When thinking of beaches in Europe, the Mediterranean naturally springs to mind. Beautiful but crowded beaches, inflated prices and the who’s who of European society make the Mediterranean somewhat inaccessible to the common traveler.
On the edge of Eastern Europe lies the Black Sea. Six countries surround the sea, clockwise from Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Turkey.
The Black Sea has always been a popular destination for residents of those countries. Because of political disharmony and a lack of money, it was never enjoyed to its potential. Since development boomed in the last decade, the Black Sea is the destination of choice for the rest of Europe, especially for British and Germans.
Romania and Bulgaria enjoy long, sunny stretches of the coast, some 600 km in total. From sizzling nightlife to laidback casual, historical villages to all-inclusive resorts, there’s a beach for all tastes and budgets.
Romania's Beach Scene is Compact but Lively
Because of the northern geography of Romania, there is one major destination that draws sun seekers in summertime: Constanta. In the north, however, is Danube Delta. While not a beach destination, it is a unique spot along the Black Sea, and worth a visit.
-Danube Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is Europe’s largest and best-preserved delta. It’s where the Danube River runs into the Black Sea. Home to the largest marshland in Europe and more than 300 species of birds, it is a rare and beautiful place. The best way to see it is with an organized boat tour.
-Constanta: Often considered the most important city in Romania, it is certainly the oldest. Founded around 600 BC, it is the northernmost beach destination that attracts locals and tourists from around Europe. Beaches further north don’t enjoy the same warm climate and provide unreliable temperatures in the summer. It’s about a 215 km bus ride northwest of Bucharest.
Romanian Beach Resorts
-Mamaia: Romania’s largest tourist resort.
-Neptun: former president Ceausescu kept a villa here. It is still used by presidents.
-Eforie: noted for spas and therapeutic treatments.
-Jupiter
-Venus
-Saturn
-Olimp
-Mangalia
Bulgarian Beaches are Packed with Options
The more popular beach destination, Bulgaria is also more affected by tourism and is heavily built up in places like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands. The shore is so long – 378 km – that there is plenty of diversity and still-undiscovered nooks. There are more than 40 beach towns along the seaside. Here are some highlights north to south:
-Albena: The northernmost beach destination of Bulgaria, it is one of the original resorts in the country. Built in the 1960s specifically for vacationers, the hotels are strategically placed on the beach to allow for sunshine and beach access. The setting is naturally beautiful with warm, calm waters and fine sand. Along the shore runs the Baltata National Reserve, a dense wet forest.
-Golden Sands: This resort attracts devoted visitors from around Europe because of its large size, easy access and good prices. Less than 20 km from Varna, it enjoys close proximity to the action and culture of the big city, plus the tranquility of Golden Sands National Park, which is right next door.
Bulgaria's Seaside Capital
-Varna: The largest city on the Bulgarian seaside has plenty of parks, an opera house and fantastic seafood. The “summer capital” has plenty of places to get away from the bustle of the city. Kamchiya nature reserve, the royal palace of Balchik and the hillside monastery Aladzha are tranquil escapes any time of year. Kamchiya resort, about 25km south of Varna, is a notable nude beach.
-Sunny Beach: The biggest and most popular resort town, it is largely said to have been overdeveloped in the past decade. Bulgaria’s longest and widest beach supports 800 hotels. The nightlife is very active, attracting many young visitors. For more intimate, trendy cafes and culture, Nesebar is only a short walk away.
Black Sea Beach Towns
-Nesebar: An ancient town, wanderers can pick along cobblestone streets and marvel at structures thousands of years old. Often called a city-museum, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Town has cozy accommodations and two beaches, while the New Town has new hotels and close proximity to Sunny Beach, about three kilometers away.
-Burgas: Along the Sea Park is a stretch of beach, about two or three kilometers long. The beach is very accessible from the city centre and a nice spot for a dip after a day of sightseeing. The beach is not as nice, however, as others in the region.
-Sozopol: About 35 km south of Burgas is one of Bulgaria’s prettiest beach towns. Home to the Apollonia Art and Film Festival in September, the summer months are buzzing with people, music and flavorful food.
Booking.com
-Sinemorets: A nature lover’s paradise, this lovely beach town was largely unknown until very recently. Clear water, sunshine and forests make it a beautiful setting for a low key accommodations or camping.
