All inclusive
All inclusive in Bulgaria: the best hotels on Sunny Beach and Golden Sands
Bulgaria's Black Sea coast has long sandy beaches, warm water in summer and all-inclusive hotels that often cost less than in Spain and Greece. These are the hotels we would choose, and how to pick between Sunny Beach and Golden Sands.
In short
Sunny Beach is Bulgaria's largest beach resort, with a long beach and the old town of Nessebar close by. Golden Sands north of Varna is calmer, with forest behind the beach. Our first choice for couples is Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa, adults only, rated 9.0 by guests on Hotels.com. For families, Meliá Sunny Beach Resort is a safe choice.
Our first choice: See rooms at Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
It is seven in the morning, and the beach is still empty. The sunbeds stand in long rows, the sea is flat, and out on the peninsula at Nessebar the medieval churches catch the morning light. In a few hours it will be full here, but right now you have the Black Sea to yourself.
Sunny Beach: sand and nightlife
Sunny Beach has miles of sandy beach and a busy promenade in the evenings. Burgas airport is about half an hour away, and the old town of Nessebar sits just south of the beach.
By the beach
Secrets Sunny Beach lies close to the beach, with pools facing the sea.
Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa
Secrets is adults only and stands a few minutes from the beach, with outdoor and indoor pools and its own spa. Everything is included, from the restaurants to the drinks by the pool. Guests rate it 9.0, and it suits couples who want peace and good service.
Book your stay: See rooms at Secrets Sunny Beach Resort & Spa
The pools by night
The pools at Meliá Sunny Beach in the evening.
Meliá Sunny Beach Resort
Meliá is built for families, with a kids' club included in the price and five restaurants. The beach is close by, and guests rate the hotel 8.8. A good choice if you want both children and adults to have something to do all day.
Book your stay: See rooms at Meliá Sunny Beach Resort
The churches of the old town
The medieval churches of Nessebar are on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Nessebar: the old town on the peninsula
Right next to Sunny Beach lies Nessebar, an old town on a small peninsula that is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Here you find medieval churches in narrow streets, and it makes a lovely evening walk from the hotel.
Golden Sands: forest and a calmer beach
Golden Sands lies north of Varna, with a long beach and a nature park with forest right behind it. It is calmer than Sunny Beach, and Varna airport is nearby.
A pool facing the sea
The infinity pool at Vistamar looks straight out to sea.
Grifid Vistamar
Vistamar is just steps from the beach at Golden Sands, with an infinity pool facing the sea and its own spa. The hotel is ultra all inclusive, and guests rate it 9.0. A good choice for couples and adults who want to stay right by the sea.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grifid Vistamar
Its own aquapark
The aquapark at Arabella is included in the price.
Grifid Arabella
Arabella has its own aquapark with water slides and several pools, and everything is included. Guests rate it 8.6, and it is a safe bet for families whose children would rather be in the water all day.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grifid Arabella
When should you go to Bulgaria?
The beach season runs from June to September. July and August are the hottest and busiest, while June and September bring pleasant weather and lower prices. In winter the coastal hotels are mostly closed.
Before you go
Choose the area for what you want. Sunny Beach has more life, Golden Sands more peace.
Bulgaria uses the euro. The country adopted the euro on 1 January 2026.
Check what is included. Ultra all inclusive often covers more than standard all inclusive, such as imported drinks.
All inclusive in Bulgaria: frequently asked questions
Where is best for all inclusive in Bulgaria?
Sunny Beach has the most hotels and the most life, while Golden Sands north of Varna is calmer. Both have long sandy beaches.
Is Bulgaria cheap for all inclusive?
Bulgaria is often cheaper than Spain and Greece for a similar holiday, but prices vary a lot with the season and the hotel.
Is Sunny Beach good for families?
Yes, if you choose the right hotel. Meliá Sunny Beach Resort has a kids' club and several pools, and Grifid Arabella at Golden Sands has its own aquapark.
When is it warm enough to swim in Bulgaria?
From June to September the sea is warm enough for most people, and it is warmest in July and August.