Golden sands, turquoise waters, rugged coves tucked beneath soaring cliffs – Bulgaria’s 378 km Black Sea coastline is a beach lover’s paradise just waiting to be explored. While most of the beaches draw the crowds with its lively atmosphere, Bulgaria has dozens of other coastal gems.
We’ll take you on a tour of must-visit Bulgarian beaches, with all the details you need to plan the perfect seaside getaway.
1. Sunny Beach
Over 1700 hours of sunshine per year and 8 km of uninterrupted shoreline make it a prime spot to work on your tan. You’ll also find beach bars bumping till dawn, water sports galore, and a smorgasbord of restaurants lining the promenade. It’s busy, boisterous, and brimming with classic beach holiday fun.
- Address: Sunny Beach, 8240 Nessebar, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7; amenities 8 AM – 10 PM
- How to reach: By car or bus from Nessebar (6 km) or Burgas (35 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, jet skiing, parasailing, beach volleyball, mini golf, partying
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Hotel Kuban, Barceló Royal Beach, Hotel Palazzo
- Top restaurants: Morris Restaurant, La Flor Bar & Grill Sunny Beach, Hawaii Restaurant & Bar
2. Golden Sands Beach
True to its name, Golden Sands dazzles with a 4 km stretch of fine, golden sand. Warm, shallow waters and a wealth of family-friendly amenities make it a hit with parents and kids. The fun doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. Golden Sands is home to Bulgaria’s largest water park, Aquapolis, as well as a mini zoo, go-kart track, and countless other amusements. And when hunger strikes, take your pick from over 500 restaurants, cafés and bars.
- Address: Golden Sands, 9007 Varna, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7; amenities 8 AM – 10 PM
- How to reach: By car or bus from Varna (18 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, Aquapolis water park, mini zoo, go-karting, mini golf
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: International Hotel Casino & Tower Suites, Melia Grand Hermitage, Hotel Admiral
- Top restaurants: Tortuga Beach Club, Lavash, Steak House Krivata Lipa.
3. Albena Beach
Albena offers a rare mix of Blue Flag beaches, modern amenities, and untouched nature. It is a 5 km stretch of wide, sandy beach backed by lush forests. Most of the original landscape has been preserved, and car traffic is restricted, making it a haven for hikers and cyclists.
- Address: Albena, 9620 Balchik, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7; amenities 8 AM – 10 PM
- How to reach: By car or bus from Varna (30 km) or Balchik (12 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, hiking, cycling, golf, water sports, spa treatments
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Hotel Kaliakra, Flamingo Grand Hotel & Spa, Hotel Arabella Beach
- Top restaurants: Celebritá, Ralitsa Superior Restaurant
4. Ahtopol Beach
For a taste of Bulgaria’s wilder side, head to Ahtopol Beach. This sleepy fishing village at the country’s southern tip is full of rocky headlands and pristine pebble beaches.
The water is crystal clear and calm, perfect for snorkeling or kayaking.
- Address: Ahtopol, 8280 Tsarevo, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: By car from Burgas (76 km) or Tsarevo (14 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, sightseeing
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Santa Maria, Casa Paradiso Beach Residence, Eskada Beach.
- Top restaurants: Duni Restaurant, Perla, Sinya Laguna
5. Irakli Beach
If you like your beaches wild and empty, Irakli is the spot for you. Part of a protected nature reserve, this 3 km stretch of soft sand is completely undeveloped, backed only by dunes and farmland. There are no sunbeds, no beach bars, no crowds – just you, the sand, and the sea. Bring your umbrella and supplies, and settle in for a peaceful day by the sea.
- Address: Irakli Beach, 8210 Byala, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: By car from Obzor (12 km) or Byala (6 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching, walking, wild camping
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Wild camping allowed; nearest hotels in Obzor or Byala
- Top restaurants: No restaurants on site; bring a picnic or visit nearby towns
6. Sozopol Beach
One of Bulgaria’s oldest towns, Sozopol serves up a charming mix of history and beachside relaxation. Two sandy beaches flank the ancient town center, where cobbled streets wind past Byzantine churches and National Revival-era mansions. The beach has a lively holiday vibe, lined with seafood restaurants and beach bars.
