Sunny Peach
SHINING LIGHT OF THE BLACK SEA COAST
EVERYONE’S heard of Bulgaria’s party resort Sunny Beach.
But what if you’re looking for somewhere more low-key?
Dotted along its beautiful Black Sea coast, there’s an array of family-friendly resorts which are big on fun and small on price. Plus, going off the main tourist track means you get a flavour of local life.
We opted for the picturesque area of Sozopol, one of Bulgaria’s oldest coastal towns, which is set on a rocky peninsula.
The sandy beach is glorious and the Baywatch-style lifeguards are so strict you’ll have peace of mind if you’re swimming with children.
There’s plenty of glamorous nightlife too with restaurants, bars and clubs in the modern quarter to suit all tastes.
Wandering around its 180 distinctive wood and stone houses, it’s like turning
back time as you pass women selling home-made conserves, pickles, hand-made jumpers and socks from their homes.
Historic resorts like Sozopol were once favourites of the former communist rulers, and folk shops and fish restaurants sell old Soviet relics – many with rude slogans.
The newly-restored fortress wall – magnificently floodlit at night – is another highlight. There’s also a museum which takes you back through its many invasions, including the Greeks who have influenced the food.
Lovers
The Black Sea is said to have got its name from the scary, sudden heavy storms which forced ships into harbour. Sozopol was a natural sanctuary for sailors, as the sea is mostly calm and the weather lovely.
Our base for the trip was the excellent Hotel Selena, right on the beach, between the old town and the livelier nightlife quarter, 40 minutes by bus from Bourgas Airport. With an outdoor pool with views over the bay, sports centre, spa and kids’ club with mini discos, it’s the perfect place for families to relax.
The food – a mix of traditional Bulgarian dishes and international cuisine – is top class, and a plus for beer lovers is that pints are served beside the pool in proper glasses. None of the plastic beakers demanded by the health and safety police here.
Kids will love the Noddy-train service to the Aqua Planet Waterpark just down the coast in Primorsko, or a jeep safari organised by the hotel.
Keen to explore the natural beauty of Bulgaria, we took a trip to the Blue Mountains for just £30 a head. It was worth it to see the lovely countryside, full of orchards and vineyards.
The excursion included a mountain village stop for food where we were serenaded by a local folk band. We also got a taste of honey, the local black kind which is said to be good for health.
If you’re feeling adventurous return down the 2,000ft mountain by chairlift, an exhilarating ride, but not for the fainthearted.
For a family-friendly excursion, take the kids to Ravadinovo, a real-life fairytale castle built by a modern-day eccentric. It’s a favourite spot for brides.
For a small fee, you can tour the grounds where there’s a huge lake, fountains, a restaurant and cafes.
Before you head home pick up some of the gorgeous rose oil products which are a fraction of the price of expensive brands in the UK. The leather goods are also a snip.
Or hop on a shuttle bus to nearby Sunny Beach or to historic Nessebar, dubbed “Pearl of the Black Sea”.
For added value book your trip for early September and visit the annual Apollonia art and film festival where there are pop gigs, jazz and big band nights, classical music concerts, exhibitions and parades.