Founded in the 7th century BC by the Ancient Greeks, Sozopol is one of the oldest towns on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. Its sandy beaches, archaeological museum and whimsical castle attract visitors from near and far, particularly during the annual Apollonia Arts Festival.
Things to do in Sozopol
Spend an afternoon wandering around the Old Town of Sozopol, which is dominated by narrow stone streets lined with historic churches and Revival-style residences. Don’t miss a visit to St. Cyril and St. Methodius Church, which houses the relics of St. John the Baptist, then relax in one of the cafes overlooking the main square. Stretching along the waterfront is a seaside promenade that is beautifully illuminated at night.
History buffs shouldn’t miss a visit to the Archaeological Museum, which showcases the town’s history from the 7th century BC to the 17th century AD. In addition to displays of stone bayonets, ancient vases and medieval amphorae, it also features an exhibit explaining the 2010 discovery of St. John the Baptist’s relics on the nearby island of St. Ivan.
A short drive from Sozopol is the Castle of Ravadinovo, a fairytale-like building that combines a variety of architectural styles and is topped by soaring towers. Wander through the landscaped gardens to admire the central lake and fountains while keeping your eyes peeled for peacocks strutting through the grounds. With its statues, bridges and charming chapel, there are plenty of photo opportunities available.
Getting around Sozopol
Sozopol is just over an hour’s drive from Burgas and Burgas Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect to Sozopol from cities across Bulgaria and Turkey while the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of accessing the surrounding attractions.