Golden Sands Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Golden Sands

The beach of the Golden Sands resort stretches over some 4km with width of up to 100 metres. Almost the entire coast along the resort falls within the boundaries of the Zlatni Pyasatsi natural park, which stretches over 1,320 ha. The Frengenskoto Plato (Frengen Plateau) of limestone structure, liable to landslide and erosion, is perking just above the resort.

The area is famous for the purest sand on the Black Sea coast and also abounds of trees and bushes. Mineral water springs, as well as the marvelous wood bordering the Frangen Plateau turn Golden Sands into one of the pearls of the Bulgarian coast. A constant temperature of about 27°C throughout the summer season makes it a wonderful place for a summer holiday.

In Turkish times the area was called Quzounkoum, meaning literally "long sands". It was not inhabited up to the 50ies of last century. The resort's construction started in 1957 and in about two decades, the area was transformed into a modern holiday complex with more than 100 hotels, numerous restaurants, bungalows and camping sites.

The Golden Sands Resort offers about 100 hotels and 10 luxury villas. The 4-star hotel category includes Yavor Hotel, Morsko Oko Hotel and Zlatna Kotva Hotel. The Mars Hotel, Zora Hotel, Riviera Complex, and Ambassador Hotel are of premium quality. Some of the hotels have swimming pools and fitness halls, most of them have exchange bureaus and stalls with updated tourist information.

Population: 7.450.300
Languages: Bulgarian 85%, Turkish 10%, Roma 4%
Currency: lev
Currency code: BGL
Local Times:
Bulgaria - Sofia

Country Dialling Code: +359
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

'Schuko' type with two earth connectors on the sides

Situated in southeastern Europe, Bulgaria occupies the northeastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. To the North, via the Danube River, it borders on Romania, to the West - on Serbia and Montenegro and on the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. To the South its neighbours are Greece and Turkey. To the East Bulgaria touches the Black Sea, which links it also to Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia. The Black Sea borderline is 378 km (240 miles) long. The country's total territory is 111 000 sq. km (43 000 sq. miles).

Bulgaria is a beautiful mountainous country, small in size but rich in ancient culture, scenic splendour, friendly people and old-fashioned warmth and hospitality.

Situated in south-eastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Bulgaria is less heavily touristed than its Greek and Turkish neighbours to the south, despite the popularity of its Black Sea resorts, which are attractive not only for their fine sandy beaches, sunny climate and safe seas, but also for their low prices.

Although better known for its sea resorts, the essential character of the country is to be found in its spectacular mountainous regions. The six very different ranges vary from high, snow-covered peaks to gentle green slopes and forests, harbouring thermal springs and mineral spas, and valleys where the air bears the fragrance of flowers and herbs. The Valley of Roses lies in the heart of Bulgaria and is the largest producer of rose oil in the world, giving root to Bulgaria's soubriquet, 'Land of Roses'. At the foot of the Vitosha Mountains lies the laid back capital city, Sofia, boasting a great number of architectural monuments and museums. The rugged heights of the Rila and Pirin mountains form a spectacular setting for ski resorts, as well as the famous Rila Monastery and the majestic landscape of the Pirin National Park, a World Cultural and National Heritage site. Crossing the entire country is the Balkan Range, a 435-mile (700km) chain that offers some of the best hiking in Europe.

As varied as the different mountain ranges are the people who dwell in them, with distinctive customs, crafts and colourful festivals, folklore, religious beliefs and speech. Small picturesque villages welcome guests with typical warm-hearted Bulgarian hospitality, sharing age-old traditions and traditional cooking, and a delight in their pastoral environment.

Bulgaria's history is displayed across the country in its old towns, ancient Thracian relics and treasures, decorated churches and monasteries, and in the rustic settlements that have preserved the traditional beliefs of its people. One of the country's biggest assets for visitors is its variety, but whatever aspect one chooses to explore, there is always the assurance of a warm welcome.

Golden Sands Travel Guide

Golden Sands Suitability Profile