Sunny Beach was established in the 1960s, and its continued expansion has made it the largest coastal resort in Bulgaria. The 8km beach has earned Blue Flag status due to its high environmental standards, and it is fast becoming a popular destination for families and visitors looking for good quality package holidays.
The resort offers a wide range of water sports, theme parks, shops, restaurants and nightclubs.
Theme Parks/Waterparks
One of Sunny Beach's biggest attractions is Luna Park. Packed full of rides for all ages, the amusement park features a 360° rollercoaster, haunted house and bumper cars to name but a few.
Action Aquapark, another popular day trip destination, can be found in the western area of the resort. From the high speed slides of 'Kamikaze', 'Free Fall' and 'Hydrocute', to the relaxing ride along the 'Lazy River', the park offers more than 30 water attractions. Alternatively, and for families, The Kids Zone offers a quieter more serene atmosphere for younger adventurers.
Opened in 2006, Aqua Paradise is the largest waterpark in Bulgaria. Covering 30,000 square metres the park has a huge number of water attractions for all ages to enjoy. Situated in Nessebar, south of Sunny Beach resort, the park is open from May-September and is filled with adrenaline-fuelled slides, pools and tunnels, while also boasting a Jacuzzi and massage service.
Water activities
A variety of water activities are available from the many stalls along the beach. Jet skiing, water skiing, banana boat rides and loads more, are all available to rent and get involved in. Angel Divers is the first official diving centre in Bulgaria and can be found at the ferry port in Nessebar. The PADI-certified scuba diving company offers everything from single dives, to a four-day open-water course.
Bulgaria's largest city, Varna, is a 92km trip north of Sunny Beach resort. There you will find Varna Aquarium which includes over 140 species of fish.
Sport activities
The resort offers a host of sporting activities to enjoy. Adult and children's tennis courts, volleyball on the beach, mini-golf, go-karting and paintball are all available to the sport enthusiasts. For horse-riding lovers, stables can be found near St. Vlas in the northern area of the resort. The Horse Riding School offers professional instructors for beginners, or the opportunity to brush up on your horse riding skills.
Shopping
The market stalls that stretch along the promenade of the resort are the best places to meet your souvenir needs. The Royal Beach Mall is the largest shopping centre and hosts 99 shops within the resort. It can be found in the 5-star Barcelo Royal Beach Hotel. For more adventurous travellers looking to go further afield, a day-trip to Bulgaria's fourth largest city Burgas might be a good option as it is home to numerous shopping malls. Galleria Burgas is the largest mall in the city and has three levels.
Shows/Festivals
In the summer months, the Hotel Majestic holds weekly shows including folk music performances, dancing, and acrobatics. Tickets for the events are sold at the door. For younger travellers looking to sample the nightlife, the Solar Summer Festival runs over four-consecutive weekends from late July through to August. Over 10,000 people will line Cacao Beach (3km south of Sunny Beach) to enjoy some of dance music's most celebrated DJs.
Nessebar Village (south of Sunny Beach)
Old Town
First settled by Thracians, one of Europe's ancient towns has over 3000 years of history to explore. Situated on a rocky peninsular in the southern area of Sunny Beach resort, the Old Town is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once under the rule of the Romans, Greeks, Byzantines and Ottomans, its narrow streets are lined with wooden houses and full of medieval churches. Built in the 5th century the Old Metropolitan Church (Haga Sofia) is Nessebar's oldest church. The Archaeological Museum is one of the town's most visited attractions and provides a preserved history of it for tourists.