Location
Bulgaria
Status
Informal / Traditional
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to September
About Alepu Beach (Drivers' Beach)
Alepu, also called Shofyorski or Drivers' Beach, is an undeveloped sand beach on the Bulgarian Black Sea about 6.5 km south of Sozopol. It runs between Dyuni to the north and the Ropotamo reserve to the south, and takes its name from the Alepu marsh that lies just behind the dunes; the dunes themselves are part of the Ropotamo protected area. The nickname comes from the coast road between Sozopol and Primorsko, which runs right beside the sand, so many visitors simply park and walk a few metres over the dunes. Nude bathing is long established here but not universal: visitors report that the share of nude bathers swings from most of the beach to only a handful within an afternoon. Nude couples and families mostly settle toward the northern end, away from the busier stretch near the beach bar in the middle. The beach is long enough that it rarely feels crowded, attracts mainly Bulgarian families and couples rather than a party crowd, and has almost no natural shade. Waves can build in the bay and parts of the shallows are rocky. Camper vans gather at the southern end in summer.
Getting there
Alepu is reached by car or taxi on the coast road south of Sozopol towards Primorsko; the beach begins where the road runs between the dunes and the Alepu marsh. Free roadside parking is available beside the dunes, and the crossing over the dunes to the sand takes about two minutes on a short sandy path. Walking from Sozopol along the coast is roughly 8 km (about 90 minutes) and is hot in summer. There is no dedicated public transport stop for the nude section and no step-free access across the dunes.
What visitors say
Visitors describe Alepu as calm and spacious, with a mix of nude and clothed bathers that shifts through the day, and say nude people are generally accepted and treated with respect. Families and couples, mostly Bulgarian, dominate; there is no music or party scene. The usual advice is to head to the northern part for nude bathing, bring water, food and an umbrella because there are no facilities and little shade, and watch for rough water. Some first-time visitors note it is not obvious at first that nudity is accepted until they see others.
Summarised in our own words from public reviews and guides listed under Sources.
Amenities
Legal context
Bulgaria has no national law designating or banning nude beaches; nudity on beaches is governed by municipal public-order ordinances and, in practice, tolerated on remote wild stretches. At Alepu nudity is a long-standing informal custom rather than a designation, and we found no report of recent enforcement. The dunes belong to the Ropotamo protected area, so stay off the dune vegetation and do not camp on it.
Naturism at Alepu Beach (Drivers' Beach) sits under Bulgaria's rules for traditional tolerance — custom more than statute.
Full country law: Bulgaria public nudity guide.
Researched 24 October 2026. No official source confirms naturist status, so treat it as unverified.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 42.3618, 27.7116
Visitor tips
- 1 Informal / tolerated site — be discreet and leave no drama.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Bulgaria
Frequently asked questions
Is nudity allowed at Alepu Beach?
Nude bathing is an informal, long-tolerated custom rather than an official designation. It is optional, and nude and clothed visitors share the beach.
Where is the nude section?
Most nude bathers gather toward the northern end of the beach, away from the busier area around the beach bar in the middle.
Is there parking?
Yes, free parking along the coast road right next to the dunes, a couple of minutes' walk from the sand.
Are there facilities?
Essentially none: no toilets, no lifeguards and little shade, so bring water, food and an umbrella.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
Members’ reviews
Write a review →Loading member reviews…