EXE Beach Festival

The golden sands of Bulgaria's stunning coastline become the backdrop for EXE Beach Festival 2026, where electronic beats meet the gentle rhythm of Black Sea waves. Set against the scenic shores of Cacao Beach in Sunny Beach, this dynamic celebration transforms the coastal area into a global hub of celebration, drawing 5,000 music lovers from across Europe and beyond. With world-class DJs spinning everything from deep house to techno, festival-goers can dance barefoot in the sand whilst soaking up the Mediterranean atmosphere and breathtaking sunset views that make this seaside gathering truly special.

This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know for your EXE Beach Festival 2026 adventure, including transport options to reach Sunny Beach, accommodation recommendations in the surrounding area, weather expectations for the festival period, and essential packing tips for a seaside music experience.

✈️ How to Get There: Transport & Logistics

Getting to EXE Beach Festival at Cacao Beach is straightforward with multiple transport options from Bulgaria's coastal cities. Most festival-goers fly into Burgas or Varna airports, then take organised shuttle services or hire cars for the scenic drive along the Black Sea coast to Sunny Beach. Regional buses also connect the resort town to both city hubs, making it accessible whether you're staying locally or travelling from further afield.

Closest Airports

1. Burgas Airport (BOJ) Distance: 25.5 km Take a taxi or pre-booked transfer from Burgas Airport to reach Cacao Beach in about 26 minutes, as the 25.5km journey is too far for public transport to serve the festival venue directly. 2. Varna Airport (VAR) Distance: 63.3 km Take a taxi or pre-booked transfer from Varna Airport to reach Cacao Beach in about an hour, as the 63-kilometre journey along the coast is too far for public transport to be practical for festival-goers with luggage.

Getting to the Venue

• Trains/Public Transport: Take the train to Burgas Central Station, then catch a local bus or minibus to Sunny Beach resort. The journey from Burgas takes about 45 minutes, with regular services running throughout the day to the main Sunny Beach bus terminal.

• Buses/Shuttles: Direct coaches run from Sofia and Plovdiv to Sunny Beach during festival weekend. Local shuttle buses operate between Sunny Beach centre and Cacao Beach every 30 minutes, with additional services laid on for EXE Beach Festival 2026.

• Late-Night Return: Special night buses will run from Cacao Beach back to Sunny Beach resort until 3am each festival night. The last regular bus to Burgas departs at 11pm, so plan accordingly or arrange alternative transport for later departures.

• Taxi & Rideshare: Taxis are readily available from Burgas Airport and Varna Airport direct to Sunny Beach. Local taxi ranks can be found at the resort centre, though expect higher demand and longer waits during peak festival times.

🏨 Where to Stay

Since camping isn't available at EXE Beach Festival 2026, you'll need to book accommodation in Sunny Beach well in advance, as hotels and apartments fill up quickly during the festival period. The closest hotels to the festival site are along the main beachfront strip, with Hotel Planeta and DIT Majestic Beach Resort being popular choices that put you within walking distance of the action. For budget-conscious festival-goers, the hostels in central Sunny Beach offer shared accommodation at reasonable rates, though you'll need a short bus ride or taxi to reach the festival grounds. Private apartments through local rental agencies often provide the best value for groups, particularly those located in the newer developments behind the beach area. Book your accommodation by February 2026 at the latest, as prices increase significantly closer to the festival dates and availability becomes extremely limited. Many attendees stay in nearby Nessebar, which offers more traditional Bulgarian accommodation options and is just a 10-minute drive from the festival site, with regular shuttle buses running during EXE Beach Festival 2026.

☀️ Weather

Date: TBA
Season: not confirmed

During the festival period in July, Sunny Beach enjoys warm temperatures averaging 26-28°C with plenty of sunshine and occasional afternoon sea breezes. Pack light cotton clothing, a sun hat, and waterproof jacket for any brief summer showers that might roll in from the Black Sea.

🎒 What to Bring

Essential Items

• Valid photo ID and tickets (printed or on your phone)
• Payment cards and some cash
• Portable charger for your phone
• Sunscreen and sun protection
• Light jacket or layers (weather can change)
• Reusable water bottle
• Any prescription medications

Check the Festival Website For

• Bag size restrictions (usually A4 or A3 maximum)
• Prohibited items list
• Food and drink policy

🛡️ Safety & Wellbeing

• Stay hydrated throughout the day
• Arrange a meeting point with your group in case you get separated
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Know where the medical tents and welfare areas are
• Look out for friends and fellow festival-goers
• Have emergency contacts saved in your phone

📸 Make This the Best Experience Ever

While it's tempting to capture every moment on your phone, you'll get so much more from the festival by being truly present. Take a few photos to remember the experience, then put your phone away and immerse yourself in the music and atmosphere with your friends.

Your future self will thank you for the memories you made by being present, not the hours spent scrolling through your phone.

🍽️ Make the Most of Sunny Beach

Pre-Festival: Start your day right before heading to the festival. Great spots near the venue include

• The Americano Coffee Shop (4.8★) - The Americano Coffee Shop serves brilliant breakfast classics with proper coffee just minutes from Sunny Beach's shoreline.
• Cloclo (5★) - Cloclo serves freshly prepared breakfast dishes with lovely seaside views, making it the perfect morning spot near Sunny Beach.
• Berloga Art Coffee Shop (4.7★) - Berloga Art Coffee Shop serves exceptional breakfast with creative artistic flair in a charming bohemian atmosphere near Sunny Beach.

Daytime food options near the festival:

• Venice Restaurant (4.8★) - Venice Restaurant offers delicious Mediterranean cuisine with a relaxed seaside atmosphere perfect for a leisurely lunch break.
• Restaurant Djanny (4.6★) - Restaurant Djanny offers delicious traditional Bulgarian cuisine with fresh local ingredients in a welcoming atmosphere near Sunny Beach.
• GO.LYVK Sunny Beach (4.9★) - GO.LYVK Sunny Beach offers delicious local Bulgarian cuisine with a relaxed seaside atmosphere perfect for beachside dining.

🎵 Music & Vibe

The 2026 lineup is focused on Acid, Techno, Progressive House, and Deep House.

EXE Beach Festival attracts a devoted crowd of electronic music enthusiasts aged 20-35 who come for the authentic underground atmosphere and intimate setting that only 5,000 attendees can provide. The beachside location creates a unique fusion of sun-soaked days and pulsating nights, where festival-goers can dance barefoot in the sand whilst world-class DJs deliver hypnotic sets against the backdrop of crashing waves.