Slynchev Bryag, better known as Sunny Beach, is one of the most popular seaside resorts in Bulgaria. In this fun place you will find all the standard beach activities: discos, karaoke, restaurants, shops, attractions, the sandy coast of the Black Sea. And although in autumn beach holidays are gradually fading away, it is worth flying here for a cultural program and excursions. For those who want to get acquainted with the history and traditions of Bulgaria, we will tell you where you can go by car or bus in one day.
How to get to Sunny Beach?
The cost of a flight to Burgas starts from 23,000 rubles * per person round-trip. In a pandemic, tourists need to have a certificate of completion of the full course of vaccination, a negative PCR test, or a certificate of a disease that has already been transferred. Shuttles, taxis and rare suburban buses run from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach, the schedule of which is better to find out in advance.
Where to stay in Sunny Beach?
- Best Western PLUS Premium Inn – from $45 per night per person*;
- Cantilena Complex — from $35 per person per night*;
- Grand Hotel Oasis by Asteri Hotels – from $65 per night per person*.
How to travel along the coast?
The distances between attractions are mostly small, so you can travel by bus and taxi. But it is more convenient to rent a car right at the airport so as not to adjust to the public transport schedule. Renting a car in Burgas on OneTwoTrip will cost 2000 rubles* per day.
Nessebar – Ravda – Pomorie
Nessebar is located just five kilometers from Sunny Beach. The old city with a lively tourist center and a rich architectural heritage is more like a museum. The similarity is emphasized by the preserved archaeological zones, where you can still see the Roman layout of the streets, the ruins of the early Byzantine baths and the fortress wall , as well as numerous churches, among which the Church of John the Baptist of the 10th-11th centuries and the Basilica of the Most Holy Theotokos Tenderness of the 5th century stand out. On the bridge that connects the old and new parts of Nessebar, it is impossible to miss the wooden mill, which is widely replicated on all souvenirs and postcards. In no other coastal town in Bulgaria you will find such a rich selection of classic gifts and handicrafts from local manufactories. Therefore, we must not forget to set aside time for shopping for memory. You can get acquainted with Bulgarian specialties on a tour of the Messembria winery.
Walking time: about two hours.
The territory of Nessebar imperceptibly flows into the village of Ravda . The democratic resort of eternal youth is popular among the Bulgarian youth and is saturated with an atmosphere of carelessness, fun and adventure. People come here to take lessons in surfing and other water sports during the day, and in the evening to meet sunsets in numerous beach and city bars.
Walk time: 40 minutes.
Half an hour drive from Ravda, on a small cape, is the town of Pomorie. Sea salt began to be mined here, according to archaeologists, even before our era. Until the beginning of the 20th century, local salt production was considered the largest in Bulgaria. Today, tourists can see the technology of extraction by the evaporation of sea water and learn the history of fishing in the Salt Museum . Another popular entertainment in Pomorie is spa treatments with therapeutic mud, which are best ordered in advance.
Time for inspection: from an hour.
Entrance: from four lev*.
Burgas – Sozopol – Ropotamo – Ravadinovo
Burgas is the administrative center, the largest city on the coast and the fourth largest in Bulgaria. The daily life of the city contrasts markedly with the general holiday mood of neighboring settlements. It is all the more interesting to walk along the central streets and business districts, go shopping, look into archaeological or historical museums. The mandatory program also includes a modern embankment with a well-groomed promenade, a long pier and a white openwork staircase. And in order to have a useful and exciting time with children at the Planetum Science Center , it is not necessary to know the Bulgarian language, because many of the exhibits are interactive.
Walk time : two hours.
The architectural and historical reserve Old Sozopol near Burgas is included in the list of UNESCO architectural heritage. Similar to Nessebar, it is more cozy and intimate. Two-story houses made of stone and wood, covered with red tiles, turn the streets into outdoor film sets. The remains of the fortress wall remind of military victories. One of the largest colonies of seagulls in Bulgaria lives on sandy and pebbly beaches. Views of the Black Sea cliffs will appeal to romantics.
Walking time: two hours.
Six kilometers from Sozopol, in the village of Ravadinovo, one of the most unusual sights of the coast is located – a fantasy, richly decorated castle “Wind in Love” , referring to Hungarian and Romanian originals. Gargoyles and vampires nest on gabled roofs and turrets, fabulous chimeras and weeping angels hide in the yard. The large park is decorated with fountains and ponds where ducks, swans and other animals live. But the amazing castle has no historical value – it is a modern tourist complex built by a private Bulgarian investor. Here, for example, you can organize a banquet or find a way out of the quest room.
Visiting time: one and a half hours.
Entrance: 20 lev*.
Approximately 15 kilometers from Ravadinovo, the Ropotamo River flows. In the 11th century, the border between Byzantium and Bulgaria passed along it. In contrast to the beaches, the hilly forest landscapes look unusual. The unprecedented popularity of the Ropotamo reserve among tourists and residents of Bulgaria began to threaten the local ecology. Therefore, today measures are being taken to preserve the natural balance: you can visit the reserve as part of an excursion on a small river boat, from which it is forbidden to go ashore. About 250 species of birds nest on the river, and roe deer, deer, wild boars and other animals live in the reserve.
Tour time: hour. Tour cost: from 10 lev per person*.
Plovdiv — Veliko Tarnovo
On this trip you can fully enjoy the Bulgarian landscapes: green valleys, fertile fields, plantations and mountains. From the coast to the city of Veliko Tarnovo, you will spend at least four hours on the way. On the way, you can make a small detour and stop by one of the largest cities in Bulgaria – Plovdiv, famous for its peaches. Read more about what to do there in this article .
The relief of the ancient medieval town of Veliko Tarnovo challenges even experienced travelers. On cobbled winding streets with homemade coffee shops and craft shops, you will not find a flat place. Some of the districts are built on cliffs, and the houses seem to hang on the rocks. Some of them are even connected by glass bridges or decorated with transparent terraces. It is interesting to visit the Mini-Bulgaria park and an unusual monument to the four Asenians, the founders of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom, during which the most powerful flowering of Bulgaria fell.
Walking time: from two hours.
The architectural dominant of Veliko Tarnovo – the fortress of Tsarevets – is located on a high hill, at the foot of which the Yantra River flows. This citadel was first mentioned in the 12th century, and today it has risen from ruins as a result of a large-scale reconstruction. Powerful walls keep the story of love, which is told at the entrance to all visitors. During public holidays, the castle hosts a laser show.
Time to visit: one hour .
Entrance: from three lev* .
*Prices are valid at the time of publication