resort-guide-bulgaria

Visit Bulgaria

Balkan beauty

Bulgaria, nestled in the heart of the Balkans and bordered by the Black Sea to the east, is an increasingly popular travel destination known for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and welcoming hospitality.

With a coastline stretching over 370 km, Bulgaria offers everything from lively resort towns like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, to the quieter, more traditional charm of Sozopol, Pomorie, and Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its cobbled streets and ancient churches.

Bulgaria

The country is steeped in cultural heritage, with thousands of years of history reflected in its Thracian tombs, Roman amphitheatres, Byzantine monasteries, and Ottoman-era architecture. Inland, the landscape shifts to include lush valleys, vine-covered hills, and the dramatic peaks of the Balkan and Rhodope Mountains, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, skiing, and eco-tourism.

Visitors can explore traditional villages like Koprivshtitsa or Melnik, known for their preserved architecture, handcrafts, and local wines. Nature lovers can venture into national parks, such as Rila or Pirin, where glacial lakes, waterfalls, and scenic trails await. Bulgaria’s food scene is also a highlight, expect hearty fare with Mediterranean and Balkan influences, such as banitsa, grilled meats, shopska salad, and rakia, the country’s beloved fruit brandy.

With a warm climate in summer, snowy winters for alpine adventures, and a unique blend of beach, mountain, and cultural experiences, Bulgaria appeals to a wide range of travellers. Here we take a look at some of the most popular resorts:

Sozopol

Sozopol is one of Bulgaria’s oldest towns and a picturesque seaside resort that perfectly blends history, culture, and natural beauty. Located on a rocky peninsula south of Burgas, Sozopol boasts charming old town streets filled with wooden houses, art galleries, and quaint cafes.

The resort offers a variety of beaches, from sandy shores suitable for families to secluded rocky coves for more adventurous swimmers. The town’s harbour is lively, and the promenade is lined with seafood restaurants serving freshly caught fish and traditional Bulgarian dishes.

Sozopol is also famous for its annual Apollonia Arts Festival, which attracts artists, musicians, and theatre enthusiasts from across the country. With its unique blend of cultural events, historic charm, and seaside relaxation, Sozopol offers a more authentic and less commercialized experience compared to larger resorts.

Nessebar

Just a short drive from Sunny Beach, Nessebar is often called the “Pearl of the Black Sea.” This ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Bulgaria’s most charming cultural destinations.

Nessebar is famed for its well-preserved medieval churches, cobbled streets, and traditional wooden houses. Walking through the old town feels like stepping back in time, with small museums, artisan shops, and cozy cafes lining the narrow lanes.

While Nessebar has a few small beaches, its main attraction is its rich history and vibrant cultural scene.

Visitors come to explore Byzantine ruins, enjoy fresh seafood by the harbour, and soak in the timeless atmosphere. It’s a perfect day trip from nearby resorts or a quieter alternative to the larger beach destinations.

Obzor

Located between Varna and Burgas, this laid-back resort is known for its long, golden beach, stretching over 6 km and its tranquil atmosphere which makes it ideal for families and couples alike.

The town centre has a relaxed, small-town vibe, with leafy squares, cosy cafés, and friendly taverns serving up Bulgarian favourites like grilled meats, fresh seafood, and local wines.

Though smaller and less commercialised than Bulgaria’s larger resorts, Obzor has its own historic roots, dating back to ancient Thracian and Roman settlements.

Obzor hosts small-scale summer music and cultural festivals, and its peaceful setting makes it a great alternative to busier tourist hubs. Obzor is an ideal destination for those seeking a slower-paced, yet richly rewarding Bulgarian holiday.

Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach is Bulgaria’s most popular and largest seaside resort, famous for its long, golden sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. Stretching over 8 kilometres along the Black Sea coast, Sunny Beach caters to all types of travellers, from young party-goers to families and couples.

During the day, visitors can lounge on well-maintained beaches, enjoy water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing, or explore the nearby ancient town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site with cobbled streets and historic churches. When the sun sets, the resort comes alive with numerous bars, nightclubs, and beach parties, making it the go-to destination for nightlife lovers.

Families will also find plenty to do, including mini golf, amusement parks, and family-friendly restaurants. Accommodation ranges from budget hotels to luxury resorts, ensuring there’s something for every pocket. Sunny Beach’s lively atmosphere combined with its extensive amenities makes it one of Bulgaria’s top seaside destinations.

Golden Sands

Located north of Varna, Golden Sands is renowned for its picturesque bay surrounded by forested hills, creating a unique combination of beach and nature. This resort boasts a broad sandy beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Golden Sands offers a more upscale and relaxed atmosphere compared to Sunny Beach. It features numerous high-quality hotels, wellness centres, and spa facilities. Its mineral springs have long been celebrated for their therapeutic properties, contributing to the resort’s reputation as a health and wellness destination.

