Bulgaria’s Seaside Resorts

By Ty Treadwell

For travelers who want to experience the beauty of a European beach resort without paying outrageous prices, there’s nothing like the 230-mile Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. This area has been popular with European tourists for decades, and with Bulgaria’s economy still in the rebuilding stage, it’s incredibly cheap for Americans.

Two of the most popular towns are Sozopol, an artistic community famous for its folk festivals and art galleries, and the ancient port town of Nessebur, with dozens of Byzantine churches and unique 19th-century houses.

Traveling from town to town is easy and inexpensive. One-way bus passes cost $1 or $2 depending on the distance traveled; taxis cost 25 cents for a pickup and roughly 35 cents per mile after that. There are no added charges for additional passengers.

Accommodations on the Black Sea coast are plentiful and inexpensive. A room with private bath, satellite TV, refrigerator, and a sea view costs $7-$15 per person.

Restaurants also charge rock-bottom prices for delicious food in large portions; there’s no extra a charge for the breathtaking sea views from the outdoor tables. Expect to pay $6-$8 for a traditional 4-course meal with wine and beer. Tza-small finger-sized fish which is fried whole and served in large bowls like pretzels, costs about 50 cents for a large bowl.

Most of the activities on the coast are either free (or very cheap) as well. Visiting the hundreds of powder-soft beaches, strolling through the cobblestone streets, and admiring the ancient Roman ruins or the Byzantine churches are enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon. Several of the towns also feature archeological or ethnographic museums.

Bulgarian State Agency For Tourism offers information describing the Black Sea beaches, strolling through the cobblestone streets, and admiring the ancient Roman ruins or the Byzantine churches are enjoyable ways to spend an afternoon.