The Bulgarian town of Sozopol is today a popular Black Sea resort. , there is no desire to change the situation and get out of it. Here, there is an abundance of everything that might interest a tourist: antiquities, cultural heritage, entertainment and three excellent beaches, where there is a place in the sun for everyone.
The beach strip of Sozopol stretches along the coast for several kilometers. Capes cutting into the sea divided it into three bays, which formed two main beaches of the city: Central and Harmanite (Harmani)... The main ones, because they are located within the city, but on the outskirts of the Sozopol community there are other beaches, in particular Kavatsi (just south of Sozopol) and the Golden Fish beach 3 kilometers north of Sozopol on the way towards Burgas.
Central beach is located in a closed bay between the Old and New Town, and due to this it always has the highest density of tourists. Everyone who has chosen to stay closer to the center flocks here. A maximum of entertainment is provided here: water attractions, catamarans, cafes, massage services. The sea in the bay is shallow, you have to walk a hundred meters to fully swim. Both the bottom and the beach itself are sandy, so there is complete expanse for children on the Central Beach. Like the rest of the beaches on the coast, there are both areas with paid sun loungers and umbrellas, and free ones, where you can come with your own mat. But on the Central Beach, there are fewer free zones and they are rather miniature, so those who like to save money without sacrificing comfort will like the neighboring beach Harmanite more.
Harmanite - the largest beach in Sozopol... There is a place for everyone on its wide and extended strip. There are many free zones and they are spacious. There is less entertainment, and therefore noticeably quieter. The beach is adjacent to the excavations of an ancient necropolis discovered in 1993. Tired of the sea idleness, you can stroll to the ancient stones and tombs, fenced off from tourist invasions by roughly knocked together shields "Vlizaneto taken away".
Kavatsite beach located 3 km south of Sozopol... The beach is very long and wide, with golden sand.
Goldfish beach ... The beach is long and wide enough, here perfectly calm sea compared to other beaches around. Very nice place and plenty of beach space. Nearby is surf school where they offer surf lessons. One or two small restaurants nearby offer fast food. M you can stay at camping with tent for a fee.
The beaches of Sozopol seem to be created to satisfy the various goals of tourists. The noisy Central, where life is in full swing, the spacious Harmanite and the secluded beaches near Sozopol will not let you get fed up with the resort, so variegated and multifaceted.
Sozopol beaches on the map of Bulgaria
In search of a place to travel, many stop at colorful and warm Bulgaria. One of the most popular cities, according to tourists, is Sozopol. Let's take a closer look at the history of this city, what you can visit and where is the best place to stay.
Sozopol - a city in southeastern Bulgaria
Sozopol is a beautiful resort town located in the southeastern part of Bulgaria and annually gladly welcomes crowds of tourists.
Geographical position
This city is located not far (only 40 km) from Burgas - another major tourist center in Bulgaria. The remoteness of Sozopol from Sofia (the capital of the state) is 410 km, but this does not in any way affect the number of people wishing to visit this pretty town.
Sozopol Map
A bit of history
The foundation of this city dates back to the 6th century BC. NS. The story tells that then the Greek colonists decided to create a small cozy corner on a small rocky peninsula, which is washed by the Black Sea.
Sozopol was called Apollonia in ancient times. It was named so in honor of Apollo, the patron saint of seafarers. There was even a 13-meter bronze statue in the city in honor of this god.
After the destruction of Apollonia at the end of the 1st century BC. NS. Marcus Lucullus (Roman commander) moved the statue of Apollo to the Roman Capitol, where it is kept to this day. Apollonia resurrected only 5 centuries later and began to be called Sozopolis, which means "city of salvation".
After a large number of years, in the 19th century, the Siseboli fortress belonged to the Turks, but during the Russian-Turkish war it was successfully captured by the Russians. Later, when the city was already called by its current name, an operational base of the Black Sea Fleet was deployed there.
How to get there
From Moscow, you can get to Sozopol by a direct flight to Burgas, and from there by bus or minibus to your destination. The whole journey will take about 4 hours and will cost $ 300–400 in both directions. You can also get from Moscow to Sozopol by train or bus. As for the train, it is possible to travel on it only in the summer, and it will take about 50 hours. The bus tour involves at least 4 changes along the way, which is also not very convenient.
But it is convenient to get from Kiev to Sozopol by bus, direct and comfortable. The journey will take about a day, but tickets are inexpensive - about 500 hryvnia. You can also get by flight Kiev - Bourgas, and then from Bourgas get to your destination by bus. The price of such a trip will be from 160 to 200 dollars per person one way.
You can get from Warsaw to Sozopol in the following way: first fly by plane on the Warsaw - Varna flight, then from Varna by bus to Burgas, and in Burgas take a bus to Sozopol. Such a trip will take about 8 hours and can cost from $ 200 to $ 500, depending on the carrier's fares.
