Resorts
Resorts in Bulgaria
Resorts in Bulgaria have developed into increasingly popular holiday destinations that attract thousands of visitors throughout the year due to its favourable summer climate and winter ski holidays. Despite the increase in modern architecture and the development of holiday resorts the country has retained its culture and ancient history dating back thousands of years.
Sunny Beach
Sunny Beach is the largest resort in Bulgaria with the longest stretch of golden sands gently lapped by the warm waters of the Black Sea. This semi-circular coast line is some 8km long and between 30 – 60m wide with natural sand dunes and an average daily temperature of a very comfortable 27°C from May to September.
If its entertainment you’re looking for then Sunny Beach is the perfect resort. By day there is a selection of sports available, including, volley ball, tennis, mini golf and bowling and a great choice of water sports including banana boat rides, wind surfing and sailing. For little ones in your family there are children’s playgrounds, pools and trampolines to name but a few.
By night the Sunny Beach party atmosphere kicks in with nightclubs, discos, folklore shows and floor shows. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose offering a wide and varied menu of local and international cuisine.
Other entertainment includes an open air theatre, outdoor cinema, shopping centre and arts and crafts.
If you fancy venturing further afield, there is a bus and boat connection to Bourgas and Varna.
Golden Sands
The beach resort of Golden Sands is situated 490km east of Sofia on the northern side of Bulgaria and is known for having the purest sand on the Black Sea Coast. The resort merges with St Constantine, and the resorts of Elena and Riviera. To the north of the resort is the village of Kranevo; while to the south is the Chaika holiday village. An abundance of plants and trees makes this Bulgarian resort resemble a park. Average day time temperatures are around 27°C throughout the season.
There’s no shortage of activities to keep the whole family entertained including water sports, mini golf, children’s playground, take a ride in a horse drawn carriage or simply relax and refresh in one of many bars. If its culture you’re looking for then head to the Alaja Rock Monastery nestled high in the rock and houses a museum
Golden Sands has a good public transport system with buses and taxi available to take you where ever you want including the city of Varna.
As with all the popular Bulgaria holiday resorts there is a good choice of hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and nightly entertainment both traditional and international.
Albena
Albena, on the Bulgarian black sea coast is approximately 30km from the international airport at Varna. Known for its flower gardens, Albena is a very picturesque resort with vast golden sands and crystal clear waters. This is a fantastic location to enjoy both a relaxing holiday and an activity holiday with average day time temperatures of 25°C during the months of May to September.
With a great choice of activities ranging from water sports, outdoor sports, hand gliding, horse riding, fun fairs, trampolines, discos for the children, fitness centres and spa’s there’s little time for any family member to be bored.
If it’s great eateries that tick your boxes, you won’t go far wrong in the resort of Albena. There is a fantastic choice of top class restaurants, cosy seaside cafe’s through to fast food outlets, bars and taverns with a wide and varied choice of local and international food, drink and entertainment.
There are plenty of hotels to choose from many of which are situated along the coastline while others command a hill side presence with stunning coastline views.
Ahtopol
Ahtopol is situated 87km from the Bourgas region and has a much laid back, relaxed atmosphere about it. There are two beautiful beaches and the sea temperature is around 24°C. The resort is popular with native Bulgarians, Macedonians and Russian holidaymakers. The mouth of Veleka River is just 4km south and nearby Kosti is a small village well known for Nestinarski dances. Diving enthusiasts will be delighted to find the small village of Varvara 3km north where they can discover what lies beneath the Black Sea. To the south of Ahtopol sun worshippers will find the beautiful beaches Sinemorets, Silistar and Rezovo, perfect for topping up the tan.
A regular bus service from Ahtopol to Bourgas passes through towns and villages including Sinemorets, Silistar and Rezovo.
Balchik
Balchik is a small town and seaside resort with a working harbour that receives passenger and trade vessels. The resort is situated 500km east of Sofia and 31km north of the city of Varna
The town has many historical sites well worth visiting. The Palace complex and botanical gardens is a very interesting park to stroll around not only for its architectural buildings but also for its diverse collection of plants, trees and unique collection of cacti. Other interesting places to visit are the art gallery, museum and the church of St Nikola.
When in need of refreshments there are a number of restaurants to choose from as well as coastal stalls offering seafood, spaghetti dishes, pizza and much more.
Touzlata, located just 4km from Balchik is well known for its curing mud. A spa centre has been built for visitors to benefit from the lakes healthy properties, said to relieve joint disorders.
Chernomorets
Chernomerets is a beautiful little seaside resort situated on the south coast approximately 23km from the city of Bourgas. The four beaches each with their own characteristics are perfect for those looking for less crowded beaches yet still want to enjoy the water sports.
The resort offers a choice of accommodation including, hotels, private houses and villas and camp sites. Restaurants and cafes are mostly situated along the sea front offering the perfect location for watching the sunset while listening to the sound of the waves as they gently lap the shore. While in the town, visitors can soak up the Bulgarian atmosphere with traditional taverns, local entertainment and food prepared by master chefs.
There are two nightclubs which stay open till dawn, one of which is situated on the beach for great summer parties.
