Sunny Beach is arguably one of the most renowned resorts in Bulgaria. You can journey here from Poland via numerous travel agency tours or independently, by flying into the Bourgas Airport and subsequently taking a cab or using city transportation.
I believe it’s worthwhile to visit this region of Bulgaria at least once, to relax on the beach, indulge in Sunny Beach’s vibrant nightlife, and explore the surrounding picturesque towns. Wondering what to see and which attractions to enjoy? You’ll find out everything in this post.
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Sunny Beach’s Beaches
If you’ve selected Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach to soak up the sun on soft, white sand, you won’t be disappointed! The resort is renowned for its stunning, sandy, and impressively wide beaches. Trust me, this is not always a given in Bulgaria.
Here, you’ll be able to relax on three beaches: the southern, central, and northern beaches, which altogether form one continuous stretch of sand extending 8 km. Notably, it has been awarded the Blue Flag, an international symbol affirming the highest quality of bathing beaches and marinas.
This distinction ensures that the beach is clean and meets all standards. Both the sand and water have been rigorously tested to achieve and maintain this recognition. Thus, you can be assured that the area is safe, allowing you to unwind on the beach here without any concerns.
The cleanliness is sure to impress, as will the water temperature. From May to October, it averages 21 degrees, even rising to 26 degrees during the peak season! I highly recommend this destination to all who enjoy swimming in pleasant temperatures. An additional benefit is the gentle shore; in places, it is quite shallow, which is ideal for beachcombing with children.
Keep in mind that this is a resort; many tourists spend their holidays on Sunny Beach, and a promenade lined with numerous hotels, shops, restaurants, and bars runs along the beach. So, if you prefer tranquility, I suggest you go beachcombing in other nearby resorts such as Sveti Vlas or Nessebar, which I’ll describe later in the text.
Regardless, it is certainly worth visiting this magnificent beach on the Sunny Beach resort, one of the largest and most beautiful on the Black Sea coast, at least once.
What to Do in Sunny Beach
Sunny Beach is arguably the most entertaining locale in Bulgaria. Its vibrant nightlife, rife with numerous clubs, bars, and restaurants, has earned it comparisons to places like Ibiza and Las Vegas.
If you’re seeking historic monuments or landmarks to explore in the city, I must temper your expectations. Sunny Beach doesn’t boast a wealth of monuments. However, it does offer a plethora of entertainment options for you and your children. Here are some recreational attractions I’ve compiled for you:
- Karting Track: If you’re traveling with children over 8 years old, you can enjoy go-kart racing on this 400-meter track. Situated along the Bourgas-Varna route, it promises great entertainment for the whole family.
- Luna Park: If you’re part of a larger group, the local Luna Park is worth a visit. This conventional amusement park boasts a wide array of attractions, ranging from numerous carousels to a roller coaster.
- Action Aquapark: A quintessential seaside attraction, this water park is located near the sea along the beach. It offers a staggering 30 attractions, including pools, paddling pools, and slides of varying intensity. Even if you spend the entire day here, you’re unlikely to run out of things to do.
Moreover, Sunny Beach provides numerous water sports, diving opportunities, and boat cruises. The city has an abundance of water- and sea-related entertainments, many of which are conveniently located by the beach. For land-based fun, you can also find places to play mini golf, paintball, or bowling.
Organized excursions are also available, often in the form of a cruise, combined with fishing or a gala dinner with champagne on a boat. Another popular way to spend your time is on a Jeep Safari trip, which guarantees spectacular views and an adrenaline rush.
What to Visit in the Area
- Nessebar, often referred to as the Pearl of the Black Sea, the charming town of Nessebar is a must-visit when in the Sunny Beach area. Its historic old town draws in visitors with its unique architecture, filled with historical details and charming stalls. Here, you should explore attractions such as the Historic Mill, the Archaeological Museum, and ancient Orthodox churches. You can also enjoy a stroll along the beautifully situated seaside promenade. The town emanates a fascinating atmosphere, both within the labyrinth of its old town streets and along its scenic coastline I recommend visiting this town. For more insights, you can check out my post – ‘Nessebar – What to See in a Charming Bulgarian Town?
