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Sozopol coastal resort-memorable summer experience

Hotels in Sozopol

Charm, romance, the unique flavour of the sea, it is simply called Sozopol

Anita Valentinova, 22.08.2009

It is not a secret that Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast is excellent holiday destination, offering fabulous beaches, small and picturesque villages, bustling nightlife and all at fairly reasonable prices. Let me introduce you the fabulous summer resort Sozopol-a true gem on the Southern Black Sea coast. Yes, they are some Bulgaria’s seaside resorts which pretty popular with holidaymakers who keep coming year after year, but, yet there are some holiday towns which definitely deserve some special attention due to their unique features, diversity of entertainment options, fine beaches and shimmering blue seas. fabulous summer resort Sozopol- is a marvellous town, boasting some of the best beaches on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It really fascinated me in a number of ways. The beaches are clean, encircled by fresh, green woods, just more than amazing nature. The sand varies from white to sun-kissed, but always exquisitely fine, the sea water is warm and crystal clear.

First of all, it is important to mention hereby that the Sozopol coastal resort is the oldest town on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. This lovely summer spot is located only 35 km south of Bourgas on the Southern Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast. Today the ancient town is chiefly a seaside resort known for the Apollonia art and the respective film festival (which takes place in early September) and is named after one of Sozopol's ancient names. The first settlement at these places dates back to IV - III B.C. The undersea explorations in the region of the town’s port have revealed relics of dwellings, ceramic pottery, stone and bone tools from the bronze era.

The bed capacity in Sozopol has been increased in the recent years. The rise is closely related to the construction of new hotels, villas and holiday villages. The ambience of the restaurants in Sozopol is sheerly unique. One will find it especially charming those dining places, located on the South promenade in the Old town. Do not miss to taste various fish specialties or to cool with a refreshing cocktail. The interesting architecture of the ancient houses in the Old town and the relaxing atmosphere, which you could feel even in the air, make you feel the local colour and also keep you always in a good mood. Undoubtedly the unique holiday atmosphere has turned Sozopol into one of Bulgaria’s leading tourist spots and top seaside resorts on the Black Sea Coast. Growing number of holidaymakers head off for a couple of hours to the nearby villages, nestled in the green Strandzha Mountain, as there the rural tourism has been developed pretty well.

In the Sozopol Bay many anchors dated back to II – I B.C have been discovered, which is evidence of active shipping activities since ancient times. Such ancient anchors could be still seen everywhere in the resort and it will be great to take a photo of it. The anchor is the symbol of Sozopol coastal resort, depicted on all coins, minted by Apolonia since VI century B.C. , so it is evidence of the importance of the town which has established itself as a trade and naval centre in those times. The rich town soon became a cultural centre of great imporance. At these times it was called Apolonia Magna (Great).

White sandy beaches, crystal-clear water and the fantastic climate make Sozopol exciting summer destination. Offering relaxing beach holiday, culture, local flavour and adventures, a summer vacation in the Sozopol would be everyone’s dream. The shallow bay enables even kids to safely splash in the water.

Sozopol: sheer magic

The Old town of the resort lies on a small peninsula, which actually looks like the one Nessebar used to be before the tourist flow has increased there. However, Sozopol offers a wide diversity of chick bars, lovely local wooden houses, beachfront restaurants and two splendid beaches. Sea holiday is an excellent opportunity to ride the surf board or enjoy the freedom of windsurfing. Sozopol summer resort is a favourite place for windsurfing fans because of the calmness of the sea waters.

Yes, that it is absolutely true, Bulgaria's Black sea cannot boast with huge waves, but they might be definitely a challenge. However, the sea offers excellent conditions for windsurfing. In fact, some of the best sites for surfing in Bulgaria are in close proximity to Sozopol:

Campsite Gradina;
Zlatna Ribka campsite;
Kavaci campsite
Lozenets;

The fiords

The cape Kolokita lies 3km away from Sozopol. Its grassy area is intersected by ancient Thracian mounds. The shore of this captivating peninsula juts out into the sea, sea waves have shaped a few creeks with high stone borders which look like the Norwegian fiords in miniature. Kavacite Kavacite is presented with a wide gulf situated 4km south of Sozopol. The coast on the bottom of the bay is sandy and it is widely known as one of the finest beaches in the Sozopol area. The wind has shaped out of the sea sand high sandy dunes which are spread alongside the coast. There one can admire at the sand lily which is rare to be find somewhere else.

Cultural and historical heritage

Archaeological Museum-Sozopol The temple “St. Kyril and Metodius” has been turned into a museum in which valuable archaeological finds have been preserved and nowadays are exhibited. The museum consists of two premises, housing two exhibitions: Archaeology-5th century BC Orthodox Art-17th-19th century Art Gallery The gallery houses 287 pictures and nearly 40 sculptures, masterpieces of both Bulgarian and foreign authors. Fortress walls 6th-9th century The area of the medieval Sozopol is embraced by fortress walls and towers, which were built during the reign of the Emperor Anastasii. They have been used for a long time as some of them were reconstructed. Nowadays significant fragments /3-4m high/ of this defence facility have been preserved and one will definitely admire at the imposing architecture. Chapels Medieval temples in Sozopol were completely destroyed by the Ottomans in 15th-18th century. However, Bulgarians have erected small chapels on their old foundations. The total number of churches is nearly 200, as some of them are still opened for visitors and worshippers: “St.Atanas”, “St. Dimitur”, “St.Nedelya”, “St.Marina” and many others. Churches “Virgin Mary”- a cultural monument under the auspices of UNESCO. It was built in the 15th century. The church is three-domed one-apse basilica. “St. st. Kyril and Metodius”-a piece of art of the prominent Bulgarian architect Usta Gencho. Its construction was finished in 1888. It is one-apse building with semi cylindrical vault.

Must see temples Nowadays there are two operational churches in Sozopol: “St. George”-the biggest temple in Sozopol which was built in the beginning of 19th century. “St. Zosim” shrine was constructed in 1857. It is one-apse stone basilica. The ancient icons and magnificent woodcarving iconostatises are a remarkable accomplishment of the craftsmanship of these times. Sozopol houses- cultural landmarks

About 180 residential buildings from the middle of the 18th century and the beginning of 19th century, genuine cultural landmarks, accomplish the appearance of the Old Sozopol. Being typically Bulgarian, made from stone and wood, the Sozopol house has features similar to the houses in the area of Strandzha Mountain. The architecture of the houses in the ancient town from the Renaissance period makes the Old Sozopol a unique place to visit today.

Thracian mounds Many mounds, remains of the funeral rites of the Thracians, can be still seen on the hills alongside the coast. Their number used to be 1500 in the past. However, few of them have been preserved as most of them were explored by the archaeologists. The antique necropolis of Sozopol The antique Sozopol is really interesting. Explorers have researched the necropolis in the region and all artifacts. Today the most popular necropolises in the antique Apollonia Pontika are: -the necropolis in the Sea Garden -the necropolis in the area Harmanite -the necropolis in the area Budzhaka -the necropolis in the area Kalfata where annual archaeological excavations take place, being conducted by Bulgarian and French experts

Hopefully that you will enjoy the photos. You need to click on the photo in order to enlarge it and take a tour through the whole gallery. In conclusion, if genuine, intact summer holiday spots are the obvious choice for your seaside vacation, then a surprise awaits you in Sozopol.