Overview

Introduction

Once the playground of nobles and nomenklatura alike, the Black Sea Coast of Georgia has long been noted for its warm weather and sandy beaches.

Two favorite resorts are Batumi, just north of the border with Turkey, and nearby Kobuleti. Batumi was ruled by Turkey for more than 300 years, and Islamic and Ottoman influences are evident in its architecture and the local culture.

The de facto Republic of Abkhazia controls the northern portion of the coastline, and continuing tensions in the area should be carefully monitored prior to visiting.

The secessionist capital is the scruffy port city of Sukhumi. Sights include the Fortress of King Bagrat, the Abkhazia State Museum (Greek statues and local history) and the Abkhazia Dramatic Theater, which features performances by Nartaa, a choir made up of men ranging in age from 70 to more than 100 years old.

The ruins of Dioscurias, an ancient Greek city, lie in the Bay of Sukhumi. Just over the border in Russia is Sochi, another popular Black Sea resort.

Overview

Introduction

Bulgaria's Black Sea coastline runs for 235 mi/380 km. Of that, 80 mi/130 km is known as the Bulgarian Riviera, lined by white- and golden-sand beaches and resorts, many of which offer accommodations, restaurants and watersports facilities at relatively low prices. Many tourists have traditionally come from the formerly Communist states of eastern Europe, earning the area the nickname the "Red Riviera." Today, however, the area attracts visitors from all over, particularly Western European and Balkan countries. For peak season (July and August), you should book your hotel room well in advance of your stay.

Resorts, such as those located at Varna, Burgas, Sunny Beach (Slanchev Bryag) and at Golden Sands (Zlatni Pyasatsi), are extremely popular. As a result, they have grown considerably to feature spas and health-oriented centers, upscale dining, casino and nightlife entertainment, outdoor sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving and canoeing, and sightseeing excursions. Activities for those who are single, or who are traveling with children are also available.

If you are a fan of bustling, developed beach and water-oriented summer vacations, or resort-type stays, definitely plan a visit to one of these locations. Sunny Beach is 26 mi/42 km north of Burgas; Golden Sands is 11 mi/18 km north of Varna.

Overview

Introduction

Once the playground of nobles and nomenklatura alike, the Black Sea Coast of Georgia has long been noted for its warm weather and sandy beaches.

Two favorite resorts are Batumi, just north of the border with Turkey, and nearby Kobuleti. Batumi was ruled by Turkey for more than 300 years, and Islamic and Ottoman influences are evident in its architecture and the local culture.

The de facto Republic of Abkhazia controls the northern portion of the coastline, and continuing tensions in the area should be carefully monitored prior to visiting.

The secessionist capital is the scruffy port city of Sukhumi. Sights include the Fortress of King Bagrat, the Abkhazia State Museum (Greek statues and local history) and the Abkhazia Dramatic Theater, which features performances by Nartaa, a choir made up of men ranging in age from 70 to more than 100 years old.

The ruins of Dioscurias, an ancient Greek city, lie in the Bay of Sukhumi. Just over the border in Russia is Sochi, another popular Black Sea resort.

Overview

Introduction

Bulgaria's Black Sea coastline runs for 235 mi/380 km. Of that, 80 mi/130 km is known as the Bulgarian Riviera, lined by white- and golden-sand beaches and resorts, many of which offer accommodations, restaurants and watersports facilities at relatively low prices. Many tourists have traditionally come from the formerly Communist states of eastern Europe, earning the area the nickname the "Red Riviera." Today, however, the area attracts visitors from all over, particularly Western European and Balkan countries. For peak season (July and August), you should book your hotel room well in advance of your stay.

Resorts, such as those located at Varna, Burgas, Sunny Beach (Slanchev Bryag) and at Golden Sands (Zlatni Pyasatsi), are extremely popular. As a result, they have grown considerably to feature spas and health-oriented centers, upscale dining, casino and nightlife entertainment, outdoor sports such as windsurfing, scuba diving and canoeing, and sightseeing excursions. Activities for those who are single, or who are traveling with children are also available.

If you are a fan of bustling, developed beach and water-oriented summer vacations, or resort-type stays, definitely plan a visit to one of these locations. Sunny Beach is 26 mi/42 km north of Burgas; Golden Sands is 11 mi/18 km north of Varna.