Move Over Mallorca! This Gorgeous Beach Town Offers Cheaper Prices & Ancient Culture

Share The Article

Craving some of that Old World charm and the picturesque beaches to go with it?

With its medieval citadels and turquoise calas, Mallorca in Spain is probably at the top of your summer bucket list, but before you go ahead and book those flights, you should know there’s a new player in the scene that’s just as gorgeous—except it’s not been ruined by mass tourism.

No anti-tourist graffiti or mass protests urging you to go home, much less inflated rates to discourage you from holidaying there:

The ‘Mallorca of the Black Sea’, Sozopol is a historic coastal town in Bulgaria offering ancient charm and affordable prices.

Formerly one of Europe’s lesser-known summer destinations, Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast has been rising fast in popularity in recent years as an alternative to the Mediterranean, as the crowds in the neighboring sea have become too much to handle.

Between the bustling port city of Varna, and the trendy resort strip of Sunny Beach, there’s a lot in offer here, whether it’s a chilled, cultural getaway you seek, or purely some quality time under the sun, but if there’s one spot that usually gets overlooked, it’s Sozopol.

Having recently been crowned Mallorca’s Eastern European counterpart, due to its blend of coastal views and historical value, dating back 2,500 years, all the way to a Greek colony established as early as the 7th century BC.

It’s no wonder it’s named Sozopol: essentially a bastardization of the original ‘Apollonia’, it inextricably ties the town’s history to the Greek God Apollo—as tradition had it, a towering Colossus honoring the deity, second in size only to the one in Rhodes, stood right in the center of town.

You have to remember that, back then, ‘nations’ as we know them now were not an existing concept, and Bulgaria as an entity would only appear several centuries later.

As a Greek outpost on the Black Sea, Sozopol became a relatively wealthy trading hub, and remnants of that glorious period have survived to this day, either as exhibits in the local Archaeological Museum or as ruined city walls:

Sozopol: Where Ancient Charm Meets Coastal Relaxation

Other than the balmy summer temperatures—ranging from 76°F to 85°F—and the beautiful sea walk, running along ancient defenses, Sozopol’s greatest triumph is its rich material heritage.

Like in a quaint Mallorcan village, many of the houses here date back centuries. However, whereas the Spanish island is famous for its ocher-colored townscapes, dwellings in Sozopol are built from wood and feature prominent covered balconies.

These balconies are a major tourist attraction, largely thanks to the locals, who decorate them with colorful flower boxes.

The best way to see Sozopol is simply by getting lost in its cobble-paved alleys, that always seem to lead down straight to the scenic waterfront, and a great place to start is Apollonia Street, a busy, pedestrianized lane lined with souvenir shops, art galleries, and cozy cafés.

For a taste of Bulgaria’s hearty food and an authentic dining experience, book a table at the extremely popular Windmill Restaurant:

Perched on a hill overlooking the town, this storied eatery is celebrated for its fresh seafood and grilled meats, and trendy as it may be, it’s not as expensive as you might think: the average bill per adult is only $11–$16, or the equivalent in Bulgarian lev.

One Of The Cheapest Sunny Getaways In Europe

As a matter of fact, Sozopol is one of the most affordable summer destinations in Europe.

Based on estimates provided by Numbeo, a main dish in local restaurants cost between $5.70 and $22.81, averaging only $8.55, and as Budget Your Trip has concluded, accommodation here is fairly economical.

The average hotel price for one night is $55–$99, depending on available amenities and seasonal prices. Luxury boutique hotels are, of course, pricier than Old Town B&B stays.

If you’re looking for the best reviewed hotel at the lowest price this summer, you should consider Brilliant Aparthotel: only a few steps from the gorgeous Gradina Beach, and a short bus ride away from the town center, it has overnight rates starting from $49 (for 2 guests).

Tourist attractions are equally easy on the wallet: a boat trip to St. Ivan Island, home to a ruined monastery and pebbly coves, costs around $5.50–$11 return, while the Archaeological Museum charges a negligible $2.20.

Other major landmarks, like the exterior of the Southern Fortress Wall, where the iconic postcard view of azure waves crashing against medieval towers can be found, and the St. Cyril and Methodius Church, said to hold relics of John the Baptist, are even free to access.

Of course, you don’t need to spend a penny if you’re keen on a beach day, be it at the sandy Central Beach, the closest one to the Old Town, Harmani, a family-friendly stretch with shallow waters, or Gradina, easily reached from the main resorts.

How To Get To Sozopol This Summer

The closest airport to Sozopol is Burgas Airport (BOJ), a 45-minute drive away.

Yes, Sozopol isn’t exactly the most convenient of beach towns to sojourn in summer, but that’s where the charm lies, right? Oftentimes, it’s the more offbeat, secluded areas that steal your heart, precisely because they are rarely crowded and feel more authentic.

If you’re not renting a car, which definitely won’t break the bank in Bulgaria, let us tell you that you can still book a private transfer from the airport to Sozopol (this should set you back $30–$40). If you’re on a stricter budget, there are always buses.

Burgas Airport is well-connected to the main station in Burgas, where regular buses leave for Sozopol, costing from $4 to $8.

Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here

↓ Elevate Your Travel↓

Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS

Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.

This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.