The Ultimate Guide to Beaches in Bulgaria

Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is dotted with over 60 stunning beaches that range from lively to secluded. With so many to choose from, it’s tough to pick favorites, but we’ve narrowed it down to our top picks. Whether you’re after family fun, scenic escapes, or charming campsites, these beaches deliver.

Most of the beaches can be accessed by car and the closest airports are in Varna and Burgas – the two biggest cities along the coast. You can also arrive in the capital Sofia and opt for a transfer from there.

Map of the Top Beaches in Bulgaria

We’ve created this map of the most popular beaches so you can easily choose by category or location and visit one or maybe even more beaches in a day.

Here’s what each symbol represents:

🏖️ – Best beaches in Bulgaria according to the Private Guide Bulgaria Team

🏕️ – The most beautiful wild beaches of Bulgaria

🔵 – Beaches in Bulgaria that have the Blue Flag Certificate

☀️ – Nude beaches in Bulgaria

Best Beaches in Bulgaria 🏖️

This is the top selection of Bulgarian beaches loved by our team members. It’s where we like to wind down during hot summer days, relax under the sun, and simply enjoy the sound of the waves.

Shabla

Location: Northeastern coast, near Shabla, Dobrich Province.
Swim Safety: Good – gently sloping sand.
Type: Wide sandy beach with some shell fragments.
Perfect for: Families, nature lovers, and relaxation seekers.
Description: One of Bulgaria’s most peaceful beaches, with a lovely lighthouse nearby and calm waters perfect for swimming or a quiet walk by the sea.

Bolata

Location: Cove near Cape Kaliakra, north of Kavarna.
Swim Safety: Very safe – calm, shallow waters protected by cliffs.
Type: Sandy cove, nearly wild and scenic.
Perfect for: Couples, photographers, families with kids.
Description: This horseshoe-shaped bay surrounded by red cliffs is ideal for snorkeling, sunbathing, and peaceful picnics with stunning nature views.

Adora

Location: Between Kavarna and Balchik, near the Thracian Cliffs Golf Club.
Swim Safety: Good – neat with lifeguards.
Type: Well-maintained sandy beach with some pebbles.
Perfect for: Resort guests, families, sports lovers.
Description: A quieter alternative to nearby resorts, offering comfortable loungers, umbrellas, and water sports next to a top golf course.

Fichoza

Location: Just south of Varna, next to campsite Fichoza.
Swim Safety: Fair – shallow but small waves can occur.
Type: Sandy beach with pebbles and dunes.
Perfect for: Campers, relaxed travelers, families.
Description: Often overlooked, Fichoza remains calm and natural. It’s great for camping, beach volleyball, or unwinding without the crowds.

Camp ‘Gradina’

Location: North of Sozopol, within Gradina campsite.
Swim Safety: Good – wide sand and gentle water.
Type: Sandy beach with tall pine trees.
Perfect for: Campers, families, peace seekers.
Description: A lovely setting by pine woods with spacious sand, ideal for family camping and shady afternoon breaks.

Camp ‘Smokinya’

Location: South of Sozopol, within Smokinya campsite.
Swim Safety: Good – safe and well-kept.
Type: Sandy beach with some dune vegetation.
Perfect for: Campers, families, social groups.
Description: Set in pine forests, this beach offers laid-back camping, playgrounds, occasional live music, and a relaxed bar scene.

Varvara

Location: Near the village of Varvara, deep in the Strandzha region.
Swim Safety: Good to moderate – mild waves possible.
Type: Sandy beach with pebbled sections.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, artists, solitude seekers.
Description: A charming seaside village beach amid forests. It’s tranquil, scenic, and great for nature walks and unhurried swimming.

Arapya

Location: Between Lozenets and Tsarevo.
Swim Safety: Safe bay with shallow waters.
Type: Sandy surrounded by pine and deciduous forests.
Perfect for: Campers, families, sea sports enthusiasts.
Description: The beach is divided into two – a small beach, which is located in the northern part of the bay, and a larger one in the southern part. For lovers of sea sports, it is an ideal place for surfing, diving, and sea fishing.

