Sozopol - Gem of the Bulgarian Black Sea

Article by Marina Gyaurova & Krastina Marinova, Standard Daily, 3rd July 2005

Sozopol means town of salvation in ancient Greek and is one of the oldest settlements in Bulgaria. It was founded 2600 years ago by Greek migrants from Asia Minor. The seafarers saw the small peninsula with cozy bays and a string of small islands that looked like a paradise on earth. On the remnants of a Thracian settlement they founded a thriving city-state, and called it Apollonia after Apollo, the god of light, poetry, music and healing.
This is probably the reason why the place has always been a magnet for artistic and imaginative people.

Like most ancient towns Sozopol has an old and new part. The old part reminds of an old Greek fishermen's settlement. The steep cobblestone streets - all leading to the pier - are lined with wooden houses. Grapevines twine around the large terraces and old sycamores stand like sentinels guarding the serene atmosphere of the town's heart. There is a market place in the center offering an array of typical tourist attractions - necklaces made of shells, rings and bracelets, home-made baskets and all kinds of knickknacks.

Once you get tired from wandering about, you can chose among the many inviting small restaurants and cafes and savor the delicious local fish soup with a glass of icy white wine. The local cuisine is on the spicy side and is famous for fish dishes and frutti di mare. The prices are affordable - a hearty dinner with a bottle of wine will cost you about 10-20 levs (some 5-10 euro). The old windmill converted into a restaurant is a must. Old trellis-vine makes the atmosphere unforgettable and cooking is perfect. Be sure you won't feel sorry for the spent money.

Those who choose to stay over for a longer time can find a small family hotel or a private lodging. Hotels charge 40 to 90 levs a night (20-45 euro); private rooms are available for 10-15 levs. (Mind that during the high season, July-August, prices go up).
The beach in Sozopol is an excellent supplement to the romantic atmosphere. The strip of fine soft sand encircles a cozy, calm bay. The sea here is clean and always warmer than along the rest of the coast. There is a scuba-diving school for adventure seekers and boat trips for sailing fans.
Entertainment is available mostly in the new part of Sozopol. There are disco clubs, billiard halls, bowling and a casino.

Every September Sozopol gathers painters, actors, poets and musicians from all over Bulgaria who come for the Apollonia festival of Arts. A ten-day world of art comes alive amidst the old houses. Summer lasts long at the southern Black Sea coast and you can enjoy sunbathing and walks on the beach until late October.

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