Byala

Byala is a small seaside town on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast in Varna Province, the administrative centre of Byala Municipality. It sits in a semi-mountainous stretch where the easternmost foothills of the Stara Planina meet the sea, about 50 km south of Varna and 70 km north of Burgas. Its population was 2,205 as of June 2022, making it one of the smaller coastal towns in the region rather than a large resort. The earliest known settlement nearby, near Cape St. Athanasius just south of the modern town, dates to the 6th century BC and may have carried the Greek name Larissa or Aspros ("White"). Under Ottoman rule a village called Akdere ("White creek") stood on the site; it was later renamed Byala and was formally declared a town in September 1984. Today Byala's economy runs mainly on tourism, agriculture, and viticulture, with a handful of hotels and campgrounds serving summer visitors. Just outside town, the Karadere area preserves one of Bulgaria's last stretches of undeveloped "wild" coastline, with dunes and freshwater wetlands, and the nearby White Cliffs expose a well-known Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary layer of geological interest.

Byala lies on the coastal road between Varna (50 km north) and Burgas (70 km south), both served by international airports. Most visitors arrive by car or bus along this coastal route; there is no rail line directly into the town.

Byala's town centre is small and walkable, with the beach and harbor area close to the centre.

The Karadere wild-coast area and the Cretaceous–Paleogene boundary exposure at the White Cliffs, both just outside town, are the area's documented natural landmarks. The site of the ancient settlement near Cape St. Athanasius marks the town's earliest history.

Swimming and beach time are the main draw in summer, and the Karadere dunes and wetlands are popular for walking outside the peak heat.

Byala has a number of hotels and camping areas serving summer visitors, reflecting its role as a small coastal resort.

• Varna — the regional capital and largest Black Sea city, 50 km north
• Burgas — southern Black Sea port city, 70 km south
• Nearby towns in Varna Province — explore the surrounding region