Sea and beaches

Sun, sand and the warm waters of the Black Sea are a priceless treasure - for Bulgaria, and for everyone who visits it. Thanks to its geography, the coast offers an unusually varied landscape: rivers, lakes, lowlands and valleys give way to forests and finally to mountains that fall directly into the sea.

Clear water, long sandy beaches, reliable summer weather, historic towns, rich culture, nature reserves, abundant flora and fauna, a wide range of water sports, a strong restaurant and shop scene, and excellent local food and wine - that's the short list. Sunny Beach in particular is famed for its 8-km strip of fine golden sand and one of the warmest sea temperatures on the coast.

Next door is Nessebar, a UNESCO-listed museum-town on a small rocky peninsula tied to the mainland by a thin causeway. Heading south, Sveti Vlas has built a reputation for clean mountain-meets-sea air, Sozopol charms with its winding old-town alleys and Primorsko offers a 10-km beach edged by ancient oak forest.