BEST BEACHES IN BULGARIA

Bulgaria is a stunning Eastern European country by the Black Sea and the Balkan mountains. Surrounded by Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Romania, it’s such an interesting land to explore. One of ancient monasteries, roman ruins, colorful villages and wonderful beaches. There’s many beautiful places to visit in Bulgaria and among them stand out the country’s wonderful seaside. This post highlights the best beaches to visit in Bulgaria so you can have an awesome Black Sea holiday in Bulgaria. 

There’s Bulgarian beaches to delight every traveler. Therefore, this list of the best beaches to visit in Bulgaria includes seaside towns focused on partying and watersports. Along with family-oriented resorts perfect for those with young kids. And remote beaches with no facilities ideal for those who love wild camping under the stars. Keep this post handy when preparing your trip to Bulgaria to make the best of your next beach vacation.

Best beaches in Bulgaria for party animals

1. Sunny Beach

Sunny beach is the most famous beach in all of Bulgaria. The one most holidaymakers go to and where you’ll never run out of things to do. Therefore, if you are looking for the top one among the best beaches in Bulgaria head to Sunny Beach. 

You’ll find this major seaside resort town between Varna and Burgas. About 95km from the former and 35km to the latter. Right by Nessebar, which is one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. 

Many call it the Ibiza of Bulgaria, as parties are endless here. And so are the kilometres of fine golden sand and crystal clear waters. Including the famous aquapark Sunny Beach. Expect many all-inclusive resorts, nigh clubs, with world class DJs, beach bars, restaurants, and water sports. Thus, Sunny beach Bulgaria  makes the perfect place for a fun beach holiday by the Black Sea.

2. Golden Sands Beach

Golden Sands Beach is second to Sunny beach in terms of super-resorts and night life. nevertheless, there’s still lots of accommodation and party options in Golden Sands and the waters here are a bit fresher and less salty. Consequently, many locals make it their favourite among the best beaches in Bulgaria.

This 4-kilometre blue-flag beach is 20km from Varna, an ancient roman town which makes one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. Here you’ll find cool architecture, remnants of every historical period, a modern port, a huge railway station and even an international airport. Consequently, besides being super accessible, Varna beaches makes some of the best beaches in Bulgaria.

Among them, Golden Sands Beach offers some of the purest sand along the Black Sea, clean waters, and countless bars and restaurants across its wooded hillside. Moreover, there’s plenty of beach activities available, including all kinds of water sports. Thus, if you are looking for a less-crowded party beach in Bulgaria, head to the famous Golden Beach Bulgaria.

3. Balchik’s Central Beach

Balchik is a major summer party destination in Bulgaria. This town of almost 20,000 inhabitants hosts tons of second homes and summer apartments. Even Queen Mary of Romania has a summer palace on its grounds. To the point many new bars, restaurants and clubs have popped in the area, making it one of the coolest Bulgaria beach resort towns. 

The biggest beach in the area is Central Beach, a majestic recreational beach with white sand and pristine waters. So much it’s one of the ultimate destinations for Bulgaria beach holidays. You’ll find this town inthe Northern Coast of Bulgaria, close to the border with Romania.

4.  Marina Dinevi

Marina Dinevi is one of the fanciest beach areas in Bulgaria. Therefore, it’s the ultimate Bulgaria beach destination for the rich and famous. Those looking for a fancy experience in Bulgaria should definitely place it among their list of best beaches in Bulgaria. 

This town 40 km North of Burgas hosts luxury hotels, spas, and cool restaurants for fine dining enthusiasts. Its sandy beach has a blue flag thanks to its crystal clear waters and wonderful scenery. By the same lies a luxurious harbor with endless yachts and fancy boats. The town is also lively at night, when its restaurants, bars, and clubs get packed with glamorous holidaymakers.

Best beaches in Bulgaria for families

5. Albena Beach

Albena is a Black Sea resort town located 30 km north of Varna and just 45 minutes away from the city’s airport. The town features over 20 sandy beaches of shallow waters ideal for families. There’s also plenty of playgrounds, bowling alleys, and minigolf courses in the area. And a famous water park that will delight all holidaymakers. 

Water sports are also available to entertain teenagers and adults alike. Including jetskiing, parasailing, surfing, and even fishing. One of the beaches also hosts a Europe’s first beach library, featuring over 6,000 books to enjoy on the sand. 

Sea waters reach 25°C and don’t get over 1.5 metres deep until over 150 metres away from the shore. Thus, this blue flag area is one of the best beaches in Bulgaria for those seeking a tranquil paradise for their families without having to wander too far from a major city or airport.

6. Pomorie Beach

Pomorie is a famous family beach in Bulgaria. Nevertheless, it’s more popular among middle-aged holidaymakers than those with young kids. This might well be because of the nice wine produced in the area, the great restaurants, or the many fishing options available by the lagoon. Either way, the clear waters and soft sand of Pomorie Beach are the perfect place for a relaxing beach holiday in Bulgaria. 

Despite the many yachts and sailing booths that moor in its shore, Pomorie offers some of the cleanest waters in all of the Black Sea. And it’s also known as the sunniest beach in Bulgaria, so it will never disappoint. This wonderful shallow beach stands only 10 minutes away from Burgas airport, so there’s no reason to miss Pomorie. It certainly makes one of the best beaches in Bulgaria.

7. Sozopol’s Town Beach

Sozopol is a Bulgarian holiday town 35km south of Burgas. The Greeks founded it in the 7th century BC and many have inhabited it ever since. To the point there’s many wooden buildings and cobbled streets to enjoy. 

Besides its historical significance, a great reason to visit Sozopol is to enjoy its beautiful Town Beach. It’s easily accessible from the city’s promenade and by tis waters you’ll get awesome views of the old town. Additionally, Sozopol offers other cool beaches and lots of cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops to enjoy. Thus, it’s one of the best beaches in Bulgaria for families.