Kiten
Kiten is a beautiful picturesque resort situated 55km south east of Bourgas. There are two beautiful beaches of golden sands and warm, calm waters, a true paradise! The resort offers a choice of activities and excursions, including many water sports, football, basketball, tennis, picnics in Standja Park and even trips to Istanbul. There are also many exciting activities available for children.
When it’s time for dinner, there is a good choice of restaurants and taverns to tempt you with their traditional Bulgarian cuisine and live music. As if that wasn’t enough, you can dance the night away at one of several night clubs or discos in town
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Lozenets
The beach resort of Lozenets is particularly attractive to visitors who want a quiet holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the busier resorts. The resort is situated between Kiten and Tsarevo. Despite its relaxed atmosphere, there are plenty of activities for the family to enjoy including a surf school and sailing. Mountain bike rides are available to the nearby Natural Park of Standja and the Ropotamo reserve. Cosy hotels add to the calm and serenity of this Bulgaria resort.
Nessebar
Although Nessebar isn’t a resort in the same sense as Sunny Beach or Golden Sands, it does attract a number of visitors, July and August being its busiest time of year. Accommodation in the old town is mainly private rooms; however there are many new hotels in the new town of Nessebar.
The old town is very picturesque with narrow cobbled streets, ancient buildings, small town squares, period houses and a beautiful flower garden. Here you will also find souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants and taverns.
Nessebar is only 3km from the busy resort of Sunny Beach, so it’s the perfect holiday location if you want to relax by day and party by night.
Pomorie
Pomorie resort is just 8km from the airport, 18km from Sunny Beach and 20km from Bourgas. The favourable climate makes this location popular throughout the year. Pomorie is also well known for its salt lakes and curative mud said to cure many diseases. The golden sand beach is said to be rich in iron and the sea so calm that even children and inexperienced swimmers can enjoy splashing about. The Pomorie bay offers excellent opportunities for sailing and fishing.
The resort has many hotels with excellent facilities and there are lots of places to eat and drink. Transport links between the other resorts and the city of Bourgas opens up more opportunities for entertainment.
Primorsko
Primorsko is the centre of tourism for youngsters and is very popular with young Bulgarians who enjoy the vast beach and exciting nightlife. The Mediterranean like climate enjoyed by this resort makes it a popular location during the months of May – October.
As with many places throughout Bulgaria, Primorsko is rich in culture and history. There are a number of small family hotels and private rooms available along with summer camps.
Ravda
The small village of Ravda is most popular with young people and students who enjoy taking a summer holiday. Situated 5km from Sunny Beach and Nessebar the village offers affordable accommodation for their young visitors and a good selection of daytime activities, restaurants, bars and discos.
Sozopol
The Bulgaria beach resort of Sozopol is a popular resort renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and ancient architect. During the summer season the town is busy with tourists, but returns to a quite fishing village during the winter season. The old town with its narrow cobbled streets is the ideal location for enjoying a bite to eat in one of its traditional eateries whilst admiring the stunning views. There are no hotels in the old town of Sozopol; however there are private rooms available. The new town has a number of hotels as well as some private rooms.
If you want to venture further afield there are regular buses that run from Sozopol to the other resorts and taxis are also available.
St Constantine and Elena
The elegant resort of St Constantine and Elena is the oldest Bulgarian resort which prides itself on its hospitality and idyllic location. Situated among a park of Cypresses, fig trees and lilies, sandy beaches, curative minerals springs and quiet secluded bays the resort offers comfortable accommodation, national and international restaurants, sports activities and excursions to places of interest and other Bulgarian attractions. The Grand Hotel Varna dominates the resort and is said to be one of the best in Bulgaria.
Sunny Day
Sunny day is an exclusive resort situated in a secluded bay with a small number of very comfortable hotels with a relaxed atmosphere. The resort provides the perfect setting for relaxing holidays, spa treatments and business conventions. Summer daytime temperatures average 26°C and sea temperatures of around 24°C.
St Vlas
St Vlas or Sveti Vlas to give it its official name is not only steeped in history, but has developed into a beautiful coastal village just 5km from the busy Bulgaria Sunny Beach resort. Situated at the foot of the Balkan mountain range, St Vlas has developed into a magnificent resort which attracts holidaymakers who enjoy the spectacular views. There are three beaches in which to enjoy relaxing in this most healthy climate and a new port which offers sailing trips.
The popularity of St Vlas has seen an increase in new hotels, apartments, holiday villages, restaurants and other tourist related businesses springing up around the town. The resort attracts families and those who want to enjoy a quieter, low key holiday.
There is a regular bus service to Sunny Beach, Nessebar and Bourgas. Burgas international airport is approximately 30 minutes drive away.
Varna
Although Varna is a City, it is also a beach resort which attracts a huge number of visitors during the summer months, due to its favourable climate and calm seas. A year round destination, Varna offers a great deal to the visitor in terms of culture and history as well as beach relaxation.
Bulgaria boasts a great selection of hotels, villas and apartments as well as campsites. For the latest deals on accommodation in Bulgaria please see our ‘Places to Stay’ page.