Varna, Bulgaria. Photo: Shutterstock The Black Sea coast is still one of Europe’s most underrated summer destinations for many travelers who are not yet acquainted with this part of the continent. Bulgaria in particular is currently appreciated for its all-time record of Blue Flag beaches (26) and marinas (6) as of July 2026. What does this mean? The quality of the seawater is excellent, the safety standards are high, and environmental management is strict.
From the get-go, you need to decide between Varna and Burgas, the two major destination cities easily reachable by plane from the vast majority of European and non-European countries. Both are located just 8km from their respective airports. To make the choice easier for you, here is what you need to know: for a fast-paced vacation with high-end resorts and a lively nightlife, Varna is for you.
If you can’t wait to unwind and completely disconnect from the daily stress while also managing your trip with the kids by your side, choose Burgas.
Now let’s explore each option and see what’s in store.
Varna. Photo: ShutterstockYou might have heard of the famous Golden Sands (Zlatni Pyasatsi) of Bulgaria, but you don’t really know what to expect. The gorgeous resort is just 16 km north of Varna, surrounded by forested hills and long sandy beaches with one of the softest and finest sand on the coast in beautiful shades of smooth golden.
Golden Sands Beach. Photo: ShutterstockThe main beach, stretching across 4 km and up to 100 meters wide, is highly appreciated for being extra clean and child-friendly, counting among the beaches that have obtained the prestigious Blue Flag certification.
Golden Sands Beach. Phoo: ShutterstockThe resort has everything you could possibly want for a fun vacation, from free public sand zones (where you can bring your own towels), to paid zones fully equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas, and lots of water sports. Prices for banana boat / ringo rides range from €5 to €10 per person, while jet-skiing costs €15-€30 for 15-30 minutes. You can also go parasailing for €40 to €75 per person, scuba diving for €20, or take a boat trip for €40 per person.
If you're lucky enough, you might catch a fun sailboat race in Varna Bay for free!
Photo: Anna Yordanova / Shutterstock.comCheck out the south end of the beach if you’re looking for nonstop party vibes with loud music and plenty of beach clubs. The north end of the resort offers the quieter alternative as it is more family-oriented.
In total, Varna counts no less than 22 beaches along its 32 km coastline, with lively, bustling strips connected to the historic Sea Garden (Central Beach) to quieter, more secluded coves further out. Next to Golden Sands you will find St. Constantine and Helena Beach, the oldest seaside resort in the country 8 km north of Varna. The beach is known for its picturesque, smaller, rocky coves, lush greenery, and natural mineral springs.
Photo: ShutterstockIf you’re looking for something closer to the city center, you can opt for Varna Central Beach, the most popular beach in Varna, right at the foot of the Sea Garden. The beach also has the same beautiful golden sand, lively beach bars, restaurants, and both paid (umbrella/sunbed) and free zones.
South Beach is south of the central area, next to the port, and it is wider and not as crowded. Ofitserski Beach (Buna Beach) is also located near the city center and is best known for its "Topla Voda" (hot water) natural thermal spring flowing straight into the sea.
Photo: ShutterstockIf you want to spend a fun day at the beach next to a zoo, lying on clean sand and enjoying water sports, opt for Rapongi (Second Buna Beach).
Bulgaria has some of the lowest prices for street food and groceries in Europe (€1.00 for a loaf of bread, €8-10 for 1kg of local cheese), but, as expected, dining at a beachfront restaurant or a tourist strip like the Golden Sands will eventually cost more. Fast food and street kebabs, slices of pizza, or sandwiches cost between €1 and €2.50. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages around €10.25, with a must-try traditional Shopska salad (classic Bulgarian salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, peppers, and topped with grated sheep's feta cheese (€3–€5), paired with grilled fish and a pint of beer running about €13 to €17.
Shopska salad. Photo: ShutterstockA three-course dinner for two without drinks averages €40 but can easily exceed €100 at premier locations right on the sea. Domestic draft beer costs around €1.79, imported beer is about €2.50, and a standard cappuccino is €2.40.