8. Primorsko Beach

Primorsko beach is a blue flag beach that makes one of the best beaches in Bulgaria for families. As you can see below, it’s a picture-perfect beach. The sand is white and soft, while the waters are blue and clear. Plu there’s lots of water sports on offer and many restaurants and cafes to eat and recover 

Additionally, the beach is part of a village packed with history. Here holidaymakers can enjoy remnants of the past such as a medieval fortress and Ottoman houses. A great way to relax after a day full of sunshine and water splashes.

9. Rusalka Beach

Rusalka beach is an amazing destination for your Bulgaria family holidays. This tranquil and small destination offers awesome beaches and plenty of kids-friendly activities. You’ll find it 80 km North of Varna and just 50 km away from the border with Romania. 

The waters in Rusalka beach are crystal clear and its sand resembles soft gold. The coastal cliffs make it a really quiet place, ideal for young kids. Expect plenty of tennis courts, kayaks, and horses in the area. Along with thermal baths and oak forests. A total family paradise beach in Bulgaria.

Best unspoilt beaches in Bulgaria

10. Silistar Beach

Silistar beach is in Ahtopol, which is the southernmost Bulgarian town right before the Turkish border. Yet, this doesn’t make it hard to reach as Burgas airport is less than 100km away. It’s one of the most beautiful shores in the country, so make sure to add it to your list of best beaches to visit in Bulgaria. 

The beach lies in a small bay by the Strandzha mountains so it’s surrounded by greenery, sand dunes, and rocky cliffs. These make its waters really calm and ideal for swimming and diving. As it’s part of a natural park, the beach is protected and quite untouched. There’s only a small cafe serving some food, ancient wooden houses, and a lighthouse.

11.  Bolata Beach

Bolata beach is a perfect semicircular beach surrounded by cliffs. Its extremely beautiful form above, and doesn’t lose its magic from the sea level. This Bulgarian marine reserve is home to many caves that protect it from the wind. Thus, the waters are warm, clear and shallow which makes them perfect for families. 

Yet, the place is quite unknown and as it’s the northernmost beach in Bulgarian Black Sea it’s never crowded. Thus, it’s one of the best unspoiled beaches to visit in Bulgaria. There’s usually some food trucks selling drinks, snacks and ice cream by the carpark. Enjoy!

12. Veleka Beach

Sinemorets is a seaside resort village in Southern Bulgaria, close to the Turkish border. It’s home to just 200 inhabitants, many of which are artists who escaped Sofia seeking a more relaxed environment. Right at the north of the village stands Veleka beach, a wild one with no amenities. 

Veleka beach is indeed a narrow strip of sand between Veleka river and the Black Sea, so it feels like a lagoon. The sand is soft and the wind strong, which makes it a perfect surf destination. And a great one for kitesurfing and kayaking as well. There’s many natural rock formations worth seeing as well. Note that part of the beach is nudist.

13. Karadere Beach

Karadere is a wild Bulgarian beach with no amenities whatsoever. There’s not even a proper road leading to it, so it’s very remote. Consequently, Karadere is one of the few beaches in Bulgaria where wild camping is allowed.

This wild spot by the nature is also home to some mud baths. As there’s no electricity nor cellphone in the area, locals love to spend their night here playing some music and chatting under the stars. Would you like to join them during your Bulgarian holiday?

14. Durankulak Beach

Durankulak is a beautiful wild beach of soft sand and crystal clear waters. This makes it one of the best beaches in Bulgaria to enjoy some sunshine in a remote location. You’ll find it before the Romanian border, about 100km from Varna and just 8km from Varma Veche. 

Although there’s no hotels nor restaurants nearby, there’s a camping area perfect for a few nights. There’s also a huge lake nearby so the place is popular among fishermen. If you are looking for some sailing, fresh fish and camping, make Durankulak your next holiday destination. 

15. Tuylenovo Beach

Tuylenovo stands 80km from Varna, in the Northern part of the country. This rocky beach with almost no soft sand is famous for its scenic coastline, packed with cliffs and caves.

Photographers place Tuylenovo among the very best beaches in Bulgaria as it provides endless spots for awesome pictures. Especially along its high cliffs, unique rocky shapes and numerous caves. Thus, if you are looking for the perfect sunset spot by the Black Sea make sure to visit Tuylenovo beach.

Recap on the best beaches in Bulgaria

Bulgaria might not be the first beach destination that comes to mind when dreaming of azure beaches and soft white sand. Which makes sense as Bulgaria beaches are not like those in the Maldives, Zanzibar or Kenya. Nevertheless, the Black Sea is an awesome summer destination and the best beaches in Bulgaria will certainly surprise you for the better. If you are looking for a warm, beautiful beach holiday that won’t break the bank, look no further. Bulgaria has you covered.

Here you’ll find family-friendly beaches such as those in Albena, Pomorie, Sozopol, or Rusalka. On the contrary, if you are traveling to enjoy azure waters followed by fancy dinners, and endless nights at the beach clubs the best beaches in Bulgaria for you are Sunny Beach, and Golden Sands Beach. These offer great accommodation options, plenty of fun activities and prime waters. However, if you’d like to hide from holidaymakers and have a whole beach to yourself, head to Silistar, Bolata, or Veleka.

For those coming from fay away, book a flight to Sofia, Varna, or Burgas. Or drive in from nearby Turkey, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, or Romania. Either way, there’s over 375km of Bulgarian coast to enjoy and explore. And I’m sure one of these best beaches in Bulgaria will soon become your next favourite beach. Check out my Instagram and/or Tiktok pages for further insides on my trips and make sure to leave a comment below with any questions.