Black Sea cities and towns never make the lists of places you MUST visit this summer. And you know what, that’s just great.
The enlightened ones who come to the Black Sea find cities and towns brimming with a wealth of culture, amazing regional food, friendly locals and, yes, beaches.
So don’t dismiss the Black Sea if you want an alternative European beach holiday. Because, you know, Black Sea cities matter!
In a world where everyone wants to be a Santorini, Nice or Majorca, be an Amasra, a Sozopol or an Odesa instead. If you’re looking for a beach break without the hoi polloi hordes doing the same old thing, here is a list of lovely offbeat cities and towns to visit on the Black Sea coast instead.
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Is the Black Sea Worth Visiting?
Besides self-doubt, backstabbing and caring what others think of you, everything in life is worth it. A Black Sea holiday falls into that worth-it category.
If you’re reading this, it means you’ve got a curious mind, don’t care about viral TikToks, and you’re not afraid to venture off the beaten path. So, why should you choose the Black Sea instead of Crete or Sardinia?
Well, the Black Sea isn’t for everyone. But if you crave an unconventional blend of beach bliss, ancient wonders, UNESCO World Heritage sites, captivating folklore, and incredible nature, you’ve struck gold!
Expect vibrant cities and charming rustic towns that rival their European counterparts, but offer a refreshingly different experience at a fraction of the cost.
When you opt for a Black Sea holiday, you’re telling yourself you don’t want to keep up with the Joneses (who are likely jostling with the crowds in the Algarve). Instead, you’d rather rub shoulders with the Ivanovs and Shevchenkos and get an authentic glimpse into Eastern Europe as you holiday alongside the Bulgarians, Romanians, Ukrainians and Turks, among others.
And here’s the best bit: the Black Sea rules when it comes to affordability. While your friends pay through the noses (it’s only a matter of time before you’ll start paying in euros to breathe) in the Mediterranean, you can wallow in a wallet-friendly beach holiday that still delivers that enviable European experience.
Think amazing regional cuisine, affordable accommodations and activities that won’t drain your bank account, and a refreshing absence of throngs of international tourists.
So, yes, my friend, choosing a Black Sea city for your holiday is so worth it. It’s a chance to break free from the ordinary, swap the cliché for the offbeat, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Best Black Sea Cities & Towns to Visit
We recently went on a Turkish road trip from Istanbul to Ankara via the Black Sea and fell hard for the region’s natural beauty and gorgeous small towns. That trip was so good that we already dream of seeing more of the Black Sea.
For this post, we’ve asked a few of our favourite goths travel experts to share their must-visit Black Sea city or town with us. Besides colour matching with their souls, they agree the Black Sea offers an exciting alternative beach break for people like you.
On this Black Sea journey, we’ll start in Turkey and go in an anti-clockwise direction along the coast to Georgia, Ukraine, Romania and Bulgaria.
We did not include Russia at this time because, you know, Russia is… (complete popular opinion yourself). However, once it’s socially acceptable to visit Russia again, we will personally go and check out Sochi and update this post.
Why?
Because all Black Sea cities matter.
And we’ve been dreaming of a Moscow-Sochi-Odesa-Kyiv trip for years. Let’s hope.
Also, note that it is not the best time to visit Ukraine at this time either, but do bookmark the beautiful Black Sea city of Odesa for the future. We surely did.
Black Sea Cities & Towns in Turkey
Amasra
Little Amasra packs a punch. This pretty Black Sea town has fantastic sandy beaches, a great little museum, boat cruises, catch of the day which was actually caught on the day and the friendliest people you’ve ever met.
The Black Sea in Amasra is like a huge lake, with two town beaches that await without a ripple. Amasra’s sandy beaches and calm, clear water are a hit with young and old. The most popular beach in town, Büyük Liman Plajı (Big Harbour Beach), is separated by a narrow isthmus from Küçük Lima Plajı (Small Harbour Beach), and you can walk between the two in minutes.
When not on the beach, you can learn about the area’s history at the Amasra Museum, which houses a handsome collection of Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Genoese artefacts.
Take a boat cruise lasting about 40 minutes around town and Rabbit Island to see beautiful Amasra from an even more beautiful angle. Boats leave Big Harbour Beach once there are enough passengers, costing a mere TRY 40.