Of course, you can get to Sozopol from any European city by car, but for this you need to have a Schengen visa, since the borders of several countries will meet along the way.
Climate and weather
Sozopol has excellent conditions for tourism - it is dry and sunny almost all year round. Most often it rains in April, May and December, but the number of rainy days does not exceed 5–7 per year. In winter, the temperature drops to a maximum of -2 ° C, and in summer it rises to a maximum of +28 ° C. Such indicators indicate that the average European resident will be comfortable there at any time of the year.
The best time to visit this resort is from mid-June to the end of September. During this period, the sea water temperature reaches its maximum. In summer, the city always has a comfortable temperature and there are practically no rainy days, which will please any tourist.
Most of the houses built for tourist rent are not heated. Be sure to check this point with the owner of the house if you are going to Sozopol in winter.
It is worth going to Sozopol in autumn in September, if you still want to plunge into the warm waters of the Black Sea. If you just want to walk and enjoy excursions in cool weather, you can visit the city in October and November.
In spring, the sea water is cold and not suitable for swimming. But then you can, as in the fall, deeply immerse yourself in an excursion trip around the ancient city.
In winter, it is snowy and cool in Sozopol. Heating in Bulgaria is expensive, so few people turn it on to really comfortable temperatures.
Which beaches are better to visit
Most beaches offer sun loungers for rent ($ 3-5). If you are not going to do this, but want to get to one of these beaches, you need to be prepared for the fact that there may not be room at all for accommodation on the sand. In this case, you still have to rent a place in the sun. However, there are also beaches where you do not have to pay for the rent of sun loungers, since there is enough space on them to just sit on the sand - these are Dune and Gradina.
There are bars on every beach that can serve drinks and food on a tray right next to your sun lounger. On some beaches, large gazebos can be rented for large families for $ 10–20.
Sun loungers on the beaches in Bulgaria are always rented out complete with umbrellas, so you do not need to pay extra for an umbrella.
The best beaches to visit are:
- "Central"... As the name implies, this is the main city beach located in the Old Town area. There is always a large influx of people and you need to occupy a place already from 8 in the morning. Tourists come here because it is located near the center, and there are many cafes and restaurants nearby. The beach is clean, entry into the sea is suitable for both adults and children.
- Harmanite Beach... This beach has its own highlight - a beautiful panoramic view of the city. There are fewer people on it than on the central one, entry into the sea is gradual, which is safe for children, the beach is clean and comfortable.
- ... There is a lot of free space both for people with sun loungers and for those who like to lie directly on the sand, which is very clean here. The beach is large, suitable for children.
- "Smokinya"... This place is located outside the city limits, which is why there are few tourists here. Smokin is cozy and calm, clean and comfortable. This is the best place for a measured holiday without the unnecessary fuss and noise of many vacationers. The sand is clean, the entry into the sea is convenient.
- "Kavatsi"... It is called the cleanest beach in Sozopol. There are few cafes and restaurants here, so be prepared for overpriced prices. The sea is clean, the beach is gradual.
- "Dune"... The beach is decently removed from the city, so you can find a place for yourself here even in the season of a large influx of people. It is quiet and calm, there is a lot of greenery around. The sand is light and clean, the water is azure, the entry into the sea is the smoothest, which makes the beach the first on the list for families with children.
- ... A beach with little traffic. It's clean, quiet and peaceful here. Suitable for families with children.
Submarine explorers found many bronze tools and stone anchors in the bay near Sozopol, which are now the emblem of the city.
sights
In Sozopol, you can relax not only passively, lying on the beach and eating ice cream in a cafe, but also actively - visiting the sights.
Top 11 places to visit in Sozopol:
- ... This architectural monument is one of the few landmarks that have been perfectly preserved to this day. Visiting it is free, it is located in the Old City.
- South fortress wall named after St. Nicholas the Wonderworker... These walls were built from the 5th to the 14th century A.D. NS. and they have survived to this day. Located in the Old City.
- Everyone who comes to Sozopol must visit this castle. On the outside of the castle there is a park and a pond with swans. Inside you can see the ancient towers and get to the knight's museum. It is located in the village of Ravadinovo, which is 8 km from Sozopol. You can get there by regular buses. The castle is open to tourists every day from 9:00 to 22:00, and a visit will cost $ 6.
- ... One of the most popular attractions in the city. They go there to look at the local beautiful views, as well as the huge jellyfish that live there. Visiting this place is free and does not take much time.
- Amphitheater... This place is located next to the main square of the city. The amphitheater has not survived here in its original form, it was restored so that it looks like a simple platform in the middle of a park. It is often used for concerts. The visit is free at any time.
