Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: Kaliakra to Sozopol
Cave monasteries above Varna, Queen Marie’s palace gardens, the red cliffs of Kaliakra and the old towns of Nessebar and Sozopol.
- Distance
- 225 km (140 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 06 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 7
- Countries
- Bulgaria
- Updated
- June 14, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 225 km (140 mi) with 7 stops, from Varna to Sozopol. About 3 h 06 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Bulgaria
Route description
Varna is Bulgaria’s summer capital, with a long sea garden, Roman baths and a museum holding the world’s oldest worked gold. Head north into the forest above Golden Sands to the Aladzha Monastery, cells carved into a cliff.
Follow the E87 north to Balchik, where Queen Marie of Romania’s palace and botanical gardens step down to the sea. Beyond, the steppe runs flat to Cape Kaliakra, a narrow red headland with fortress ruins and seabirds; the coast here is wild and almost empty.
Turn south past Varna on the E87, crossing the Stara Planina hills where they meet the sea. Nessebar’s old town stands on a small peninsula linked by a causeway, packed with medieval churches; visit early or in the evening, as it is very busy in July and August.
The last stop, Sozopol, has an old quarter of wooden houses on a rocky point and good beaches nearby. The quieter southern coast continues towards the Strandzha hills. June and September are ideal; many coastal campsites have become resorts, so book ahead in high season.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Varna
Bulgaria - 213 km
Aladzha Monastery
HistoryVarna, BulgariaMedieval hermit cells cut into a limestone cliff in the forest above Golden Sands, with steps and ladders up to the chapel.
- 324 km
Balchik
Bulgaria - 41 km
Balchik Palace
HistoryBalchik, BulgariaThe seaside villa of Romania’s Queen Marie, a mix of minaret and Balkan house, with terraced botanical gardens and a large cactus collection.
- 530 km
Cape Kaliakra
ViewsBalgarevo, BulgariaA narrow red cliff headland running 2 km into the Black Sea, with fortress walls and dolphins often visible below. The wind is strong at the tip.
- 6123 km
Nessebar
Bulgaria - 734 km
Sozopol
Bulgaria
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Varna → Balchik Palace · 38 km · 0 h 32 minOn the way: Aladzha Monastery, Balchik.Overnight nearby, for example: Св. Георги (6 km); saint george camp site 1 (6 km).
- Day 2: Balchik Palace → Cape Kaliakra · 30 km · 0 h 25 minOvernight nearby, for example: saint george camp site 1 (18 km); Св. Георги (18 km).
- Day 3: Cape Kaliakra → Nessebar · 123 km · 1 h 42 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Irakli Wild (16 km); Къмпинг «Иракли» (16 km).
- Day 4: Nessebar → Sozopol · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOvernight nearby, for example: Златна рибка (2 km); Къмпинг градина (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January–February. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: Kaliakra to Sozopol?
4-day road trip of about 225 km (140 mi) with 7 stops, from Varna to Sozopol. About 3 h 06 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: Kaliakra to Sozopol?
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 06 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: Kaliakra to Sozopol start and end?
It starts in Varna and ends in Sozopol.
Which countries does Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: Kaliakra to Sozopol pass through?
Bulgaria.
Where can you camp along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: Kaliakra to Sozopol?
OpenStreetMap lists 42 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Irakli Wild, Къмпинг «Иракли» and Къмпинг Рай.
When is the best time for Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: Kaliakra to Sozopol?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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