site.btaArkutino Beach Retains Blue Flag Status

Arkutino Beach near Sozopol has once again been awarded the international Blue Flag certification, maintaining one of the South Black Sea coast's most recognized environmental distinctions for nearly a decade, Beach Manager Ivan Munin told BTA on Thursday.

He emphasized that the award reflects a consistent management approach focused on preserving the beach's natural character rather than introducing new attractions. "We keep the beach clean, well maintained, and as natural as possible because that's why visitors come here," Munin said.

Much of the shoreline remains free of sunbeds and umbrellas, offering a quieter setting that attracts many returning Bulgarian families and regular visitors each summer. The beach provides free parking, lifeguards, a medical station, accessible facilities, and water sports. A rescue jet ski and close cooperation with the local surf school further enhance visitor safety.

Located between Sozopol and Primorsko, near the mouth of the Ropotamo River, Arkutino Beach stretches for about 1.5 km within the protected Ropotamo Nature Reserve.

Blue Flag is a voluntary certification programme of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), an international organization with members from over 80 countries. It has operated for nearly 40 years, annually evaluating and certifying beaches, marinas, and tourism vessels. Currently, around 5,200 sites worldwide participate in the programme, including Bulgarian beaches and marinas.

BTA will present all 32 Bulgarian beaches and ports awarded with the Blue Flag in 2026 by the international jury of the Copenhagen Programme. The first Blue Flag in Bulgaria was raised on Sunny Beach on July 4, 1995.