The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, stretching for 236 miles (380km),
is a popular destination for thousands of Bulgarians as well as
foreign visitors every summer, with warm sea temperatures, a sunny
climate, picture-perfect white sand beaches, modern resorts and a
favourable exchange rate.
Although the coast has long been associated with large
characterless complexes catering to European package tourists that
are far removed from the reality of Bulgaria, there are plenty of
little hotels with private beaches and holiday villages offering a
villa-style Mediterranean holiday. Seaside towns invite a more
independent vacation with plenty of family-run guesthouses and a
wealth of bars and restaurants that add local flavour and
character. The coast is also one of the best spa regions in the
country and resorts offer the added attraction of mineral baths,
mud treatments and thermal springs.
Clean beaches, safe swimming and wide sandy beaches characterise
the northern Black Sea Coast with the lively town of Varna a good
base from which to explore the surrounds. To the south lie
picturesque bays and unusual rock formations, and the trawler port
of Bourgas flanked by the old Greek fishing villages of Sozopol and
Nessebur.
