Old Nessebar (Несебър) is a small peninsula of cobbled streets, wooden Revival houses and Byzantine ruins, just 5 km south of Sunny Beach. The entire old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and makes for the best half-day escape from the beach.
How to get there
- Public bus — runs every 15-20 minutes from Sunny Beach main road; ~10 minutes, €1.50
- Walk along the promenade — about 45 minutes, very scenic at sunset
- Tourist train — kitschy but kids love it; runs from the main strip in season
- Taxi — €5-8 one way
What to see
- Stone Gate — the medieval entrance to the old town, perfect first photo
- Church of St Stephen (10th c.) — covered floor-to-ceiling in 16th-century frescoes
- Church of Christ Pantocrator — iconic brick façade on the main street
- Old Metropolitan Basilica ruins — open-air, free to wander
- Western tip of the peninsula — windmill, fishing boats, and the best sunset spot
Where to eat
Skip the touristy restaurants right at the entrance and walk a couple of streets deeper. Try local Black Sea fish (chernomorska tsatsa, mussels in white wine sauce) and a glass of Bulgarian rakia. Most kitchens take a break between 15:00 and 18:00.
When to go
- Mornings (9:00-11:00) — empty streets, cool air, soft light for photos
- Late afternoon — best for golden hour and sunset at the windmill
- Avoid the 13:00-15:00 cruise-ship rush in July-August
Stay 5 minutes from Old Nessebar
Our apartments in Sunny Beach are a short bus ride or a sunset walk along the promenade away.
For guests
We can help you find the right apartment for your stay
We can suggest elegant and comfortable options for a stay by the sea.