A Retro Escape to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria: A Mid-May Adventure
Arriving in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, in mid-May 2025 felt like stepping into a time capsule. Driving down the main strip, I was struck by the eerie quiet—dark, vacant hotels lined the road, their pools empty, and crumbling walkways hinted at a bygone era. Derelict buildings dotted the landscape, giving the place a nostalgic charm, like traveling back 40 years. There’s something oddly captivating about it. A few locals lingered outside food stalls, sipping coffee or tea, chatting, or scrolling on their phones—a universal habit.
The weather here is a wild card. One moment, you’re basking in scorching heat; the next, you’re reaching for a hoodie as clouds roll in. When the sun breaks through, it’s pure bliss, warming your skin in an instant. Showers are common, but one rainy dash back to the hotel left us laughing, surprisingly not soaked through—maybe Balkan rain is kinder than the UK’s fine drizzle!
Food in Sunny Beach is a delightful mix. Brits abroad might grumble, searching for their full English breakfasts, roasts, or curries (all of which you can find), but the real joy is in the local cuisine. Fresh salads and meats dominate, though I’ll admit I hesitated at the beef tongue. Prices are a steal: a hearty meal for as little as 15 lev (£7), a ribeye steak for £20, a local draught beer for £2, and happy hour cocktails at two for £7. No complaints here!
The 10km stretch of Sunny Beach is breathtaking, framed by massive hotels that, shockingly, only operate three months a year. Locals say the area transforms in peak season—June, July, and August—when thousands of families descend, turning this quiet retreat into the “St. Tropez of the East.” In mid-May, though, the paths are dark, hotel lights off, and bars boarded up. By our second week, things were starting to pick up, hinting at the lively summer ahead.
I like Sunny Beach, though my heart still belongs to Turkey’s Dalaman and Ölü Deniz mountains. Bulgaria has its own charm: friendly, hardworking locals who might seem reserved until you strike up a conversation.
The area is clean, and the prices are a dream for families—something Turkey might struggle to compete with soon. In one day, I lounged by the pool, strolled the beach, fired an AK47, and won some cash at the casino. Talk about variety!
Sunny Beach feels like a step back 30 or 40 years, from its retro aesthetic to the warm, unhurried vibe of the people.
My only gripe? The unpredictable weather. With a few days left, I’m hoping to rummage through second-hand shops for some vintage shirts to add to my collection.
Bulgaria is a unique experience, come see it for yourself, even if just once.
Jamie, Pontone Classics
Exploring the world, one retro gem at a time.
Check out my finds at WWW.PONTONE.CO.UK