Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

This seaside resort may draw millions of tourists each summer, but the reality of living in Sunny Beach is far from idyllic. With a permanent population of just a few thousand, the town swells to host "many thousands" of visitors during peak season, overwhelming local infrastructure. While the resort has grown to encompass a 5 km stretch of hotels and amenities, the area's rapid, state-driven development came at a cost - Sunny Beach was created from scratch in 1958 by transferring 550,000 m3 of fertile soil and planting 300,000 trees. Beneath the shiny veneer, the bureaucracy can be a persistent headache for residents. Only those seeking an unrestrained party atmosphere are likely to find Sunny Beach a good fit.