Hello there! Suppose you’re considering traveling to Bulgaria, specifically the Black Sea Coast (also known as the Bulgarian Riviera). In that case, you may be trying to choose between two well-known resorts: Sunny Beach and Golden Sands. In this post, we’ll focus on Golden Sands – a mecca for nightlife and beaches in Bulgaria, and provide a summary of what it has to offer.
This blog post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
The resort was started in 1956 when the first patch of land, on the Golden Sands National Park (one of the most beautiful parts of Bulgaria), was turned. The construction of the first big hotels and entertainment complexes was finished after 10 years.
Legend has it that Zlatni Pyasatsi (Golden Sands) got its name when some pirates hid their treasure of gold on the shore of the Black Sea north of Varna. As punishment for their misdeeds, the land transformed their treasure into beautiful golden sand.
The Golden Sands is now one of Bulgaria’s largest and oldest resorts, boasting a four-kilometer-long (2.5 miles) public beach and an abundance of top-rated hotels.
Getting to the Golden Sands:
From Varna Airport
Golden Sands is located about 20 kilometers from Varna airport. It is the nearest airport to the resort.
The cheapest way to get to Golden Sands resort is by taking bus No. 409, which connects the airport, the city of Varna, and Golden Sands (summer season only). It takes 50 minutes to get to the resort and costs 2 Bulgarian lev (BGN) which gets you a 60 minutes ticket, for more information visit the public transport page in Varna.
If you are looking for flexibility, freedom, and privacy, renting a car is your choice. There are numerous car rentals at the Varna airport so you can choose accordingly or use the DiscoverCars.com car hire page. Our recommendation would be renting a car because then you can have more options between exploring the Bulgarian Riviera and relaxing at the beach.
If you prefer a taxi over renting a car or taking a bus, a 24-hour taxi service is available at Varna airport.
From Burgas Airport
There are various rental car companies situated at the airport, the DiscoverCars.com car hire page can help you decide. You can take a taxi, but getting to the Golden Sands will cost you. The cheapest option would be taking a bus, but it can be a long journey. First, you would need to get to nearby Sarafovo, from there you would have to hop on a bus going to Varna, and then take another bus going to the Golden Sands. The distance between Burgas Airport and Golden Sands is about 130 kilometers and it takes about two and a half hours to reach it by car or a taxi. If you prefer a bus, it gets even longer.
From Sophia
Sophia airport is located farthest from the resort, from three international airports in Bulgaria. The fastest way to get to Golden Sands is by flying from Sophia to Varna and then taking preferred transport to the resort. Driving by car takes about 5 – 6 hours via the Hemus Motorway/A2 and A1 to get to Golden Sands from the airport. Regular buses run between Sophia and Varna, taking about 7 -8 hours. From there another 30 minutes by hopping on a bus going to Golden Sands resort.
Staying in Golden Sands:
The cost of staying in Zlatni Pyasatsi resort or anywhere in the Bulgarian Riviera is quite reasonable in comparison to other European beach destinations. We have compiled a list of some great accommodation options suitable for all sorts of vacations.
Accommodations for families
Grifid Hotel Encanto Beach AI
In 2016 Hotel Grifid Encanto Beach was incorporated into the family of Grifid Hotels.
The hotel is in a quieter part of the Golden Sands, where you can enjoy the beach and sea right outside the hotel. It is an all-inclusive hotel with various entertainment for all family members.
Marina Grand Beach Hotel AI
Marina Grand Beach Hotel is situated at Golden Sands, 18 km away from the city of Varna. The hotel is located in the lively southern part of the resort and just 30 meters from the sandy beach which is within easy walking distance to lots of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment facilities.
This all-inclusive hotel offers various entertainments for all family members, one indoor and two outdoor pools. It has a restaurant, a cafè, and four bars all of which work all day offering different kinds of food and drinks.
Accommodations for couples
Grifid Hotel Metropol
It is located in the northern part of the Golden Sands resort, right by the beach which is separated only by promenade. This adult-only hotel offers all-inclusive vacations with various entertainment, pools, cafes and bars.
Hotel Umani
Opened in 2022 the hotel already has taken the top place among the best hotels in Golden Sands. This amazing place is one of the region’s best spots for a romantic vacation. Located in a quiet area of Golden Sands resort, the guests of Umani Hotel can enjoy both the lively spirit of the resort and the tranquility of the surrounding trees and sea. It is advisable to make your booking well in advance as rooms tend to sell out fast.
Accommodations for explorers
Hotel Flirt
The hotel is situated in a quiet location with a garden, free parking, a restaurant, a bar, and a beautiful beach nearby. The rooms in the hotel are clean and spacious, equipped with all the amenities you will need.
Villa “Nasco”
The Nasco Villa is located on the edge of the Golden Sands resort, adjacent to a forest. It offers a charming garden with deck furniture and a barbecue area for guests to enjoy. In addition, guests can access a fully equipped shared kitchen and a terrace with a dining area. The rooms at Nasco Villa come with cable TV, heating for colder months, and a private bathroom with a shower. Some rooms even have a balcony. If you have a car, this is the perfect starting point to explore the shore of the Black Sea. Note, that it can be hard to find the place, so calling the landlord is advisable.
What to do in Golden Sands:
Go to the beach
The main attraction of the resort is undoubtedly the beach, which holds a Blue Flag award and boasts a nearly 4-kilometer stretch of beach (2.5 miles). The waters of the Golden Sands Beach are shallow, clear, and turquoise, making it ideal for swimming and family-friendly too. There are numerous bars and restaurants nearby, although finding a suitable spot could be a challenge if your hotel doesn’t provide a private beach.
For those who prefer a nudist beach, Nirvana Beach on the north side of the resort is an option. It has a soft sandy beach, surrounded by natural beauty, sun loungers, and umbrellas. Despite the presence of some stones, the sea water is crystal clear with beautiful waves, and there are lifeguards on duty. Visitors can also enjoy soft drinks from nearby vendors.
Fun for all
There are mini trains that run throughout the day along the Golden Sands promenade in the center of the resort. This is a convenient and speedy way to explore all that the resort has to offer. Additionally, there is a small Ferris wheel that provides a picturesque view of the Black Sea and the resort. Adjacent to the wheel, visitors can enjoy various attractions such as Balloon darts, Gun Fun, and Disco Cars which offer amusement for both adults and children alike.
Dive into a lively nightlife
A variety of entertainment options await you, including beach clubs, casinos, and party bars. You’ll easily find your favorite among them which are scattered along Sunny Beach promenade.
Take a day trip
At Golden Sands, you have the option to take day trips to various nearby destinations such as Varna, Balchik, Cape Kaliakra, or Aladzha Monastery. You could even travel as far as Istanbul if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re unsure which day trip to choose, you can find additional information about the Bulgarian Riviera in this post we wrote.
We hope that you found some useful information on How to Get the Most Out of Your Trip to Golden Sands Resort. Enjoy your holiday!
Pingback: Exploring the Top 10 Gems of Bulgarian Riviera – Backpack Full of Travel