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Longing for a part of that charm of the old world and the picturesque beaches to go with it?
With its medieval citadels and turquoise CalasMallorca in Spain is probably at the top of your summer bucket list, but before you continue and book that flights, you need to know that there is one new Player in the scene that is just as beautiful – except that it is not ruined by mass tourism.
No anti-tourist graffiti or massive protests that encourage you to go home, much less blown up rates to discourage you from there on vacation:
The ‘Mallorca of the Black Sea’, Sozopol is a historic coastal town in Bulgaria Offering old charm and affordable prices.

Previously one of the lesser-known summer destinations in Europe, the Bulgaria coast of Bulgaria has risen rapidly in popularity as an alternative to the Mediterranean Sea in recent years, because the pressure in the neighboring sea has become too much to handle.
Between the bustling port city of Varna and the trendy resort strip of the sunny beach, a lot has been offered here, whether it is a cooled, cultural outing that you are looking for, or pure some quality time under the sun, but if there is one place that is usually overlooked, it is Sozopol.
Recently crowned Mallorca’s Eastern European counterpartBecause of the mix of the coast view And Historical value, dating from 2500 years, all the way to a Greek colony that was established in the 7th century BC.


It is no wonder it is called sozopol: essentially a corruption of the original ‘Apollonia’, it connects the history of the city inextricably with the Greek god Apollo – as tradition it had, a towering colossus that honors the Godness, only in size in Rhodes, stood right in the middle of the city.
You have to remember that ‘nations’ as we know them now were not an existing concept, and Bulgaria as an entity would appear only a few centuries later.
Like a Greek outpost on the Black Sea, Sozopol became a relatively rich Handelshub and remains of that glorious period have survived to this day, either as exhibitions in the local archaeological museum or as a destroyed city walls:


Sozopol: where old charm comes on the coast of relaxation
Apart from the sultry summer temperatures – ranging from 76 ° F to 85 ° F – and the beautiful sea walk, which runs past old defenses, the largest triumph of Sozopol is the rich material heritage.
As in a picturesque Mallorcan -Dorp, many of the houses here date here for centuries. While the Spanish island is famous for its ocher -colored cityscapes, houses in Sozopol were built from wood and have prominent balconies.
These balconies are an important tourist attraction, largely thanks to the locals, which they decorate with colorful flower boxes.


The best way to see Sozopol is simply by getting lost in his paved paved alleys, which always seem to lead directly to the picturesque waterfront, and A great place to start is Apollonia StreetA busy, pedestrian strip covered with souvenir shops, art galleries and cozy cafés.
Book a table in the extremely popular Windmill Restaurant: for a taste of the savory food from Bulgaria and an authentic food experience:
This legendary eatery becomes on a hill overlooking the city and is celebrated for its fresh seafood and grilled meat, and trendy how it is, it is not as expensive as you would think: The average bill per adult is only $ 11 – $ 16Or the equivalent in the Bulgarian Lev.


One of the cheapest sunny outings in Europe
Sozopol is one of the most affordable summer destinations in Europe.
Based on estimates that are provided by NumbeoA main course in local restaurants costs between $ 5.70 and $ 22.81, On average only $ 8.55and when Budget your trip has concluded, accommodation here is quite economic.
The average hotel price for one night is $ 55 – $ 99, depending on available facilities and seasonal prices. Luxury boutique hotels are of course more expensive than B&B Old Town B&B.
If you are looking for the best rated hotel for the lowest price this summer, consider Brilliant Aparthotel: only a few steps from the beautiful beach of Gradina, and a short bus ride away from the city center, It has overnight rates from $ 49 (for 2 guests).


Tourist attractions are just as easy on the wallet: a boat trip to St. Ivan Island, the home of a destroyed monastery and pebble, costs around $ 5.50–Return of $ 11, while the Archaeological Museum charges a negligible $ 2.20.
Other important sights, such as the outside of the southern fort wall, where the iconic postcard view of Azure waves crashing against medieval towers can be found, and the St. Cyril and Methodius church are said to be in order to keep relics of Johannes de Baptist, are, are Even free to gain access.
Of course you don’t have to spend a cent if you like to be on a beach day, whether it is on the Sandy Central Beach, closest to the old city, Harmani, a family -friendly piece with shallow water, or Gradina, easily accessible from the main resorts.
How you can come to Sozopol this summer


The nearest airport to Sozopol is Burgas Airport (BoJ), one 45 minutes’ drive.
Yes, Sozopol is not exactly the most convenient beach cities staying in the summer, but that’s where the charm is, right? Often it is the more unusual, remote areas that steal your heart, precisely because they are rarely busy and feel more authentic.
If you do not rent a car that will certainly not break the bank in Bulgaria, let’s tell you that you can still book a private transfer from the airport to Sozopol (this should yield you $ 30 – $ 40). If you have a strict budget, there are always buses.
Burgas Airport is well connected to the main station in Burgas, where regular buses leave for Sozopol, Costs from $ 4 to $ 8.
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This article originally appeared on Traveloffpath.com
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