This part of Turkey’s Black Sea coast is famous for hamsi (anchovy) and mezgit (haddock). For a great seafood meal with a view over Small Harbour Beach, head over to Günbatımı Balik restaurant.
Amasra is a beautiful seaside town, and those looking for a relaxing Black Sea holiday can easily spend their entire holiday here. If you need a break from the beach and want to see another beautiful town in the Black Sea region, drive inland to Safranbolu for a few days (or a day trip).
Stay here: Seymen Hotel, right on Little Harbour Beach and next to the Amasra Museum, offers great value and has yummy breakfasts with a view of the beach and Amasra Castle.
By Us
Sinop
While Sinop may not be the most well-known city on the Black Sea, it certainly is the happiest — in fact, its uniqueness lies in the fact that it was voted Happiest City in Turkey multiple times! If you want to find out the secret to this jolly little gem’s happiness, you’ll have to visit.
Sinop is located about halfway between Trabzon and Amasra. In fact, the drive from Amasra to Sinop is one of the most popular road trips in Turkey and a must-do if you plan to travel around the Black Sea region!
The city is most famous for the Sinop Fortress, which protected the city against invaders for many centuries. While multiple remnants of the fortress are scattered around the edge of the city, the most well-preserved part is right in the centre. Be sure to climb up to the top (entrance is free) for epic views.
Other interesting attractions include the Arslan Torun Mansion and Ethnography Museum, the Pervane Medrese, and the statue of Diogenes.
Of course, don’t miss the city’s most famous dish, Sinop manti (dumplings with garlic yoghurt and chopped walnuts). For the best manti in Sinop, head straight to Teyze’nin Yeri Mantı Salonu.
Like most Black Sea cities, Sinop also has plenty of fantastic beaches. We recommend Karakum Beach, located along the Sinop peninsula and gets its name from the black sand covering the area. Facilities include sunbeds, umbrellas, shower stalls, and a cafe.
Stay here: Otel 57 is located right in the centre of Sinop and has spacious, recently renovated rooms and friendly staff.
By Kedi from Let’s Travel to Türkiye
Trabzon
Trabzon beckons travellers with rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and good food.
In Trabzon, you’ll discover layers of Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations and graceful architecture like the Hagia Sophia of Trabzon. Like its namesake in Istanbul, this former Greek church is now a mosque and is one of the finest examples of Byzantine architecture in the world.
Beyond the city, idyllic landscapes await in the Uzungol region, where emerald green forests meet serene lakes. Here you can hike along scenic trails or just soak in the fifty shades of green.
About 50 km south of Trabzon, the awe-inspiring Sumela Monastery is another place you must visit in the Black Sea region. Clinging to a cliffside, this Byzantine monastery mesmerizes visitors with its remote and mystical setting and incredible frescoes.
Trabzon’s culinary scene is equally enticing. Local delicacies like Akçaabat meatballs, pide, and the renowned Trabzon hazelnuts are something you can look for on the menu.
Stay here: Peerless Villas Hotel has exceptional views of the Black Sea, great food and friendly staff.
By Us
Rize
If you want to escape sweltering summer temperatures or reconnect with nature, head over to the gorgeous Black Sea city of Rize in northeastern Turkey. Famous for its stunning mountains, rivers, waterfalls and breathtaking plateaus, it’s the ideal place to relax for a few days.
Rize’s mix of ethnic minorities (which includes Georgian, Hemshin and Laz communities) means the area has developed many unique regional dishes. Make sure you try muhlama, a rich dish made from generous amounts of highland butter and cheese, similar to fondue, and laz böregi, a baklava-like dessert made from milk pudding, sherbet and filo pastry and flavoured with rose or orange water.
The area is also famous for growing the finest black tea in Turkey. One of the original tea plantations is actually right in the city centre!
At Ziraat Botanical Tea Garden, you can enjoy steaming cups of freshly brewed Turkish çay straight from the source with lovely views of the surrounding tea plantations. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk to Rize Castle, which has spectacular views of the Black Sea coastline.
No visit to Rize would be complete without a trip to the rolling green highlands surrounded by the Kackar mountains. Known as yayla, these areas are traditionally where nomadic shepherds would move with their animals for the summer.
