A small port of fishing boats in Primorsko
The coasts of Bulgaria are already at full capacity in this month of July. The Bulgarian beaches of Black Sea These days they receive travelers from all over the world who know that this vacation destination is one of those that best suits any pocket.
That is why most of the hotels in the famous bulgarian Costa del Sol already put problems to close reservations for this month and the month of August.
It is not surprising that this little European paradise has more and more followers. Bulgaria has about 400 kilometers of beaches, 15 of which boast a blue flag for this summer.
Bulgarians have been concerned in recent years to clean up their beaches more and more and fight against the drunken tourism that has so threatened their tourist appeal. Today, The Bulgarian Black Sea coast is the best option for those looking for other "Ibizas" where they can have fun and, incidentally, get a little more cultural.
The famous Bulgarian Costa del Sol
BURGAS AS A STARTING POINT
The best way to start your adventure along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is to settle in Varna or Burgas, the third and fourth largest cities in the country. Finding flight and accommodation in Burgas is easier. Have the second most important international airport in Bulgaria and being a somewhat less flashy city than Varna, finding a decent place to spend the night is much easier.
Bourgas It only has one beach (compared to 17 in Varna) but during this month of July it becomes the center of attention for its Sand Sculpture Festival. The streets of the center of Burgas bear a certain resemblance to those of our Levante towns, with its central pedestrian boulevards dotted with tourist shops.
In Burgas there is Lake Atanasov, the famous Bulgarian pink lake
Although Varna was a spa town much coveted by the wealthy classes at the beginning of the 20th century, today it is Burgas that has the ace up its sleeve. Because In Burgas is Lake Atanasov, the famous Bulgarian pink lake that is said to cure all ills.
The high saline level of the waters is the cause of the peculiar pink color of this lake that you will not be able to stop photographing. A part of it is used as a spa for mud baths with medicinal purposes.
In addition, the lake has become a spectacular protected nature reserve where Migratory birds such as the mallard, the pelican and the flamingo can be seen in their natural habitat. A round experience.
Atanasov, the famous Bulgarian pink lake
ROUTE TO THE SOUTH
Renting a car in Burgas is possibly the best option to get around the beaches of the Black Sea coast with no strings attached. Our adventure begins through the Balkan Mountain Range , a whim of nature that has allowed the mountains to undress on beaches of fine, clean sand.
From Burgas we arrive in a matter of minutes at Sozopol, a small Renaissance town which is usually very crowded in July and draws attention to its beautiful wooden houses and its cobbled streets.
Sozopol was a place much frequented by painters and poets, perhaps because every corner of this small coastal town provokes inspiration. Here you have to make an obligatory stop in the Sozopol Tavern , which is located in the old town, one of the few restaurants where you can find Traditional Bulgarian cuisine prepared with love and care.
Sozopol, a small Renaissance town that stands out for its beautiful wooden houses and cobbled streets
Following the coastline to the south, you reach the incredible beach of Primorsko, perhaps a little crowded at this time of year but it is worth it for its incredible crystal clear waters.
To end the day, the ideal is to follow the road to the south to see the beautiful bay of Butamyata and the beach of the Veleka estuary which looks like something out of a movie. It is the best way to end a first day resting in the sun on the shores of the Black Sea and with the fair people around.
Veleka Estuary Beach
THE PARADISE OF THE BULGARIAN COSTA DEL SOL
If you go north from Burgas and in the direction of Varna, the best day at the beach is just a few kilometers away. This stretch between the two big cities hides great natural treasures hidden among the oldest towns in Europe.
About 30 kilometers north of Burgas is the beautiful town of Nesebar, possibly one of the most beautiful villages on the Bulgarian coast. Despite the large influx of tourists, Nesebar shines with the remains of a wall from the Byzantine era of the 3rd century, its dozens of churches and its charming wooden houses. it's city Heritage of humanity by unesco since 1983 and, despite the influx of tourists, it is a must on this adventure.
Next to Nesebar is the Slanchev Bryag complex, better known as Sunny Beach, the epicenter of the summer scene on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Obviously the plan to follow is strictly beach, in a complex very prepared for the traveler who loves various water sports, catamaran trips to watch dolphins and nightlife.
Because Sunny Beach is full of hotels, restaurants and places where you can have cocktails until your body lasts. Without at doubt it is the funniest part of this trip and the closest thing to our Costa del Sol. Mind you, it's packed with young British tourists looking to have fun. Everything has a price.
Nesebar, possibly one of the most beautiful villages on the Bulgarian coast
FROM VARNA TO THE BEYOND
Leaving sunny beach crazy nights We arrived in Varna with the idea of enjoying one of the most important cities in Bulgaria. Varna needs a whole day to enjoy all its monumental heritage, as it is a city that, in addition to being a beach, has an important cultural heritage.
Varna is considered the maritime capital of Bulgaria and it will sound familiar to many because it is one of the settings for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Fix the accommodation here and prepare for the next stage.
It is an ancient city and the passage of Roman civilization has left a very visible mark. Proof of this we found near the port, its gigantic Roman baths, the fourth largest in the world (they occupied about 7000 m²) and stage for concerts, exhibitions, plays and even opera recitals. A large part of the treasures found in these baths were transferred to the Varna Archaeological Museum, which possibly houses the most important collection in the country and a must-see on your visit to Varna.
The hotel offer in Varna is very large and you can find accommodation even though we have left everything to the last minute. From Varna we set off north on the last stage of the trip towards Durankulak, almost touching neighboring Romania.
Along the way we find the charming town of Balchik, which hides a beautiful palace that will now celebrate its first century and that it is one of the reference places for tourism in Bulgaria. The surroundings of the palace are dressed in colors thanks to its Botanical Garden, which runs through the facilities to the sea between waterfalls and delicate rose bushes. It is an example of the taste I had Maria of Romania for British art.
The Botanical Garden of the Balchik Palace
Halfway through and leaving Balchik behind, you have to spend a day at the beach in Bolata Bay. Bolata is a wild beach, shaped like a shell and with a very interesting aquatic fauna. That is why the practice of diving is one of the attractions, despite the fact that the most interesting beaches are a little further on. More specifically in Rusalka, where you can also eat very good seafood in the local restaurants.
If there is still enough energy left, the best way to end this adventure is without a doubt enjoying a sunset in the Shabla lake nature reserve. When the day dies, the sun burns on the waters of the lake, a place where many migratory birds come and that make this nature reserve the most instagrammable of the trip.
Accommodation is not easy in these parts so there are two options, Follow the road to Durankulak beach or return to Varna and let the Sunny Beach night do the rest. It will be for options.
Sunset at Shabla lake nature reserve