- ... This temple attracts with its uniqueness - its height does not even reach 2 m. It was built more than 500 years ago, it is on the list of UNESCO heritage sites. You can find an amazing temple on Anaximander street, 13.
- ... This is a younger structure - built in 1857, but still worthy of a visit by tourists. Open from 13:00 to 20:00 daily, located on Apollonia Street.
- ... He destroys all ideas about museums - modern, stylish, beautiful. The exhibits here are very interesting - they reflect the existence of Sozopol residents in ancient times. The museum is open every day from 8:30 to 17:30 and is located on Khan Krum street, 2. The entrance ticket will cost only $ 3.
- ... Archeology and architecture are harmoniously combined here. In the museum you can see ancient vases, household items, iron coins from the Middle Ages and antiquity. Open from 9:00 to 17:00, entrance costs $ 2 for a child and $ 4 for an adult. Located next to the southern fortress wall.
- ... The works of Sozopol and national Bulgarian artists are exhibited here. The gallery combines simplicity and classics. Open from 9:00 to 18:00 daily. The entrance to the gallery is free. Located at 52 Apollonia Street.
- ... Located in the suburb of Sozopol. There is a river of the same name in the reserve, which is 48 km long. Due to the abundance of rare plants and birds, ordinary tourists cannot just walk on the territory of the reserve. Here you can take a boat tour, during which you can see all the delights of the local flora and fauna. Near the reserve there are cafes and special areas for tourist picnics. Such a walk will cost from $ 3.
Two kilometers from the Old Town there is the island of St. Ivan, under the water near which there is a stone forest - a unique creation of nature.
Where to stay
There are three districts in Sozopol where it will be convenient for tourists to stay: the Old Town, the center and Via Pontica.
The Old Town is located quite far from the city's beaches, but at the same time, there is where to walk, you can find many restaurants, souvenir shops and cafes. There are several overnight hotels in the area.
Most tourists choose the center to stay. Everything is close here - city beaches, shops, and restaurants. Rest in the center is chosen by both families and couples in love. The most popular streets for rental housing are Ropotamo, Vasil Levski, Odessa.
Via Pontica is a whole area of villas and different complexes. Since there is no direct access to the beaches, almost all villas have a swimming pool.
Private apartments and apartments
It will be convenient for a large family to rent spacious apartments or apartments from private owners. Apartments on the first line from the sea will cost from 20 to 60 euros per day. These apartments always have air conditioning, Wi-Fi, sometimes there is a jacuzzi or a sauna. Elite apartments and apartments will cost more - from 40 to 80 euros per day.
Every year at the end of summer, Sozopol hosts an arts festival, where you can watch the performances of poets, artists, dancers and singers. The festival also hosts a screening of Bulgarian films.
Hostels
There are several good hostels in Sozopol:
Hotels
Best hotels in Sozopol:
- ... Located within walking distance from Harmanite beach. It has an outdoor pool and spacious rooms with gorgeous sea views. There is a terrace next to the pool, and there is free internet in the entire hotel. Children can have fun here on a special playground and in the children's pool. Each room has air conditioning, TV and a stylish bathroom. There is a restaurant on the territory of the hotel, which serves Bulgarian specialties, as well as dishes from other countries. The hotel serves a daily buffet breakfast. There is a parking lot. One night in such a hotel will cost 35 euros.
- ... The hotel opened in 2008 and is located 20 meters from the Harmanite beach. The rooms are well furnished and each has a TV with satellite channels. There is a restaurant on the territory of the hotel, tourists are offered non-smoking rooms, the rooms are clean and comfortable. One night will cost a tourist 40 euros.
- ... The hotel opened in 2009 and welcomes residents close to Bamboo Beach. The center of ancient Sozopol is located 800 meters from the hotel. Registration takes place around the clock, the hotel complex has two outdoor swimming pools, free internet and parking. The rooms are spacious and equipped with every comfort. Some rooms offer a kitchenette and an additional sofa. On the territory, near the pool, there is a restaurant where you can taste dishes of national and international cuisine. It offers a sauna, hot tub, massage treatments and darts. A playground is provided for children. You can use the safe, but you have to pay extra for this. Conveniently, you can rent a car right at the hotel. The hotel has its own private beach area, you can use the shuttle service to and from the airport. The price of a night in this beautiful place will be 35-40 euros.
- ... The hotel is located just a few steps from the beach on the Black Sea coast. It has a spa area with an indoor pool overlooking the terrace. It offers a sauna and fitness center. Each room at the hotel has a balcony, minibar and air conditioning. The hotel's main restaurant serves international cuisine and a daily buffet is available on the terrace. Alternatively, guests can choose from an à la carte dinner menu. Guests can rent a bicycle here for evening walks, and go windsurfing on the beach. The city center is a 5-minute walk away. The hotel offers shuttle service, non-smoking rooms, free internet and a bar. A night in a double room with breakfast included will cost from 23 euros.
