After the tube beach

A stretch of shore in the resort of St. Constantine and Helena — the oldest seaside resort on the Bulgarian coast, set just north of Varna on the northern Black Sea. The mood here is calm and green, away from the bustle of the bigger resorts, which makes it a good fit for an unhurried, slow-paced break.

The sand is golden and fine, easy on bare feet, and the sea entry is gentle, sloping away gradually. The water deepens little by little rather than dropping off, the kind of shoreline that puts parents with children and less confident swimmers at ease.

Good to know The swimming season runs roughly from May to September, with the warmest water around midsummer. The soft entry and fine sand make it especially suited to families with young children. It is easy to reach by car or local transport from nearby Varna, just a few kilometres away. Come prepared with sun protection, water and your own umbrella if you want guaranteed shade, since facilities can vary from one part of the beach to another.