The Black Sea Coast - Tourist Information

The Bulgarian coast (otherwise known as the Bulgarian Riviera) is washed by the Black Sea. There are 380 kilometres of marvelous beaches. The sea is calm and safe, with clear water. Here you will find healthy, clean air, fine golden sand and natural dunes, mineral water springs, blue flag winning resorts, hotels, holiday villages and campsites.

The average air temperature in the summer is about 28°C, although it can reach into the 40s.in the middle of summer. The average water temperature is 25°C. There are more than 240 hours of sunshine in May and September and more than 300 hours in July and August. The two international airports of Varna and Burgas connect the Bulgarian Riviera to the world.

The Northern Black Sea Coast

The northern Black Sea coast offers long, sandy beaches that are perfect for sunny holidays. The soft, pale sands and calm waters make these Black Sea resorts ideal for family holidays. The world-famous resort of Golden Sands has been the focus of a major investment programme and is a spectacular and sparkling resort with a beautiful promanade and a multitude of top-class restaurants, cafes and bars. At night the resort is brilliantly illuminated against the darkness of the clear skies, and the reflections glitter and shimmer on the sea. Golden Sands is a great place to take your holiday, no matter how young or old you are. Albena is another lively resort that is very popular with foreign tourists. Albena resort offers a great range of activities, both in and out of the water and, being very close to three international golf courses, is likely to attract even more holidaymakers during the coming years. St Konstantin and Elena resort, and the friendly resort of Kraveno, are a little smaller but also offer wonderful beaches and a good range of leisure facilities.

If you prefer your beaches to be a little wilder and less populated, try a bit further north, around the town of Kavarna. With little rocky coves and undeveloped stretches of the seashore, you can watch the local fishermen coming and going in their boats and sample their catches in the local restaurants. The area around Kavarna and Balchik includes a number of natural reserves, including the forests of Baltata and the bird-watchers paradise at Cape Kaliakra.

Wild beaches on the Black Sea

The Southern Black Sea Coast

On the Southern Black Sea coast you will find the largest of all the Bulgarian sea-side resorts, Sunny Beach (known locally as Slanchev Briag). Full of fun and lively activities, this is a real family resort. The long, sandy beach is bordered my a huge selection of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. Water sports, jeep safaris, pony rides - there is something to suit everybody at Sunny Beach. However, if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday, you will probably prefer to visit the unspoilt beach at Irakli and the picturesque and historic resorts of Nessebar and Sozopol. Wander along the narrow, cobbled streets of Nessebar and enjoy the beauty of the old National Revival buildings and the remains of the fortified walls. Sample the local fish dishes whilst sitting outside one of the many excellent restaurants and watching the world go by.

The Wild and the Beautiful - Irakli Beach