Sunny Beach

Слънчев бряг

Bulgaria's biggest and liveliest beach resort, with a vast stretch of golden sand, water parks and endless bars and clubs. It's the go-to destination for party-seekers and family beach holidays on the coast.

Things to do

• Relax on the Main Beach — Stretch out on the 8-kilometre arc of soft golden sand that gives the resort its name, with gentle shallow waters ideal for families.
• Action Aquapark — Cool off on twisting slides, wave pools and lazy rivers at one of the resort's large water parks near the resort centre.
• Explore Nesebar Old Town — Wander the cobbled streets and ancient churches of this UNESCO-listed peninsula just a short bus or boat ride south of Sunny Beach.
• Sunny Beach nightlife strip — Bar-hop along the packed central strip where clubs, cocktail bars and foam parties keep going until sunrise.
• Watersports on the shore — Try jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats and windsurfing from the numerous rental stations along the beachfront.
• Boat trip along the coast — Join a pirate-themed or catamaran cruise from the marina for swimming stops and views of Nesebar and the bay.
• Aqua Paradise Water Park — Spend a day at this large themed park with slides and pools on the edge of the resort.

Food to try

• Shopska salad — The classic Bulgarian starter of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and onions topped with grated white sirene cheese.
• Grilled Black Sea fish — Seek out fresh tsatsa (fried sprats) or grilled sea bass at seafront taverns and mehanas.
• Kavarma — A slow-cooked clay-pot stew of meat, onions and peppers served bubbling hot in traditional restaurants.
• Banitsa — Flaky filo pastry filled with white cheese and egg, best eaten fresh from a bakery for breakfast.
• Rakia — Bulgaria's potent fruit brandy, traditionally sipped with salad before a meal.
• Kebapche and lyutenitsa — Grilled minced-meat rolls served with the smoky red pepper and tomato relish found on every table.

Local customs & good to know

• Nodding means no — Bulgarians traditionally shake their head for yes and nod for no, which can confuse visitors, so confirm verbally.
• Carry small change — The currency is the Bulgarian lev, and many beach vendors, buses and small bars prefer cash over cards.
• Watch for aggressive touts — Along the strip, promoters push clubs and menus hard, so agree prices clearly and be cautious with overpriced tourist spots.
• Use the resort minibuses — Cheap shuttle buses run frequently between Sunny Beach, Nesebar and nearby Sveti Vlas, making it easy to explore without a car.

Nearby

• Nessebar — 4 km
• Cape Emine — 15 km
• Pomorie — 16 km
• Obzor — 19 km