- Address: Sozopol, 8130 Burgas, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7; amenities 8 AM – 8 PM
- How to reach: By car or bus from Burgas (35 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, sightseeing, windsurfing, boating, fishing
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Hotel Selena Beach, Villa List Guest House, Blu Bay Hotel
- Top restaurants: Apollonia Restaurant, Moreni, Bistro Tony
7. Silistar Beach
It is a small beach where you can enjoy at the bar, and rent umbrellas and kayaks, but otherwise, it’s just you and nature. Visit in spring to see the hills ablaze with wildflowers.
- Address: Silistar Beach, 8283 Sinemorets, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: By car from Sinemorets (1.5 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, hiking, nature walks
- Best time to visit: Spring (April to June) for wildflowers; Summer (July to September) for swimming
- Accommodation: Hotel Anchor, Silistar Camping
- Top restaurants: Silistar Beach Bar
8. Arkutino Beach
Also known as Arkutino, The Bear’s Cove is a secluded sandy beach in the Ropotamo Nature Reserve. Towering cliffs and dense forests surround the cove, giving it a wild, untamed feel. The beach is named for its shape, said to resemble a bear’s head.
- Address: Arkutino Beach, 8214 Primorsko, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: By car from Primorsko (7 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, hiking, birdwatching
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: St. Thomas Hotel, Arkutino Family Resort, Hotel Penelope Palace in Primorsko
- Top restaurants: No restaurants on site; pack a picnic or dine in Primorsko
9. Pasha Dere Beach
Pasha Dere is a long, wide sandy beach just south of Varna, popular with locals seeking an escape from the city crowds. Backed by low dunes and farmland, it has a relaxed, low-key vibe. There’s ample room to spread out on the sand, and the shallow waters are great for swimming and paddling. A handful of small beach bars rent sunbeds and umbrellas and serve up cold drinks and simple grilled fare.
- Address: Pasha Dere Beach, 9168 Shkorpilovtsi, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: By car from Varna (30 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, windsurfing
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Pasha Dere Beach Camping, Sunny Beach Bungalows, guesthouses in Shkorpilovtsi
- Top restaurants: Pasha Dere Beach Bar, Pasha Dere Camping Restaurant
10. Krapets Beach
Krapets Beach is a well-kept secret, hiding near the Romanian border in Bulgaria’s far northeast corner. This wide sandy beach stretches for nearly 4 km, backed by a rare longose forest. The beach is pristine and crowd-free, with just a couple of small hotels and holiday homes in the eponymous village.
- Address: Krapets Beach, 9660 Krapets, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7
- How to reach: By car from Shabla (13 km) or Durankulak (9 km)
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, birdwatching, fishing
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: KRAPEC Beach Camping, villa Kibela, holiday rentals in Krapets
- Top restaurants: Small beach bars on site
11. Alepu Beach
Alepu Beach is a wild beauty, sitting pretty inside Alepu Nature Reserve just north of Sozopol. Soft sand dunes and ochre cliffs flank the shoreline, while a coastal swamp teems with birdlife behind. There are no permanent structures on Alepu Beach, just a few portable toilets and a small kiosk renting umbrellas in summer.
- Address: Alepu Beach, 8130 Sozopol, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24/7, all days
- How to reach: Drive along the old road to Primorsko and park immediately after Holiday Village Djuni.
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching, nature walks
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Semeen Hotel Radiana, Villa Valeev Sozopol, Antea Hotel Sozopol, Villa List.
- Top restaurants: Selena Restaurant Sozopo, Bistro Tony, Kufarite
12. Gradina Beach
Part of the Ropotamo Nature Reserve, Gradina Beach is a tranquil spot known for its pristine shores and rich wildlife. This secluded beach in Bulgaria is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful escape amidst nature.
- Address: Gradina Village, Sozopol Municipality, Burgas Province 8130, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24 hours, all days
- How to reach: Follow the dirt road from Gradina Village to access the beach.