Veleka

Location: Mouth of the Veleka River, near Sinemorets.
Swim Safety: Moderate – watch out for currents.
Type: Sandy and pebbly river-mouth beach.
Perfect for: Families, photographers, adventure seekers.
Description: Framed by river and sea, Veleka’s natural beauty includes boats, rocks, and a serene pine backdrop—ideal for nature lovers.

Silistar

Location: Between Sinemorets and Rezovo, near Turkey.
Swim Safety: Safe with clear and calm waters.
Type: Sandy beach with pebble edges.
Perfect for: Hikers, nature lovers, campers.
Description: Surrounded by forests and hills, Silistar is peaceful and unspoiled. Its secluded vibe and beauty make it stand out on the southern coast.

Wild Beaches in Bulgaria 🏕️

These wild beaches are often among the country’s most beautiful and secluded, drawing adventurers and nudists. The camp lovers in our team love to spend a few days and nights under the clear sky full of stars at these beaches.

Durankulak

Location: Northeastern border, near Durankulak Lake.
Swim Safety: Moderate – shallow and natural.
Type: Sandy with reed edging.
Perfect for: Birdwatchers, solitude seekers.
Description: Quiet and remote, with sand and lakeside wetlands. Ideal for disconnecting and nature-watching.

Ezerets

Location: North of Shabla.
Swim Safety: Fair – shallow, sandy.
Type: Sandy, partly wild.
Perfect for: Families, campers, relaxed beachgoers.
Description: Ideal for campers and picnickers seeking unplugged days by the Black Sea.

Malkoto more / Little Sea

Location: South of Shabla.
Swim Safety: Safe – enclosed bay.
Type: Small rocky bay
Perfect for: Families, nature lovers, peace seekers.
Description: The beach is unguarded, does not have umbrellas, sun loungers and restaurants. Access to Malkoto More beach by car is convenient, as there are parking spaces in the immediate vicinity.

Tyulenovo

Location: Northern coast near Tyulenovo village.
Swim Safety: Moderate – rocky entry, deep water.
Type: Rocky but scenic.
Perfect for: Photographers, adventurous swimmers.
Description: Tiny turquoise bays framed by cliffs. Great for dramatic photos and cliff jumping.

Pasha Dere

Location: South of Varna.
Swim Safety: Good – sand and shallow water.
Type: Sandy with some dune grasses.
Perfect for: Peace-seekers, romantic couples, campers, nature lovers.
Description: Quiet and scenic, with low visitor numbers and natural charm.

Kamchiyski Pyasatsi

Location: River Kamchia delta.
Swim Safety: Moderate – currents exist.
Type: Sandy beach with forest backdrop.
Perfect for: Hikers, campers, nature lovers.
Description: A unique blend of river and sea, untouched nature trails, black-and-white sand, and birdlife.

Kara Dere

Location: Between Varna and Obzor.
Swim Safety: Moderate – no lifeguards.
Type: Sandy-dune beach.
Perfect for: Solitude seekers, nudists.
Description: Long sandy stretch, dunes, and pines. Feels remote and perfect for quiet retreats.

Chayka

Location: South of Obzor.
Swim Safety: Good – shallow; lifeguards sometimes.
Type: Sandy with some rocks.
Perfect for: Families, campers.
Description: Two beaches with clear water, camping sites, and basic facilities—not crowded.

Irakli

Location: Between Obzor and Sunny Beach.
Swim Safety: Fair – mild currents possible.
Type: Sandy wild beach.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, nudists, tranquility seekers.
Description: Expansive dunes and pine forests, with untouched sand—great for unplugged days or yoga by the sea.

Alepu / Driver’s Beach

Location: South of Sozopol, near the Alepu river.
Swim Safety: Good – shallow water.
Type: Sandy with reed backdrops.
Perfect for: Campers, relaxation seekers, dog owners.
Description: It is also known as the “Driver’s Beach” because of the coastal road between Duni and Primorsko that borders it. The beach is one of the few remaining in Bulgaria where there is not so much human intervention, but it is also unguarded.

