Information
Landmark: Old Town SozopolCity: Burgas
Country: Bulgaria
Continent: Europe
Old Town Sozopol, Burgas, Bulgaria, Europe
Overview
Old Sozopol (Bulgarian: Стария Созопол) is a historic seaside town with narrow cobbled streets, sitting on Bulgaria’s southern Black Sea coast about 34 kilometers, or 21 miles, south of Burgas.Old Sozopol, with its sun-bleached wooden balconies, ancient stones, and lively festivals, is among Bulgaria’s oldest towns, its roots stretching all the way back to antiquity.Founded in the 6th century BC as the ancient Greek city of Apollonia, Sozopol has long thrived as a bustling port and vibrant cultural hub, where the scent of salt and tar still lingers by the docks.The city thrived on its temples, bustling trade, and vibrant art, especially in the Hellenistic era when marble columns gleamed in the sun.You can see the town’s history in its crumbling stone walls and the shelves of ancient artifacts unearthed from the surrounding fields.In old Sozopol, narrow lanes wind past weathered wooden houses, their sun-bleached boards telling stories from the 18th and 19th centuries.The traditional buildings boast wooden balconies, rest on sturdy stone foundations, and glow with facades painted in bright, cheerful colors.As you wander the cobbled streets, you catch glimpses of the town’s rich architectural heritage-arched doorways, weathered stone, and windows framed in dark wood.All year long, the town bursts to life with cultural events and festivals, from lively street parades to quiet evenings of folk music, each one honoring its history and traditions.Every year, the Apollonia Art and Film Festival draws artists and filmmakers from across Bulgaria and far beyond, filling the seaside town with the buzz of galleries and late-night screenings.Sozopol holds a wealth of archaeological treasures, from crumbling stone walls that once guarded the city to the weathered ruins of temples built for Apollo.At the Archaeological Museum of Sozopol, you can see relics from the town’s distant past-pottery etched with faint patterns, weathered coins, and timeworn sculptures.The town sits between stretches of golden sand, with Harmani Beach and Central Beach drawing the biggest crowds of locals and visitors alike.Soft sand warms your feet, and the clear blue water invites you in for a swim, a lazy afternoon in the sun, or the thrill of skimming across the waves.Just down the road, the Ropotamo Nature Reserve offers winding trails and quiet riverbanks, perfect for hiking and exploring.In Old Sozopol, you can wander into bustling taverns and cozy restaurants where the scent of grilled fish drifts from the kitchen, and plates of traditional Bulgarian dishes pair perfectly with a glass of local wine.Visitors can savor grilled fish with a smoky edge, steaming mussels in garlic broth, and the beloved banitsa, a flaky pastry filled with cheese.You can reach Old Sozopol with ease, whether you drive in from Burgas or hop on a bus from one of the nearby towns, and the road in offers glimpses of the glittering Black Sea.Summer’s the perfect time to go-warm air drifts through the streets, and the town buzzes with tourists and lively events.You can wander the narrow streets, step inside centuries-old buildings, stretch out on warm sand, and savor the rich aroma of local dishes.With its slow, easy pace and the sight of waves glittering in the sun, the town offers an ideal escape for anyone craving both calm and a taste of local culture.With its winding cobblestone streets, centuries-old buildings, and lively festivals, Old Sozopol draws visitors to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast like few other places.Whether you’re drawn to ancient ruins, colorful galleries, or the salty breeze along the shore, Old Sozopol leaves you with an experience you won’t forget.
