Sozopol is one of the most romantic towns at the Black Sea, 30 km from Bourgas. It is one of the favorite places of Polish tourists. It is said to be the cultural capital of the Bulgarian Coast. It is getting more and more beautiful each year – the authorities want to make it a Black Sea coast gem. It reminds of Nessebar. It is located on two peninsulas and is divided to Old and New Sozopol. The Old Sozopol has wooden and stone houses, folk-style taverns, cafes, and a seaside promenade. There are hundreds of narrow cobbled streets and historic houses. The New Sozopol is vibrant with life and music, has many hotels, guesthouses, small restaurants, cafes and discos. There are wide sandy beaches gently sloping to the sea. The beach is divided to Northern Beach [near the Old Town] and Southern [in the modern part of the city] – there is plenty of space.
It is a place willingly visited by painters, photographers and all who enjoy unique and original spots. You can indulge yourself in ancient Thrace, Greece, Rome and Byzantium climate.
The history of this city dates back to the 6th century B.C. It was founded by emigrants from Milet – the rich center of Ionia. The ancient city was the trade and harbor center – it has an anchor in its crest. The ancient Greek sculptor, Kalalis, sculpted a 13 meter high figure of Apollo. The gravestone of Deonysus, the son of Anaksander is world famous. In 72 B.C. the city was conquered, robbed and burnt by the legions of Marc Lucullus. The statue of Apollo was brought to Rome as a spoils of war and put in the Capitol. The city changed its name from Apollonia to Sozopol [‘the city of salvation/redemption’]. In 811 A.C. the Bulgarian Khan, Krum, annexed Sozopol to the First Bulgarian Empire. The city was located on the border with Byzantium – it was positively influenced by both cultures. In the second half of the 18th century and in the 19th century Sozopol becomes the cultural center of Bulgaria, for the second time. The St Mother of God Orthodox church, the St George the Conqueror Orthodox church and the St Zosim Chapel were built there, and the famous Sozopol houses – the architectural monuments are all on the UNESCO list.
Transport – Bourgas is nearby and the way to Sozopol is short. There are buses, coaches and private vans and buses driving to Sozopol. Private ‘water taxis’ go to Bourgas, Nessebar, Varna and almost everywhere else.
This resort is cheaper than Albena or Sunny Beach, but more expensive than Varna. The prices are comparable to the prices in Nessebar and Primorsko. There are many attractions here. A wide range of water sports, beach volleyball, discos, bars and quiet cafes attract many tourists. The blue sea is perfect to swim in, and there are splendid diving spots in the bay. You can take a special diving course in the school for divers. Moreover, there are many concerts, exhibitions and other cultural events such as the Apollonia film festival. The St Bohorodicka church, the art gallery and museum of archeology with the most beautiful collection of Greek vases are definitely worth seeing and visiting. A small fishing harbor with fishing boats and local restaurant workers, who wait for their fresh fish is yet another amazing place to visit.
It is worth mentioning that the Internet is available in cafes in the modern part of the city and at the post office. The medical service is free of charge but all additional medical services, dentist assistance or other assistance is covered by own insurance or paid in cash.
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