Renting a Car in the Nesebar Area — Tips and Routes
While Nesebar itself is walkable, having a car opens up the entire Black Sea coast. Here's your complete guide to car rental and the best driving routes.
When You Need a Car
You DON'T need a car if:
- Staying only in Nesebar and Sunny Beach
- You prefer bus/taxi transport
- You're on a tight budget (buses are much cheaper)
You DO need a car if:
- You want to visit Sozopol, Strandzha, or other destinations
- You're traveling with family and luggage
- You want to explore wild beaches like Irakli or Sinemorets
- You value flexibility and comfort
Where to Rent
Burgas Airport: Best selection and prices. All major companies: Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, plus local operators.
Sunny Beach/Nesebar: Several rental offices in Sunny Beach. Slightly higher prices than airport.
Online pre-booking: Usually 20–30% cheaper than walk-in rates.
Prices (2026)
| Car Type | Daily Rate | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Fiat Panda, etc.) | 20–30 € | 100–180 € |
| Compact (VW Polo, etc.) | 25–40 € | 145–230 € |
| Mid-size (VW Golf, etc.) | 35–50 € | 180–280 € |
| SUV | 50–75 € | 280–410 € |
Insurance: Basic CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) usually included. Full coverage adds 5–10 €/day. Recommended.
Driving Tips for Bulgaria
- Drive on the right (same as continental Europe)
- Speed limits: 50 km/h city, 90 km/h rural, 140 km/h highway
- Vignette (винетка): Required for highways. Buy at gas stations or online. 8 €/week.
- Headlights: Must be on at all times, even in daylight
- Blood alcohol limit: 0.05% (practically zero — don't drink and drive)
- Fuel: Approximately 1,5–1,5 €/liter for gasoline in 2026
- Parking in Old Nesebar: Use the paid lots near the bridge (2,5–5 €/day). No driving inside the old town.
Best Driving Routes from Nesebar
Route 1: Nesebar → Sozopol (70 km, 1 hour)
Take the E87 south through Pomorie and Burgas. Sozopol's old town is worth a full day. Stop at Pomorie salt lake on the way.
Route 2: Nesebar → Strandzha Nature Park (120 km, 2 hours)
Drive south past Burgas into the wild Strandzha mountains. Ancient forests, quiet villages, and the incredible Sinemorets beach. A different Bulgaria entirely.
Route 3: Nesebar → Cape Emine (40 km, 1 hour)
North along the coast to the dramatic Cape Emine — the easternmost point of the Balkan Mountains meeting the sea. Scenic drive through Obzor and Byala.
Route 4: Nesebar → Nessebar Winery Route
Visit local wineries in the Pomorie and Burgas area. Several offer tastings. Book ahead in summer.
Parking
- Old Nesebar: No parking inside. Use the bridge parking area (2,5–5 €/day) or the larger lot near the bus station.
- Sunny Beach: Most hotels have parking. Public parking scattered throughout.
- Street parking: Look for blue zones (paid) marked on the curb. Pay at machines.
- Tip: Arrive before 10:00 in summer to find parking near Old Nesebar.
Get local stories & deals
One email a month with the best Black Sea stories and seasonal deals. No spam.