Bulgaria 2023 – Best Resorts for Vacation: Top 14 Destinations for Your Holiday

There's probably no one who doesn't love the sea. And summer is finally here—time for relaxation, for vacation, for the sea. In this article, we'll look at the top 14 Bulgarian resorts worthy of your attention, and you'll choose the perfect one for your vacation.

Bulgaria boasts nearly 400 km of stunning Black Sea coastline, abundant with beautiful beaches and resorts. But where to go for a holiday? We'll visit 14 of Bulgaria's best seaside resorts. This season, Bulgaria expects up to 5 million tourists to its coastline. To enhance safety for vacationers in coastal resort areas, over 350 police officers from other parts of Bulgaria will be deployed this summer.

Buy the cheapest bus tickets You can do it here.

Beyond the resorts themselves, we'll look at pricing trends: where prices have increased, and where they might have become cheaper. Price is often not an indicator of quality, but simply an indicator of many processes, like in the market. If demand is high, prices simply rise; if demand is low, prices tend to fall.

Is it worth going to Bulgaria on holiday?

What are the arguments for going to Bulgaria for the sea?

Bulgarian Resorts on the Map:

 

So, let's begin our review of seaside resorts, ranked from least to most popular.

Place #14. Review

An unpromoted small town Overview located on the Black Sea coast, somewhere in the middle between the cities Varna и Burgas. It is located in a bay that begins north of Cape St. Atanas and extends south to Mount Eminska.

The town has a slight elevation change, rising higher the further from the sea. The town has shops, pharmacies, and a market selling fresh fruits and vegetables. In the summer, the town's main street turns into a permanent market selling clothing, souvenirs, and other items. There's also a bus station, a museum, restaurants, and cafes.

The beach is sandy with fine sand. The entry into the sea is gentle, suitable for children as well. The beach has water attractions. This year, as last year, Obzor-Tsentralny Beach was awarded the Blue Flag eco-friendly award.

Obzor hotels on the map:

Accommodation prices this summer start at €30 per night for a double room during peak season, which is a third more expensive than last summer. Beachfront hotels start at €42, while a double room with all-inclusive pricing starts at €175 per night. Note that in Obzor
This is probably the most expensive hotel on the Bulgarian coast, where a night in the cheapest double room costs almost 600 euros. A double suite with a sea view costs 1,350 euros per night.

Place No. 13. Sozopol

Sozopol It is an ancient city, south of Burgas, which was founded in the seventh century BC by Greek seafarers. The city is similar to Nessebar, There's an Old Town, ancient fortress walls, cobblestone streets, and a large marina for yachts and boats. But there's a difference: the city is built on hills, with significant elevation changes. You'll be forced to exercise. The city has shops, pharmacies, and even a bazaar.

The beaches in Sozopol have very fine, pleasant-to-the-touch sand and a gently sloping seabed, making them suitable for small children. The beach also features water attractions. This summer, two beaches, Sozopol-Centralen and Sozopol-Harmanite, were awarded the Blue Flag.

Near the city there are two islands, Saints Ivan and Peter, where you can take a boat excursion.

Accommodation prices this summer start at €35 for a double room, €40% higher than last summer. Beachfront hotels start at €47, and an all-inclusive double room starts at €130 per night.

Place No. 12. Saints Constantine and Helena

The Resort of Saints Constantine and Helena Located north of Varna, it's Bulgaria's oldest resort, dating back over 100 years. The resort boasts seven hot mineral springs, located at a depth of about two kilometers and offering warm, hot water. It also boasts a modern thermal complex with pools. The resort has virtually no elevation changes, with the only difference being a few steps up from the beach itself.

City buses run from the resort to Varna, where you can enjoy a cultural and active holiday.

The resort offers a wide selection of beaches to suit every taste. Most have a gentle slope into the sea. One of them, "Sunny Day," was awarded the Blue Flag award last summer. The beach features water attractions. Prices for an umbrella or sun lounger are 4-5 euros.

Accommodation prices this summer start at €35 for a double room, €35% higher than last summer. Beachfront hotels start at €72, and a double room with all-inclusive pricing starts at €105 per night.
It should be noted that the resort has recently begun to be very densely built up, the park is being actively cut down and the resort is losing its former splendor.