- ... This hotel is located a 5-minute walk from the family beach. It is located outside Sozopol, 5 km from the Dune beach, but it is still worth the attention of tourists who need to take a break from the influx of people during their holidays. Here everyone will find a place for themselves - on the territory there is a children's pool, a large outdoor pool for adults, entertainment programs are held every morning and evening. The beach has free sun loungers and parasols. The hotel has two restaurants, a lobby bar, a grill bar and a pool bar. Guests who closely monitor the quality of their food can order meals and drinks that are made from organic products from local farms. The all-inclusive rate includes breakfast, brunch, lunch, barbecue and buffet dinner. Each room has air conditioning, TV, minibar, balcony. You can practice various sports for free, rent bicycles. By paying a small amount additionally, tourists can visit the sauna, bathhouse and massage room. The price for a double room with balcony and park view is all inclusive 60 euros.
- ... This hotel is close to Bamboo Beach. It offers air-conditioned rooms with free internet. Each has a TV and some have a terrace or balcony. All rooms are provided with a private bathroom. You can rent a car or bicycle directly on site. Not far from the hotel you can go in for various outdoor activities - fishing, canoeing, hiking. They are always happy to provide the guest with a free parking space and a delicious breakfast. A double room for two people with separate beds will cost about $ 20 excluding breakfast.
Public transport and car rental
Basically, people in Sozopol move around the city on foot. The city is very small, all the sights are easy to reach on foot, but if you are very tired, you can take a taxi.
There are no city buses in Sozopol that can take you to different parts of the city.
Don't take a taxi to explore the city, but rather a leisurely walk. And a taxi will come in handy to go to remote beaches, visit Burgas, and get to the airport. Taxi ranks can be found in the Old City, near the Archaeological Museum, and in the center, next to Khan Krum Square.
A taxi ride to the airport will cost about $ 30. A tourist train runs through the city center, and a ride on which will cost only $ 1. But even he does not have a stable schedule - he starts late and ends his routes early, does not go during the hottest time (13: 00-14: 00). Its route runs from the center to the Kavatsi beach and back.
Due to the small number of residents in Sozopol, there are no specialized car rental companies. But guests of many hotels have the opportunity to rent a car, and you can also rent a car right in Burgas, after landing at the airport. The cheapest cars in Burgas cost from 15 euros per day.
Bulgarian cuisine
In Sozopol there is a restaurant or cafe for every budget. There are budget places for budget travelers, mid-range restaurants, and expensive restaurants for connoisseurs of fine cuisine.
A budget tourist can visit such places:
- This is a bistro serving Bulgarian cuisine. The institution offers a choice of meat and vegetarian dishes. The price of all the dishes is low, but the taste exceeds all expectations. The bistro is open from 9:00 to 20:00. On average, lunch costs $ 3. Location: st. Cyril and Methodius, 33.
- Ribari... Bistro with affordable and tasty food, cozy interior. Here you have to try the meat - it is incredible at Ribari. Opening hours: 9: 00–20: 00. The average lunch fee is $ 6. Address: st. Ribarska, 53.
- "Star Paradise"... This is a canteen restaurant where you can eat and drink very cheaply. Works from 8 am to 1 am. An average lunch will cost $ 6. It is located on Rila street, 9.
"Worker at amuse the executioners" In Sozopol, Neptune Day is celebrated every year with performances for children featuring mermaids, Neptune and dolphins.
A tourist with an average income can visit the following places:
- ... It combines Bulgarian traditions with a wide selection of meat dishes. Open from 10:00 to 23:30. A lunch check will average $ 7. Location: st. Sea cliffs, 27.
- "Tangra"... One of the best restaurants in the Old Town. Here you can relax under a canopy of grape bushes, and in season it can be eaten straight from the branches. It is possible to choose a table with a sea view. The institution is open from 10:00 to 22:00 daily. The average lunch fee is $ 8-9. Address: st. Sea cliffs, 25a.
- "Neptune"... A restaurant with a beautiful view of the rocky coast and the sea surface. Fish and meat are served here. Opening hours: 11: 00-24: 00. Lunch will cost $ 7. The restaurant is located at st. Sea cliffs, 45.
Tourists with high demands and an unlimited budget should visit such expensive places:
- "Riviera"... The restaurant is of a truly European level. There are many dishes of different categories here. You can watch the sunset in a romantic setting, sitting on the terrace overlooking the sea. The institution is open from 9:00 to 23:00. A lunch check will average $ 10. Location: st. Miletus, 48, public beach.
