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Sozopol - charming ancient town in sunny southern Bulgaria
Sozopol is situated 34 km south of Bulgaria’s coastal city Bourgas on a narrow rocky peninsula, jutting into the Black Sea. Originally founded in 610 by Miletian Greeks and first called Apollonia, this is probably the oldest, and certainly the most fascinating Bulgarian coastal town. Today this charming place is a sedate fishing village for much of the year. However Sozopol springs to life in the peak summer season - July and August - becoming a busy beach resort loved by local families and international holiday visitors. Sozopol has two sandy beaches, an ambient old town with distinctive 19th-century stone and wooden buildings, and a thriving new town, offering family accommodation, shops and amenities.
Sozopol - holiday alongside artists and writers
Perhaps because of its rich cultural history, and stunning setting, Sozopol is extremely popular with both Bulgarians and overseas visitors. Bulgarian artists, writers and academics head here for inspiration and relaxation, and holiday makers based at the larger beach resorts of the Black Sea coast often make a point of visiting, as there is so much to see and do.
There is a good variety of accommodation - private rooms in the old town, and purpose-built hotels and apartments in and around the new town. In Sozopol you are offered a wide choice of restaurants, cafes and nightspots and there are two cinemas.
The sheltered old town beach is found in a horseshoe-shaped bay and has gently sloping waters ideal for small children, while the more exposed new town beach is further south, beyond the rocky headland. At Sozopol’s harbour you can watch local fishermen bring in their small catches and sell to restaurant buyers.
Holiday visitors enjoy strolling Sozopol old town’s cobblestone streets, observing the old architecture with its overhanging wooden upper storeys and bright red-tiled roofs. Several streets face onto the sea, providing the ideal spot for lunching outside or taking an evening drink. Mussels are a tasty local speciality.
Sozopol - beautiful beaches beyond
Just 6 km south of Sozopol is the beautiful beach of Dyuni. It is 4.5 km long and up to 100 m wide, boasting fine golden sand and dotted with natural dunes.
At Dyuni there’s a luxury holiday village catering for families and couples interested in this area of Bulgaria. Past Dyuni, the coast road leads to Arkutino swamp, 62 hectares of floating water lilies, irises and creeping liana vines. A few kilometers further south is the Ropotamo river nature reserve.
Bulgaria holidays
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