Places Rated: Bulgaria's Black Sea Coast

The November/December issue of Traveler features our annual "Places Rated" survey of destination stewardship, and this year 340 expert panelists rated 99 coastal destinations around the world. Here on the blog, we're going to highlight some of these coastal destinations and are interested in adding your feedback to the mix.

Bulgaria: Black Sea Coast
Rating: 49 -- "Facing Trouble" category


Resort developers are snatching up large swaths of Bulgaria's coastline, increasingly regarded by price-conscious Europeans as an affordable alternative to Spain and Greece. They have left in their wake a built landscape that "does not adequately reflect the area's cultural resources and heritage." Nevertheless, travelers who venture far enough off the beaten path find pockets of "untouched natural areas." Nesebur's well-preserved Old Town is worth a visit.

Why did the place earn this score? Read representative panelist comments after the jump.