Golden Sands Beach Travel Guide

About Golden Sands Beach

A glorious stretch of beach along the Black Sea coastline, Golden Sands (Zlatni Piasatsi) has proved to be one of Bulgaria's (and the Black Sea's in general) biggest and most popular beach resorts. Its popularity grows every year, matched by the increase in hotels and apartments being built, though not as high a rate as elsewhere in the area. The main path, which runs along the beachfront, is where most of the action is; shops, bars, clubs and restaurants. Golden Sands is a fun resort easily accessible from Varna, and there are plenty of activities in the area if all that sunbathing, swimming and partying gets a little too much. There are no street names in Golden Sands, and everyone uses the main hotels to orientate themselves.

Beach:

The entire beach comprises glorious soft golden sand, with clear waters (the beach has been awarded a Blue Flag) and moderate waves - although not enough for surfing. There are plenty of activities on the water, from diving (with official qualified instructors), paragliding, parachuting and water-skiing. Volleyball courts towards the southern end of the beach provide fun on the sand.

Beyond the beach:

The Yacht Port (next to the Marina) organises daily yacht excursions, including a two-hour panoramic cruise with lunch, a night-party, day-long sail to a secluded beach in Varna and a fishing trip (with equipment included). Tennis courts at the Palm Beach Hotel sports club are floodlit for night games. It's a stiff walk through the Golden Sands Nature Park but worthwhile, to the 13th century Aladzha Monastery 3km (2 miles) southwest.

Family fun:

A two-hour Pirate Party sailing on a yacht is huge fun for kids, with water bombs, games and lunch (Yacht Port, various agents). To the west of the main resort is the huge Aquapolis Water Park with waterslides, and games suiting children (and adults) of all ages. There are six bowling lanes and pool tables at the Palm Beach Hotel sports club, and a small Children's Fun Park in front of the Admiral Hotel. Children over three can race on tiny motorized cars around the small track opposite Hotel Lilia. For bigger kids, the Karting Track to the north of Varna has 270cc and 200cc karts.

Exploring further:

Varna, 18km (11 miles) south, is the main city along the Black Sea coast, with historical and cultural attractions and plenty of shopping. Yacht Port travel agents run minibus trips to historical Balchik's picturesque whitewashed cottages perched on sandy cliffs lying 13km (8 miles) north of Golden Sands. Kaliakra Cape and its Nature Reserve, 43km (27 miles) north, is popular with bird-watchers.