Shkorpilovtsi Beach is one of the most impressive and authentic corners of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, where the endless marine horizon meets untouched, wild nature. Boasting a remarkable length of 11.96 km, it stands as the longest continuous sandy beach in Bulgaria. Due to its exceptional ecological value, the beach and its adjacent territories have been designated as a protected zone within the European ecological network Natura 2000 under the Habitats Directive, spanning a massive area of 5,125.65 hectares. Geography and Territorial Scope - Zonal Boundaries: The protected territory (registered under the official national code BG0000100) is widely spread, encompassing the lands of the town of Byala, alongside the coastal and inland villages of Shkorpilovtsi, Goritsa, Samotino, Rudnik, and Staro Oryahovo. - Environmental Management: Due to its vast scale crossing regional borders, the zone is placed under the strict joint control of the Regional Inspections of Environment and Water (RIEW) of both Burgas and Varna. - Historical Designation: The area officially attained its status as a legally protected European zone on December 4, 2007. Biodiversity and Endangered Species Conservation - Conservation Mission: The primary goal of the zone is the long-term preservation and, if necessary, restoration of the unique coastal natural habitats (including specific sand dune systems) and the wildlife that depends on them. - Marine Mammals: The coastal waters surrounding the beach provide a safe haven for protected Black Sea cetaceans, such as the Common Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the elusive Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). - Terrestrial and Riverine Fauna: The nearby riverbeds and woodlands shelter the European otter (Luthra luthra), the rare marbled polecat, and valuable bat species, including Bechstein's bat and the lesser horseshoe bat.
Varna
3.9 km away
Varna
10.9 km away
Burgas
17.2 km away
Varna
25.1 km away
Shkorpilovtsi is located in Varna, Bulgaria.
Shkorpilovtsi is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Shkorpilovtsi can be visited year-round, but late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer is the busiest season; winter is the quietest, with shorter daylight and possible cold weather.
Bulgarian settlements typically reward unhurried walking — historic centres, churches and monasteries, local markets, and family-run restaurants serving regional dishes. Larger towns often have museums and seasonal cultural events. The local tourist information centre is a good first stop for current opening hours and what's on.
