Tsarevo – the Black Sea gateway to Strandzha
- Stefan Ivanov
- Apr 20
- 9 min read
Imagine a place where the gentle lapping of the Black Sea waves meets the ancient whispers of a mystical mountain.
A destination where golden sands give way to lush, relict forests, and lively summer entertainment seamlessly intertwines with centuries-old traditions.
Welcome to Tsarevo, often called the Black Sea gateway to Strandzha – and with good reason.
Tsarevo is a charming town in Southeastern Bulgaria, strategically located on three small peninsulas and four beautiful bays.
Its unique geographical location, nestled between the sea and Strandzha Mountain, offers an unparalleled combination of coastal relaxation and adventurous mountain exploration.
This is not just another seaside resort; it is a starting point for diverse experiences.
This proximity between the sea and the mountains creates a unique combination that allows visitors not to choose between a beach vacation and mountain hikes, but to combine both seamlessly.
This attracts a wide range of travelers, including families with diverse interests or active adventurers who are also looking for peace and quiet.
Such a combination makes Tsarevo a more flexible and attractive destination compared to purely coastal or mountain resorts, potentially increasing length of stay and number of repeat visits, as travelers can experience different aspects of Bulgaria in one trip.
I will reveal to you the sunny beaches of Tsarevo, we will immerse ourselves in its fascinating past, we will taste its culinary delights, and then we will enter deep into the wild heart of Strandzha, revealing its hidden paths and untouched natural wonders.
Get ready for an unforgettable Bulgarian adventure!
Tsarevo – sea breeze, golden sands and endless entertainment
Tsarevo captivates with its amazing coastal landscape, spread over three small peninsulas and four bays.
The coastline is highly indented, incredibly picturesque and extremely beautiful, offering diverse views and secluded corners.
The municipality boasts a variety of beaches, each with its own charm, which allows Tsarevo to welcome different types of beachgoers.
This shows that the destination is well-prepared to meet specific needs, and is not just a generic place with sandy beaches.
For example, families with young children may prefer the calm waters of Arapya, while adventure lovers would choose Nestinarka for surfing, and those seeking peace or fishermen will appreciate the rocky bays or Varvara.
This enables targeted recommendations and attracts a wider audience, demonstrating a deep understanding of travelers' needs.
Here are some of the top beaches in Tsarevo Municipality:
Arapya – 700 meters (approximate length) x 80 meters (approximate width). A sheltered bay, ideal for beginner surfers, diving school, surrounded by forests.
Oasis – 600 meters (approximate length) x 100 meters (approximate width). Spacious beach, green northern cape, diving school, bungalows.
Popski Beach – 650 meters (approximate length) x 90 meters (approximate width). Golden, fine and soft sand, historically with holiday camps.
Tsarevo Central Beach – a large beach located in the city itself.
Nestinarka – 550 meters (approximate length) x 90 meters (approximate width). Suitable for surfing and bodyboarding in favorable conditions.
Old Church Beach – a small beach located in the historical district of Vasiliko.
Varvara – exotic, wild bays, for those seeking pristine nature.
Veleka River Mouth – 1000 meters (approximate length) x 100 meters (approximate width). Incredibly beautiful lagoon.
Besides traditional beach tourism, Tsarevo offers countless entertainment opportunities, especially for families with children.
Visitors can enjoy water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing, boating, fishing or cycling.
The city is also a center for sporting events, with the "Tsarevo Sports" initiative offering a wide selection of sporting activities such as running, swimming, water sports and competitions, attracting both amateurs and professional athletes for an exciting experience.
A Look into the Past – the History of Vasiliko
The history of Tsarevo is deeply rooted in antiquity, starting with a Thracian sanctuary on the small cape near the church of the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
The city went through various names before acquiring its current name, Tsarevo.
Vasiliko – in the 12th century
Vasilikos – until 1352
Vasiliko – until 1934
Tsarevo – until 1950
Michurin – until 1991
There are two main versions of the origin of the name Vasiliko.
One connects it to the Greek word basileus, meaning king, probably interpreted by the Turkish traveler Evliya Çelebi, who mentions a fortress built by Prince Vasil.
Another version connects it with the destroyed Bulgarian village of Bosilkovo in the Eastern Balkan Mountains, whose inhabitants moved to Vasiliko.
Over the centuries, Vasiliko has been closely connected with neighboring Ahtopol and the mountain villages in Strandzha.
After the suppression of the Ilinden-Preobrazhensko Uprising, the city again fell into Turkish territory and was finally regained after the Balkan War (1912), and in 1913 refugees from Eastern Thrace settled here.
Tsarevo is not only a seaside resort, but also an administrative, economic and cultural center of the Tsarevo Municipality.
The city preserves a number of landmarks that tell of its rich past and cultural heritage.
Georgi Kondolov Community Center
Established in 1914, it is the cultural center of the city, housing the library with over 35,071 volumes and a hall for theatrical performances.
In front of the community center on the wide square, numerous festivals, competitions and concerts are held during the summer.
Temple of St. Tsar Boris-Michael
Built in 1936 in the new part of the city, it is a single-domed church with a bell tower, and Tsar Boris III and Tsarina Joanna provided financial assistance for its construction.
Church of the Assumption of the Virgin
I tell you more about the church HERE.
The Sea Garden
Located on the edge of the city, right on the seashore, it offers beautiful alleys, flower beds and tall pine trees.
It is always cool here, even on hot summer days, and the garden is equipped with benches for relaxation and a children's corner.
