If you’re planning an summer vacation but want to escape the crowds of beachgoers on the overpopulated, overly commercial summer resorts, why not cast an eye on the wild beaches of the Bulgarian Black Sea? As we’ve said so many times before, Bulgaria has it all for your chillin’ pleasant summer vacation – beaches surrounded by thick green forests, wild rocky shores and spectacular scenery.
Think the opposite of the very commercial Sunny Beach, a favorite of Brits looking for a bargain. These beaches highlight European Union preservation policy.
Shabla
Shabla is a seaside resort in northeastern Bulgaria situated in the vicinity of the saltwater Lake Shabla on Bulgaria’s easternmost point, Cape Shabla. Shabla is a developing resort. The beach is clean with white sand. There is a lake lagoon near the beach with curative mud. There is a camping area of Dobruja approximately 16 kilometers from the town.
Shabla offers small hotels, villas and holiday rentals, small restaurants and snack bars. Close to Shabla are Tyulenovo, Kamen Bryag, the small bay of Kavarna and the Durankulak Moor – a famous reserve for a number of marsh birds. Near Shabla is situated a yacht club for the upscale set.
Bolata Bay
On the northern side of Cape Kaliakra there is a little bay with a port called Bolata. This is an inlet of the sea and narrow gorge. On both sides there are rocks with caves carved into them. A short river fed by numerous springs runs through Bolata. At the point where it flows into the sea, a lagoon estuary is formed. This is the only sandy beach near Kaliakra.
This is a destination for the birders. Bolata is the only reserve in Bulgaria and you can see Kingfishers, bittern, herons, grebes and ducks here. Via Pontica passes through this area – one of the main routes for migratory birds.
In the caves of Bolata, there are remains of an ancient settlement and there is evidence of life from 400 BC, as well as a Maltese cross – evidence of the trade of the Second Bulgarian Kingdom with Venice and Genova. The steep trail to the north goes all the way up to the top of the rock wall, where views over the entire gorge open out. You can see the whole of Cape Kaliakra only from this spot.
If you continue north along the high steep coast you can reach the famous Taukliman Bay and the Rusalka resort.
Chernomorets Beach
Chernomorets Beach is located about 15 kilometers south of Varna, between beaches of Fichoza (north) and Pasha Dere (south). There is a protected area (Rakitnika) with lots of pine trees around. The coast is steep and there are both small sandy beaches and large rocks that have fallen into the sea because of landslides.
Chernomorets Beach is one of the most peaceful beaches on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It borders the Fichosa resort and the Pasha Dere area. There are bungalows and holiday home and the beach is quite long.
Pasha Dere Beach
Pasha Dere Beach is about 17 kilometers south of Varna. It can be reached by a narrow (and in its last mile “black”) road. North of it are the beaches of Asparouhovo, Galata , Fichoza and Chernomorets (5 kilometers). The area of Pasha Dere is well-known for its wild nature – untouched by tourism – clean and wide beaches and the lack of urbanization. The region is a favorite of many young people, who love to camping and partying there away from civilization.
This is also a beach for lovers of naturalism and nude sunbathing.
This small piece of paradise is the perfect spot to relax if you prefer something quieter, away from the crowded city beaches. Pasha Dere is considered one of the most beautiful places on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast … a beautiful, wild beach with pristine nature (perfect for the lovers of camping). The forest
behind the beach has nice shade and campers often set up their tents there and spend a few days just relaxing by the sea and enjoying nature.
Karadere Beach
Karadere is one of the last remaining unblighted by mass tourism development areas with a wild beach on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Karadere is about 5 kilometers away from the town of Byala . and the village of Goritsa. The beach is 5 kilometers in length and is bordered by an oak forest, vineyards and cultivated land.
Although Karadere is relatively close to the town and village, it is difficult to reach because there is no infrastructure. Bumpy dirt roads and tracks lead to the beach where there is no cell phone service, electricity, tap water, sewage or any other facilities. Despite the lack of main utilities and facilities, Karadere has lots to offer — fine sand, the clean sea water, the fresh air, the sunny weather, the spring water, the mud baths and even the opportunity to spot a dolphin in the bay.
It is one of very few places on the Bulgarian coast that still has free camping.
A diverse group of visitors camp here … families, the extreme water sports set, nature lovers, artists, adventurers from different parts of Bulgaria and abroad. As with Pasha Dare above, the wild beach is suited for topless and nude sunbathing.
Karadere is part of the EU’s eco network Natura 2000 network, in the protected area Kamchiyska Planina, for the conservation of bird species and protected area Shkorpilovtsi Beach for the conservation of the conservation of natural habitats, wild flora and fauna.
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Kalina Varbanova freelance journalist based in Varna, Bulgaria. Kalina’s interests include culture, tourism, archeology and politics. She's been a Dispatches contributor since 2017, and has written some of our best-read posts.
