For tourists from Russia and the post-Soviet states, Bulgaria has been and remains one of the most beloved countries. Endless beaches, clear sea, delicious cuisine, aromatic wine - its advantages can be enumerated almost endlessly. Guests from the East (and from the West too) have to choose - Golden Sands or Varna, Sozopol or Nessebar.
The last two resorts are not too far from each other and have a lot in common. Even the territories they occupy are similar - the historical part of the cities is located on the peninsulas, new quarters are growing on the mainland along the coast.
Sozopol or Nessebar - who is older?
Sozopol appeared in the 6th century BC, founded by Greek colonists. The first settlements appeared on the rocky peninsula and were very convenient for safe living. The city in those distant times was called Apollonia in honor of the famous ancient Greek god, whose bronze statue adorned the central square.
At the end of the 1st century BC. Mark Lucullus ravaged the city and took the monument to Rome, where it is safely kept today in the Capitol. A new settlement emerged only five hundred years later and received the name Sozopolis - the city of salvation. Today he, one might say, "rescues" the guests, giving them the opportunity to relax in body and soul.
In the matter of seniority, Nessebar definitely wins - it is more than three thousand years old and belongs to the most ancient cities in Europe. The historical part of the city, as well as in Sozopol, occupies a peninsula, and is also under the protection of UNESCO. There is a legend that most of the settlement went under water, only a piece of land has survived, on which all 40 preserved religious buildings were located.
Beaches and hotels
Sozopol currently has only three beaches: Central Beach - in the historical part of the resort; Harmani Beach - in new neighborhoods; Golden Fish - in the vicinity of the city. At the same time, all the beaches of Sozopol are wide and long enough, so there is enough space for guests. The beaches are equipped, there is a rental of sun loungers and sports equipment, there are famous beach activities.
There are only two 5 * hotels, there are several 4 * complexes, mainly the hotel range is represented by 2-3 * hotels, which provide a minimum of amenities at affordable prices. The city has a large number of apartments located both in the old part of Sozopol and in new areas.
The beach in Nessebar is considered one of the most beautiful in Bulgaria - it is a wide strip of coastline covered with golden fine sand. There are all the necessary attributes (sun loungers, sun loungers) for a comfortable stay, there is also an opportunity for sports games, windsurfing and diving.
Accommodation in Nessebar for tourists depends on the thickness of their wallets and desires. Hotels of the category 2-3 * offer rooms at quite reasonable prices. For those tourists who are used to resting in comfort there are 4 * and 5 * hotel complexes, most of them are located in the modern part, in the direction of the village of Revda. Sometimes tourists rent apartments in old houses equipped with modern furniture and equipment.
Entertainment and attractions
The main historical and cultural sights and monuments of Sozopol are naturally located on the peninsula. A kind of architectural reserve has been created here, which is under the protection of specialists from UNESCO. You can endlessly walk along the narrow streets, admiring the old houses, the remains of the fortress wall and the only surviving old mill. There are several interesting museums in the city, an art gallery, which is located in the house of Dimitar Laskaridis, a famous fish merchant in the past.
The main entertainment of the guests of Nessebar is walking in the Old Town, which is located on a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Medieval churches, ancient fortress walls, old residential buildings and public buildings create a unique atmosphere. Religious buildings require special attention, firstly, a lot of them have survived, and secondly, they are beautiful and unique.
A comparison of just a few positions shows that both Bulgarian resorts are good for summer holidays: they are ready to provide the best conditions for living, staying at the sea and having fun. Still, rest in these resorts is different, so Sozopol will be chosen by foreign guests who:
- know they will find good value for money;
- love a beach holiday with all the entertainment they rely on;
- they love walks in the old quarters;
- they like to taste dishes of national cuisine.
Travelers who will come to Nessebar:
- have heard a lot about its ancient monuments of architecture;
- believe that good beaches are the main condition for recreation;
- love to explore historical sights;
- dream of walking around the city with a guided tour.