Place No. 11. Duni

Duni is the southernmost point on our list. It's only 170 kilometers from the Bosphorus Strait. Duni isn't a town or a resort; it's simply a location home to several top-tier hotels. There's no infrastructure here, not even any shops. The only amenities available are those located within the hotels. But the hotels' status suggests that guests won't have to worry about anything.

The beach is over three kilometers long. It's wide and has pleasant sand, but it's very sticky. Why? Perhaps it's the texture of the sand grains themselves, or perhaps the higher salinity of the water. You can even spot fish in the sea. The entry into the water is gentle, making it suitable for children. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag. Adjacent to the private beach is a private beach called Driver's Beach, where anyone can relax by simply parking right on the side of the road. Beaches in the paid area charge €4 for an umbrella and €4 for a sun lounger.

This summer, accommodation prices at the most popular hotel, Dune Royal Palace, start at €430 for a double room with all-inclusive rates. A double suite with a sea view costs €650 per night. There are also hotels off the beach with lower prices, but also with fewer stars. For example, one hotel offers double rooms from €65 with breakfast only.

Place No. 10. Golden Sands

Resort Golden Sands The most popular resort during the Soviet era. Located north of Varna, the resort is surrounded by the lush Golden Sands Forest Park. Nearby attractions include the Chapel of St. John the Baptist and the Aladzha Rock Monastery.

The resort offers a wide selection of cafes and restaurants of various types. There's also a small amusement park.

The beach at the Golden Sands resort stretches for 4 kilometers from north to south. The resort truly has golden sand. The entry into the sea is steep, with a deep drop immediately offshore. Golden Sands Beach has been awarded the international Blue Flag. Prices at Golden Sands are €6 for an umbrella and €6 for a sun lounger.

Accommodation prices this summer start at €33 for a double room, €35% higher than last summer. Prices at beachfront hotels also start at €33. A double room with all-inclusive pricing starts at €80 per night.

Place No. 9. Byala

The town is located between the cities of Varna and Overview. Definitely, Biala This is an underrated and under-promoted seaside resort in Bulgaria. We were pleasantly surprised by how neat and clean the resort town was. There are plenty of trash cans in the town, and we haven't seen so many benches at other resorts in Bulgaria, or even anywhere else. There are free restrooms and free WiFi. There are cafes and restaurants. Byala's main attraction is the Ancient Fortress. There's also a beach suitable for children.

The sea bottom is unusual, you need to get used to entering the sea.

Accommodation prices this summer start at €26 for a double room, almost the same as last summer. Beachfront hotels also start at €35. However, there are no all-inclusive hotels. Therefore, you'll have to eat at local restaurants or buy groceries yourself.

We recommend Byala primarily to those seeking relaxation, privacy, and simplicity, but also value cleanliness and comfort. Those who enjoy a noisy, active, or youth-oriented vacation will likely find Byala boring.

Place No. 8. Nessebar

Nessebar Nesebar is one of the oldest towns on the Black Sea coast. It is the historical center of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. It was founded almost 5,000 years ago. Nesebar consists of two parts—the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town has a small beach. Surprisingly, prices are low, both for accommodation and for restaurants. This applies to the New Town, the part on the mainland. One of Nesebar's beaches, "Nesebar South," has been awarded the Blue Flag.

This summer, accommodation prices start at €21 for a double room, €1 lower than last summer! Beachfront hotels start at €31, and a double room with all-inclusive pricing starts at €110 per night. We recommend visiting the resort of Nesebar primarily for lovers of history, excursions, museums, and antiquity.

Place No. 7. Sunny Beach

Sunny Beach is Bulgaria's largest and most popular resort. It's located on the shores of a bay, shaped like a semicircle. Nearby are two large water parks and a mini water park, as well as an amusement park in the very center of the resort. Here you'll find a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, especially for young people. There's also a bus station.

The beach at Sunny Beach stretches for almost 8 kilometers. It truly lives up to its name: from May to October, it receives an average of 1,700 hours of sunshine. The shallow waters are ideal for children. All three beaches—North, Center, and South—have traditionally received the international Blue Flag environmental award this summer.

Parking prices have increased this summer and now cost 1 euro 25 cents per hour.