Koral

Location: Between Kiten and Lozenets.
Swim Safety: Fair – deeper water.
Type: Sandy-lagoon hybrid.
Perfect for: Families, wind lovers.
Description: Calm lagoon meets open sea—fun for paddle sports and shallow swimming.

Lipite

Location: South of Sinemorets.
Swim Safety: Fair – mild currents possible
Type: Fine sand.
Perfect for: Families, nature-lovers, nudists.
Description: Quiet natural beach with soft sand and warm waters. It is reached by a path starting from the rocks above the southern end of Butamyata. The beach is rarely visited and is surrounded by dense forest. It is a pleasant place for those who prefer solitude in nature.

Blue Flag Beaches in Bulgaria 🔵

The Blue Flag program is a voluntary certification procedure for beaches and marinas, managed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) – a non-governmental organization in over 50 countries.

To earn the Blue Flag certificate, beach and marina managers, along with the visitors, must meet certain criteria related to seawater quality, environmental information and education, safety, services, and amenities.

White Lagoon

Location: North of Balchik
Swim Safety: Excellent – monitored and calm.
Type: Sandy and family-friendly.
Perfect for: Families and resort-goers.
Description: Spacious and safe, this beach is perfect for kids, with gentle waves and multiple amenities.

Albena

Location: Between Balchik and Golden Sands.
Swim Safety: Very safe – life-guarded.
Type: Wide sandy bay with dunes.
Perfect for: Families, sun seekers, water-sport fans.
Description: A large resort beach with clean sand, parasols, sports activities, and a family vibe in a landscaped setting.

Kranevo North

Location: North of Kranevo village.
Swim Safety: Good – protected and sandy.
Type: Sandy beach with dunes.
Perfect for: Families, cyclists, nature lovers.
Description: Quiet and clean, this beach is backed by pine woods—great for peaceful stays near the sea and cycling trails.

Golden Sands

Location: In Golden Sands, north of Varna.
Swim Safety: Excellent – monitored.
Type: Large sandy stretch.
Perfect for: Party people, families, resort lovers.
Description: One of the most famous beaches in Bulgaria, full of sunbeds, bars, water sports, and a lively atmosphere.

Sunny Day

Location: Just south of Golden Sands.
Swim Safety: Excellent – patrols on-site.
Type: Long sandy shore.
Perfect for: Romantics, couples, families.
Description: Calm and scenic, with modern resorts hugging the shore—ideal for relaxed breaks and sunset views.

“Chernomorets” Hut

Location: South of Varna, near the protected area of ​​Rakitnika
Swim Safety: Good – well-kept.
Type: A series of small sandy beaches and large rocks falling into the sea
Perfect for: Families, camping lovers, and laid-back sunbathing.
Description: The beach is in a resort area with a campsite and a hut of the same name, and there are rest stops and bungalows nearby. The beach is small and peaceful, and the nature around it is untouched.

Obzor Central

Location: In Obzor town.
Swim Safety: Very safe – lifeguards present.
Type: Wide sandy beach.
Perfect for: Families, tone-up fans, water sport lovers.
Description: Long and flat, it’s ideal for beach games, sunbathing, and windsurfing in summer winds.

Sveti Vlas / Saint Vlas

Location: Bay of Sveti Vlas, north of Sunny Beach.
Swim Safety: Good – calm marina waters.
Type: Mostly sandy with some pebbles near the marina.
Perfect for: Couples, yachters, wellness lovers.
Description: A modern, upscale beach with plush sunbeds, marinas, high-end dining, and tranquil vibes.

Sunny Beach

Location: In Sunny Beach, north of Nessebar.
Swim Safety: Excellent – well-monitored.
Type: Vast sandy beach, fully equipped.
Perfect for: Party people, families, sun worshippers.
Description: The go-to destination for nightlife and entertainment, with tons of bars, clubs, hotels, and beach activities.

Nessebar South

Location: By the ancient town of Nessebar.
Swim Safety: Good – clean and calm.
Type: Sandy beach near historic ruins.
Perfect for: History lovers, families, relaxation-seekers.
Description: Combine sunbathing with culture—sun, sea, and UNESCO heritage in one beach.