Varna is not only the largest city on the coast, but also a major cultural hub. You can walk through the Sea Garden, the city’s largest and most famous public park considered by many to be the largest landscaped coastal park in the Balkans, visit the imposing Varna Cathedral, or explore the Roman Baths before relaxing on the city beach. The city also offers easy access to Aladzha Monastery, a medieval cave complex carved into limestone cliffs.
From Varna, you can rent a car (€10-50 per day, depending on the season) and head north to Balchik (roughly 40km).
Balchik. Photo: ShutterstockThe coastal town is famous for its seaside palace and botanical gardens that overlook the sea. From there, you can continue to Cape Kaliakra, one of Bulgaria’s most dramatic viewpoints, where cliffs drop sharply into the Black Sea and dolphins can sometimes be spotted offshore. Talk about Instagrammable places!
Cape Kaliakra. Photo: Shutterstock
Albena, Bulgaria. Photo: ShutterstockAlbena is another major resort town approximately 30 km north of Varna and only 12 km south of Balchik, so if you’re in the area, don’t skip it. We guarantee you are going to appreciate its location in the scenic bay. The closed resort complex is best known for its massive 5-kilometer-long eco-friendly sand beach and its location right next to the lush Baltata National Reserve.
First, the beaches. The main ones are Burgas Central Beach, right next to the famous Burgas Bridge landmark, with shallow waters suitable for children and very cheap umbrellas and sun loungers, North Beach (Severen Plaj), packed with water sports options, lively beach bars, restaurants, volleyball courts, and outdoor gym equipment, and Sarafovo Beach, located in an upscale neighborhood next to the airport, offering a a more relaxed vibe with calmer waters and free parking available.
Burgas Central Beach pier. Photo: ShutterstockAll beaches offer long stretches of dark, fine sand rich in magnetite. The sand actually has therapeutic properties, so prepare to do some barefoot walking!
The top things to do in Burgas include relaxing in the Sea Garden, a beautifully landscaped 600-decare park right above the beach popular for its summer open-air theater, walking on the pedestrian pier, and photographing the massive sand sculptures during the yearly Burgas Sand Festival that takes over the beaches with a wealth of sand sculptures created by artists from around the world.
Photo: ShutterstockIf your schedule allows you, you can also take a boat trip to St. Anastasia Island, the country’s only inhabited island where you can explore a picturesque monastery and museum at your own pace.
Sand sculptures. Photo: D_Zheleva / Shutterstock.comIf you arrive in Burgas, take advantage of the hearty and flavorful traditional Bulgarian cuisine you are going to find there, including freshly caught grilled or fried fish (Tsatsa or fried sprats), grilled octopus, or mussels cooked in a local garlic and herb sauce. (€4–€10)
Don't ignore banitsa, the traditional baked pastry filled with white cheese and eggs, frequently chosen for breakfast by the locals (€1–€2).
Banitsa pie. Photo: ShutterstockFor something truly refreshing on a hot summer day, be sure to try tarator, a cold soup made of yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, dill, and walnuts. (€2–€3).
Tarator soup. Photo: ShutterstockBesides beer and wine (mid-range supermarket bottle at €5.50-€8.00, standard glass in a local restaurant at €1.50-€3.00, you should also try rakia, Bulgaria’s national fruit brandy, typically made from grapes or plums, usually served as an aperitif. (€1.50- €3.50 per shot)
Ropotamo Narure Reserve. Photo: ShutterstockBefore departure, visit the Ropotamo Nature Reserve, roughly 50 km from Burgas, and take a boat trip through mesmerizing forested river landscapes and sand dunes. Nearby, you will find Beglik Tash, an ancient Thracian sanctuary, for a mystical historical touch to your trip.
Beglik Tash. Photo: ShutterstockHotel prices in Varna typically range from €70 for 3-star hotels with Free Wi-Fi, basic breakfast, and standard amenities to €220 per night for 5-star hotels with private beach access, luxury spa, and all-inclusive options during the peak summer season.
As for the right time to visit Bulgaria, anywhere between June and September is good, as temperatures typically range from daytime highs of 26°C to 30°C and nighttime lows of 15°C to 19°C. The hottest, driest, and sunniest period occurs in July and August, while June and September offer milder conditions perfect for sightseeing and hiking. While car rental is recommended for flexibility, buses do a good job connecting major cities.