Figure 1.--The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is known as he Bulgarian Riviera. This portrait was taken at one of Bulgaria's many beaches. We begin to see Bulgarians enjoying their Black Sea beaches in the early-20th century with the advent of the snapshot. Here we see a family beach snapshot during the 1960s.

We do not know much about the history of beach going in Bulgaria. We do not think it was important during the long Ottoman era (14th-19th century). It presumably developed after Bulgaria emerged as an independent country (1880s). The adoption of a German monarcy here was a factor. We do not notice beach vacations in the photographic record until the 20th century, but our Bulgariannarchive is still limited. Here photographic technology may be a factor. We do see a lot of family snapshots at beach vacations during the 20th century with the rise of the snapshot. After World War I beach going was claerly popular in Bulgaria. Bulgaria has a 378 kilometer (km) Black Sea coast and a relatively warm climate. We see references to the Bulgarian Riviera. We also see family outings into the countryside. This was somewhat limited by the fact that so few Bugarians had family cars. Under Communist rule virtually no private citizens had a family car. Bulgaria's eastern border is a Black Sea coast which has many attractive beaches, described in the travel magazines as 'golden sun-kissed beaches. Some of the most popular are: Bolata Beach, Balchik, Golden Sands Beach. Harmanite Beach, Irikali, Karadere Beach, Marina Dinevi (a yacht harbor and а resort complex at St Vlas village), Pomorie Beach, Saxa Beach, Sinemorets Veleka Beach, Smokinya Beach, and Sunny/Nessebar Beaches. Balchik is a charming town which boats small but charming beaches. Queen Mary built a palace here. Small beaches are alla long the 2 km seaside promenade, each with a popular beach bar. The largest beach is Central Beach on the city outskirts. Bolata Beach is located near Kaliakra Cape, part of a natural and archaeological reserve. This includes one of Bulgaria's few marine resrrves. This is the northern-most in the country. It is shaped like a minature bay, surrounded by a massive rock massif with cave openings-creating a near perfect semi-circle. Golden Sands (Zlotni Pyasatci) Beach is located at Varna, one of Bulgria's most important Black Sea resorts. Bulgarians call it th capital of the Black Sea for irs cultural and economic imprtance. The city has a black sand beach, but Golden Sands further from the city is more popular. Bulgarians insist it is the best neach in Europe. Haranite Beach is located at Sozopol, 35 km south of Burgas. The smaller Town Beach is located nearby. Sozolpol is one of Bulgaria's oldest cities. Irikali Beach is a rare still undeveloped beach along the Bulgarian coast. This is the beach for those seeking bsolitude, nature, and wildlife. Free camping is permitted. Karadere Beach is located close to Byals and Goritsa. It is not a wild beach, but is undeveloped and remote. There are few tourists seeking facilities, but the beach attracts free spirits. Beach camping is permitted and one might here guitars and bongos late into the night. Saxa Beach is located at Burgas, the country's laegest port and an important cultural center. Saxa and Burgas are one of Bulgria's leading Black Sea resorts. Sinemorets is Bugaria's southern most beach located at a small village close to the Turkish border. The village is part of the Dtrandzha Nature Park and boats a small artistic community. Silistar Beach is located nearby. Sunny and Nessebar Beaches are located near together at Nessebar, a World Heritage Site because of iss Greek Byzantine, and Ottomman history is called the Pearl of the Black Sea. Summy Beachnis the most popular beach in Bilgaria and is located just a few km from Nessebar. it has some of the few remaining sand dunes in the country.

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Created: 3:34 AM 10/2/2019
Last updated: 3:34 AM 10/2/2019