Golden Sands or Sunny Beach: Which Resort to Choose for the Perfect Holiday in Bulgaria?
Before going to the sea in Bulgaria, many people ask themselves: Golden Sands or Sunny Beach? Where to go and what to choose? Today we will compare the two most popular seaside resorts in Bulgaria, compare them, and choose the resort that suits you best. Sunny Beach in Bulgarian sounds like “Slynchev Bryag”. And Golden Sands in Bulgarian sounds like “Zlatni Pyasytsi”.
Location of resorts
So, friends, let’s get some geography straight. Imagine a map of Bulgaria. You need the Golden Sands resort? You go to Varna and move just 15 km along the highway to the coast! Easy and fast: just 20 minutes by city bus.
And the route numbers, so you don’t forget: 109, 209, 409. And the ticket will cost one and a half euros.
And if your choice is Sunny Beach, then it is located further – in the south, more than 100 km from Golden Sands. The nearest airport is in Burgas , and it is 26 km away. And if you want city entertainment, then to Burgas you will have to travel 35 km and spend 40 minutes on the way by bus.
Sea. Beach. Nature
Let’s move on to the main characters of summer holidays – beaches and nature. So, regardless of the choice of resort, you will be greeted by sandy shores. Blue Flags – an international sign of cleanliness and safety of water – proudly flutter on both beaches. And this promises crystal clear swimming!
At Golden Sands, nature decided to show off: the resort is simply immersed in the greenery of the mountains and forests of the natural park.
Imagine, there are as many as 78 species of birds and 25 species of animals there! But Sunny Beach is inferior in biodiversity, compensating for it with steppe landscapes and greatly reduced vegetation.
For those who like shallow waters: Sunny Beach will delight you with a gentle slope into the sea and, as a bonus, warmer water near the shore.
In contrast, Golden Sands is more capricious with a steep entrance. Literally a few meters from the shore the water is already waist-deep, and after a few more steps the water will be neck-deep. If you have small children, perhaps Sunny Beach will be an ideal choice for a family holiday.
And a small bonus for those who love a warm sea: in August the water in Sunny Beach is a little warmer – on average +25.00°C, and in Golden Sands – +24.70°C.
And the air? It is a little hotter in Sunny Beach – the average temperature in July is up to +26.00°C, and in Golden Sands – about +23.40°C. Choose to your taste!
Accommodation at resorts: choice and prices
Let’s move on to perhaps one of the most important aspects of a vacation: accommodation. If earlier the prices at both resorts were similar, today the difference is noticeable to the naked eye.
In Sunny Beach, the choice of apartments is simply amazing in its diversity. Starting with budget options for 27 euros per day and ending with luxurious multi-star hotels. The most interesting thing is that you can find accommodation here even in the depths of the resort, more than a kilometer from the sea, which may be ideal for those looking for privacy.
And if we talk about basic hotels, the price starts from just 16 euros for two. Agree, it’s tempting!
Now let’s move on to Golden Sands. Here everything is a little different. The maximum distance from the sea is only 500 meters, i.e. the farthest hotel in the entire resort will be no further than half a kilometer from the sea. This means that the sea will always be nearby! But the choice here is more modest: only three apartment options starting from 50 euros per day for two. Regarding hotels, prices start from 19 euros for two. Thus, each resort has its own unique features.
Choose based on your preferences, but remember: you only need to stay once to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an unforgettable holiday. And the prices we indicate are valid for September.
Nutrition
Gourmets and connoisseurs of delicious food, take note! Both Golden Sands and Sunny Beach beckon us with their aromas and a wide choice of establishments for all tastes. From cozy corners on the promenades to exquisite restaurants in the heart of the resorts.
Interesting fact: some cafes are created especially for foreign tourists. For example, one cozy restaurant will immerse you in the atmosphere of German coziness, where traditional cuisine is served to the accompaniment of German catchy melodies.
Those who like a quick snack will also find something for themselves – both resorts have branches of McDonald’s.
Looking for food for a picnic or dinner in the apartment? Sunny Beach will delight you with the popular chain store Lidl. While Golden Sands offers a unique experience – a ride on the city bus to Varna. Here you can immerse yourself in the world of the local market or go shopping in famous stores such as Lidl, Kaufland, Metro and Billa.
And don’t forget to check out the local malls – shopping for pleasure awaits you!
Entertainment, attractions, excursions. Sights.
Entertainment, attractions, even travel to other countries – Bulgarian resorts have everything for a bright and unforgettable holiday.
We learned from a local guide at Golden Sands about the most popular excursion among tourists. Many tourists willingly go to Istanbul. Interesting fact: despite the fact that Golden Sands is located further from Istanbul, an excursion from there is cheaper than from Sunny Beach! It probably depends on the agency or current promotions.
Do you like water activities? Both resorts offer a variety of options, from jet skis to parasailing. But Sunny Beach makes a name for itself as the capital of water parks – there are two of them!
Nature and history will also not leave you indifferent. In Golden Sands you will find the Aladzha Monastery and an amazing natural park for walks in the fresh air.
And Sunny Beach hides a treasure in the form of ancient Nessebar.
If you choose Golden Sands, don’t miss the chance to go to Varna – the city of museums, dolphinarium and parks. Renting a car? At any resort it will be easy.
So, wherever you are, every day will be filled with new experiences.
Golden Sands or Sunny Beach: Conclusions
- It is worth noting that there are significant differences in altitude on Golden Sands. And if your hotel is not on the first line, then most likely you will have to go up and down to the sea along one of the paths with steps. There are no differences in altitude on Sunny Beach.
So what to choose, Golden Sands or Sunny Beach? Each of these resorts deserves attention. But still, Golden Sands is more suitable for vacationers who go alone or couples, but without children. With children, especially small ones, the Sunny Beach resort is ideal.
It’s up to you to decide where to spend your perfect vacation! Both resorts are beautiful in their own way. Share your choice in the comments.
