The best places to stay in Bulgaria for a beach break

Sozopol

Best for small town charm

Sozopol's unique charm lies in its artistic spirit. Wander the narrow streets and you'll stumble upon countless art galleries showcasing local talent. Keep an eye out for the distinctive architectural style known as the ‘Sozopol House’. These traditional dwellings, constructed from wood and stone, feature brightly coloured facades and overhanging balconies draped in flowers.

Central Beach beckons sun-seekers after a chilled-out day on the sand, while the more adventurous can head to the wilder Harmanite Beach. Or, you can connect with nature on a day trip to Dyuni’s gloriously unspoilt beach or the Ropotamo Nature Reserve.

In September, the town comes alive with the Apollonia Art Festival, a vibrant celebration of visual arts, film, theatre and literature. Stroll through open-air exhibitions, catch a performance under the stars or simply soak up the creative atmosphere.

Albena

Best for eco-friendly family holidays

Albena stands out for its commitment to sustainable practices. You'll find environmentally conscious hotels nestled within lush botanical gardens and free shuttles connecting major hotels to the beaches, so you can ditch the car (and the emissions).

The resort's emphasis on children's activities makes it a particularly appealing choice for families. There are a range of sports to get involved in, from tennis to horse riding, but kids will really adore Aquamania, a water park bursting with slides, pools and chilled-out lazy rivers.

Be sure to take a scenic ride on the miniature railway that winds its way through the resort or discover the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of Baltata Nature Reserve.

Albena's eco-friendly ethos provides a beautiful and educational backdrop, making it a great choice for families seeking a sunny escape with a touch of environmental responsibility.

Golden Sands

Best for an outdoorsy nature break

Set within the protected Golden Sands Natural Park, this resort has the perfect blend of lush greenery and beach bliss.

Its fine sandy beach, a haven for sun worshippers and watersports enthusiasts alike, stretches for several kilometres along the Black Sea coast. Here, you can try your hand at jet-skiing, parasailing or windsurfing, or simply chill under the warm sun. If you have kids in tow, don’t miss the fairground-style rides not far from the beach.

For a change of pace, explore the hiking and cycling trails that weave through the natural park, a treasure trove of diverse plant and animal life. Keep an eye out for boar, deer and over 250 species of birds on your wanders.

It’s also worth the detour to see the Aladzha Monastery, an 800-year-old cave church with remnants of medieval frescoes.

Varna

Best for city and sand combined

Bulgaria’s third largest city has the added appeal of being a seaside resort, ideal if you’re after a culture break and beach escape combined.

Varna’s main beach is a bar-lined strip with plenty of space to lay out your towel and a lap pool at one end. It’s separated from the city’s other sands, Rappongi Beach, by a sprawling green space called the ‘Sea Garden’.

As well as having activities for kids, you can catch a captivating performance at the unique open-air theatre, nestled amidst the greenery of the park. This iconic venue, established in 1957, has a variety of entertainment options, from traditional Bulgarian folk performances to modern music concerts and theatrical productions.

In the city centre, cultural highlights include the archaeological museum, the ancient ruins of the Roman Thermae baths and the Boris Georgiev art city gallery.

Sveti Vlas (St. Vlas)

Best for a touch of luxury

If you're craving a more upmarket beach experience, Sveti Vlas delivers. The town, at the foot of the spectacular Balkan Mountains, has plenty of modern hotel options such as five-star Voya Beach Resort, which offers sweeping coastal views, excellent spa facilities and all-inclusive-plus board.

Sveti Vlas’s coastline strikes a balance between quiet stretches of beach for undisturbed sunbathing and lively entertainment options for when you're seeking a bit more energy.

Dine at stylish marina-side restaurants such as La Cubanita, where you can savour fresh seafood dishes and excellent cocktails while taking in the sight of luxury yachts bobbing on the water. Then, stroll along the beachfront promenade, perfect for a relaxed evening walk with stunning sunset views.

For a quieter moment, explore the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nessebar, a charming town brimming with medieval churches, cobbled streets and traditional craft shops.

Sunny Beach

Best for nightlife

Bulgaria's most popular resort, Sunny Beach is a purpose-built tourist haven for those seeking non-stop entertainment.

Most come for its wild party scene. Sunny Beach’s events are just as legendary as their Mediterranean counterparts in Ibiza and Mykonos, and you’ll find two-for-one shots, all-day happy hours and nightclubs that blast the bangers until 6am pretty much every day.

For a dose of daytime adrenaline, it’s got to be the sprawling Action Aquapark. Heart-pounding water slides like the Black Hole plunge you into darkness as you whip around bends for some 150m, while the near-vertical drop of the Kamikaze is not for the faint-hearted. On the beach itself, banana boats and jet-skis keep thrill-seekers happy.

Sunny Beach holidays don’t have to be all high-octane fun, though. The sun-drenched sands that give the resort its name stretch for kilometres, and there are plenty of sun-loungers to go around.