For families, there are plenty of activities including playgrounds and amusement parks, while food lovers can enjoy a mix of traditional Bulgarian cuisine and international dishes in the many restaurants along the promenade. Nightlife here is lively but slightly more refined, with stylish bars and clubs. Golden Sands is perfect for visitors looking for a balance of relaxation, nature, and entertainment.

Pomorie

Pomorie is a charming seaside town located on a narrow peninsula along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, known for its therapeutic mud treatments and salt lakes. This resort has a quieter, more relaxed vibe compared to larger resorts, making it ideal for travellers seeking wellness and tranquility.

The town’s extensive beaches are clean and sandy, with calm, shallow waters perfect for families and sunbathers. Pomorie’s salt lake, one of the largest in Bulgaria, is famous for its mineral-rich mud, used in therapeutic spa treatments that attract visitors looking to combine health and relaxation.

Aside from wellness, Pomorie offers a quaint old town with traditional Bulgarian architecture, seaside promenades, and excellent seafood restaurants. It’s a great base for exploring the nearby ancient city of Nessebar or the city of Burgas. Pomorie’s blend of natural beauty, health tourism, and cultural charm makes it a wonderful choice for a laid-back seaside holiday.

Flights and getting around

Flight time from UK: Approx. 3.5 – 4 hours

Bulgaria is well-connected to the UK with frequent direct flights, especially during the summer season. The two main airports serving the Black Sea coast are:

Burgas Airport (BOJ) – The primary gateway for the southern resorts like Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Sozopol, and Obzor.
Varna Airport (VAR) – Best for reaching the northern resorts, including Golden Sands, Albena, and Balchik.

Getting around Bulgaria:

Car Hire: Renting a car is a great way to explore beyond the beach resorts especially if you plan to visit historic towns, monasteries, or mountain villages. Roads are generally in good condition, and signage is in both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets.
Buses: Bulgaria has a reliable and affordable bus network. Intercity coaches run regularly between major cities and resort towns, while local buses connect smaller communities and beach areas.
Taxis: Widely available in cities and resorts. Agree on a fare in advance or ensure the meter is used to avoid overpaying.

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Weather

Bulgaria enjoys a diverse climate, with hot summers along the Black Sea coast, cold winters in the mountains, and mild conditions in the lowlands, making it a versatile destination for beach lovers, winter sports enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.

Summer (June – August):
Summers along the coast are warm and sunny, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). The Black Sea is ideal for swimming, sailing, and water sports, while resorts like Sunny Beach, Varna, and Burgas are lively with tourists.

Spring (March – May):
Spring brings mild weather with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F). The countryside and mountains bloom with greenery and flowers, making it a perfect time for hiking and sightseeing.

Autumn (September – November):
Autumn offers warm, sunny days, with temperatures generally between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F) in early fall. The sea remains warm enough for swimming through September, while tourist crowds thin out, providing a more relaxed atmosphere.

Winter (December – February):
Winters are cold in the mountains, with snow ideal for skiing in resorts like Bansko and Borovets, while the lowlands are milder, averaging 0°C to 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Rain and snow are more frequent, but sunny days still occur, offering opportunities for cultural visits.

Top ten attractions in Bulgaria…

Rila Monastery – Bulgaria’s most iconic UNESCO site. Explore the fresco-filled church and museum.
Sofia’s Historic Centre – Wander past Roman ruins and visit the National Archaeological Museum or the Alexander Nevsky Crypt Icon Museum.
Plovdiv Old Town & Roman Theatre – One of Europe’s oldest cities, filled with cobbled streets, colourful houses, and the impressive Roman Theatre.
Veliko Tarnovo & Tsarevets Fortress – Explore the medieval capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. Entry to Tsarevets Fortress is ticketed.
The Seven Rila Lakes – A breathtaking high-mountain group of glacial lakes. Hiking tours and cable-lift access available.
The Black Sea Coast (Varna & Burgas) – Enjoy sandy beaches, seaside promenades, and coastal museums such as Varna’s Archaeological Museum.
Nessebar Old Town – A UNESCO-listed ancient city on a small peninsula. Explore its Byzantine churches, archaeological museum and charming narrow streets.
Bansko & Pirin National Park – This UNESCO listed park is a top destination for skiing in winter and mountain trekking in summer.
Belogradchik Rocks & Fortress – A surreal landscape of red rock formations surrounding the historic Belogradchik Fortress.
Kazanlak & the Valley of the Thracian Kings – Visit the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak and explore local museums, ancient burial sites and rose fields.