Sunny Beach holidays: where it's all Blue-Flag beach vibes, waterpark fun and yacht-spotting at the local marina.
Highlights
The biggest resort town in Bulgaria, with hotels and beaches to boot
Bangin' nightlife with beach bars and clubs galore
Home to Action Aquapark for a top family day out
Watersports for every mood
Scorchin' summers with highs of 30°C
What are the best beaches in Sunny Beach?
On the Beach talking about the best beaches in Sunny Beach? Oh, it's all very meta. Thankfully, this place does live up to its name, with a bunch of sandy spots to flop down a towel. Whether you're in the mood for quiet shores, waterpark madness or some beach party action, there's something for everything with these showstoppers:
Central Beach - we love a beach that's exactly what it says on the tin, and this central hub in Sunny Beach is just that, with soft sands, lively beach bars and plenty of loungers for all your sunbathing needs
South Beach - a family fave thanks to its shallow waters and handy facilities, including ice cream stands for a refreshing treat
Cacao Beach - the party hotspot of Sunny Beach, known for its legendary beach parties, epic DJ sets and boujee bars
Nessebar Beach - this stretch is just a short hop from Sunny Beach, serving up chilled vibes and gorg views of the Old Town
Nudy Pláž - if you look closely thenyou might guess from the name of this one, but in case you didn't - this unique little cove is known for its carefree, clothing-optional atmosphere. Very empowering, but maybe not somewhere to bring the kids.
Elenite Beach - you'll probably only visit this beach if you're staying in one of the hotels opposite (security can be pretty tight), and while you won't find any bars or restaurants along it, you will find a windsurfing school, plenty of sunbeds and parasols for hotel guests, and a jetty where boats leave daily to the Old Town of Nessebar
Sveti Vlas - perfect for a day with the fam, this sandy stretch is over 1km long and always booming, with watersports, a handy location close to the centre, and a bunch of restaurants and cosy pubs on offer
What are the top hotels in Sunny Beach?
The beaches might be the star of the show, but there are plenty of top hotels in Sunny Beach too - and they're ridiculously cheap. Whether you're a beach or pool kinda person (or both), these hotels in Bulgaria have got you covered:
Melia Sunny Beach Resort - you'll have 3 pools to dunk into here (plus a mini aquapark for the kiddos), as well as not one, but TWO buffet restaurants, and a beach right on your doorstep
Palace Sunny Beach - a budget-friendly option with everything you could need for a cracking holiday: a beachfront location, a poolside bar, and a karaoke bar with Guinness on draught!
Imperial - a fam-friendly resort with pools for everyone, a bunch of activities on offer, a kids' play area, a spa centre (for when you need some peace and quiet), and a beach just a short hop away
Sol Nessebar Palace - a 5-star beaut decked out with a mahoosive outdoor pool with waterslides, a lazy river, an ice cream stand down at the beach, and a sea-view paella bar
Garden Of Eden - this place is as heavenly as it sounds, with gorg views of the Black Sea, a whopping 8 pools to dunk into, daily sports, and a spa centre kitted out with all the essentials - from a sauna and Jacuzzi to Turkish bath services
Popular Sunny Beach hotels
Stunning Sunny Beach resorts
Weather in Sunny Beach
JAN
8°C
FEB
10°C
MAR
13°C
APR
17°C
MAY
23°C
JUN
27°C
JUL
31°C
AUG
30°C
SEP
26°C
OCT
21°C
NOV
15°C
DEC
12°C
Long story short: you'll defo be able to take your summer wardrobe for a spin. Springtime in Sunny Beach is when temperatures start to climb, hitting the 15-25°C mark - perfect for exploring and sunbathing. Summer is when the place really lives up to its name, though, reaching a scorching 25-30°C (and sometimes even hotter!), so don't forget to pack the Factor 50.
