# 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.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/guides/b7-bulgarian-black-sea/

**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. 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 |
| Route | Varna → Sozopol |
| Countries | Bulgaria |
| Updated | June 14, 2026 |

## 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

1. **Varna** (Bulgaria)
2. **Aladzha Monastery** (Varna, Bulgaria): Medieval hermit cells cut into a limestone cliff in the forest above Golden Sands, with steps and ladders up to the chapel.
3. **Balchik** (Bulgaria)
4. **Balchik Palace** (Balchik, Bulgaria): The seaside villa of Romania’s Queen Marie, a mix of minaret and Balkan house, with terraced botanical gardens and a large cactus collection.
5. **Cape Kaliakra** (Balgarevo, Bulgaria): A 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.
6. **Nessebar** (Bulgaria)
7. **Sozopol** (Bulgaria)

## 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.