Beach guide

The basics

Obzor's central beach is about four kilometres of fine sand. From its northern end, at the foot of the town park, you can walk to its southern end in about an hour and a half at an easy pace. The water stays shallow for thirty to fifty metres out, which is why the beach works so well for families with small children.

Central beach

It splits roughly into three sections. The northern one, by the park, is the quietest: no umbrella rentals, most people bring their own mats. The middle section, from the square down, has umbrellas and loungers for hire (usually €8 a day for an umbrella and two loungers), the Na Pyasaka beach bar, and lifeguards from mid-June to mid-September. The southern stretch is emptier, and that is where the water sports run: jet skis, parasailing, banana boats.

Access and parking

There are four main entrances. At the north end, park on the side streets around the town park. The parking by the square is by subscription, not paid by the hour. A third entrance is on the seafront boulevard, and the fourth is at the south end, with a smaller car park that is often full by midday. Paid parking is available by the Town Hall, along Ribarska Street, by the Obzor Beach Resort complex, and at the town stadium.

Irakli

South of Obzor, before you reach Cape Emine, begins Irakli beach. It runs about two kilometres, fine sand mixed with small pebbles, and lies inside a protected nature area. There are no restaurants, loungers or lifeguards here, so bring whatever you need with you. You reach it from the old E87 road; the turnoff is signed Irakli. In summer it is a favourite with people after a quiet beach, though August weekends can fill it up.

Beach rules and local habits

The central beach lifeguard is on duty from 10 am to 6 pm, 15 June to 15 September. Outside those hours you swim at your own risk, especially under a red flag. Topless is perfectly normal; nude is tolerated, unofficially, only at the northern end of Irakli. Dogs are allowed in the northern section of the central beach and anywhere on Irakli, on a lead. The hire umbrellas usually come down for the night.

A few words about jellyfish

They turn up occasionally in late August and September, on certain southerly currents. If you spot a few, they usually clear within a day or two.