Bulgaria Beaches

Ahtopol

The southern seaside town of Ahtopol is situated 87 km south of Bourgas and is not far from the Turkish border. On a small rocky headland, deep within the remote Strandzha National Park, it has two long and attractive beaches where the water is warm and the hot sun is cooled by breezes from mountains.

Ahtopol is not a modern, lively resort but it has a unique and quaint appeal of its own. Old wooden houses and a lighthouse can be found along the rocky shore and ancient fishing boats in the water, all add to the charm of this lovely area.

Sat on the beach, you may see owls, vultures, and deer and because it's off-the-beaten-track, possibly naked people as nude bathing is also allowed.

For those who want peace and quiet while on holiday, Ahtopol (its name means ‘The Town of Love’) is a perfect destination.

Albena

Albena is 30km from the town of Varna and has a superb, wide, 5km long beach with very fine, clean sand which slopes gently into safe, calm and clear waters. Surrounded by lush forests and famous for its flower gardens, this lovely area is an ideal destination for a holiday, with the tourist season running from May to October and an average summer temperature of 30°C.

The shallow waters make it an ideal, safe place for children to play and they will love the mini-train that runs along the promenade. The aquaparks, mini-golf courses, and amusement parks are other attractions that will keep the kids happy - Happy kids - Happy parents.

A free beach library is an unusual but very useful facility available on this beach and there are plenty of child-friendly bars and restaurants.

Golden sands

Golden Sands, located near the city of Varna, is one of Bulgaria’s biggest resorts on the Black Sea with approximately 4km of some of the purest sand in the country, along with crystal clear, light-blue waters. The Blue Flag awarded beach, is popular with families as there are a number of activities both in and out of the water for all to enjoy.

There’s plenty of space for your sunbeds on this lovely beach even in the busier months, so make the most of the wonderful weather and get working on your tan.

The promenade along Golden Sands has an abundance of shops and some very good bars and restaurants. For the children and those of us that are just young at heart, there is mini-golf, fairground rides and there is also a water park close by.

Irakli beach

Irakli beach is situated between the Black Sea towns/resorts of Obzor (north) and Nessebar interested (south).

No need for clothes here as this is a nudist beach and is popular with young people who wish to ‘commune with nature’. There is little in the way of infrastructure here but if you are not one to need your creature comforts you can camp on the beach for free. Many hippies descend on Irakli on the 30th June every year for ‘July Morning’, which celebrates the sun rising above the Black Sea.

The beach has fine sand, clear clean water, and attractive beach rocks along its 3 km length. It is listed as a protected area in order to preserve the coastal habitats of rare and endangered floral species, as well the many birds.

Perhaps not everyone’s choice of a holiday destination, but for naturists who want to just chill-out, it’s brilliant.

Silistar Beach

Silistar beach is very close to the border with Turkey and is about 11 kilometres from the town of Ahtopol. It is a little off the beaten track as the access to the beach is down a private, 1km dirt road through the forest. There is a car park at the end of the road and it is well worth the effort of finding this small, secluded beach with its fine golden sands sloping gently down to the shallow, beautifully crystal-clear water.

There is a small restaurant at one end of the beach but it has no other facilities. Ideal if you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of some of the other beaches in Bulgaria

The beach is also often known as “the beach of pirates” a name that is thought to have come from its past history of being a base for pirates.

Sozopol

Sozopol is one of the oldest Bulgarian coastal towns, located approximately 35 km south of Burgas and was established in the 7th century BC by seafaring Greeks. There are 2 beaches in the town of Sozopol:

Central beach - is very narrow and gets extremely busy so it’s best to get here quite early. Sunbeds and umbrellas are available to rent for a small charge. There are various water sports such as jet skiing and surfing and volleyball is played on the beach.

Harmani beach - is bigger than Central beach so does not get as crowded. There is a charge to use the sunbeds but you are able to lie on the sands a little further back from the sea free of charge. The sea here has underwater currents and if the red flag is up the lifeguards will ask you not to enter the water.

Sunny beach

Sunny Beach on the southern Black Sea coast is the biggest and one of the most popular beach resorts in Bulgaria. The 8km stretch of beach has a Blue Flag award and boasts, fine golden sand, natural sand dunes, gently sloping sea bottom and beautifully clear waters. The tourist season in Sunny Beach lasts from May until October. The average daily temperature in summer is 27°C.

You can hire sun loungers and parasols if you want to just lie and relax in the sun, but if you want to be more energetic, why not have a game of beach volleyball or try your hand at jet skiing and paragliding?

If you want a break from the beach, the busy promenade has many shops where you can grab yourself a bargain plus and plenty of bars and restaurants where you can have a meal or drink and just relax.