From a terrace at the end of the garden, exceptional panoramas are revealed and dolphins can be seen.
Lighthouse Sculpture
The port of Tsarevo houses the first lighthouse sculpture of its kind – a bronze figure of a Thracian goddess, over five meters tall and weighing about 3 tons.
It is located on a concrete pedestal, at a height of over 16 meters above sea level, and symbolizes the hospitality of the city and the safety of seafarers.
Tsarevo Promenade – "Vasiliko"
The newly built coastal pedestrian promenade is truly magical.
The seaside pedestrian and bicycle path connects the town of Tsarevo with the historic (Greek) neighborhood of "Vasiliko".
The promenade is magnificent - a real adventure for walk-loving adventurers!
During your walk here, you may even meet Charlie Chaplin.
From here you can see the bay, surrounded on the left by the pier, breakwater and lighthouse statue, and on the right - Castro and the Church of the Holy Assumption of the Virgin Mary.
Along the coastal promenade you will reach the "Vasiliko" neighborhood.
Historical (Greek) Quarter "Vasiliko"
A walk through "Vasiliko" is a fairy tale splendor.
In its center, a fabulous relaxation area has been created with a fountain and fragrant wisteria and beautiful roses that bloom in spring.
Walking through the old quarter of Tsarevo is a delightful charm.
Sunrises at Vasiliko
Beautiful sunrises can be observed from the Kastro peninsula.
The magic of the first minutes of a new day from this very place has always filled me with inspiration.
Sunsets at Vasiliko
The sunsets from the peninsula are also magical.
Watching the sun set from this very spot is a magical experience.
These historical and cultural sites add significant depth to a beach vacation.
They offer travelers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich local history and traditions, transforming the experience from simply sunbathing into a more enriching and authentic journey.
This broadens Tsarevo's appeal beyond typical seaside tourism, making it a destination for those seeking both relaxation and cultural exploration.
Papia Peak
South of the city rises Papia Peak – 502 meters high.
The peak is the crater of a long-extinct volcano, last erupting about 80 million years ago.
The result of this volcanic activity are the reddish rocks along the Ahtopol coast.
Culinary Delights – The Tastes of the Sea and Strandzha
The culinary scene in Tsarevo is a true delight for the senses, offering both traditional Bulgarian cuisine and mouth-watering seafood specialties, which are particularly popular among visitors.
The city has a variety of restaurants that promise unforgettable culinary experiences.
Strandzha – the wild beauty of the mountain, accessible from Tsarevo
Tsarevo is not just a seaside resort, but a true gateway to the wild and mystical Strandzha Mountain.
Strandzha is the largest natural park in Bulgaria, established in 1995 to preserve the unique ecosystems, biodiversity, and distinctive Strandzha folklore and culture.
You can learn everything about this unique reserve HERE.
Despite its wild nature, Strandzha is surprisingly accessible from Tsarevo, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.
This "access to the wild" is made possible by a network of eco-trails and opportunities for organized visits that allow visitors to experience its beauty without having to be extreme hikers.
From Tsarevo, you can enter the interior of Strandzha Nature Park to "break the standard seaside vacation."
The Municipality of Tsarevo is actively working to ensure free access to picturesque beaches in the park, such as the beach between Rezovo and Sinemorets.
Events and Festivals – Summer in Tsarevo
The summer season in Tsarevo is full of life and offers a variety of cultural events, concerts and festivals that provide entertainment for tourists. The city is establishing itself as an important destination for sporting events and holidays.
These events not only provide entertainment, but also serve as a platform for showcasing local culture, sportsmanship and community unity. They enrich the visitor experience by giving them the opportunity to participate in local life and create deeper connections with the destination.
Best time to visit
The best seasons to visit Strandzha Mountain are spring and autumn, as summer can be hot and winter can be humid and foggy. For beach fun, of course, the summer months are the best.
Climate
The climate in Tsarevo in summer is warm, humid, dry and with few clouds, while in winter it is long, very cold, windy and sometimes cloudy. Throughout the year, the temperature usually ranges from 0°C to 27°C and rarely drops below -5°C or rises above 30°C.
Tsarevo – your adventure starts here!
Tsarevo is a destination that goes beyond the usual idea of a beach resort. It is a place where the Black Sea and the mystical Strandzha Mountains meet, offering a unique combination of golden beaches, crystal clear waters, ancient history, living traditions and wild, untouched nature. From peaceful bays ideal for families to exciting water sports and mystical fire dances, Tsarevo offers something for everyone.
Its strategic position as the "Black Sea gateway to Strandzha" opens the doors to the largest natural park in Bulgaria, home to relict forests, unique flora and fauna and ancient sanctuaries. This symbiosis between coastal relaxation and mountain adventures creates the opportunity for a multi-layered and enriching journey.
Whether you are looking for an active adventure, cultural immersion or simply tranquility in nature, Tsarevo is the destination that will offer you unforgettable memories. Your adventure to the heart of the Southern Black Sea Coast and the magic of Strandzha begins here!
How to get to Tsarevo?
Tsarevo is a city in Southeastern Bulgaria, Burgas District. The city is the administrative, economic and cultural center of Tsarevo Municipality.
Tsarevo is located:
471 kilometers (about 4 hours and 30 minutes by car) from the capital
317 kilometers (about 3 hours and 20 minutes by car) from the city of Plovdiv
195 kilometers (about 2 hours and 50 minutes by car) from the city of Varna
65 kilometers (about 50 minutes by car) from the city of Burgas
56 kilometers (about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car) from the city of Malko Tarnovo
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