Naturally, autumn and winter are a bit cooler, but September to November still tend to stay at the 10-15°C mark, which, y'know, is just like summer back home... Temps do dip a bit more in winter, so you might need to layer up and swap the flip-flops for a fuller shoe, but you definitely won't need your snowboots.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Sunny Beach?
It takes around 3.5 hours to fly to Bulgaria from the UK/Ireland, which, if we were the Goldilocks of flight times, would be what we'd consider just right.
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Sunny Beach?
The local time in Sunny Beach is 2 hours ahead of the UK/Ireland, so don't forget to alter your devices when you arrive, or you'll be in for a pretty confusing time...
What currency do they use in Sunny Beach?
The official currency of Sunny Beach is the Bulgarian Lev.
What language do they speak in Sunny Beach?
No shocker here - Bulgarian is the official language spoken in Sunny Beach.
Take a stroll down Flower Street
Smack-dab in the middle of Sunny Beach, you'll find Flower Street. It's not exactly packed with blooms like the name suggests, but it is one of the only named streets in the area, and it has a ton of shops, bars and restaurants to explore. Think souvenir shops, pizza restaurants, beachy stalls, cosy bars - and even a Burger King, if you're missing a taste of home!
Give it your best slingshot
Real ones know what this is all about. Hands down the best ride at the fair. You'll find this beast along the pier, giving you the perfect beachy backdrop as you're launched over 100m into the air at 160 metres per hour. It's fast, it's intense, and it's definitely not for the fainthearted.
Explore Nessebar Old Town
We know what you're thinking - one of the things to do in Sunny Beach is leave Sunny Beach? Well, sort of. Nessebar Old Town is one of Bulgaria's most iconic tourist spots, and it's just a 15-minute drive from Sunny Beach, so it'd be rude not to. The cute cobbled streets are like something from an old Yorkshire town (but with more sun, obviously), decked out with gorg wooden houses and shops selling everything you can think of. Just a heads up that there are no public loos here though, so unless you're already eating out somewhere, you'll need to pay to use the facilities in one of the restaurants.
Have a paintball
We agree, it's a bit of an odd thing to do on holiday, but where there's a paintball park, there's a possibility! Whether you're away on a lads' holiday looking for some fun, or there's just a few of you looking for something different to do, this park offers 2-hour sessions with custom-built game zones and 100 paintballs each, so you can really get into it. Play safe!
Get your safari on
Day trips are always on the cards in Bulgaria, and Balkan safaris are up there with some of the most popular. Bundle into a 4x4 jeep with your fellow holiday pals and prepare for a day trip into the local village to get a taste of the food, culture, and - most importantly - wine. There are different packages you can book, but some even top the day off with a donkey ride before you head back to Sunny Beach. One word: epic.
Pamper yourself silly
There's practically a spa at every turn in this resort - what can we say? They love their R&R, and we're all for it. Most hotels have their very own spa on site so you don't even need to venture out, and it's your chance to indulge in a Jacuzzi dip, cheeky sauna sesh and a traditional Turkish bath experience - which, strangely, are super popular here. Don't knock it!
What events can I go to in Sunny Beach?
Sunny Beach holidays are all about the fun, and we're all about that. No matter what time of year you're jetting off, there's always something going on. Sports tournaments, beach parties, wine festivals - you name it! So, mark your calendar:
Sunny Beach Carnival (May) - an exciting and colourful carnival featuring parades, street performers and flamboyant costumes - what's not to love?!
Sunny Beach Film Festival (June) - this festival for the film-lovers showcases a mix of Bulgarian and international films right by the sea, with open-air screenings, Q&As with film-makers, and educational workshops.
Sunny Beach Music Festival (June) - summer kicks off with a bang at this whopper of a festival, bringing together local talent and international DJs for a beach party like no other. Just bangin' beats, neon lights and a crowd that's ready to dance 'til dawn.
Summer Fashion Show (July) - a glam event with runway shows from top designers, local boutiques and up-and-coming talents. This is your chance to catch a glimpse of the latest beachwear trends and maybe even bag a few extra pieces for your holiday wardrobe...
International Kite Festival (July) - your inner child will love this colourful festival. It's a feast for the eyes, attracting kite enthusiasts (yes, they exist), from all across the globe to show off their creations, as well as hosting kite-making workshops and contests along the beach.
Beach Volleyball Tournament (August) - this annual volleyball tournament is all about the drama, so whether you're a server or a spectator (guilty), you're in for a blast.
Sunny Beach Rock Fest (August) - the beach opens into a stage for some serious headbanging action, featuring a line-up of rock bands from around the globe. Grab your band tee and rock on!
Sunset Food & Wine Festival (September) - one for the foodies and wine-lovers, this festival celebrates good food and good wine, with stalls serving gourmet delights and delish vino.
Pirate Party Boat Parade (September) - slip into your best pirate gear (we know you've got some), and prepare to join the party with this themed cruise along the coast. Expect music, dancing and - of course - rum, on this swashbuckling adventure you won't forget. Well, depending just how much of that rum you have.
Sunny Beach Marathon (October) - normally this would be the opposite of what we'd want to do on holiday, but each to their own, right?! You're in for a proper scenic trail along the coast, too, so strap on your running shoes, feel that sea breeze, and start planning your post-race celebrations now.
Sunny Beach Wine Festival (November) - temperatures might be dipping, but this event is here to heat things up with a celebration of Bulgaria's winemaking traditions, with tastings from local vineyards, wine-pairing dinners and relaxing live music.
Where is the best nightlife in Sunny Beach?
Party animals, don't worry - you'll be kept happy on Sunny Beach holidays. It's the nightlife hub of Bulgaria, packed with nightclubs and bars where it's always popping off. Whether you're in the mood for chilled cocktails at sunset or a dance sesh that runs until the early hours, these guys have you covered:
Cacao Beach Club - think Ibiza vibes, but Bulgarian style, with international DJs lighting up the summer season
Bedroom Beach - as swanky as it gets, this classy nightclub has king-size Bali beds, an epic infinity pool and DJ sets to keep you dancing the night away
LAV Premium Club - a modern, premium club where it's all flashing lights and boomin' dancefloors, with weekly events and scantily-clad dancers up on podiums
Dance Club Viking - the biggest club in Sunny Beach, located along Flower Street with enough room for over 2,000 people. Expect international DJs, R&B parties, and late night discos (or early-morning discos...seeing as it's open from 11 'til dawn!)
Bar Mexo - if you prefer something a bit more laidback, then this beach bar is where it's at, with tropical-themed décor and a menu of cheap but delish cocktails
Revolution Music Factory - your one-stop-shop for wild, music-filled nights (from hip-hop to R&B), neon paint parties, ladies' nights and epic mash-ups
Coco Beach Bar - think 24-hour cocktails and a whole load of fun, with a cosy, modern setting and delish food
The Corner Bar & Diner - this place works around the clock to bring unique shows and live music to the table most nights, including go-go dancers, mega DJs and tasty cocktails to go with
Guava Beach Club - the go-to place for exclusive parties that bring in the best crowds, with UV paint parties, neon lights, comfy beanbags, live DJ sets and shisha
Sunny Beach Takeover Events - OK, so it's technically not a place, but this entertainment team have 10 years of experience under their belts, and they're always up to something in the resort, whether it's glow parties, bar crawls, boat parties, full moon parties, foam parties or more. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!
What’s the food like in Sunny Beach?
