Sozopol, is among the nicest places to visit on the Black Sea coast and one of the best places to visit in Bulgaria. The charming little town, located just south of Burgas, is perfect as a day trip from any other place along the Bulgarian coast and as a holiday destination, with plenty of things to do in Sozopol.

I was lucky to visit Sozopol twice, and I enjoyed it to the fullest every time. And I’m sure you will like it as much too. Here is my guide to visiting Sozopol, Bulgaria.

Where is Sozopol

Sozopol, a town of around five thousand inhabitants, is located on the Black Sea coast in the southeast part of Bulgaria, near Turkey’s border. Burgas, the largest nearby city, is 35 km north of Sozopol, and Varna, another popular seaside destination in Bulgaria, is 165 km away. Sofia, the country’s capital, is 420 km west of Sozopol.

Why visit Sozopol, Bulgaria

Since this is one of the oldest settlements on the Bulgarian coast, first mentioned already in the Bronze Age, you will find numerous old remnants here that are already a good reason to visit Sozopol.

For centuries it’s been an important trade center in the region. This is also one of the few places on the Black Sea coast where you can find buildings in the beautiful Bulgarian revival style.

It is a perfect town to wander around, discover all the Sozopol attractions, and relax. This is where you will find the authentic charm of the seaside, away from the crowds and busy holiday vibe.

How to get to Sozopol

The nearest international airport is in Burgas, where you can fly to from numerous places all over Europe. Most connections are low-cost or charter flights, operating only in the summer.

Once you are in Burgas, there are frequent buses to Sozopol from the South Bus Station (next to the train station, in the central part of the city). You can find the current schedule here, the journey time is around 30-40 minutes.

Where to stay in Sozopol

Since Sozopol is a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of accommodation options for each taste and need. I recommend staying either in the Old Town or near the beach just outside. Click here to find the best Sozopol accommodation on Booking.

Things to do in Sozopol

Since this is a small town, there are not too many things to do in Sozopol. But those you find there are undoubtedly interesting.

Wander around the Old Town

You should start your Sozopol trip in the Old Town, located on the picturesque peninsula, where you will find most of Sozopol highlights. The best way to explore the area (and one of the best things to do in Sozopol in general) is to wander around without a map and explore the site on a lazy stroll, with eyes open to take in all the surrounding beauty. It is so easy to fall for Sozopol then and there.

Besides picturesque winding lanes and beautiful wooden architecture (including some 180 old traditional houses from the 18th and 19th centuries), you will also stumble across numerous small churches and chapels perfectly incorporated into the town’s scenery. Finding all these gems around is such a joy!

Find the old times remnants

Since Sozopol is the oldest place on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, you will find numerous remnants from ancient times. The old city walls date back to the 5th-14th centuries, the late-antique and Middle Ages; there is also the foundation of the medieval church or the ruins of the amphitheater.

To learn more about the past and traditions of Sozopol and its surroundings, visit the Ethnographic and Archaeology Museums.

Enjoy the cultural side of Sozopol

Sozopol is also known as the cultural capital of the seaside in Bulgaria and a favorite place of local artists. The bohemian vibe only adds up to the overall atmosphere of the place. If you like art, you can visit numerous art galleries here. Often when wandering around the Old Town, you can also admire local artists capturing the beauty of the place.

If you visit Sozopol at the end of the summertime, you can attend the Apollonia Arts Festival with various cultural events, such as plays, concerts, exhibitions, and more.

Admire the beautiful views

The best panorama of the area is from the promenade surrounding the oldest part of Sozopol and from the Skamni Cape at the very end of the Old Town. Be sure to walk there, too; the view of the Black Sea, the rocky shore, and the old architecture is stunning. Along the promenade, you will also find some nice cafes and restaurants where you can sit down, relax and enjoy the surrounding vista.

Visit St. Ivan Island

Once you explore Sozopol, you can catch the boat to the nearby St. Ivan Island. The whole place is a nature reserve inhabited by around 70 bird species as well as the rare Mediterranean monk seal. On the island, you can also visit the ruins of the 10th-century monastery and see the lighthouse from 1884.

Relax at the beach

If you would like to slow down and enjoy the actual seaside holidays, there are a few sandy beaches in and around Sozopol that are perfect for relaxing. Besides being lazy and simply sunbathing, you can also try watersports here, such as windsurfing, snorkeling, or water skiing.

Try local food

Since many restaurants serve local food in the Old Town and along the seaside, you can also eat some delicious Bulgarian dishes. I’m a massive fan of this cuisine; it’s so underrated yet tasty, so be sure to try it too! The good thing is that vegetarians will find numerous dishes among all the yumminess that Bulgarian cuisine offers.

Where to go next

During your trip to Sozpol, don’t limit yourself only to this charming town. There are other interesting places nearby, such as Burgas, Strandzha mountains, and Nesebar. You can even hop across the border and visit Turkey.

Further reading

I published many articles about Bulgaria that you might find useful when planning your trip there. Here are some of them:

• 23 Amazing Places to Visit in Bulgaria
• Bulgaria itinerary – what to see in Bulgaria in 2 weeks
• 19 Amazing Things to Do in Sofia, Bulgaria
• 11 Wonderful Day Trips from Sofia, Bulgaria
• Koprivshtitsa, Bulgaria – is this the prettiest town in the country?
• 9 Great Things to Do in Burgas, Bulgaria
• Why you should visit Shumen, Bulgaria
• and more!

If you are looking for articles about a specific destination – check out the map with all the articles I’ve published (and their locations). You can also join my Facebook group about traveling in the Balkans and ask your questions there.

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