there are wild beaches. Topless and nudist sunbathing is often permitted and it is most popular in the quieter more remote beaches.
Whilst most beaches mentioned here are easily reached from our hotels, one or two will require a bus trip or a hire car to get to. Please ask at time of booking for further information. In terms of average temperature, the Bulgarian coast bathes in hot and sunny mid-twenties to mid-thirties all summer, and for those who are curious, yes, snow does fall some winters. It’s a climate of two halves.
1. Sinemorets
Mention Bulgarian beaches to anyone in the know and Sinemorets always come up. Try two beaches, the main one, Butamyata Beach or the quieter Veleka Beach. You’ll need a hire car to reach here. It’s in the far south east of the country and comprises a small village and seaside resort. Here is where the River Veleka flows into the sea and the pace of life is slow and gentle, a world away from Sunny Beach and Albena. In the background, the mountains of the Strandzha Nature Park provide the backdrop. Whilst here, try a tour by boat and be sure to find fish, birds and turtles, many not found elsewhere.
2. Pomorie
This beach is 18 kilometres north east of Bourgas and there is a good range of accommodation to choose from with Balkan Holidays. The resort of Pomorie with its wind it is ideal for windsurfing and paragliding. What’s more, the healing qualities of the mud here make it popular. The mud is extracted during the production of salt in Pomorie Lake. The beach itself is 5 kilometres long.
3. Sunny Beach
The biggest, best-known and most popular beach in Bulgaria, this has a magical appeal. It’s 8 kilometres in length, sandy with azure blue waters. There is so much to see and do here, and it boasts a Blue Flag beach, which means it achieves high standards in water quality, environmental management, environmental education and safety. In Sunny Beach there’s jet-skiing and paragliding to enjoy. Nearby there’s an excellent choice of Water Parks for a day away from the beach. The beach shelves gently into the sea making it safe for everyone. (But please heed all safety advice).
4. Albena
Head north to Albena for a casual feel, which is popular with our younger and/or fun-loving guests. The beach is 4 kilometres long and 100 metres wide. It’s stunning, and shallow up to 150 metres from the shore. Albena celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, being opened in 1969 and was named after the beautiful heroine from the play of the same name, written by Bulgarian playwright and author, Yordan Yovkov. There is plenty to do with all manner of water sports on offer here. Not to be missed.
5. Primorsko
Here the beach is long, attractive and sheltered and therefore ideal for swimming and boating. Take a bus or hire a car to reach Primorsko (which means ‘by the sea’). The water is shallow at low tide, so it’s perfect for families.
6. Sozopol
There are two superb beaches in our popular spot of Sozopol. Balkan Holidays has plenty of accommodation choices here, and there’s lots of other things to do if being on a beach for too long is not a holiday! The two choices are Harmanite Beach, which is wide and clean and Town Beach with good facilities. A short distance away there is Kavatsite Beach 3 kilometres south of Sozopol. Whilst it can get busy, it has beautiful views out to sea.
7. St Konstantin
This is a small beach resort 9 kilometres north east of Varna. It’s less commercial so good for quieter break. The resort of St Konstantin is full of oak, beech and pine trees and small sheltered sandy beaches, with lots of rocky coves and inlets ideal for exploring and sunbathing.
8. Golden Sands
The second biggest beach in Bulgaria after Sunny Beach. In Golden Sands there’s 4 kilometres of sandy beach with plenty of hotels within walking distance of the beach. It’s just 18 kilometres north of Varna, so fly direct here with Balkan Holidays’ charters to minimise stress and maximise convenience.
Whatever you choose, you can rely on our local knowledge to help you find the right beach for you. Balkan Holidays currently has savings of up to £240 per couple.