- "Tivoli"... The restaurant is decorated in a Greek style. Here you can taste dishes of the Bulgarian and Mediterranean cuisine. Those who come to Sozopol for seafood should go to Tivoli. Open from 11:00 to 22:00 daily. The average lunch fee is $ 10. Address: st. Sea cliffs, 29.
- ... Family-style restaurant serving Bulgarian and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is designed in the form of a ship's mast and offers a beautiful view of the cliffs and the sea. Open from 11:00 to 22:00. An average lunch here will cost $ 10 for Mediterranean dishes and $ 7 for chicken dishes. Address: Kraybreina street, 1.
To call the emergency services in Sozopol, use these numbers: police - 166, road assistance - 146, traffic police - 165, fire brigade - 160, ambulance - 150.
There are no large shopping and entertainment centers in Sozopol, but you can find many small shops selling souvenirs, clothing, textiles and other household goods, as well as household goods.
Various seafood is sold here as souvenirs - shells, fossilized corals and much more. These souvenirs are suitable for tourists with any budget.
Girls will find in souvenir shops for themselves different jewelry, stone beads, small boxes and ceramics. For bracelets and beads, the price will be low - from 50 cents, but for other souvenirs, decor items and ceramics, you will need to pay from $ 5.
Paintings by local artists are also popular with tourists. They can cost anywhere from $ 10 to $ 100 per piece.
Visitors to the city often buy cosmetics made from roses and lavender - the main symbols of Bulgaria. Local alcohol is also popular: wine, liqueurs, rakia.
It is best to buy wine and floral cosmetics at the wholesale market, which is located on the border of the New and Old Towns, opposite the town hall with a clock.
The most popular places for selling souvenirs are the Old Town, the Amphitheater. Most of the shops are located on Apollonia Street. To buy cheaper souvenirs, you need to go to the end of the street. In the New Town, souvenirs can be purchased on Ropotamo Street.
Sozopol is an ideal place for a calm and quiet family vacation with children. Here you can find clean beaches, beautiful architecture and the clear Black Sea. The city has everything you need for a comfortable stay - a wide selection of places to live, many restaurants, various types of entertainment. All this is worth visiting and returning to Sozopol again!
Bulgarian resorts are one of the most attractive holiday destinations for Russian tourists in 2019. Sozopol is a small town located 30 km from Burgas and has an ancient origin and a long history. The city was founded in the 6th century. BC NS. on a small rocky peninsula and has retained many of the touches of the Greek founders and was refined by the Bulgarian Renaissance. We will tell you about the rest in Sozopol, attractions, entertainment, prices in this article.
The central part of the city is declared a nature reserve and is under the protection of UNESCO. Just there, about two hundred old wooden houses have been preserved, on narrow cobbled streets of the times of the Bulgarian Renaissance.
Today, thanks to its special atmosphere, this place is favored by the Bulgarian bohemians: artists, painters and musicians, and is also an amazing resort for guests from all over the world.
Sozopol on the map:
There is no airport in Sozopol, there is a short distance to and. The planes fly from Moscow airports on several flights a day, especially during the high season. By car, you can get from the airport in 30-40 minutes. An excellent international highway connecting Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey runs along the coast.
Sozopol: climate and beaches
This small resort town is characterized by a mild climate with moderately humid air. Unlike many other Bulgarian resorts, Sozopol has four distinct seasons. In summer, the city is hot and without precipitation, and in winter it is cold down to -6 degrees.
May and September are considered the most favorable time to visit the resort, during this period the average daily temperature varies in the range of 27-33 degrees, and the sea water warms up to 28 degrees.
If we talk about beaches, then in Sozopol there are three sandy ones:
- Central Beach, located in the old part of the city. Popular among vacationers with children, due to the fact that it has a gentle entrance, as well as virtually no waves and clean clear water. The beach is long and narrow, so you should take places on it in the morning, staying on its territory does not require payment, funds will be needed to rent sun loungers and umbrellas.
Acquaintance with the ancient city
Lead seals in pots and boats in the basement
Sozopol, like many old European towns, is divided into an old and a new part. The old town is a labyrinth of narrow streets with a stone pavement, on which century-old two-story houses from the Ottoman Empire have been perfectly preserved. An interesting detail: the basements are intended for storing boats in the winter.
As a result of excavations in recent years, fortress buildings have been discovered on the coast. The fortress wall 8 m high in the center had a gate with massive towers on the sides. And the most interesting thing is further: behind the first wall the second was discovered. What for? As it turned out, between the two walls was the Church of St. Nicholas. So, she was visited by sailors who came to the port. For safety, they were "met" outside the city walls.
In a small room at the gate of the fortress, pots with lead seals were also found. At that time, according to the treaty of 716, all states that traded among themselves as a sign that all fees had been paid had to mark each product with seals. These were the unused lead seals that were found.
