Bulgaria’s eastern edge, AKA the Black Sea Coast, is total bliss when it comes to beaches. Toasty rays blanket the sands and there’s a whole host to choose from, including buzzy-as-it-gets Sunny Beach and the quiet and quaint Old Town Beach in Nessebar.

Water sports for all ages, welcoming bars that are right on the water, semi-private plots that are primed for sunbathing… whatever’s on your beach must-have list, you’ll find it all here. Beach, here we come!

Central Beach, Sunny Beach

The clue’s in the name with this one. And it’s this sandy spot that sits at the heart of the resort that gives the town its name! Sunny Beach has gained Blue Flag status thanks to its impressive size and super-clean and tidy nature. It’s 4.5km long to be exact, so there’s plenty of space to spread out and relax. If you’re wanting to up the ante, why not visit one of the surf schools or water sports providers? There’s everything from banana boat rides to waterskiing!

The varied beach bars close by give it a party vibe but there are lots of things on offer for families too. Think beach volleyball, mini golf and fairground rides! As night falls, this is the hub of the town’s nightlife, so if you’re sticking around until the evening, you’ll be in for a real treat.

Sozopol Central Beach, Sozopol

Down the coast a little, in Sozopol, you’ll find this sand and shingle shore which is just a few minutes away from the bustling streets of the Old Town. It’s quieter than Sunny Beach but can still get quite busy during the summer months, so get down early to secure the best spot. Sip cocktails on a lounger or enjoy a tasty lunch al fresco.

If you’re coming from Sunny Beach, why not choose to cruise across instead of drive? It takes less time, and you can soak up the sea views along the way!

South Beach, St Vlas

Right in the centre of St Vlas lies this all-rounder. Its soft sands make it the perfect place for a day of sunbathing while the water is calm and shallow, so it’s ideal for younger swimmers. It’s more than 1,000 metres long, which means there’s plenty of space to lay out your towel. If you’d prefer a lounger and an umbrella, there are stacks available to hire.

At one end of the beach, there’s a handful of water sports on offer if you’re feeling daring. And there’s a great selection of café-bars and restaurants nearby where you can grab lunch and drinks.

Old Town Beach, Nessebar

This pebbly patch is a lot quieter and more laid-back than many of the other popular beaches in the region. It’s got a rugged and wild feel to it as much of it has been untouched by tourism. It’s just steps away from Nessebar’s picturesque Old Town too, so why not enjoy a welcome break from sightseeing on the sand?

If you want to escape the crowds and soak up the sunshine in peace and quiet, this could be just the spot!

Obzor Beach, Obzor

For a classic seaside day out, make a beeline for Obzor Beach. It’s got soft, golden sand, lots of loungers for hire and a variety of welcoming beach bars just steps from the sand. We reckon lazy days in the rays are definitely on the cards. If you do fancy mixing things up a bit though, you could join a surf class or game of beach volleyball.

North Beach, St Vlas

Want to feel like a VIP for the day? You’ll love everything that this St Vlas beach has to offer. The jet-set crowd flock to these shores for the swanky beach clubs that line the water’s edge. You can unwind on a plush daybed with the hum of chill-out tracks in the background and sip cool cocktails as you soak up the sunshine. The marina is within walking distance too, if you’re up for exploring!