Golden Sands in 2021: Pros and Cons. Prices, sea, beach, accommodations…

Hello everyone. If you're interested in a vacation at Golden Sands resort in Bulgaria, you might have some questions: How do I get there? What accommodations should I choose? How much does it cost? 

This is our second time visiting Golden Sands this year. The first time, in June, there were very few people, and almost nothing was open. Now, in July, there are plenty of people, and almost everything is open.

Golden Sands. General information

Golden Sands was the most popular international resort during Soviet times. The resort is adjacent to the eponymous national park, which covers over 1,300 hectares. The resort opened in 1957. The final stage of construction was completed in 1966, after which it established itself as a new, attractive European resort. The resort quickly gained popularity, attracting both domestic tourists and prominent foreign guests. Golden Sands has largely avoided the overdevelopment that befell other major Bulgarian resorts, thus preserving its natural balance.

Golden Sands. Location

The Golden Sands resort is located on the seashore, south of Albena and north of Saints Constantine and Helena. To the west, it borders the Golden Sands Nature Park, where hot mineral springs and lush forests cascading from the Franga Plateau form the park. The beach at Golden Sands stretches 4 km from north to south. Varna is only 17 km away. You can book a private transfer to Golden Sands. here.

Climate in Golden Sands

The Golden Sands resort enjoys a mild and pleasant climate, without the unpleasant heat peaks of Mediterranean resorts. The average air temperature in July is 24.5°C. The average sea temperature in May is 15°C, rising to 20.5°C in June, and the warmest sea temperature in August is 25.5°C. The area offers maximum enjoyment thanks to the wonderful combination of forest and extensive beach.

Transportation

The nearest airport is in Varna (approximately 25 km away), and there is a direct bus route from the airport to Golden Sands—line 409. Regular bus service to all major cities in Bulgaria is provided by the Varna bus station (Avtogara). It is located near the Grand Mall shopping center. Buy the cheapest bus tickets You can do it here. The railway station in Varna is 18 km away.

Golden Sands Beach

The resort does indeed have golden sand that is clean and fine; many consider it to be the best sand in Europe.

The entry into the sea is steep, with water deep right off the shore. Just a few meters from the shore, the water reaches chest-deep, so be careful with small children. The beach is up to 100 meters wide in places. The water quality is excellent.

Because last year, the €20 million reconstruction of the Golden Sands wastewater treatment plant was completed. Golden Sands Beach has been awarded the prestigious international Blue Flag environmental award several times. This year, too, the beach received the Blue Flag. Access to the beaches is free. Lifeguards are on duty. Umbrellas and sun loungers are available for rent.

Accommodation in Golden Sands

What about accommodations and hotels? The selection isn't as vast as in Sunny Beach, but there's still a choice. Today, Golden Sands boasts over 70 hotels. Prices start at €22 per night for a double room when booked weekly during peak season.

The price is the same for a 3-star hotel, starting from €52 per night for a double room in an all-inclusive hotel. If you choose only breakfast and dinner, the price will be €35 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel. However, remember that hotels on the seafront will be significantly more expensive.

Dining at Golden Sands

Golden Sands has plenty of dining options. Some cafes are located right on the beach. There are hotels that offer full board and all-inclusive meals. If you prefer to cater for yourself, you can buy groceries at inflated prices in small shops or take a bus to Varna and shop at the local stores for rock-bottom prices. Our channel has reviews of all the popular grocery store chains in Bulgaria.

Infrastructure at Golden Sands

Golden Sands boasts the Aquapolis water park. A Ferris wheel is located in the very center of the resort. A full range of water attractions awaits you at Golden Sands. 

Mini trains also operate along designated routes. Electric scooters are available for rent. Car rental agencies are located at the resort. Prices for 2020 cars start at €17 per day for a 5-day rental. 

For those who enjoy driving cars, there is a karting club with its own track, which is located 13 km from the resort. 

Nearby attractions include the Chapel of St. John the Baptist and the Aladzha Rock Monastery (3 km). For hikers, the nature park adjacent to the resort offers five trails.

Numerous excursions can be taken directly from Golden Sands. Some of them include: a visit to the town of Balchik and Cape Kaliakra; a sightseeing tour of Varna; a visit to the village of Zheravna, an architectural reserve that has preserved numerous architectural ensembles from the 18th and 19th centuries; and a visit to Nessebar, which was founded over 3,000 years ago.

Pros of Golden Sands

The sea is clear, and the resort itself borders a natural park, providing therapeutic air baths. A wide selection of accommodations in various price ranges is available. The resort has excellent infrastructure, a wide selection of dining options, and excellent and accessible transportation.

You can buy groceries at low prices and go shopping if you travel to Varna by bus. There's a water park nearby. Nearby attractions and excursions are available. 

Cons of Golden Sands

Golden Sands has an uneven surface and a relief with changes in altitude. If your hotel is far from the sea, you will likely have to descend to the sea from a height and then climb back up.

The sea is deep and not ideal for small children, so be careful. 

For those traveling with their own car, we recommend looking for a hotel with on-site parking when booking. The parking situation is much worse than in Sunny Beach. There are no public parking lots, and the few available are paid, usually full during peak season. You need to make arrangements with hotel management to park your car on their premises, otherwise you'll be towed and subject to a hefty fine.

I wonder if you've been to Golden Sands, and what you liked or didn't like? Please let me know in the comments.

I hope this information was helpful. I wish everyone the best of luck.

Sea water temperature at Golden Sands by month

Weather in Golden Sands today

VARNA WEATHER

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