Sozopol

Созопол

A charming seaside town with an ancient old quarter of cobbled lanes and traditional wooden houses on a peninsula. Known for its beaches, art scene and the Apollonia cultural festival.

Things to do

• Wander the Old Town — Stroll the cobbled lanes of the peninsula lined with 19th-century National Revival wooden houses overhanging stone foundations.
• Church of St. George — Visit this church housing relics said to belong to St. John the Baptist, discovered on nearby St. Ivan Island.
• Southern Fortress Wall and Tower — Explore the reconstructed medieval fortifications and small museum at the tip of the old town peninsula.
• Relax on Harmanite Beach — Spend a day on this popular sandy town beach in the new part of Sozopol with shallow water and amenities.
• Archaeological Museum — See ancient Apollonia Pontica artifacts including Greek ceramics, anchors and gravestones from the town's antique past.
• Boat trip to St. Ivan Island — Take a boat to Bulgaria's largest island, site of a monastery ruin and the relic discovery.
• Apollonia Arts Festival — If visiting in early September, catch concerts, theatre and exhibitions during this major cultural festival held across town.
• Sozopol Amphitheatre — Watch a summer performance at this open-air venue overlooking the sea in the old town.

Food to try

• Fresh grilled fish — Try locally caught safrid (horse mackerel) or tsatsa (fried sprats) at seaside taverns along the harbor.
• Rapani (Black Sea snails) — Sample these large sea snails, often served grilled with butter and garlic as a Black Sea specialty.
• Mussels (midi) — Order Black Sea mussels prepared with white wine, garlic or breaded and fried at coastal restaurants.
• Shopska salad — Refresh with this classic Bulgarian salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and grated sirene cheese.
• Rakia — Toast with this strong Bulgarian fruit brandy, typically enjoyed before a meal with salad.
• Lokum and honey sweets — Pick up traditional Turkish delight and honey-based treats from old town confectionery shops.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect church dress codes — Cover shoulders and knees when entering St. George and other active churches in the old town.
• Book ahead for September — During the Apollonia festival accommodation fills quickly, so reserve rooms and restaurant tables in advance.
• Cash for small shops — Many old town craft stalls and small eateries prefer cash, so carry Bulgarian leva.
• Ancient roots as Apollonia — Sozopol was founded around the 6th century BC as the Greek colony Apollonia Pontica, one of Bulgaria's oldest towns.

Nearby

• Ropotamo Nature Reserve (Black Sea Coast) — 11 km
• Pomorie (Black Sea Coast) — 16 km
• Burgas (Black Sea Coast) — 21 km
• Nessebar (Black Sea Coast) — 27 km