Sunny Beach offers a wide selection of accommodations. Prices this summer start at €24 for a double room, which is even €1 lower than last summer. Beachfront hotels start at €48, and a double room with all-inclusive pricing starts at €83 per night. When booking a hotel for your vacation, keep in mind the distance to the beach, as prices vary greatly depending on the distance.

Sunny Beach is perfect for young travelers from all over the world, with its sand dunes, water sports, and vibrant life. It's also perfect for those who enjoy a vibrant and active holiday.

Place number 6. Kranevo

A small resort village Kranevo Located near Albena, Kranevo is home to the Baltata Nature Reserve. The village offers small shops, attractions, cafes, and restaurants. Kranevo boasts a beach almost identical to Albena's, which also holds the Blue Flag for its eco-friendliness. Another unique feature of the resort is its ice skating rink.

This summer, accommodation prices start at €28 for a double room, almost twice as high as last summer. Beachfront hotels start at €66, and a double room with all-inclusive pricing starts at €85 per night. Kranevo has thus lost its status as the most affordable resort this year. However, we still recommend it as a more affordable alternative to Albena.

Place number 5. Sveti Vlas or Saint Vlas

A prestigious resort at the foot of the mountain slope. Sveti Vlas Unofficially known as the Bulgarian Saint-Tropez, the town is a feast for the eyes. This summer, two of the resort's beaches, "Novy" and "Vostok," received the prestigious international Blue Flag environmental award. Grocery shopping is available in Sveti Vlas at the Mercury and Diamant supermarkets.

Accommodation prices this summer start at €27 for a double room, almost €20% higher than last summer. Beachfront hotels start at €42, and a double room with all-inclusive pricing starts at €120 per night. The only downside is the slight elevation change, so getting from the sea will require some uphill walking.

Place No. 4. Albena

Albena This is a gated resort complex with a barrier at the entrance. Many celebrities, including Indira Gandhi and Fidel Castro, have visited the resort in the past. Albena boasts small shops, a stadium, tennis courts, an equestrian center, gyms, a go-kart track, and its own small water park, Aquamania. Nearby is the Baltata Nature Reserve, where you can stroll in the shade of the trees.

Albena resort has internal public transportation—special small "trains" run scheduled routes within the resort. Free electric shuttles also run from the car parks.

The beach is over 5 km long and very wide, like an ocean beach, about 150 meters wide, with fine sand. In our opinion, the beach in Albena is, if not the best, then at least one of the best beaches in Bulgaria. The entry into the water is gentle, making it suitable for children. The beach has been awarded the Blue Flag.

It's worth noting that there are virtually no budget accommodations in Albena. A vacation here isn't for the faint of heart. Hotel rates this summer start at €125 for a double room on an all-inclusive basis. A room in a similarly priced hotel on the beachfront starts at €247 per night. Despite this, availability is limited. Good hotels are booked out well in advance of the summer season.

Place number 3. Pomorie

The old part of Pomorie is located on a peninsula connected to the mainland by an isthmus, like ancient Nessebar or Sozopol. The resort boasts a salt lake and Pomorie's therapeutic mud. The lake's salt concentration is similar to that of the Dead Sea. There's also a small water park. Among the town's advantages is the presence of Billa and Lidl chain stores, so you can buy groceries at reasonable prices, without resort markups. There are no elevation changes, and the entry into the water is gentle, making it suitable for children. The "Pomorie-East" beach has been awarded the Blue Flag.

Accommodation prices this summer start at €32 for a double room, €101 higher than last summer. Beachfront hotels start at €35, and a double room with all-inclusive pricing starts at €143 per night.

Place No. 2. Burgas

Burgas is a fairly attractive resort town with a relatively new infrastructure. It boasts a seaport, an international airport, and train and bus stations. The city also boasts shopping centers and markets, an opera house, and several museums. Burgas boasts a large Seaside Park along the seashore and a promenade on the beach.

Burgas's sand has a dark grayish tint, reminiscent of a volcanic island. But there's one downside: the Lukoil refinery. I'd say the moment you arrive in the city, you notice a subtle odor, but after an hour it's gone; you just adjust.

Accommodation prices this summer start at €34 for a double room, €20% higher than last summer. Beachfront hotels start at €50, but there are no all-inclusive hotels, suggesting a lack of demand. Apparently, elite tourists are avoiding the area.

