Bulgaria: Black Sea

Sometimes you just need a little Vitamin Sea, right? Yes please! Thanks to favorable prices, Bulgaria quickly became popular with tourists looking for sun, beach and a buzzing nightlife scene. The almost 400km long sensational Black Sea coastline is filled with beautiful beaches and resorts. The mega-resorts Albena, Golden Sands and Sunny Beach are well-known for their crazy party scene and sport facilities and although I can appreciate some fun in the sun now and then, I really want to see the cultural patrimonial the area has to offer. 

Nesebar

Nesebar is one of the major seaside resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, located in Burgas Province. The ancient town was established more than 3200 years ago by the Thracian. Later on, at the beginning of the 1st century AD the town became part of the Roman Empire.
Because of its exceptional cultural and historical value Nesebar was added to the List of World Cultural Heritage Sites of UNESCO. More information on the history and the development of the town can be find at the Archaeological Museum, which is located at the very beginning of the peninsula. The charming little streets and breathtaking water views make it a picturesque place for leisurely strolls and relaxing on one of the terraces.

Pobiti Kamani

About 18 km northwest from Varna lays the Pobiti Kamani, also known as The Stone Forest. This natural landmark consists of an ensemble of stone columns, up to 10 meters high, hollow or thick cylinders, crossed cones, variously shaped and sized rock blocks and multiple stone pieces, spilled around the entire complex. The Pobiti Kamani has been famous as a sacral place since antiquity. Legend says that hugging one of the stones brings good fortune to you and your loved ones. So, there I was hugging a stone… as we can all use some good fortune now and then.

Cape Kalikra

Cape Kaliakra, is the most eastern point of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and a must-see! The coastal village is a nature and archaeological preserve, due to the many protected species that live within its boundaries. There are many legends related to Cape Kaliakra.The most famous one tells the story of 40 Bulgarian girls, led by Kaliakra, who jumped from the rocks and into the sea to escape from the Ottomans. They braided their hair together to make sure no one would back away. An obelisk dedicated to this legend is placed at the entrance to the cape, called The Gate of the 40 Maidens.

Balchik

Few seaside towns are more idyllic than Balchik. The village is situated in the north-east part of the Bulgarian Black Sea shore, about 40 km from Varna. The town was founded by the Greeks in the 6th century BC and later became a part of the Roman and Ottoman Empire. The greatest landmark of Balchik is the Queen Maria Palace with its botanical gardens. The Palace, constructed in 1924, was the former summer residence of the Romanian Queen Maria Alexandrina Victoria De Edinburgh. The botanical gardens are situated within the borders of the residence. With its beautiful flowers and fountains it’s definitely worth a visit. The garden is also world famous for its unique collection of large-sized cactuses, which is the second largest in Europe after the one in Monaco.

Varna

Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria, and the largest one on the Black Sea shore. Because of its history, economic and cultural significance, it’s often called the Sea Capital of Bulgaria. Varna, grew from a Thracian seaside settlement to a major seaport. If you want to know more about the history, you have to visit the Archaeological Museum of Varna. The highlight of Varna is the cathedral! It’s one of the symbols of the city and in my opinion the most beautiful building in the historic city center. If you want a great view upon the city, you have to climb the belfry.

 

I really enjoyed visiting these Bulgarian cities. I wasn’t familiar with them at all before going there. It’s been really interesting to get to know these places and learn more about the country’s history. Recently someone asked me if Bulgaria is worth travelling to, and I can only say YES! The people are really nice and the food is delicious. It’s also still very cheap to visit, and although tourists have already discovered the Bulgarian beaches, the cultural heritage is still unknown.

 

 

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