The Northern Coast
North of the port city of Varna lie some of Bulgaria’s most established resorts. Golden Sands (Zlatni Pyasatsi) is the biggest and best known, with a long beach and busy nightlife; leafy Sveti Konstantin and Elena is the oldest resort on the coast; and family-friendly Albena offers a broad, gently shelving bay ideal for children.
The Southern Coast
The southern coast around Burgas is home to the giant of them all: Sunny Beach (Slanchev Bryag), a vast crescent of fine sand about 35 km from Burgas, framed by natural dunes and packed with hotels, bars and water sports. Nearby are the charming old town of Nessebar — a UNESCO World Heritage Site on its little peninsula — and quieter spots like Pomorie, Primorsko and Elenite.
Sea and Sand
What unites the coast is easy, family-friendly swimming: the beaches shelve gently, the water is clear and shallow, and the sea is warm and calm — safe even for young children and less confident swimmers. The season runs from May through September, and the beaches buzz with volleyball, catamarans, water-skiing and every kind of seaside activity.
FAQ
When is the best time to visit the Bulgarian coast?
The beach season runs May to September; July and August are hottest and busiest, while June and September are warm but quieter.
Which resort is best for families?
Albena and Golden Sands in the north and Sunny Beach in the south all have gentle, shallow, sandy beaches well suited to children.
What are the main airports?
Burgas (BOJ) serves the southern resorts and Varna (VAR) the northern ones.
