A Holiday By The Black Sea

Summer is coming – it’s time to start planning your holiday. And with Europe so close, you’re spoiled for choice, even when it comes to beach holidays.

If you want the warm waters and searing hot sun of the Mediterranean without the crowds or the high prices you’ve been growing tired of over the years, the Black Sea might be the alternative you’ve been waiting for.

Black sea destinations offer reliable sunshine, hot temperatures, safe beaches, good bathing and healthy mix of both the vibrant and relaxed areas. What more could you want on holiday? We can’t think of anything either. So in that case – check out our top destinations for a holiday by the Black Sea…

Sozopol, Burgas, Bulgaria by Jeroen Kransen

Bulgaria

There are 354 kilometres of coastline on the Bulgarian coast, and lots of it is ideal for a summer holiday. The coastline of the modern country is all on the Black Sea. A country that was once shrouded in mystery behind the so-called ‘iron curtain’, it has fast become a holiday favourite in recent years.

For a little beachside action in Bulgaria, head to Saints Constantine and Helena – this resort town on the Black Sea coast has a number of luxury hotels to choose from as well as villa communities. While it’s close to downtown Varna – roughly only 10km away – in Saints Constantine and Helena the main attraction in sun and sand, so if you’re looking for a more varied holiday you might want to consider staying closer to the city.

Romania

Head to Romania for 72 km of uninterrupted golden sands along the Black Sea coast. With such idyllic conditions it’s no surprise destinations like Constana boast a nice range of resorts for both single travellers and families. By the beachside you can find watersports, modern hotels and a busy nightlife, while further inland, attractions like castles and vineyards offer something a little more out of the ordinary. Just remember to bring your sun cream; temperatures can soar during the peak summer months.

While you are in Romania make sure to try ‘țuică’ – this is drink is a local speciality and is very distinctive. The best way to describe it is as kind of plum brandy. It is the traditional accompaniment to Romanian food, and is sometimes warmed up in cold weather.

Costinesti beach, Romania by Brian Lowe

Russia

Beach holidays might not spring to mind when you think of Russia, but even the world’s largest country has its own beachside destination along the Black Sea. You might have even have heard of it – Sochi. It’s the destination of the 2014 Winter Olympics, and as a result, has been catching the attention of travellers around the world. Check yourself into a Sochi resort  and see for yourself what this destination has to offer; tucked away at the foot of the Caucasus Mountains against the lapping waves of the Black Sea. It’s a beach holiday with a view, so sit back and watch the town get ready for one of the world’s biggest sporting events.

Where would you spend your Black Sea holiday?

Kieran Orlov has not let becoming a parent of twins get in the way of his travel bug.

Tags: black sea, Bulgaria, Romania, russia

Category: Travel Tips