The most accessible yayla for a day trip is Ayder which has hot springs, spectacular waterfalls and is the starting point for hiking trails into the Kackar mountains.
If you have your own wheels or are happy to join a tour, be sure to visit more remote yaylas such as Pokut, which is over 2000 metres above sea level.
Stay here: In the summer you can rent one of the picturesque wooden cabins and wake up to some incredible views.
By Sasha from Mog and Dog Travels
Black Sea Cities & Towns in Georgia
Batumi
If you’re looking for a city that embodies Georgia, Batumi is definitely not it! The city is like no other in Georgia, with Parisian-style tree-lined boulevards meeting the uber-contemporary promenade. Batumi is a world away from historic Georgia.
Georgia’s second city has an old town packed with turn-of-the-century belle epoque buildings and a Baku-style promenade lined with casinos, hotels and sculptures, and it’s where Georgians head to holiday and party.
Batumi’s Black Sea location close to Turkey makes it a perfect stop for a few days as you road trip into Georgia. Make time to explore Batumi’s wine bars and sample one of Georgia’s finest products, take the Argo cable car up Anuria Mountain for spectacular views or just hit the beach and chill.
Batumi’s unique mix of Soviet, Turkish and European culture will suck you in, and as you soak up the beguiling mix of old and new, you may find yourself spending longer in the city than intended.
Bypass the many restaurants offering Georgia’s signature dishes of khinkali, a stuffed dumpling and khachapuri, a cheese and egg-filled bread, and head instead for Як вдома (loosely translated as Yak at Home), which serves the best Ukrainian food in Georgia.
Stay at Old Batumi Hotel in the old town for an authentic Batumi experience.
By Izzy from The Gap Decaders
Tsikhisdziri
Tsikhisdziri is a true hidden gem by the Black Sea Coast in western Georgia. This small town lies halfway between the popular seaside resort of Kobuleti and the sprawling city of Batumi. Travellers often overlook it because it lacks major sights and attractions, but this is precisely what makes this town so charming!
Tsikhisdziri is quite small and only has 2500 inhabitants. The archaeological site of the Petra Fortress is what draws a few visitors to the area in high season on their way between the more touristy areas, but Tsikhisdziri has much more to offer.
One of the best features of Tsikhisdziri is its beaches. They are pretty hard to get to and quite an adventure. There are no maps of the roads to the beaches, not even on Maps.me, so you’ll have to follow your gut and be prepared to get lost!
Bamboo Beach is by far the best beach. It is backed by a beautiful banana plantation with bamboo pathways and has a little cocktail bar/beach shack by the Sea. Close by are also the two only restaurants in Tsikhisdziri, Shukura and Bamboo Café.
Stay here: The town of Tsikhisdziri doesn’t offer a lot of accommodation options, but this wooden cottage on Airbnb is the perfect place to stay. In town are two small supermarkets, which are great for connecting with the local community.
By Annelies from Travelers & Dreamers
Poti
Home to Georgia’s deepest sea port, Poti is a small city on the Black Sea with a long history. The Ancient Greek colony of Phasis was established here around the 7th century BC – and according to myth, this was Jason and the Argonauts’ first stop in the Kingdom of Colchis, where they entered the mouth of the Rioni River and sailed to Aia in search of the Golden Fleece.
Poti’s modern history goes back to the 1860s when a deepwater port was constructed. Today, the Poti Lighthouse is one of the city’s main attractions: Scale the candy-cane-striped structure for a panoramic view of the coast.
Poti is completely flat and a breeze to explore on foot. After scaling the lighthouse, visit Georgia’s only neo-Byzantine cathedral, the St. Virgin Cathedral (modelled off the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul), and take a stroll around Poti’s central park, scouting for Soviet-era mosaics and Art Nouveau facades that date back to beloved city mayor Niko Nikoladze’s era.
Kolkheti National Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Colchic Forests and Wetlands, is located on the outskirts of Poti. The vast wetlands can only be accessed by boat, travelling first across Paliastomi Lake then following the snaking river into the deepest reaches of the park, where birds nest and wild horses frolic.
