Black Sea Bulgaria
The Black Sea in Bulgaria: so much more than Sunny Beach
When people think of the Black Sea in Bulgaria, most immediately picture Sunny Beach. This popular resort is famous for its lively nightlife, long sandy beaches and crowds of party-loving travellers. But the Bulgarian coast has so much more to offer than just sun, sea and nightlife.
Sander first visited this part of Bulgaria in 2022, exploring the countryside and coastline with a rental car. Now, in 2025, we are back together – this time travelling with our own campervan as part of a longer road trip.
In this blog we share our experiences and tips for the most beautiful places along the Black Sea, showing you why this region is much more than just Sunny Beach.
Nessebar: the oldest city in Europe
Just a short distance from Sunny Beach lies Nessebar, the oldest city in Europe and proudly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town sits on a narrow peninsula, connected to the mainland by a small dam. Walking into the old town feels like stepping into an open-air museum. Everywhere you look are remains of Byzantine churches, ancient ruins and traditional wooden houses that together create a unique atmosphere.
What makes Nessebar special is the mix of culture and relaxation. As you wander the cobbled streets, you come across small shops, cafés and restaurants serving fresh fish and Bulgarian dishes. Beyond the old centre there is more to enjoy. The long promenade along the coast is perfect for cycling. And of course, as Dutchies, we had our bikes with us – a great way to discover both the town and the coastline.
Nessebar is the perfect place where history and holiday vibes go hand in hand, ideal for combining a day of culture with a relaxed bike ride by the sea.
Burgas: lively city by the sea
A little further south along the Black Sea you reach Burgas, the fourth largest city in Bulgaria. Where Nessebar charms with its history, Burgas surprises with a mix of city life, nature and beaches. At the heart of the city lies the Sea Garden, a large park stretching along the coast. It’s perfect for a walk in the shade, a bike ride, or simply to enjoy the views of the sea while escaping the busy streets.
Burgas also has several beaches right next to the city, making it easy to switch between sightseeing and relaxing. From the harbour you can take a boat to St. Anastasia, a small island with a monastery and wonderful views over the Black Sea. The city also has plenty of cultural spots, from archaeological finds to modern art exhibitions.
What makes Burgas truly special is the nature around it. Just outside the city you’ll find the Burgas lakes, an important stop for migrating birds. Thousands of them gather here, including flamingos and pelicans – a paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.
Burgas is a destination that offers much more than just sun and sea. It’s a city where culture, nature and the coast come together in a relaxed and authentic way.
Practical tips for your trip
Our first experience with Bulgaria was back in 2022, when Sander explored the coast with a rental car. It was the perfect way to visit towns, nature reserves and coastal cities like Nessebar and Burgas. Parking was never a problem – in almost every town you can find large spaces close to the centre.
Now, in 2025, we returned to Bulgaria, this time with our own campervan as part of a longer journey. To our relief, parking with the camper was just as easy. Both in Nessebar and Burgas there are big car parks on the edge of the centre where campers are welcome. These spots are also listed in the Park4night app, which makes finding a place even easier.
So whether you travel with a rental car or your own camper, both options give you the freedom to explore the Bulgarian coast and inland areas at your own pace.