Sozopol, Bulgaria

Located 34 kilometers south of Bourgas on a scenic rocky peninsula, tourist resort is arguably the most charming place on the Black Sea coast and one of Bulgaria's crown jewels. Founded in 610 b.c. by Ionian Greeks from Miletus and named Apollonia in honor of their most adored god, this was the first coastal Greek colony to be established.

High-frequency bus lines connect Sozopol to Bourgas. Route taxis, minibuses and ordinary taxis run along the same route as well. Reaching the town turn right for the New town and left for the Old town. The access by car to the Old town is limited. Its beach, nestled in a protected, horseshoe-shaped bay, generally offers shallower bathing and more amenities than the New town beach situated a kilometer or so to the south on the other side of the Harmanite (threshing floor) headland.

Judging by occupancy rates, tourists seem to rate best most of the small coastal restaurants and private pubs both in the Old and New part of the town. . Some of these are very interesting as they are built over ancient remains after detailed archaeological research and restorations. Stalls for fish, pizza places, and snack-bars scattered all over the camping sites are also popular among visitors. There are a lot of groceries and marketplaces. One could buy fish directly from fishermen at the quay.

The sights of Sozopol are many, but none of them can be separated from the rest since all of them impact the visitors as an attractive ensemble.There are more than 45 architectural monuments of Sozopol. Interesting places to visit are the Archaeological Museum and the Art Gallery. Moreover, at the beginning of September each year the town hosts the big Apolonia International Art Festival, which attracts artists and art lovers from all over the country and abroad. SOZOPOL BEACHES

Central beach: Located between the Old and the New town of Sozopol. Easily reached, so gets too many people during July and August. Could be impossible to find place to stay, if you go later in the day. The beach is very long.

Top-less sunbathing is allowed, nudists are not allowed here.

Entering the beach is free of charge. Harmani beach: Located in the New town of Sozopol. This beach is wider and longer than the Central beach, so it is a better option during the busy months of July and August. A big number of small restaurants and places to eat and drink are located nearby this beach. This beach is served by bay watch people, but be careful because there are underwater streams that could be dangerous. If the waves are too big and the flag is red the bay watch people will ask you not to enter the Sea.

Top-less sunbathing is allowed, nudists are not allowed here.

Entering the beach is free of charge.

Gold Fish beach (3 km north from Sozopol): Not far from Sozopol, on the road to Bourgas. This is actually the beach of a camping called Gold Fish, mostly visited by surfers. The beach is long and wide enough, and quite calm comparing to the other beaches around.