Your Key To The Best Black Sea Resorts

While tens of thousands of visitors will flock to the honeyed coasts of the Mediterranean this summer, it is the Black Sea we should be paying attention to. Over the last two decades the Black Sea has experienced a mild increase in foreign tourism, but its largest influx comes from citizens of its bordering countries. If the first thing you think of when someone mentions the Black Sea is cheesy holiday packages and run-down resorts, it’s time to think again. While some resorts do live up to this unfortunate reputation, other destinations are proving it wrong. A number of older resorts have been given sparkling makeovers, while others are hidden gems that only await your discovery. It’s time for you to take a second look at a Black Sea holiday, and see what many savvy travellers have already discovered.

Without a doubt, Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach is the largest and most famous resort in the country, for better or for worse. Its popularity is due its 8km-long golden beach and a subtropical climate that lasts for six months. Sunny Beach is home to a host of high-rise hotels, restaurants galore and some of Bulgaria’s wildest nightclubs. See: Nessebar is an old Roman village built upon on a small island near Sunny Beach. A manmade isthmus has been built so the island can be reached by ferry or car. If you can handle the crowds, it's a wonderful place to spend a few hours exploring the area's extensive history and shopping. Now, a UNESCO World Herirtage Site, the Ancient City of Nessebar is home to over 40 Byzantine and medieval churches. Stay: The elegant DIT Majestic Beach Resort is a behemoth apartment and hotel complex that is truly a sight to behold. Its beachfront property means guests have easy access to all the action of Sunny Beach, while still able to enjoy the exclusive use of the resort's fantastic restaurants, bars and its two stunning pools and lounge deck.

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Next in popularity is Golden Sands, a slightly tamer version of Sunny Beach that is reported to have the best sand in Europe. In addition to a variety of nightlife options, visitors can enjoy the beautiful Golden Sands Nature Park, perfect for hiking and natural springs. Golden Sands, Bulgaria. See: The Aquapolis water park is an exciting attraction the whole family can enjoy. Despite its small size, there are still lots of slides and swimming pools, and plenty of fun to be had. Stay: There are over a hundred hotels and guesthouses in Golden Sands, so visitors will have no trouble finding accommodation that suits their tastes. However, the infinity pool, sleek design, courteous staff and fantastic amenities at the International Hotel Casino & Tower Suites make it our top pick in the area. It's a sophisticated option that's better suited for couples and families with older children. Outdoor pool deck at International Hotel Casino & Tower Suites

There are a number of quieter alternatives to the larger resorts. If you want to bypass the packaged holiday vibe and concrete eyesores, then the romantic town of Sozopol is a breath of fresh air. Amidst its craggy coastline nestle several intimate sandy coves, and there are plenty of sites for history buffs to explore. See:Sozopol's Old Town is definitely the highlight of any visit. It's chockfull of history, photogenic streets and architecture. You'll want to spend at least a day wandering the cobbled alleyways, enjoying a meal and impromptu live Jazz show, shopping and feeling like a true Bohemian. Old Town in Sozopol. Stay: Comfortable rooms with breath-taking sea views and a relaxed ambiance are just two of the reasons the Hotel Selenais a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.

If you’re travelling with the little ones, Albena, is geared towards families. The resort offers its share of waterparks, mini-golf courses and amusement parks. Even the spacious beach is kid-friendly, with calm waters that remain shallow for 150 metres offshore. See: The Aquapark Aquamania is the resort's prime attraction and is perfect for families with children under twelve. The waterpark has more than enough slides and pools to keep the kids entertained while mum and dad relax in the shade. Stay: The expansive Flamingo Grand Hotel is modern, stylish and equipped with everything a guest needs to thoroughly enjoy their stay. The hotel boasts excellent dining, several bars, a nightclub, a fitness centre, spa facilities, squash courts and a water playground for kids. Pool deck at Hotel Flamingo.

MangaliaAs the southernmost resort on Romania’s Black Sea coast, Mangalia enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate for several months of the year. The balmy temperatures and gorgeous, golden beach make this resort an exceptional choice for travellers who love the vibes of the Costa del Sol or the Canary Islands but who are looking to try somewhere new. See: Mangalia’s ancient origins mean there is a wealth of history to explore, such as the Scythian tomb, the Callatis citadel and the impressive Turkish mosque. For camping, swimming and more stunning beaches, head south to 2 Mai, a recently developed resort that boasts lots of nice restaurants and cafes.Stay: With its proximity to the beach and neat rooms, the Hotel Solymar is perfect for families and couples alike. The 3-Star hotel has 54 rooms, including ten with picturesque sea views and four fully-equipped apartments.

