How about a summer getaway with the scent of a salty breeze, views of green landscapes, and the touch of fine sand beneath your feet? Now imagine the same experience – but without the crowds, without the hustle, and with the feeling that you’ve discovered a secret haven. That is exactly what Kraimorie offers – a district of Burgas that has preserved the spirit of an authentic fishing village, providing seclusion, lush scenery, and pristine beaches.
In this guide to Kraimorie, you will find useful information about the beaches you can visit and the places where you can stay. You will learn how to reach Kraimorie by car, bus, or bicycle. We will also share some intriguing facts that will enrich your experience.
Kraimorie guide: Beaches worth your attention
Most people think that there is only one beach in Kraimorie. They are wrong. Three different shores alternate here, each with its own character, its own crowd, and even its own type of sand. See the details in the paragraphs below.
Kraimorie Central beach
If you have children or are looking for easy access to the shore, Central Beach Kraimorie is the perfect choice. The sand here is a dream – clean, fine, and golden. The narrow but long strip reaches the bay, and the seabed is shallow and gently sloping. This is the safest and most peaceful beach in the area, often compared to a children’s pool – but created by nature itself.
What makes it special?
The protected swimming area, the children’s play zones, and the proximity to restaurants, shops, and bars. You won’t go hungry or left without shade here, even if you forget your umbrella.
Who is it suitable for?
Central Beach is ideal for families with young children and for anyone looking for easy access and amenities.
Practical information:
Parking: Free, but fills up early in July and August.
Amenities: sunbeds, umbrellas, lifeguards, changing rooms, bars.
Best time to visit: Early morning (7:00 – 9:00 am) to grab a front-row spot, or after 5:00 PM, when the sun is less intense and crowds thin out.
Kraimorie North beach
Free, wild, and a favorite of fishermen, this beach lies in the northernmost part of the neighborhood. Its strip is long but narrow, and the sand gives way to small pebbles that lend a unique texture to the shore. The water is crystal clear, but the seabed is slightly rocky with a gentle slope.What makes it special?
The atmosphere of seclusion and authenticity. There are no umbrellas for rent, no bar music. Just wind, waves, and local anglers.Who is it suitable for?
Those who escape mass tourism, photographers (the sunsets here are incredible), and fishermen.
Practical information:
Parking: You can park along the upper road, but there is no organized parking lot.
Amenities: None. Bring your own water, umbrella, and food.
Best time to visit: Early morning or at sunset. For swimming – when the wind is calm.
Kraimorie South beach
South Beach is the hidden compromise between the convenience of the central beach and the tranquility of the northern one. It is the southernmost of the three strips, stretching for about 840 meters. The sand here is again soft, golden, and stone‑free – as if someone has sifted every handful. The sea is shallow, and the seabed is gently sloping and covered in soft sand.The beach offers the best of both worlds – peace combined with comfort. It draws couples and families who appreciate fine sand and clean water but want to avoid the bustle of the central beach.
Who is it suitable for?
Couples without children, older travelers, and anyone whose motto is “peace and quiet.”
Practical information:
Parking: Available but unregulated. There are parking spaces in the alleys.
Best time to visit: Afternoon when the sun begins to hide behind the hills of the peninsula.
Where to stay in Kraimorie?
Kraimorie is not a resort complex. It is a place for people who prefer a home‑like atmosphere over a hotel room. Choosing where to stay is easy once you know exactly what you are looking for.
Hotels – for people who value their time
The small family hotels in Kraimorie offer the perfect balance between service and coziness. They are suitable for couples and solo travelers who don’t want to waste time on cleaning and cooking. Make sure the place you choose has air conditioning, an elevator, and free parking. Book early – good hotels are already full by May.
Apartments – the freedom of home comfort
This is the most popular choice among Bulgarian tourists. Apartments in Kraimorie are often new, spacious, and offer views of the sea or the mountains. They are ideal for families with children (you can cook your own meals) and for groups of friends. Tip: Always check whether the kitchen is equipped with the necessary utensils and whether there is a washing machine if you are traveling for a longer period.