Poti’s beaches are nothing to write home about – for swimming, you are better off travelling down the coast to Maltakva or Shekvetili. A sunset stroll around Okros Tba, the ‘Golden Lake’, is the perfect way to end the day.
Avoid visiting in summer – Poti is infamous for its giant mosquitoes.
Stay here: Express Inn has a boutique hotel feel with a family home location, combining luxe comfort with typical Georgian hospitality.
By Emily from Wander-Lush
The Pearl of the Black Sea in Ukraine
Odesa
Located on the beautiful Black Sea coast, Odesa is a charming city that showcases Ukraine’s rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Known as the Pearl of the Black Sea, Odesa has rightfully earned its reputation as a must-visit destination in Ukraine, with plenty of things to do, stunning architecture, and a lively atmosphere.
One of the main reasons to visit Odessa is its architectural grandeur. The city boasts an impressive array of architectural styles, including neoclassical, Art Nouveau, and modernist designs.
With its sweeping view of the harbour, the iconic Potemkin Stairs is a must-see landmark. The Odesa Opera and Ballet Theater, renowned for its brilliance and world-class performances, is another architectural gem that showcases the city’s cultural heritage.
For those who enjoy museums and art galleries, a visit to the Odesa Archaeological Museum and Odesa Museum of Western and Eastern Art offers a glimpse into cities rich history.
If you plan a relaxing summer getaway to Odesa, you are in a treat for its renowned stunning beaches along the Black Sea coastline. The popular Arcadia Beach attracts locals and tourists, offering a holiday atmosphere with beachside bars, clubs, and water sports activities.
For those seeking a quieter beach experience, the secluded beaches of Zatoka and Chernomorsk provide tranquil retreats amidst picturesque landscapes.
Stay here: Hotel Bristol is a 5-star hotel right in the centre of Odesa housed in a stunning Baroque-era building.
By Baia from Red Fedora Diary
Delta Meets Black Sea in Romania
Sfântu Gheorghe
Sfântu Gheorghe is a remote settlement in Romania where the Danube River meets the Black Sea. The village is named after the Sfântu Gheorghe (Saint George) branch of the river, one of three branches. It is a unique destination and great for wildlife spotting and back-to-basics living.
Sfantu Gheorghe is in the heart of the Danube Delta, Europe’s second-biggest river delta. The Danube Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is the third biggest biodiversity in the world.
Over 5000 species call the area home, and wildlife spotting is exceptional.
From Sfântu Gheorghe, you can go on various birdwatching boat tours on the small channels of the river delta.
You could go see pelican colonies and large flocks of wild birds or see the wild horses of Romania at Letea Forest.
As well as wildlife spotting, there is a long sandy beach to enjoy. Sections have a few bars; however, you can always find solitude. The coast on the Black Sea and nearby dunes are fantastic for sunrises.
The village keeps to its traditions, and most locals live off the river. It’s common to rent a room from a local, who also provides traditional local cuisine with many fish dishes.
Stay here: There is a rather pleasant resort in Sfântu Gheorghe, Green Village Resort. This is the most popular place to stay. The resort has wooden buildings in a countryside setting and has a spa and pool.
By Rich from RJOnTour
Tulcea
Tulcea is a small city in northeastern Romania. Otherwise unnoteworthy, Tulcea is the gateway port to the Danube Delta, a UNESCO world heritage site.
Travellers who brave the long journey from Bucharest to this northern city will be rewarded with access to an incredible natural and cultural treasure hidden in the islands, inlets, and floodplains where the Danube River empties into the Black Sea.
The delta is heaven for birdwatchers but a worthy destination for anyone who appreciates natural beauty. Natural beauty aside, the delta is also dotted with small settlements where travellers can stay overnight in a traditional home with a thatched roof.
Because it’s a bit challenging to get to, many travellers overlook Tulcea when planning a trip to the Black Sea coast of Romania. However, secluded Tulcea remains a tourist hub of the area, but without the large crowds.
Tourist activities are limited apart from river-related adventures; however, the many cafes and restaurants make it a great city to try Romanian food.
Note that it can be difficult to find English speakers in Tulcea. While dozens of tours depart each morning from the harbour, it’s best to purchase tickets online in advance to ensure that you’ll have an English-speaking guide.