Author Sunil S.
On the edge of Eastern Europe lies the Black Sea. Six countries surround the sea, clockwise from Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Georgia and Turkey.
The Black Sea has always been a popular destination for residents of those countries. Because of political disharmony and a lack of money, it was never enjoyed to its potential. Since development boomed in the last decade, the Black Sea is the destination of choice for the rest of Europe, especially for British and Germans.
Romania and Bulgaria enjoy long, sunny stretches of the coast, some 600 km in total. From sizzling nightlife to laidback casual, historical villages to all-inclusive resorts, there’s a beach for all tastes and budgets.
Romania's Beach Scene is Compact but Lively
Because of the northern geography of Romania, there is one major destination that draws sun seekers in summertime: Constanta. In the north, however, is Danube Delta. While not a beach destination, it is a unique spot along the Black Sea, and worth a visit.
-Danube Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is Europe’s largest and best-preserved delta. It’s where the Danube River runs into the Black Sea. Home to the largest marshland in Europe and more than 300 species of birds, it is a rare and beautiful place. The best way to see it is with an organized boat tour.
-Constanta: Often considered the most important city in Romania, it is certainly the oldest. Founded around 600 BC, it is the northernmost beach destination that attracts locals and tourists from around Europe. Beaches further north don’t enjoy the same warm climate and provide unreliable temperatures in the summer. It’s about a 215 km bus ride northwest of Bucharest.
Romanian Beach Resorts
-Mamaia: Romania’s largest tourist resort.
-Neptun: former president Ceausescu kept a villa here. It is still used by presidents.
-Eforie: noted for spas and therapeutic treatments.
-Jupiter
-Venus
-Saturn
-Olimp
-Mangalia
Bulgarian Beaches are Packed with Options
The more popular beach destination, Bulgaria is also more affected by tourism and is heavily built up in places like Sunny Beach and Golden Sands. The shore is so long – 378 km – that there is plenty of diversity and still-undiscovered nooks. There are more than 40 beach towns along the seaside. Here are some highlights north to south:
-Albena: The northernmost beach destination of Bulgaria, it is one of the original resorts in the country. Built in the 1960s specifically for vacationers, the hotels are strategically placed on the beach to allow for sunshine and beach access. The setting is naturally beautiful with warm, calm waters and fine sand. Along the shore runs the Baltata National Reserve, a dense wet forest.
-Golden Sands: This resort attracts devoted visitors from around Europe because of its large size, easy access and good prices. Less than 20 km from Varna, it enjoys close proximity to the action and culture of the big city, plus the tranquility of Golden Sands National Park, which is right next door.
Bulgaria's Seaside Capital
-Varna: The largest city on the Bulgarian seaside has plenty of parks, an opera house and fantastic seafood. The “summer capital” has plenty of places to get away from the bustle of the city. Kamchiya nature reserve, the royal palace of Balchik and the hillside monastery Aladzha are tranquil escapes any time of year. Kamchiya resort, about 25km south of Varna, is a notable nude beach.
-Sunny Beach: The biggest and most popular resort town, it is largely said to have been overdeveloped in the past decade. Bulgaria’s longest and widest beach supports 800 hotels. The nightlife is very active, attracting many young visitors. For more intimate, trendy cafes and culture, Nesebar is only a short walk away.
Black Sea Beach Towns
-Nesebar: An ancient town, wanderers can pick along cobblestone streets and marvel at structures thousands of years old. Often called a city-museum, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Town has cozy accommodations and two beaches, while the New Town has new hotels and close proximity to Sunny Beach, about three kilometers away.
-Burgas: Along the Sea Park is a stretch of beach, about two or three kilometers long. The beach is very accessible from the city centre and a nice spot for a dip after a day of sightseeing. The beach is not as nice, however, as others in the region.
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-Sozopol: About 35 km south of Burgas is one of Bulgaria’s prettiest beach towns. Home to the Apollonia Art and Film Festival in September, the summer months are buzzing with people, music and flavorful food.
Booking.com
-Sinemorets: A nature lover’s paradise, this lovely beach town was largely unknown until very recently. Clear water, sunshine and forests make it a beautiful setting for a low key accommodations or camping.
Author Sunil S.
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