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, hiking, birdwatching, nature appreciation
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Camping Gradina, Semeen Hotel Radiana, Villa List
- Top restaurants: Selena Restaurant Sozopo, Bistro Tony, Kufarite
13. Varvara Central Beach
Also called “Wake Up Varvara,” this picturesque beach is set in a hospitable bay in Varvara Village. With its clear waters and exotic feel, Varvara Central is considered one of the loveliest beaches on Bulgaria’s South Black Sea Coast.
- Address: Varvara Village, Burgas Province 8142, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24 hours, all days
- How to reach: Turn left at Vathe rvara Village entrance, park at the grassy area above the sea, and descend the concrete stairs.
- Things to do: Swimming, snorkeling, diving, relaxing, visiting the natural “Skalata” pool
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Hotel Varvara, Hotel Varnata, Zen Hotel Varvara
- Top restaurants: Wake Up Varvara, Restaurant Varvara, Castro Varvara
14. Veleka Beach
Situated near Sinemorets Village in Strandzha Nature Park, Veleka Beach is renowned for its scenic beauty, transparent waters, and diverse marine life. It’s a favorite spot for divers and nature lovers exploring Bulgaria’s famous beaches.
- Address: Sinemorets Village, Tsarevo Municipality, Burgas Province 8279, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24 hours, all days
- How to reach: Walk a short distance from Sinemorets Village to reach the beach.
- Things to do: Swimming, diving, snorkeling, birdwatching, nature appreciation
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Hotel Veleka, Hotel Anchor, Villa Marina.
- Top restaurants: Veleka Beach Restaurant, Taliana, Bistro Raya.
15. Kara Dere Beach
Kara Dere is a remote, less-crowded beach near Irakli Village, perfect for travelers seeking tranquility. Its natural beauty, calm waters, and scenic surroundings make it one of the best beaches to visit in Bulgaria.
- Address: Irakli Village, Nessebar Municipality, Burgas Province 8250, Bulgaria
- Timings: Open 24 hours, all days
- How to reach: Drive along the dirt road from Irakli Village to access the beach.
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, hiking, relaxation, nature appreciation
- Best time to visit: Summer (June to September)
- Accommodation: Iva Resort, Palazzo Byala Hotel
- Top restaurants: The nearest restaurants are over 5 km away, so it is recommended to carry food with you.
FAQs
Are there any entry fees for the beaches in Bulgaria?
Most beaches in Bulgaria are free to access. However, some may charge fees for amenities like sunbeds, umbrellas, or parking. It’s best to check with the specific beach or resort for their policies and rates.
Are Bulgarian beaches suitable for families with kids?
Yes, many Bulgarian beaches are family-friendly, especially those with calm, shallow waters like Bolata Beach and Varvara Central Beach. These beaches offer a safe environment for children to play and swim under adult supervision.
Is there any dress code for visiting beaches in Bulgaria?
There is no strict dress code for Bulgaria’s beaches. Beachwear like swimsuits, trunks, and cover-ups are acceptable. However, if visiting nearby villages or towns, it’s respectful to dress more modestly.
What are some must-try local dishes near Bulgarian beaches?
When visiting Bulgaria’s famous beaches, don’t miss trying traditional dishes like shopska salad, banitsa (cheese-filled pastry), kebapche (grilled meatballs), and fresh seafood. Many restaurants near the beaches serve these local specialities.
Is it safe to swim in the waters of Bulgarian beaches?
Generally, the waters at Bulgarian beaches are safe for swimming. However, always check local conditions, follow safety guidelines, and pay attention to any warning signs or flags posted at the beach.
What facilities are available at the beaches?
Facilities at Bulgaria’s best beaches vary but often include sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, restaurants, and sometimes water sports equipment rentals. Some beaches may have more limited amenities, so it’s wise to check beforehand.
What should I pack for a day at the beach in Bulgaria?
When visiting Bulgaria’s top beaches, pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a swimsuit, beach towels, and water shoes. Bring a light jacket or cover-up for cooler evenings and any personal items you may need for a comfortable day at the beach.
