Popular Black Sea resort town with a long sandy beach, water parks, and lively nightlife. Known for its warm summer climate and affordable accommodations.
Sunny Beach Resort stretches along 8 kilometers of golden sand on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. This active seaside destination has a wide beach, lively nightlife, and activities for all ages. You can spend your days at water parks, join beach activities, or take a short trip to the nearby ancient town of Nessebar. Whether you're looking to relax on the shore or dance the night away, Sunny Beach has something for every visitor.
Beach and Water Sports
The heart of Sunny Beach is its expansive shoreline. You can spend your days lounging on the soft sand or participating in various water sports. The beach gradually slopes into the warm waters of the Black Sea, making it suitable for swimming and paddling. Along the shore, you'll find many beach bars and restaurants where you can grab a drink or a bite to eat. For those seeking more excitement, try jet-skiing, parasailing, or banana boat rides.
Nightlife Scene
As the sun sets, Sunny Beach becomes energetic. The main strip fills with neon-lit bars, nightclubs, and music venues. You can join organized bar crawls to meet fellow travelers or explore the nightlife on your own. During the peak summer season, well-known DJs often perform at larger clubs. If you prefer a more relaxed evening, many beachfront bars serve cocktails and have live music with ocean views.
Family Fun
Sunny Beach has many activities to keep families entertained. Action Aquapark, located in the resort, has water slides, pools, and play areas for children of all ages. Luna Park, an amusement park with rides and games, is another spot families often visit. You can also find mini-golf courses, playgrounds, and organized activities for kids at many of the resort's hotels.
Exploring Nessebar
A short distance from Sunny Beach lies the ancient town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can take a day trip to walk its cobblestone streets, see well-preserved medieval churches, and learn about its 3,000-year history. The old town, situated on a peninsula, connects to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Here, you can visit museums, browse local craft shops, and eat at traditional Bulgarian restaurants with views of the sea.
Places to Stay and Eat
Sunny Beach has a wide range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences. You'll find everything from large all-inclusive resorts to smaller family-run hotels and apartments. Many hotels have their own pools, restaurants, and entertainment programs.
For dining, you can try traditional Bulgarian cuisine at local restaurants or choose familiar international dishes. Seafood is particularly fresh in the area. Local specialties include shopska salad, kavarma (a meat stew), and banitsa (a savory pastry).
Getting Around and When to Visit
Buses connect Sunny Beach to nearby cities and attractions. Taxis are readily available, but be sure to agree on the fare before starting your journey. Many visitors rent bicycles or scooters to explore the area at their own pace.
The busiest tourist season in Sunny Beach runs from June to August, when the weather is warmest and sunniest. If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, consider visiting in May or September. The resort is much quieter during the off-season, with many businesses closed from October to April.