Stay & eat here: While you’re in town, book a stay at Hotel Delta and take a walk to Ivan Pescar to feast on local fish dishes while enjoying a waterfront view of the Danube River.
By Lynli of WanderBig.com
Constanta
Constanta is the main seaside city on the Black Sea in Romania. It is both a tourist and industrial city. Constanta is the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania and has a history of over 2000 years. The best place to learn about it is the Archaeology Museum in town.
Constanta is home to Romania’s biggest commercial port, where most ships carrying goods arrive. Whilst no cruisers are currently docking in Constanta, there used to be a ferry connecting the city with Odesa in Ukraine.
Constanta also has a tourist harbour called Tomis – the city’s former name – from where tourists can take short trips on the Black Sea or charter their own boats. Near Tomis is the Old Casino, a beautiful building currently under restoration. You will find an aquarium just across the pedestrian alley from the casino.
Constanta also has a small beach, used mainly by residents. This beach is for locals, as the famous resort of Mamaia starts just outside Constanta, where most tourists go.
What makes Constanta interesting is that the city has a mosque. Romania is an Orthodox country, and it’s rare to see mosques. But Constanta has a large community of Turks and, therefore, has a Great Mosque.
Constanta’s cuisine is a mix of traditional Romanian food, such as sarmale, and typical Turkish food, such as fantastic kebabs. Constanta also is famous for the refreshing Middle Eastern ayran, which is unique to this part of the country.
Stay here: Alnis Boutique Villa is a few hundred metres from two famous Constanta beaches and the casino.
By Joanna from The World in My Pocket
Beautiful Black Sea Cities in Bulgaria
Sozopol
Sozopol, a small Bulgarian seaside town near Turkey’s border, is one of the nicest places you can visit on the Black Sea coast. It is also one of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria, dating back to the Bronze Age era, and you can still find a few ancient remnants in town. But Sozopol offers more than that.
One of the best things to do in Sozopol is wander the picturesque winding lanes of the old town, where you can admire some of the beautiful houses built in the Bulgarian Revival style. There are around 180 old traditional houses from the 18th and 19th centuries.
In the summertime, the town becomes the cultural capital of the seaside in Bulgaria. Besides visiting numerous small galleries and artists’ workshops, you can enjoy the famous Apollonia Arts Festival, which features events such as plays, concerts, exhibitions, and more.
Don’t miss Bulgarian food, either —it is delicious yet underrated, and it has many vegetarian options. You will find many restaurants in the old town where you can try some local dishes.
Since it’s a seaside destination, you can also relax on the beach – there are a few nice ones in the town, including next to the Old Town. The easiest way to get to Sozopol is via Burgas airport, only 35 km away.
Stay here: Paradise Bay near Bamboo Beach has a swimming pool, comfortable accommodation and yummy food.
By Kami from Kami and the Rest of the World
Varna
Varna is located on the northeastern coast of Bulgaria, on the Black Sea. It is the largest Bulgarian city on the sea, known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and cultural landmarks.
One of the top attractions in Varna is the Sea Garden, a large park stretching along the coastline and a popular spot for walking, jogging, and cycling. Within the park, you’ll find several fountains, monuments, and landmarks to explore.
Of course, a visit to Varna wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the stunning beaches and warm waters of the Black Sea. City Beach, also known as Varna Beach, is a popular choice for its accessibility from the city centre.
Just 25 minutes north of Varna, the famous resort town of Golden Sands offers a stunning beach strip and many luxurious hotels.
Visit the Old Town of Varna to discover the historic district with narrow cobblestone streets, colourful houses, and traditional Bulgarian architecture. Take a walk around the Old Town and enjoy the sights and sounds of this charming area.
When it comes to dining, don’t miss the opportunity to try the traditional Bulgarian cuisine at Happy Bar & Grill. With various locations in Varna, including one at the entrance of the Old Town, they offer great food at a reasonable price. Indulge in traditional dishes like Shopshka Salad and the mouthwatering Kebapche – grilled minced meat seasoned with spices.
Stay here: The Royal Hotel is just a short walk from the Sea Garden and City Beach.
By V Kay from Travel Addicted Unicorn
And off you go! Which Black Sea City will you visit?
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