Published on Feb 07, 2025 6 min read

Best Beaches in Bulgaria: A Complete Guide

Bulgaria is a wonderful destination most people are yet to discover, largely located in the European region with a beautiful shore along the Black Sea, which boasts some of the best beaches. Whether you want to find the vibrant beach hotel with all the services and comforts needed or the quiet and lonely beach to stay on, or the historical town with seaside relaxation, Bulgaria has it all. This guide to Bulgaria’s best beaches will provide you with valuable information about the most attractive sites that are perfect for a summer vacation, as well as the most important recommendations on the choice of the best beaches and other interesting and important things to do there.

Top Beaches in Bulgaria for Relaxation and Scenic Views

Sunny Beach – The Ultimate Party and Relaxation Spot

Sunny Beach is near the town of Nessebar, and Belize is perfect for both a calming and an exciting vacation. The beach itself is over 8 kilometers long, and the sand, sea, and water sports facilities will ensure the visitors have ample space to bask in the sun, take a swim, or engage in fun water-related activities. Families will also go to water parks in Sunny Beach as well as various activities designed especially for families with children.

Sozopol – A Blend of History and Relaxation

In case you are interested in history but still want to combine it with a nice quiet time, Sozopol is a perfect choice. Famous for its archaeological sights and beautiful stone-paved alleys Sozopol is one of the oldest Bulgarian towns that was founded in the 7th century BC. Central Beach and Harmani Beach are the most famous Sozopol beach resorts with clean water and are relatively non-crowded. Sozopol is therefore one of the best places for those who want to discover Bulgarian culture in addition to sunbathing at the beach.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Beaches Worth Visiting

Irakli Beach – Bulgaria's Hidden Paradise

Irakli Beach is one of the most preserved, unspoiled, and isolated beaches in Bulgaria, which will definitely attract lovers of solitude and nature. A little south of Varna, Irakli Beach is a long 30 km long beach that is situated in a protected reserve; thus, there is no construction on this beach. Nowadays, Irakli has become a perfect place for a rest, as it has the fine golden sand and clean sea. It also has an excellent sand dune area, specially preserved plant and animal life, so visitors can come for hiking and bird-watching.

Alepu Beach – Perfect for Peaceful Getaways

The Alepu Beach is yet another amazing ‘hole-in-the-wall’ located close to the village of Alepu, south of Sozopol. The beach is calm and natural, and visitors who opt for the beach seek solitude as opposed to the boisterousness of other beaches. There are no easy accesses to Alepu as there are with other beaches, which makes Alepu Beach unique and not crowded. The shore is accessibly covered with vegetation, and the water depth is mild; hence, it is family-appropriate for kids. Also, the Alepu Lagoon is available nearby, where you can have an excellent opportunity to have a rest near the beautiful water.

Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast: The Best Seaside Towns and Beaches

Varna

The largest and most popular beach of Varna is the Golden Sands, with beautiful golden sand, which is excellent for sunbathing and sand-playing as well as water sports. The beach area is characterized by beach cafes, restaurants, and hotels; that is why one may find it appropriate for the tourist who is willing to focus on beach rest but also get some taste of the city. Despite all the fantastic opportunities for beach holidays, Varna is not just sand and sea; the city possesses a stunning number of cultural points of interest, including the Varna Archaeological Museum, Sea Garden, the beautiful Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral, etc.

Burgas – Beautiful Beaches with Urban Charm

It is a large seaside city in the southern part of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, and it provides a good combination of both city sightseeing and seaside resorts. One of the most famous beaches of Burgas is the Central one, which lies along the pedestrian zone and is suitable for a nice sea leisure trip. The beach is adequately provided with sunbeds and parasols. As far as food and refreshment are concerned, there are many cafes and restaurants in the vicinity. However, there are also parks and gardens, for instance, the Sea Garden, where visitors can take a walk while viewing the sea. The city also hosts the Burgas Archaeological Museum, where visitors can witness and learn about the history of Burgas and the earliest antiquities.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bulgaria’s Beaches

July and August are the busiest months for tourists, but if the idea of walking among crowds is unappealing, it is better to travel in June or September. Weather during these months is generally mild with the temperature falling between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, and it is the perfect time to do a lot of outdoor activities like visiting the beach, etc.

Concerning the lodgings, Bulgaria has many beach-type accommodations ranging from expensive ones to the cheap ones. Sunny beach, Varna, and Burgas are the most visited beach destinations. The accommodation options here range from hotels, resorts, and even apartments to houses for rent and B&Bs. For those travelers who are looking for some privacy, then they may opt for small houses or cottages that are available for rent in the nearby guesthouses or on the beach front. Also, almost all the beach resorts provide packages so that the tourists can have full incoming services, including meals and other activities. This makes it easier for tourists to plan their vacation without worrying about other options.

Conclusion

Bulgaria’s coastline is home to a wide variety of beaches that offer something for every type of traveler. From the lively atmosphere of Sunny Beach to the tranquil beauty of Irakli, Bulgaria’s beaches provide the perfect setting for a relaxing holiday, an adventurous getaway, or a cultural exploration. With its stunning landscapes, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere, Bulgaria is an excellent destination for beach lovers and anyone seeking to enjoy the beauty of the Black Sea. So pack your bags, head to the coast, and enjoy everything Bulgaria’s beaches have to offer.