Villas and guest houses – the authentic experience
Looking for privacy and a yard for your pet? A villa in Kraimorie is the answer. Many of them are old fishermen’s houses, tastefully renovated. They are suitable for people who want to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere. The owners often welcome you with homemade brandy and show you the best fishing spots. Important: Check the distance to the beach – some villas are on the hill, and the walk back up can be strenuous for young children or the elderly.Practical booking advice:
For July and August, book by the end of April. For the off‑season (June and September), there are often last‑minute deals. Families with small children should insist on a ground‑floor room. Guests with pets should look for villas or guest houses with a fenced yard, as hotels rarely accept animals.
Bungalows – cozy among greenery, minutes from the sea
If you are looking for the most authentic “open‑sky vacation” feeling without having to sleep in a tent, the bungalows in Kraimorie are perfect for you. They are compact and functionally equipped to offer you peace, greenery, and proximity to the sea. Due to high demand from families and organized groups, book early – especially for July and August.
How to get to Kraimorie? A guide to good planning
Kraimorie is located about 11 km from Burgas. Excellent transport links offer several options to choose from.
By taxi from Burgas Airport to Kraimorie (the fastest option)
This is the preferred option for families with heavy suitcases and for those arriving late in the evening. The distance is about 12–15 km, and the journey takes 15–20 minutes. Prices vary, but expect to pay a minimum of €15. Always ask for the price before boarding, or use a taxi app.
Direct public transport line from the center of Burgas
Among the easiest and cheapest ways is bus number 17. It departs from South Bus Station, which is just a stone’s throw from Burgas railway station. Bus 17 is direct and drops you off in the heart of Kraimorie. The ticket price for public transport is €0.80 / 1.56 BGN for a single ride. Check the schedule online in advance – evening services are less frequent.
Route from Burgas Airport to Kraimorie via buses 15 and 17
Want to get from the plane to the beach using public transport? Follow this route:
From Burgas Airport, take bus 15 to South Bus Station.
From South Bus Station, take bus 17 to Kraimorie.
Total travel: About 45 minutes. Perfect for backpackers.
The alternative – bus 18
Bus 18 departs from West Bus Station and also passes through Kraimorie, continuing on to the surrounding villages. This is a useful alternative if you are staying in the western part of the city or want to explore the area.
By private car – the most flexible option
By car, from the center of Burgas you can get to Kraimorie in 10-15 minutes, depending on the traffic (which can be quite busy in August). Take the main road II-99 Burgas – Sozopol, follow the signs and after a few kilometers you will see a turn to Kraimorie. Parking in the neighborhood itself is free, but look for a place on the wider streets.
By bicycle – the most scenic route
Cycling enthusiasts have the unique opportunity to use the bike lane that connects Burgas, the Poda Protected Area, and Kraimorie. The route is picturesque, on completely flat terrain along Lake Mandra. If you have time, don’t miss this experience.
10 interesting things to know about Kraimorie
These are the things you won’t find in the brochures – curious facts and hidden gems that locals share.
1. Beneath your feet lies a Thracian fortress from the 2nd century BC.
On Cape Chiroza, between Kraimorie and Chengene Skele, archaeologists have uncovered a massive stone wall and a moat dating back to the 2nd–1st century BC. On Foros, a rich Roman villa (discovered in 2013) and the remains of the Pyrgos fortress (5th century AD) were found. The finds include amphorae, bronze fibulae, and even horse remains with a possible cult function. Imagine sipping your coffee on the rocks while, just meters away, a Thracian fortress gazes out over the sea.
2. The rocks and Cape Kafka (Kabata) are a paradise for underwater photography
Cape Kafka, also known as Kabata, is wild and rocky. Beneath the water near the cape lie karst caves and fossils – a true magnet for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
3. The gazebo in Kraimorie Park – a panorama you must see
Climb up to the park in the upper part of the neighborhood. There, a wooden gazebo awaits you with panoramic views of the entire Black Sea coast and Burgas. This is the spot for sunset – no crowds, no cost, just you and the magnetic horizon.
