Closed private beaches on the Bulgarian seaside?

Monica Stoyanova

Amendments to the Law for Management of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast could lead to dividing the country's beaches into several categories so as to clearly define closed strips providing all inclusive services. The other categories would include free for use ares, luxurious public services, strips within national resorts etc. This was announced for Klassa by the District Governor of Burgas, Konstantin Grebenarov, following complaints of citizens about restricted access to some beaches. He explained that the problem was not new and it had already been discussed during the talks with the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works, responsible for Bulgaria's beaches, Ekaterina Zaharieva. "At the end of the summer season, we will probably summon all the Black Sea district governors, municipalities, branch organizations and will discuss options for solving this problem," explained Grebenarov. He added that beaches in resorts in Burgas district such as Elenite and Duni had always been with restricted access. The issue relating to the restricted access was not settled even after the privatisation of these resorts. "There are 2-3 similar beaches in every district, where you must pay to enter," specified Grebenarov. According to him, there was a conflict whereby the interests of citizens as well as those of investors had to be taken into consideration.
The problem with access to the beaches is also a fact in the Rusalka resort where the parking fee of BGN 6 has to be paid in order to get to the coast. The price for the entire day stands at BGN 50 for those willing to rest in the so-called French part of the beach and it offers all inclusive services. At the moment, the district administration as well as the Prosecutor's office are inspecting the issue because beaches are exclusively state properties.