I’m not a typical “sand, sun and sea” person so I never really liked visiting the Black Sea in Bulgaria. That was until last summer when I realized that the Bulgarian coast has so much more to offer than just long sandy beaches and trendy bars.
If you’re an adventurous type of person, like me, and you don’t like to stay in one place doing nothing, I have great news for you. There are plenty of exciting things to do on the Bulgarian seaside that doesn’t include drinking cheap alcohol or sunbathing for hours.
Here are some of my favourite places on the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria from north to south that I recommend you to visit on your next sea holiday in the country.
★ Tyulenovo and its wild, steep shores
Tyulenovo is a small village, located 61 km north of Varna. What makes it special are the steep shores and stunning view to the Black Sea. You can walk around and glaze at the horizon for hours. There’s also a cave in the rocks that you can climb down on an old, metal ladder and enjoy the serenity of the place there.
The Ashaluk area, on the other side, is a great diving spot. In fact, every year, an mass event for cliff jumping is held there. I’m yet to try it but still gathering courage.
Another great thing you can see in Tyulenovo area are endless sunflower fields. There’s a short period of time – in the middle of July, where sunflowers shine in all their glory. If you are around in that time of the year, you can stumble upon sunsets like this one…
★ Beach Bolata – favourite place for kayaking
A good alternative for a coffee in the morning is kayaking for the sunrise – one of my most favourite activities on the Black Sea. Calm waters, fresh breeze, stunning views, and if you’re lucky – some dolphins swimming around, can be the best start of the day.
Kayaking on sunrise with friends from Sea Kayaking Bulgaria from beach Bolata last year
I’ve been lucky enough to experience different kayaking tours in the region with my friends from TRIP Kavarna but the ones that start from Bolata are my favourites. The coast is beautiful, there is a small cave on the way that you can go into, a big rock to go around and some great beaches on the way.
★ Levana Guest House – local traditions and hospitality
Levana Guest House is located in Balgarevo village just below beach Bolata. The traditional atmosphere in the house will make you want to stay forever. The big courtyard is a perfect place to read a book or enjoy your coffee when you’re not running around exploring the beautiful area.
What’s the most special thing, thought, is the home made food that Krasi can cook for you with local sea products. Moreover, there are many activities you can take part of – such as boat riding or biking for the sunrise.
★ Wind and beauty at Cape Emine
Cape Emine is the easternmost point of the Balkan mountain. It is also the end point of the famous Kom-Emine hiking route. There is a small lighthouse and a beautiful view to the sea.
It’s not easy at all to get to Cape Emine. The road is under construction and we basically had to drive on rocks and dust (that was in 2016). But the final destination was definitely worth it.
★ Sozopol – a memory from the past
The old town of Sozopol is one of the most romantic places on the Black Sea coast. It’s full with history and charm and is located close to lots of good beaches and sites to visit in the area. During the peak summer months – July and August, it’s full of tourists but it’s still a good place to enjoy your summer holiday.
★ St. Ivan – the largest Bulgarian island on the Black Sea
We were lucky enough to have visited St. Ivan island during a perfect time this summer – the unique turquoise colour of the Black Sea made the scenery looks surreal.
The island itself is not that big, you can take a walk around for about half an hour. There is a lighthouse and some other buildings, but in general, the nature is fully preserved.
Boat ride from Sozopol to St. Ivan island
In order to get to St. Ivan island, we went to the port in Sozopol, looked around for someone who had a boat and asked him to give us a ride. We bargained a price for 4 people (around 40 Levas, 20 Euro) and half an hour later, we were enjoying a walk on the island. Even the boat ride itself was totally worth it.
★ Wake Up Varvara – where time doesn’t exist
Wake Up Varvara is a small and tranquil beach in Varvara village, south of Sozopol. There is a bar with various cocktails where you can spend hours enjoying the view and nice weather. I visited Varvara beach earlier this summer with some friend and we spent several hours without noticing how the time passed.
What makes the place even better is the nearby restaurant “Pri Dimo” where you can take a break from the cocktails and enjoy a warm welcome and delicious sea food on affordable prices.
★ Silistar beach – the pearl of the south
Located on the south Black Sea coast, hidden in the woods lays Silistar beach – unspoilt and beautiful place to spend an hour or two sunbathing. During peak season there are many people there so you may want to visit in May or September. Nevertheless, Silistar remains one of my favourite places on the Black Sea coast in Bulgaria. Follow
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Read more:
> 20 wonderful travel experience in Bulgaria
> Sea kayaking on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast
