Summary of Best Attractions in Sunny Beach
Sunny Beach is renowned as one of Europe’s vibrant party capitals, where visitors encounter a plethora of clubs and bars brimming with revelers during the peak months of July and August. This lively destination in Bulgaria attracts students and stag parties alike, ensuring they enjoy an exhilarating holiday experience.
The expansive sandy beach and nightlife are complemented by a water park and amusement park, alongside a variety of daytime activities, including diving and day trips.
Let’s examine the top attractions in Sunny Beach:
1. The Beachfront
The atmosphere at Sunny Beach resembles that of the most popular Mediterranean resorts.
The beach extends for several kilometers along Flower Street and is characterized by its broad stretch of golden sand.
Visitors can rent umbrellas and sun loungers, ensuring that all necessary amenities and services are conveniently located nearby.
For younger party enthusiasts, numerous beachfront bars feature DJs, while families with children will find playgrounds and inflatable castles dotting the promenade.
2. Irakli
By venturing away from the main thoroughfare and following the coastal road toward Cape Emine, you will arrive at Irakli Beach.
This serene location offers a refreshing contrast to the bustling Sunny Beach strip.
The area is minimally developed, with wooded hills rising behind the beach’s golden sands. You may enjoy a leisurely stroll along the sandy shores beneath the towering bluffs that define Irakli’s eastern boundary.
On clear days, the waters at Irakli exhibit remarkable clarity, and the mild currents are generally safe for most swimmers.
3. Nightlife
Sunny Beach has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s most exhilarating party destinations, rivaling Malia and Kavos in popularity among the 18-30 demographic.
The resort features approximately 15 bars and nightclubs, many of which are large venues capable of accommodating hundreds of patrons, offering themed nights complete with paint and foam parties.
Additionally, several companies in Sunny Beach arrange evening bar crawls and various activities throughout the day.
Consequently, for party enthusiasts, the offerings are quite satisfying.
4. Turkish Bath
For those visiting Sunny Beach for festivities or extended clubbing sessions, spending a couple of hours at a Turkish Bath can provide excellent rejuvenation.
The Erma Spa, located in the center of the resort, features a Hammam where guests begin in a “hot room,” followed by a refreshing wash with cold water and a massage.
In addition, women have the option to enjoy various cosmetic treatments and manicure-pedicure services, allowing all visitors to leave feeling revitalized.
5. Action Aquapark
Action Aquapark, Bulgaria’s premier water park, has been in operation since 2001 and continues to expand each year.
It features 30 water attractions, providing a range of experiences from thrilling slides to tranquil rivers and pools.
If you seek excitement, head directly to the Free Fall slide, which reaches speeds of up to 70 km/h, or the daunting Kamikaze slide, standing at a height of 18 meters.
For younger guests, the Kids Zone offers shallow pools for splashing around in as well as a pirate-themed Adventure Island complete with rope bridges and nets.
6. Sunny Beach Luna Park
Sunny Beach boasts a substantial amusement park featuring a variety of thrilling rides and games.
Adults and older children can enjoy exhilarating rides such as The Booster, while smaller visitors can delight in carousels and the Family Apple Coaster themed around caterpillars.
There are also traditional fairground games that evoke nostalgia and joy.
7. Diving
Located nearby Nesebar, Angel Divers is a five-star PADI dive resort.
The center offers courses and excursions for divers of all levels, organizing trips across the Black Sea coast.
Whether you are a beginner interested in your first dive, seeking certification, or a seasoned diver exploring new waters, you will find suitable opportunities here.
For wreck diving enthusiasts, Sunny Beach is home to numerous vessels submerged off its coast, including several German U-boats.
8. Karting Track
Sunny Beach features a go-kart track conveniently located just off the Burgas-Varna road.
This family-friendly venue imposes speed restrictions on children’s karts, allowing younger individuals, usually from eight or nine years old, to participate safely.
However, the karting track presents an appealing alternative for adults and young adults seeking excitement beyond the beach or water park.
The well-maintained 400-meter track is staffed by friendly and helpful personnel.
9. Day Cruises
For a day of ultimate relaxation, consider spending it aboard a luxurious catamaran, soaking up the sun while enjoying delightful food and beverages.
On a typical cruise, you will board the vessel in the morning and enjoy a peaceful journey to a secluded beach.
Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to swim or snorkel in the peaceful waters before enjoying lunch onboard. If you’d like, you may even take a turn at the helm and steer the catamaran.
10. Off-road Tours
To truly appreciate the countryside, it is advisable to engage the services of a knowledgeable guide.
In Sunny Beach, multiple businesses offer 4×4 excursions along the coast and into the hinterland.
If you choose not to rent a car during your stay, this provides an excellent opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding the resort.
You will visit scenic locations, including a windswept lighthouse and an ancient orthodox church, along with a secluded cove for swimming, and Cape Emine, a rugged and unspoiled headland located just north of the resort.
Throughout the journey, you will partake in engaging activities such as nature walks, archery, and scenic rides in a horse-drawn cart.
11. Bulgarian Food and Drink
Sunny Beach offers numerous kiosks and eateries featuring international cuisine, with kebabs alongside pizza and hamburgers.
Dining options are generally more affordable at Bulgarian resorts compared to their Mediterranean counterparts.
If you desire an authentic culinary experience, consider visiting smaller towns or villages surrounding Sunny Beach, such as Nessebar, where traditional Bulgarian taverns or Mehanas can be found.
A typical meal comprises assorted meats grilled over hot coals, often paired with rakia or Bulgarian Mavrud wine.
12. Nessebar
This coastal town holds UNESCO World Heritage status and is located just a short distance from Sunny Beach.
Nessebar is rich in historical churches, some dating back to the early spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.
The Church of St. Sophia, originating from the 400s, is frequently highlighted among Bulgaria’s top attractions.
Although the church has been in ruins since the 700s, three sides of the structure, including the nave, remain standing.
Take time to explore the town further, visiting the ancient fortifications and the iconic windmill that marks Nessebar’s entrance.
13. Pomorie
A brief drive or bus ride south of Sunny Beach leads you to Pomorie, a seaside town situated at the tip of a picturesque peninsula.
You will find the quintessential elements of a resort, including sandy beaches and coastal bars. Delving deeper reveals fascinating historical sites.
The town features a Thracian tomb dating back to 200, and the old town showcases houses built in the traditional wooden architectural style. Be sure to visit the Monastery of St. George and the saline Pomorie Lake, which attracts numerous birdwatchers due to its rich biodiversity.
14. Burgas
Located south of Sunny Beach, Burgas borders the largest lake region in Bulgaria.
The shores of these lakes have been inhabited since the Bronze Age, serving as a vital trading post for the Thracians, with ongoing archaeological discoveries.
On the shores of Lake Mandrensko lies ancient Deultum, featuring mostly Roman ruins, including an intricate hypocaust from a bathing complex.
Additionally, between Lake Mandrensko and the sea is the Poda Protected Area, a wetland habitat that supports a rich diversity of 46 nesting bird species, including significant heron and egret populations.
15. Varna
If you have access to a vehicle, consider spending a day in Varna, situated approximately 90 minutes up the coast from Sunny Beach.
Varna is often referred to as Bulgaria’s “Summer Capital,” a popular getaway for residents of Sofia during the hot July and August months.
This coastal city combines the enjoyment of a seaside resort with a large Sea Garden featuring numerous attractions and cultural landmarks.
Be sure to visit the Varna Archaeological Museum, where the Gold of Varna is showcased.
This ancient gold treasure, estimated to be around 6,000 years old, is recognized as the earliest known treasure from the Thracian civilization.