How the rider on horseback and the Orthodox Church are connected
During excavations in 2010, the remains of John the Baptist, one of the most revered saints in the world, were discovered. His relics are kept in the Church of St. George (1860). It is a small brick church with a wooden porch and one bell tower. It was built on the site of a Thracian sanctuary.
Above the entrance - the image of St. George the Victorious. Why should you pay attention to this small temple? In addition to the icons of the late 19th century and the relics of John the Baptist, people come here to bow to the relics of St. Andrew the First-Called and see part of the Cross of the Lord. Note the marble altar. Many tourists note the extraordinary atmosphere inside the temple.
Church of the Virgin Mary, the unspoken name is the Church of the Holy Mother of God. It looks like a basilica with three domes, and it is unique for its height, which barely reaches the shoulder of an adult, and all events taking place in it are held underground.
During the reign of the Ottoman Empire, the Turks did not forbid the building of churches. But they should not be higher than the rider on the horse, so as not to obstruct his view. Of course, the rulers naively believed that they would not build churches. Orthodox Christians found a way out: the premises of the church went deep into the interior. Just such a church of the Most Holy Theotokos can be seen in Sozopol.
After restoration in the 19th century, a carved wooden iconostasis, made by Macedonian craftsmen, appeared inside. Also in the church are kept two ancient icons of Jesus Christ and the Virgin Mary. The temple is under the protection of UNESCO, entrance fee is 1 lev. Photo and video filming inside the church is prohibited. On a hot day, the coolness of the interior (you need to go down) will be just the way.
The Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius is an Orthodox church built at the end of the 18th century and looking like a one-nave basilica; inside there is a carved iconostasis created by the masters of the Debar school of the 17-18 centuries. In 1944, the city museum was located here, then there was a warehouse, a museum of underwater archeology.
The premises were returned to the Orthodox Church in 1989, and opened for parishioners only in 2011. The visit is free and unusual: women do not need to cover their heads.
In Sozopol, tourists will come across many Orthodox churches, ancient and rebuilt sanctuaries. The chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker is located near the port and belongs to the young architectural monuments. It is adjacent to the archaeological museum. The chapel was built at the request of local sailors and fishermen, because Nicholas the Wonderworker is considered their patron. At the entrance there is a fountain with water and benches. Sit back, relax, admire the greenery and beauty of the local nature.
Sozopol is a major cultural center in Bulgaria, as many significant events and celebrations take place on its territory. In addition, the city is famous for a considerable number of places that will be interesting to its guests. If you intend to rest in 2019 on the territory of this Bulgarian resort, then the cultural program of acquaintance with it should include an acquaintance with the local amphitheater.
Built in the second century. In the 70s of the last century, as a result of a landslide, a part of it was exposed, which was subsequently restored by local craftsmen. This place is steeped in antiquity, and its stage is still active today.
Yellow river and lion head
Reserve Ropotamo, located 20 km from Sozopol. More than 250 bird species live on its territory, 70 of them are listed in the Red Book, and about 100 species of vegetation grow, some of which are also listed in the rarest specimens. On the territory of the protected area, tourists are offered walking walks or excursions on a boat with the wonderful name "Boat for a ride".
Ropotamo is a picturesque natural area. You will see streams of yellow river water flowing down from the mountains and flowing into the Black Sea. The silhouette of a lion's head is visible in the surrounding rocks. Interestingly, at the mouth of the river, the salinity of the water is increased (since it flows into the sea), therefore, sea fish are also found in the river waters. And about the rocks, local guides will tell extraordinary legends.
An interesting point - the city is divided into two distinct zones by a bright green park with churches: the ancient city on the peninsula and the new part "Harmanit". The first part is the history of the resort, and on the territory of the new one there are modern villas, hotels and trade buildings.
If you get to Sozopol at the beginning of September 2019, you can see how a ten-day festival dedicated to the god Apollo is taking place on its territory. It includes many theatrical performances, film screenings, art and photo exhibitions, folk dances and songs, and literary readings.
Forget dieting
About Sozopol, as well as about any other Bulgarian resort, we can say that this is one big food restaurant. Many cafes, restaurants, bars, small taverns filled the streets and beaches of the resort. The food is very tasty and the portions are large, this should be taken into account when ordering. Delicious soups, surely many have met them in other Balkan resorts, these are chorba and shop. This is a thick soup with chicken, beef or vegetable. Soup price from 1.8 to 2.5 levs, portion 300 g (!!!)
The Bulgarian version of Greek moussaka is also delicious. Cost 3.8 lev. Try sach, a meat dish cooked in a huge charcoal skillet. Such a dish must be ordered by a person for four. This is a lot of delicious meat. It looks like "meat under the sachem" - a business card of the former Yugoslav republics.