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MamaiaMamaia is referred to as the “The Pearl of the Romanian Riviera.” The resort boasts a striking 8-km beach that is lined with sixty hotels. This is the place for all-inclusive packages and spa treatment. It's electric atmosphere and nightlife draw many abled-bodied partiers to revel until dawn. However, if you're seeking a more serene escape, then head a few miles north to the undeveloped Vadu beach. Sand dunes and clear waters stretch on uninterrupted, and the only thing to do here is sunbathe and swim. See: Take a ferry across Lake Siutghiolto tothe mysterious Ovidiu Island. For centuries legends have swirled around this tiny island and it's said to house Ovid's tomb. The island's only restaurant serves delicious traditional Romanian fare. Stay: The Oneiro Resortis a simple yet chic choice for travellers of any age. The rooms are small and spartanly furnished, but comfortable and very clean. The pool and patio area have a lively atmosphere and are a great place to enjoy a drink and relax. The restaurant serves excellent food throughout the day, and dinner is often accompanied by live music. The Oneiro Resort.

The Georgian coastline is littered with a great mix of beach resorts. Batumi is dazzling and large-than-life, offering all the amenities and luxuries you would expect from a popular resort.  Batumi at night. Photo credit: Georgia Travel See: Sometimes the simplest attractions are the best ones. That's the case for Batumi Boulevard, the elegant, seaside promenade. It's the favorite spot for visitors who enjoy strolling along the coast, running and cycling. The palm fringed promenade runs for 10-km and is lined with plenty of places to eat and drink. Stay:Hilton Batumioffers visitors the world-class service the chain is known for. The grand hotel is recently built and sits right on the waterfront promenade. Rooms are spacious and stylish, and guests have access to the hotel's indoor pool, spa facilities and rooftop bar.

MtsvaneKontskhi is aptly named the 'Green Coast' due to its lush hillsides that slope until they meet the sea. The resort is untamed and ruggedly beautiful, but still offers a wonderful variety of small hotels, alfresco cafes, restaurants and a buzzing nightlife scene. Visitors here can enjoy strolling through the lavish botanical gardens, swimming, diving and sunbathing. Mtsvane Kontskhi, 'The Green Coast.' See:Batumi Botanical Gardens cannot be missed. This beautifully maintained garden is flooded with a grand diversity of flora, including many semitropical and foreign species. It takes about an hour and a half to walk through the garden. Stay: The three closest lodgings to Mtsvane Kontski beach are Guest House Zorbeg, TJ Hostel and the Green Cape Guesthouse. All three will appeal to backpackers and shoestring travellers. For more refined accommodation, look in nearby Batumi.

Gonia is another of Georgia's top resort towns. It is known for its crystal clear water and charming, brightly coloured houses. See: The Gonio Fortress is now only ruins, but stands as a reminder of the region's ancient history. The fortification was once called Apsaros or Apsaruntos by the Romans and is thought to have been built around the 1 A.D. Gonio Fortress Stay: Gonio's laid-back atmosphere is made even more apparent by the absence of high-rise hotels and massive complexes. Instead, guests have their pick of family-run guesthouses and B&Bs. We love the pretty Guesthouse Nia, which offers 35 rooms split up among three two-story cottages, a pool and a summer cafe. The guesthouse is nestled between the mountains and the sea, with the beach only a short walk away.

Turkey’s Black Sea coast is composed of two regions Karadeniz and Marmara. Both are swathed in dense, mountainous forests that creep up right until the water’s edge.Its pockets of glacier lakes, Ottoman-era architecture, sporadic resort towns and medieval monasteries distinguish the Karadeniz region. Its largest city is Samsun, a thriving port city, with roots that extend back to the Ancient Greeks. Its pivotal location made Samsun a valuable commercial asset. Therefore, over the centuries, the Greeks, the Romans, the Seljuk Empire and finally the Ottomans occupied Samsun, with each civilization leaving its mark behind. Karadeniz wears its storied past like a patchwork quilt, with many historical sites and ancient ruins scattered throughout the region.See: Two cultural gems in Samsun are: the Archaeological and Ataturk Museum, filled with ancient relics and fascinating history; and the Samsun Bulvar shopping street where you’ll feel like a local browsing craft, clothing and pottery shops and eating Turkish specialties.Stay: The Venn Boutique Hotel is a swanky beachfront boutique hotel that offers exclusivity, spectacular customer service and a touch of funky glamour.

For a true beach holiday, there is no prettier choice than Amasra, a seaside town located halfway between Samsun and Istanbul. This enchanting coastal town explodes during the summer months, with visitors from Ankara and Istanbul coming for a seaside escape. Amasra’s charm comes from its natural beauty and storybook-worthy scenery. The handful of beach resorts cluster around the town’s sole patch of sand. Sun loungers, dressing rooms and street cafes pouring steamy cups of tea and coffee round out the beach amenities. Traditional houses from Amasra, Turkey. See:Amasra Castle was built by during the Roman period and was reinforced later on by the Byzantines and Genoese, making it a veritable time capsule of the town’s history.Stay: The glossy, seafront Northdoor Hotel offers guest unbeatable views and refined modern luxury.