Place No. 1. Varna

The seaside capital of Bulgaria, Varna is over two thousand years old. Varna boasts a vibrant cultural scene, an abundance of attractions, numerous museums, theaters, cinemas, shopping centers, a dolphinarium, an amusement park, and a zoo. Varna's Seaside Park is the largest park in the Balkans. There's also a small water park.

Varna's beaches, of which there are about 10, stretch for about 8 kilometers along the entire coastline. Most of Varna's beaches are suitable for families with children. Beach prices have not changed: 2.5 euros for an umbrella or sun lounger. Varna's beaches do not have a Blue Flag. The closest Blue Flag beaches to Varna are Chernomorets Yug, which is accessible only by car, and Sunny Day, which is served by city buses.

Varna offers a range of accommodation options from hostels to luxury villas.

Accommodation prices this summer start at €28 for a double room, €101 higher than last summer. Prices at beachfront hotels start at €32. All-inclusive double rooms start at €180 per night.

This year, Varna will be overcrowded, so it's important to book accommodations in advance. Varna is ideal for those who enjoy city vacations with all the usual amenities. Besides enjoying the beach, they enjoy strolling the streets, visiting exhibitions, museums, landmarks, shopping malls, and more.

I'd like to warn you that all accommodation prices are pre-season and are based on bookings of at least a week. Good hotels with a good price-quality ratio are booked starting in winter, and by summer they're already fully booked. Many tourists stay at the same hotel for years, so they book rooms well in advance. This is common practice in Europe. And if you book just before your trip, the price can be two or even three times higher than the pre-season rate. And whether there will be any availability at all is also a question mark.

Albena retained its status as the most expensive resort. But this year's most affordable resort, quite unexpectedly, was the famous Nesebar.

Finance in Bulgaria

The official currency of Bulgaria is the lev. We recommend using regular bank cards in your home currency for payments. If you have a reputable bank, you'll generally receive favorable exchange rates for the lev. Be sure to set up payments in the currency of your destination; avoid using transit currencies like the dollar or euro. Before your trip, set up your bank to allow card payments abroad to avoid card blocking.

For safety and to minimize losses when converting up to 90%, we recommend carrying cash on a card. In Bulgaria, almost all reputable stores and restaurants accept cards. If someone refuses to accept your card, it means there's something wrong with them, and it's best not to use their services. For spending money and taxis, we recommend bringing euros, which can easily be exchanged for levs in Bulgaria. The euro-lev exchange rate is strictly fixed and hasn't changed for over 20 years.

Taxis and transport in Bulgaria

Taxis are inexpensive in Bulgaria, and many people take advantage of this lack of awareness. Rides are metered, and the driver issues a receipt after the ride.

Call a taxi only by phone or order it on the taxi company's website.

Mobile communications in Bulgaria

If you're coming to Bulgaria from the EU, you don't need to buy a SIM card. European roaming is available in Bulgaria (free). Residents of Ukraine can use their existing SIM card, but make sure you have the necessary roaming package for EU countries. This will be cheaper than buying a new card here. If you absolutely must buy a Bulgarian SIM card, it's better to buy a prepaid card (without a contract). These starter packages cost between 5 and 20 euros. They can be topped up later. You may need a passport when purchasing. However, there's a catch: these prepaid packages are in short supply. Managers often hide these cards and push expensive options, or simply make up prices out of thin air. Therefore, when looking for a prepaid SIM card, be prepared to visit multiple mobile operator offices and use the operator's website as a reference for prices.

To Bulgaria by your own car

We recommend not breaking the rules; the police monitor traffic and there are surveillance cameras. If you're in a hurry, another option, although not guaranteed protection against a fine, is to follow a local car. Gasoline and diesel fuel in Bulgaria cost €1.30 per liter.

Bulgaria has a well-developed car rental market. It's highly competitive and offers relatively low prices. This makes renting a car easy. Keep in mind that many companies charge an additional commission if the driver is under 30 or over 65. Car rental prices have increased significantly this year. For example, an economy car starts at €40 per day for a minimum rental period of 5 days. Which resort did you choose and why? Please let me know in the comments. I hope this information was helpful and helps you make the right decision. Bye everyone. Until next time!

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