- Sozopol, a picturesque port town, won me over with its captivating beauty. It’s worth visiting for its promenade alone, which offers stunning views of the town and coast. Being one of the oldest cities in Europe, Sozopol exudes a distinct atmosphere. I’d go as far as saying that one can almost feel the spirit of bygone times. A tour of the old town, numerous museums, and Orthodox churches is a must. The local architecture is sure to leave you mesmerized. Perfect for leisurely walks, Sozopol invites you to get lost in its maze of enchanting streets, leading you to the aforementioned promenade. While exploring the coast, I recommend taking a break at the numerous cafes or restaurants to savor the local cuisine. As for beachcombing, Sozopol will not disappoint. Here, you can relax on wide sandy beaches, partake in water sports, and bask in the sun from dawn till dusk. There you’ll find a unique museum located within a local Lidl supermarket! For more interesting facts about the city of Sozopol, I read more here.
- Burgas: Home to the largest port in all of Bulgaria, the city of Burgas, like Sunny Beach, attracts many tourists during peak season. The city is notably situated between a bay and three lakes, adding to its allure. One of the most fascinating spots here is the natural spa — the pink lake. Located near salt pans where you can bathe and create mud masks for your face and body, it draws many visitors seeking natural beauty treatments during the season. For a leisurely stroll, I recommend the Sea Garden, the city’s primary attraction. This verdant haven offers numerous attractions, and interestingly, you’ll also find Polish influences here. Curious to know what they are? Feel free to read my entry, ‘Sightseeing Burgas – A Guide to the Most Beautiful Attractions’
Accommodations in Sunny Beach
A popular way to visit Sunny Beach is through organized tours by travel agencies. These offer a range of accommodation options, from expansive hotel complexes, some even featuring water parks, to smaller and more intimate establishments. The price typically includes meals, depending on the package you choose.
If you prefer planning the trip independently, you need not worry about lodging and dining. Sunny Beach provides a multitude of accommodation options, as well as a wide variety of dining establishments. You can enjoy regional delicacies, but the area also hosts eateries offering international cuisines, and numerous fast-food or barbecue restaurants.
You can secure your stay in a variety of hotels and private apartments. Rest assured, you will find a place that caters to all your needs. The selection here is quite vast.
Recommended, highly rated accommodation in Sunny Beach:
- here you will book a comfortable apartment, well-equipped, with access to a swimming pool and a bar
- if you are looking for an aparthotel, here you will find comfortable accommodation close to the main attractions
- More than 1000 suggestions for accommodation in this place you will find at this link on booking.com
Where to Eat in Sunny Beach?
I highly recommend La Flor Bar & Grill in Sunny Beach. They serve incredibly delicious food, and with locations also in Burgas, I can vouch for both. The prices are reasonable, and the quality of food is commendable. If you’re craving regional specialties, you won’t be disappointed. Likewise, they offer excellent pizza. Sunny Beach is also home to a diverse range of dining options, featuring cuisines from around the world, and an array of fast-food or grill-based restaurants.
Sunny Beach, being a quintessential tourist spot, is sure to delight some while potentially disappointing others. Primarily designed for leisure and beach activities, it nonetheless provides a variety of attractions and sights within its vicinity. I trust that I’ve managed to showcase these highlights effectively.
Personally, I’m more drawn to quieter, picturesque places on the Black Sea coast, such as Sozopol. However, I’d love to hear about your experiences with Sunny Beach. Feel free to share in the comments.”
Sunny Beach may delight some and disappoint others. It’s a typically touristic spot, designed for leisure and beach activities. However, its vicinity offers a plethora of activities and sights. I believe I’ve managed to present these highlights effectively.
My personal preference on the Black Sea coast is quieter, picturesque locations such as Sozopol. But what are your thoughts on Sunny Beach? Feel free to share in the comments.
See also:
Explore Nessebar – Best Things to Do in Bulgaria’s Seaside
Sightseeing in Bourgas – a Guide To The Most Beautiful Attractions