4. Kraimorie is home to Bulgaria’s first Black Sea beach accessible to people with disabilities
The central beach in Kraimorie was the first in Bulgaria to receive an accessibility certificate, allowing wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility to reach the water without obstacles – a true source of pride for the area.
5. PODA Protected Area is 10 minutes away – a bird paradise
Just outside Burgas, right before Kraimorie, lies Poda – one of the most important bird sites in Europe. Here you can observe over 315 species (pelicans, herons, ibises, cormorants) while walking on the terrace of the nature conservation center or along the visitor trail. From watching rare and fascinating birds in the morning to relaxing on a quiet beach in the afternoon – Kraimorie is an ideal destination for nature tourism.
6. The fishing port – fresh fish at sunrise
There still are working fishermen in Kraimorie. Wake up before dawn and head to the small fishing port. There, you can buy freshly caught fish straight from the boats. This is authenticity that no hotel can offer you.
7. The walking route to Chengene Skele
From the southern end of Kraimorie, a picturesque coastal path leads to the neighboring fishing village of Chengene Skele. The route runs along the rocks, allowing you to listen to the birds and get closer to the archaeological areas. Bring water and set out early in the morning.
8. Sunsets you will remember
Kraimorie is located on a peninsula. Head to its western coast around 8:00 PM in summer and watch the sun slowly sink into the water – a rarity along our coastline that makes sunsets here unforgettable.
9. Wake Park Burgas – adrenaline at the edge of the village
The tranquility that reigns here will never bore you, but if you decide to add some variety to your stay, here’s something that is sure to catch your interest. South of Kraimorie (toward Sozopol) lies Wake Park Burgas. Cable wakeboarding, water skiing, and more – an ideal spot for young people and anyone seeking an adrenaline rush. Quiet beaches and an extreme sports park within arm’s reach – a rare combination.
10. Mass tourism has no place here
Unlike Sunny Beach, in Kraimorie there are no night clubs with loud music on the beach, nor restaurants with inflated prices for foreigners. Here, there is peace. Parking is free, prices are reasonable, and the atmosphere is authentic. Mass tourism has no place here. If you need noise and bustle – you will find them nearby. But if you want the Black Sea as it truly is – you have come to the right place.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Kraimorie a district of Burgas or a separate village?
Kraimorie is a district of Burgas, about 10 km from the city center. Nevertheless, it retains the atmosphere and spirit of a small, quiet seaside settlement – which is precisely what makes it so appealing.
2. Which is the best beach in Kraimorie for families with young children?
Without a doubt, the Central Beach. The soft sand, the shallow water and the gently sloping seabed make it ideal for children. It also offers all the necessary amenities, including sunbeds, restaurants, and free parking.
3. How do I get from Burgas Airport to Kraimorie by city bus?
Route: Take bus 15 from the airport to South Bus Station. From there, take bus 17 (direct line) to Kraimorie. The ticket price is around €0.80. The journey takes about 20 minutes.
4. Are there organized water sports in Kraimorie?
On the beaches of Kraimorie, you can ride a jet ski or enjoy various inflatable water attractions. Additionally, a 2–3 minute drive away is Wake Park Burgas, where you can practice wakeboarding, water skiing, and try other water activities.
5. Is Kraimorie suitable for people with disabilities?
Yes, and the area takes great pride in this. Central Beach in Kraimorie was the first in Bulgaria to receive an accessibility certificate. There is a special path and beach wheelchair to help visitors reach the water.
6. When is the best time to visit Kraimorie?
For the perfect balance of good weather and fewer tourists, aim for June or September. In September, temperatures are still summery, the sea is warm, prices are lower, and the beaches are nearly empty. July and August are the peak season, when the area is busiest.