Food in Sunny Beach is like an adventure for your taste buds, with sizzlin' seafood, jam-packed kebabs and Bulgarian comfort food. If you're wondering where to start, give these a try:
Bulgarian kebapche - a juicy, cumin-spiced sausage grilled to perfection and best served with flatbread or a side of chips (or y'know...both)
Shopska salad - Bulgaria's pride and noy, this colourful salad is a mix of tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, onion and a generous sprinkling of sirene cheese (like feta but tangier)
Banitsa - this pastry is the ultimate comfort food, stuffed with a mix of eggs, yoghurt and sirene cheese, and then baked until crispy
Tarata - a chilled cucumber soup made with yoghurt, dill and garlic for the ultimate refreshment
Kavarma - a rich and hearty stew made with tender pork, mushrooms, peppers and tomatoes - cooked slowly and to absolute perfection
Tsatsa - little fish coated in batter and fried whole - it's a popular seaside street food
That's the local dishes sorted, but wondering where to try them? Well, there are plenty of top restaurants in Sunny Beach, and it's known for its casual, laidback vibes, so you're sure to find something. And if all else fails? You'll always have a trust McDonalds or Burger King to fall back on. But for a taste of the local stuff, try these:
Djanny - an iconic spot with a casual vibe and a menu bursting with grilled meat and seafood dishes
Hawaii Restaurant and Bar - a laidback venue right along the beachfront with killer views, delish cocktails and epic seafood platters
The Fat Cat - first of all...a moment for the name please. We love it. This is a British-owned pub with a Bulgarian twist, serving everything from hearty breakfasts to legendary Sunday roasts - perfect for the fam
Condor Bar - a bit of a hidden gem serving top-notch food at great prices, like their mixed grill and tasty moussaka. Just a heads up though, it's cash-only.
Emona - a friendly spot serving a mix of Bulgarian classics and international faves (we've heard the chicken fajitas and blue cheese broccoli are to die for), with a special area to keep the kiddos occupied
Funny Pub - don't be fooled by the name, this place means business when it comes to good grub. They do a killer kebapche and have a bunch of vegan options too, plus live music to keep the good vibes going
Places to visit
Action Aquapark
The name says it all with this one - if you're looking for some wet 'n' wild fun, then this is the place for you. Decked out with pools for the whole fam, a lazy river, a bubbling Jacuzzi, splashparks for the kiddos and all the twisty-turny waterslides you could possibly imagine - everyone's a winner here. Some of our fave attractions include Race Turbulence (it's fast, it's thrilling, and it's got cool coloured flashing lights), and the thrilling Kamikaze which'll have you plunging down an 80° slope. There's even a fast food corner and an ice cream house so you can refuel! Although, we recommend doing this after the Kamikaze...
Dinevi Marina
Who doesn't love a bit of cheeky yacht-spotting? At this place you'll get a taste of the champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget (providing you're not actually planning on buying a yacht...). Stroll around this swanky yacht centre for all the boujee vibes, surrounded by top-notch beaches, restaurants and lively nightclubs if you're swinging by after dark. It's a bit of a stroll from Sunny Beach, but just 15 minutes in a cab. We recommend stopping by at sunset for a gorg evening stroll (it's giving 10/10 date night), followed by drinks at one of the waterfront bars. Bliss.
Sunny Beach Go-Karting
If you prefer to experience your thrills on dry land, then this epic go-karting track in Sunny Beach is calling your name. Whether you prebook or just rock up and chance it on a quiet day, if you follow the pathways from Flower Street then you'll soon find the entrance to this place. You'll get a full rundown of everything you need to know, and it's here that you can decide just how much high-speed fun you're in the mood for (for reference, it's about 60 Levs for 15 minutes of racing). The track is 500m long with fast, smooth corners where you can get up to speeds of 80 km per hour. Whoosh! But just a heads up that the karts don't have power-steering, so you're in for a race and an arm workout. Personally, we're taking that as a plus!
Key facts about Sunny Beach
Flight Time
Around 3.5 hrs
Time Difference
+2 hrs
Currency
Bulgarian Lev
Language
Bulgarian
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Sunny Beach?
We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Sunny Beach?
Sunny Beach charges an overnight tax which varies depending on location and accommodation type. The rate ranges from 0.2 Bulgarian Lev to 3 Bulgarian Lev, per night.