Fish in Sozopol is the main dish, it is prepared in different ways, but always very tasty. There is a cafe on Ropotamo Street where you can taste freshly fried fish. Nearby is a counter where fresh mussels are fried, which are grown in Bulgaria on special plantations.
In small stalls on the street, try pancakes with different fillings, the price of one is 2-3 levs. Some cafes offer tourists a set menu for 4.5-5 leva. You should definitely try the Bulgarian dish kavarma. In a large earthenware dish, various meats are stewed with vegetables and seasonings.
A portion costs 12 levs, and is designed for at least two. On Odessa street there are two restaurants "At Tony" and "Palma", where friendly staff will offer delicious national dishes.
Easy to choose accommodation
In a city that lives off tourists, there are no problems with housing. There are many small private hotels of 2-3 stars. Five-star only two hotels "Saint Thomas" and "Santa Marina". Prices from 700 rubles. up to 3500 rubles per day. You can rent a very decent apartment next to the sea at a cost of 35 euros per day.
Holiday prices in Sozopol
If we talk about the cost of rest in Sozopol, then it is practically at the level of other Bulgarian resorts. The prices of resort tours vary in a large digital interval and depend, first of all, on the chosen level of hotel comfort and room service.
So, the minimum cost of a seven-day trip to Sozopol in 2019 for two adults in the warm season will be around 35 thousand rubles. This price is calculated on condition of staying in a two-star hotel without meals and departure from Moscow. Accommodation in an average hotel (3-4 stars) according to the all-inclusive program will cost at least 50 thousand rubles for two vacationers.
A little more about Sozopol in the video:
Sozopol is located near Burgas airport and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria
Bulgarian resort of Sozopol
Sozopol is a charming old town surrounded by gardens and vineyards. Picturesque houses with red tiles, narrow cobbled streets, magnificent sea views create an amazing atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
The town is located near the airport and is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in Bulgaria. It is no coincidence that it attracts not only ordinary tourists, but also representatives of bohemians: artists, actors, poets.
Hot tours to Bulgaria
What to see in Sozopol
Like many cities, Sozopol consists of an old and a new part. Moreover, the old part of the city is itself an open-air museum. Here you can wander endlessly along the winding streets, admiring the amazing architecture of ancient buildings.
Lovers of antiquity should definitely visit the Church of the Holy Mother of God with a carved wooden iconostasis of the 18th century. It is quite difficult to find it, since it is located almost level with the ground, but by visiting this place, you find yourself in an amazing atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
In the archaeological museum you can see the richest collection of ancient Greek art. In addition to antique vases and jugs, the museum has an interesting exhibit - the skeleton of a vampire pierced with an aspen stake.
All tourists traveling to Sozopol should definitely visit the Ravadinovo Castle. Despite the fact that this is a remake, the castle looks truly fabulous, and the surroundings are impressive with beautiful views. On the territory of the castle there is a small zoo where you can feed the animals, as well as a pond with swans. The entrance to the territory is quite affordable, and you can walk and take pictures here as much as you like.
Not far from Sozopol there is the Ropotamo nature reserve, where you can see many interesting objects of flora and fauna. The reserve is located along the river of the same name, which flows into the sea. It is an amazing combination of picturesque forests, sandy beaches and rocky shores. For a small price, you can take a boat trip along the river and admire the surroundings.
In addition, from Sozopol you can go to the villages of Zidarovo and Rosen, where you can get acquainted with the local residents, their customs and rituals.
Sozopol beaches
One of the advantages of Sozopol is a large selection of beaches: from sandy to rocky. Most of them are comfortable and offer a wide range of entertainment options. The most popular are the following beaches:
- The central beach, which is located between the old and the new town and is very popular with families with children. The beach is sandy with a comfortable, gently sloping entrance to the sea and clean clear water. It should be noted that during the season there are quite a lot of tourists here, so you need to come early to get a seat.
- The beach "Goldfish", located three kilometers from Sozopol, is distinguished by its long length. Autotourists and surfers love to go here. The beach is quite calm and comfortable. There is a camping site, two restaurants, a surf school, etc.
- Harmani Beach is located in the new part of the city, but it is unlikely to be suitable for a family vacation due to its deep depth and rather dangerous underwater currents. But there are quite a few beach activities, restaurants and cafes where you can have a good rest.
- Kavatsite beach is a rather popular place among tourists. There is a huge selection of entertainment: water attractions, cafes, sports grounds, etc. The beach is very large, so there are usually no problems with a place to stay.
- The Sand Dunes beach, which is a nature reserve, is one of the most picturesque places in Sozopol. In addition, the beach itself is very comfortable and clean. In addition to the well-maintained part of the beach, there is also a wild beach, where it is not so clean, but there are few people.
