Beach and Sea Safety in Bulgaria

Information on the beaches of Bulgaria, including water quality, sea  safety, access for people with disabilities and the risks related to swimming...

Supervised beaches in Bulgaria have a system of coloured flags to let the public know about the swimming conditions. The code is:

Safety in the Water
Green Safe to swim
Yellow Caution

Red

 Swimming Forbidden
  • For general recommendations on how to make a visit to the beach a good experience: Click here

The Bulgarian Black Sea Riviera

The Bulgarian Black Sea Riviera covers the entire eastern border of Bulgaria. White and golden sand beaches occupy approximately one third of its almost 400 Km long coast, the rest being a rocky coastline with cliffs as high as 70 metres. The average summer temperature is 28°C, with the average water temperature at 26°C. The seaside has more than a hundred protected areas and nature reserves, and a very varied nature.

Beaches on major resorts on the Bulgarian coast normally have a lifeguard during holiday season. They are also kept free from litter and there might be a fee to enter these beaches.

Southern Black Sea coast

The southern coast is known for its wide sandy beaches, with crystal clear and warm water, many in unspoilt locations (these are without facilities). All kinds of water sport are available, including boating, fishing, scuba diving, water-skiing, para-sailing, and jet skiing. The forest of the Strandzha Natural Park makes a contrast to the long beaches with sand dunes in the south.

  • For more on the beaches on the Southern Black Sea Coast: Click here

Northern Black Sea coast

To the north end of the coast, the mountains meet the sea with steep and rocky cliff areas. The sea is calm and clean with a shallow, sloping, sandy bottom. Some beaches are wide with golden sand. There is no tide.

Sea resorts such as Albena, Golden Sands (Zlatni Pyasatsi), and Sunny Beach are very popular. Water sports such as surfing, diving, water skiing and underwater fishing are possible.

Blue Flag Beaches

The Blue Flag is an eco label award for beaches with good practices in terms of water quality, environmental management, safety and services and environmental education. It was introduced in France in 1985 under the name "Pavillon Bleu" and is now used in 41 countries across the world.

  • To find a Blue Flag Beach in Bulgaria: Click here

Bulgarian beaches with disabled access

Bulgaria has a number of beaches dedicated to people with disabilities and impaired mobility.

  • To find a Blue Flag beach accessible for disabled people: Click here