Pomorie East

Location: East of Pomorie town, on the deep-water lakeside.
Swim Safety: Excellent – safe for kids.
Type: Sandy and salt-lake bordered.
Perfect for: Families, wellness tourists, salt lake lovers.
Description: A calm beach next to a salt lake—great for mud spa lovers and peaceful strolls.

Camping “Chernomorets”

Location: Just south of Chernomorets town.
Swim Safety: Good – gently sloping sand.
Type: Sandy camper beach.
Perfect for: Campers, families, social campers.
Description: Backed by pine woods and cafés, it’s perfect for campers who want both nature and convenience.

Sozopol Central

Location: In the heart of Sozopol’s old town.
Swim Safety: Good – calm coastal waters.
Type: Sandy and historic.
Perfect for: Culture fans, families, and explorers.
Description: Beautifully set below the old town, with easy access to restaurants, culture, and beach fun.

Sozopol Harmanite

Location: The southeastern part of Sozopol.
Swim Safety: Safe – lifeguarded.
Type: Sandy with fine, golden sand.
Perfect for: Families, food lovers, party people, water sport enthusiasts.
Description: It offers a large number of restaurants and discos for night entertainment, and also a variety of water attractions.

Duni

Location: South of Sozopol, in the Duni resort area.
Swim Safety: Very safe – lifeguarded.
Type: Fine sandy beach with dunes.
Perfect for: Families, water-sport fans, sun-seekers.
Description: Resort-style beach with soft sand, clear shallow water, water sports, and a calm family vibe.

Arkutino

Location: South of Sozopol, adjacent to a protected wetland.
Swim Safety: Good – slight currents possible.
Type: Sandy with dune vegetation.
Perfect for: Nature lovers, birdwatchers, peace-seekers.
Description: Wild yet accessible, Arkutino offers tranquil beauty, wetland views, birds, and empty sandy stretches.

Nude Beaches in Bulgaria ☀️

The following beaches are not strictly nudist; they are open to all visitors but are highly popular among the nude community.

Baltata

Location: Between Albena and Kranevo.
Swim Safety: Good – shallow.
Type: Sandy
Perfect for: Nudists, but also naturists, nature relaxers.
Description: Secluded and forest-backed, great for sun lounging and optional nude sunbathing.

Nirvana

Location: North of Golden Sands and Varna.
Swim Safety: Good – gentle shore.
Type: Sandy open beach.
Perfect for: Optional nudist.

Galata

Location: Adjacent to Galata neighbourhood near Varna.
Swim Safety: Good – calm sands.
Type: Sandy cove.
Perfect for: Optional nudist lovers.

Perla / Pearl

Location: North of Primorsko.
Swim Safety: Good – calm bay.
Type: Sandy bay with pebbles.
Perfect for: Optional nudists, families, photographers.

Delfin / Dolphin

Location: North of Ahtopol, within the camp “Delfin”
Swim Safety: Good – calm sand.
Type: Sandy open beach.
Perfect for: Optional nudists, families.

Quick Facts about the Black Sea 🌊

Where is the Black Sea located?

The Black Sea lies between Eastern Europe and Western Asia, bordered by Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, and Turkey.

Is the Black Sea black?

No, it appears deep blue or green. The name may come from ancient color symbolism or dark, stormy waters.

Is the Black Sea salty?

Yes, it’s a saltwater sea with lower salinity than oceans.

Is the Black Sea a lake?

No, it’s a sea connected to the Mediterranean via the Bosphorus, Marmara Sea, and Dardanelles.

Why is it called the Black Sea?

Ancient cultures called the cardinal directions by colors. North = black; hence, the Black Sea on the northern border of some empires.

Is the Black Sea safe to swim in?

Absolutely! Swimming is very safe across Bulgaria’s beaches.

Are there sharks in the Black Sea?

No sharks here—only small harmless species like dogfish. So you’re in good hands (and fins)!

Are there whales in the Black Sea?

No whales either. You may spot playful dolphins, but no marine giants.