Tsarevo Beaches

Overview

Tsarevo, Bulgaria, is a charming Black Sea destination, ideal for visitors seeking a relaxed coastal holiday. It's often praised as a great choice for families due to its calm atmosphere. The waters at its primary beaches are generally clean and inviting for swimming, and many boast fine sandy shores perfect for sunbathing and recreation.

The region features several standout beaches. Nestinarka Beach is Tsarevo's largest, making it a popular choice for families with its wide sands. For those seeking more activity, Arapya Beach offers a lively atmosphere with watersports and camping. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the wild, scenic beauty of Silistar Beach, located within a protected nature park. Further afield, the iconic Veleka Beach presents a stunning landscape where the river meets the sea.

Beyond these well-known spots, Tsarevo's varied coastline is dotted with other coves and shores, offering a range of experiences. The town's proximity to the Strandzha mountains also allows for a pleasant mix of beach days and nature exploration. Discover all the coastal gems Tsarevo has to offer by exploring our comprehensive list of beaches in this guide.

Top Beaches

Central Beach Tsarevo

The heart of Tsarevo's coastline, this is the easiest beach to access for anyone staying in town. Its convenient location right next to the town's large seaside park makes it a popular and lively spot for both locals and visitors. While modest in size, the beach charms with its fine, soft sand that feels wonderful underfoot. The shoreline is attractively framed by steep, green slopes, enhancing its picturesque quality. A particularly interesting feature is the collection of eroded limestone rocks at its southern edge, affectionately called "Gargi" by the residents. This combination of easy accessibility and natural coastal features makes it a well-loved part of the Tsarevo experience.

FAQ

Is Tsarevo a good choice for a family beach holiday?

Yes, Tsarevo is often considered a great destination for families. The town is known for its quiet and calm atmosphere. Beaches like Nestinarka are particularly recommended for families with small children due to their gentle slope and sandy bottom. Arapya beach is also cited as family-friendly.

Plazh Nestinarka

Arapya Beach

What's the water like for swimming at Tsarevo's beaches – is it clean and calm?

Generally, the seawater at Tsarevo's main beaches like Nestinarka and Arapya is described as clean and suitable for swimming. Nestinarka is noted for its clear water and sandy bottom without rocks. Arapya bay is often calm, making it ideal for swimming. Water temperatures are warmest from July to August.

Plazh Nestinarka

Arapya Beach

When is the peak season for visiting Tsarevo's beaches for the best weather?

The best time for a beach holiday in Tsarevo with hot weather and warm sea temperatures is typically from early July to late August. During this period, daily high temperatures are often above 25-29°C, and the sea is warm enough for comfortable swimming.

Which beach in Tsarevo is best for young children?

Nestinarka beach is frequently recommended as one of the best options for families with young children. It has fine sand, a gentle slope into the water, and is generally calm. Arapya beach is also considered suitable for children due to its gentle slope and spacious area.

Plazh Nestinarka

Arapya Beach

Are there hotels or apartments located directly on the beach in Tsarevo?

Yes, it's possible to find accommodation directly on or very close to some beaches in Tsarevo. Nestinarka beach, for example, is surrounded by hotels. Arapya also has hotels, bungalows, and campsites near the beach. Several aparthotels also boast beachfront locations.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Plazh Nestinarka

Arapya Beach

Are there beaches in Tsarevo suitable for activities like windsurfing or diving?

Yes, Arapya beach is known as a good spot for water sports, including windsurfing and diving. There are diving schools mentioned in relation to Arapya and Oasis beaches. Silistar beach, further south, is also noted as a popular surfing spot.

Arapya Beach

Oasis Beach

Silistar Beach

How far are the popular beaches like Nestinarka and Arapya from Tsarevo town centre, and how can I reach them?

Nestinarka beach is located about 2 km south-east of Tsarevo's centre, in the Vasiliko quarter. Arapya beach is about 2.5-3 km north of the town centre. Both can be reached by car. In summer, minibuses often operate between Tsarevo and Arapya. Some sources note the road to Arapya can be a dirt track.

Plazh Nestinarka

Arapya Beach

Are most beaches in Tsarevo sandy? What's the sand like?

Tsarevo offers a mix of sandy and rocky beaches. The larger, more popular beaches like Nestinarka and Arapya are primarily sandy. Nestinarka is described as having fine sand. Oasis beach has coarser sand. The Central beach is smaller and sandy.

Plazh Nestinarka

Arapya Beach

Oasis Beach

People Also Ask

Can I find quieter, more secluded beaches near Tsarevo if I want to avoid crowds?

While the main beaches like Nestinarka can get crowded in peak season, Tsarevo's indented coastline offers smaller, potentially quieter spots. Vasiliko beach is described as picturesque and tranquil. Exploring further south towards Sinemorets might also reveal less crowded options like Silistar, known for its natural beauty, though it's a bit of a drive.

Plazh Nestinarka

Beach Vasiliko Tsarevo

Silistar Beach

What's the general atmosphere like in Tsarevo? Is it a lively party town or more for a relaxed holiday?

Tsarevo is generally known for a quieter and calmer atmosphere, making it more suitable for a relaxed holiday, especially for families and those looking to unwind. It's less of a party town compared to some larger Bulgarian Black Sea resorts.

How do Tsarevo's beaches compare to those in nearby Lozenets or Sinemorets?

Tsarevo offers a mix of smaller town beaches and larger ones like Nestinarka and Arapya a short distance away. Lozenets, to the north, also has popular beaches like Oasis (sometimes associated with both) and a more developed resort feel. Sinemorets, to the south, is closer to Strandzha National Park and known for very picturesque and wilder beaches like Veleka and Silistar, appealing to nature lovers.

I've heard about past water quality issues at Popski beach. Is it safe to swim there now?

There were reports of pollution at Popski beach in Tsarevo in August 2023. However, subsequent tests conducted by regional health authorities later in August 2023 found no dangerous pollution levels at Popski beach, and it was deemed suitable for bathing. Official bodies regularly monitor water quality.

What are some local tips for making the most of a beach day in Tsarevo?

To make the most of your beach day, consider visiting popular beaches like Nestinarka or Arapya earlier in the day during peak season to secure a good spot. If driving to Arapya, be prepared for a potentially unpaved road. For a quieter experience, explore smaller coves or beaches like Vasiliko. Remember that Tsarevo is at the foot of the Strandzha mountains, so combining beach time with a nature walk can be a unique experience.

Plazh Nestinarka

Arapya Beach

Beach Vasiliko Tsarevo

Are there nudist beaches or areas near Tsarevo?

While Tsarevo's main beaches are not designated as nudist, Ahtopol Nude Beach is located further south of Tsarevo, near the town of Ahtopol. This is a known spot for naturists in the region.

Ahtopol Beach

Besides the main beaches, are there any smaller, perhaps less-known coves or spots worth exploring around Tsarevo?

Tsarevo's coastline is quite indented, featuring rocky peninsulas and several small bays. While Nestinarka and Arapya are the largest and most popular, exploring the coastline around the Vasiliko quarter or the small 'Pontona' beach near the port might reveal quainter spots. The area towards Strandzha Nature Park also offers more secluded and wilder coastal scenery.

Plazh Nestinarka

Arapya Beach