Holidays with children in Sozopol
Sozopol is perfect for families with children. For children, there is an amusement park, numerous water slides, swings and other entertainment. In addition, the central beach is notable for its convenience and gentle slope, which is important for families with small children.
Various playgrounds are literally at every turn.
In addition, a peculiar feature of Sozopol is the tents with plaster figures, which are offered to be painted on their own. This business is quite fascinating and engages not only children, but adults. Here you can safely leave your child for two hours and go about your business. As a result, the child will receive a lot of positive emotions and a cute handmade souvenir.
What to buy in Sozopol
Almost all tourists want to bring something to remember their trip. What ?
Bulgaria is famous for the art of winemaking, so pay attention to the local wines of Chardonnay, Traminer and others.
Many tourists buy real rose oil here, as well as cosmetics based on it. Various ceramics, linen towels and tablecloths are popular.
Food and restaurants
In Sozopol, you can have a tasty and satisfying meal literally at every step. That is why we do not recommend having lunch and dinner at the hotel: one breakfast is enough, and during the day you can have a good snack in cafes and restaurants while walking around the city. By the way, prices here are much lower than, for example, in Greece.
Numerous cafes and restaurants serve delicious and fresh food at an affordable price.
The traditional dish is fish, prepared in many different ways. We recommend trying the fish on the grill - it is very tasty! On the streets of the city there are cafes selling fried fish by weight. In addition, everywhere you can buy delicious and fresh fried mussels, which are grown here on special plantations.
While walking around the city, we recommend stopping by the Chuchura cafe, where you can taste the traditional Bulgarian dish “sach”, which is three varieties of meat fried in a pan with mushrooms and spices. The portion is so large that one cannot overpower it alone; in Bulgaria, in general, portions are large.
In addition, there are many mini-bakeries on the streets of the city where you can buy delicious and aromatic buns, pizza, etc.
And of course, in all cafes and restaurants you can order a set lunch costing from 5 levs. Lunch, as a rule, is also very tasty and satisfying.
If you are a fan of quiet and relaxing rest, ancient architecture and beautiful nature, then Sozopol will definitely not leave you indifferent. At least, we have been here many times, and each time we discovered something new and attractive.
How to get there?
Tourists who arrive in Bulgaria for the sake of rest in Sozopol, land on comfortable planes in Sarafovo, so called international. From there, travelers set off for Sozopol. For those who choose public transport, the first task is to get to the Southern Bus Station, where bus number 15 goes. Buses to Sozopol regularly leave from there. The trip will cost each vacationer 4–5 leva. You can see the bus schedule from the Burgas bus station to the resort of Sozopol.
Those who prefer more comfortable conditions . For those who apply
Sozopol central beach located in the old part of the city. This is one of the busiest beaches during the summer season. The beach area is landscaped, in the immediate vicinity there are bars and restaurants. All kinds of sea activities are also offered. This beach is the most suitable for families with children, as the entrance to the water is completely shallow and the depth is shallow.
Golden Fish Beach located 3 km north of Sozopol. The bay is famous for its fine golden sand and gentle coastline. This beach also offers boat, scooter rental and other water activities.
Harmani- the southern beach strip of Sozopol. It is located in the new part of the city in the direction of the Kavatsi region. There are sand dunes along the beach. Tourists are offered a wide selection of sea attractions and other entertainment.
In summer, there are playgrounds and sports grounds on the beach. Life along the embankment rages around the clock; shops, restaurants, nightclubs and discos in Sozopol are concentrated there.
Kavatsi beach located 3 km south of Sozopol. The beach strip there is long and wide, located between two capes, and the sand is fine and golden. The cliffs located at the beginning and end of the beach are a place for lovers of underwater entertainment.
This beach has free use places and a more comfortable paid zone. It also offers sea activities, summer bars and cafes where you can quench your thirst and hunger.
Alepu- an extremely picturesque bay, which is located about five kilometers south of Sozopol. Its length is almost 3.5 km and its width is about 300 meters. Sand dunes surround two small lakes. This area is a nature reserve.
The local wild beach is called Duni, it does not have comfortable places for a beach holiday. The entrance to the water in many places is limited by stone slabs. Despite all the inconveniences, the place is very beautiful, suitable for lovers of wildlife and solitude.
Arkutino beach Is one of the few undeveloped beach areas on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The place resembles a piece of paradise, where sun, sea and soft sand are an integral part of virgin nature.
On the dunes along the beach, you can see a sand lily, and from the bay there is a magnificent view of the island of Sveti Toma, where wild cacti are found.
Swans and other waterfowl can often be seen in the bay. The beach is close to the main road between the Dunes and the Ropotamo nature reserve. There is a parking lot, a cafe and a beach bar.
