The town of Byala is located on the borderline between the regions of Varna and Burgas, practically equidistant from the two seaside cities. The coastline of the municipality is a combination of rocks, coves and sandy beaches with dunes. In summer, the resort town is a popular spot for families with children. According to official data, the population of Byala municipality is around 3,200, but in actual fact the numbers are much higher, engineer Penyo Nenov, mayor of the municipality since 2019 said in an interview with Radio Bulgaria.

“The Covid pandemic and work from home contributed to the “exodus” from cities,” engineer Nenov said. Byala is popular among the smaller municipalities, and not just for a holiday by the sea but for year-round living. This has boosted the sale of real estate in the seaside municipality dramatically in the past couple of years, Penyo Nenov explains, and adds that the tax revenues coming in from the investments people are making help the municipality’s budget in times of crisis, as is the case now. 

“We have been doing the best we can to have a good season this year. We are hoping that it will be a strong season even though there is war raging so close to us. During the past 15 years we have earned a reputation for family tourism, for peace and quiet, and that is something people are getting to enjoy more and more,” Penyo Nenov says.

In his words, bookings have already been made for the coming summer season, though not as many as two-three years ago. That is why it is a top priority for the municipality to extend summer season until at least September. This year Byala is expecting holidaymakers mostly from Bulgaria, Denmark and Germany.

More about the expectations in Bulgaria’s seaside resorts this summer season:

• Bulgaria’s Sunny Beach opens season with moderate optimism despite the war and pandemic

Compiled by Vessela Krasteva

Photos: Facebook / @9101Byala