Sunny Beach - Black Sea Coast - Resorts Guide

Overview: Lying about 22 miles (35km) north of Bourgas, Sunny Beach is the largest Bulgarian sea resort situated on a wide semi-circular bay along the southern part of the Black Sea Riviera, with a five-mile (8km) strip of beach backed by natural golden sand dunes, which is regarded as the best beach along the coast. It is naturally protected by the Balkan mountain range to the north, and with its warm Mediterranean climate, clean and calm water and safe swimming, it is a perfect all-round holiday destination, living up to its motto 'Where families come first'. Only the most world-weary of visitors could get bored here among a wide variety of activities and entertainment, including almost every kind of sport imaginable and plenty of fun and games for children. The resort comprises of more than 120 modern hotels, and offers a wide range of services as well as organised day trips to surrounding attractions, including the ancient town of Nessebur.

Shopping: Several big shopping centres provide plenty of opportunities to search for clothes, souvenirs and food.

Restaurants: Over 130 restaurants and taverns cater to foreign tastes with a wide range of cuisine. Eating establishments range from the authentic British Red Lion pub for the homesick, and traditional Bulgarian mehanas, to an unusual Bulgarian experience offered at the Hanska Shatra (Khan's Tent), which has a superb setting, mosaic interior and live folk music, but is expensive and touristy.

Nightlife: Nightlife is varied and ranges from nightclubs, discos, casinos and bars, to cafes, folk-style spots and a variety of acts and entertainment in the local taverns.

Activities: Besides sunbathing and swimming, the resort offers so many water and land-based activities that it is impossible to get bored. Sports include windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, parasailing, beach volleyball, mini-golf, horseriding, climbing, cycling and tennis, and there are also fitness centres, swimming pools and spa treatment centres. Coaches and equipment are provided. Children are more than adequately catered for and will find an endless supply of organised activities, competitions and playgrounds.

Negatives: The resort can get very crowded during peak season with over 100 hotels and two large campsites accommodating thousands of visitors.