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Nessebar is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Bulgaria. This small UNESCO World Heritage listed town is situated on a peninsula in the Black Sea connected by a tiny artificial isthmus and is known for its high concentration of medieval churches.
History
Nessebar was settled by the Thracians over 3,000 years ago as Menebria and later became the important ancient Greek colony of Mesembria (Μεσήμβρια) until the Romans took over in 71 BC.
During Byzantine rule, it was one of the most important cities on the Black Sea. The city changed hands between the Bulgarians and Byzantines a few times between 812 and 1453 when the Ottomans conquered it, and during this period is when the majority of the famous churches were built.
The town was liberated from Ottoman rule in 1885 and united with Bulgaria. At the end of the 19th century, it was a small fishing village populated by Greeks that slowly developed into an important resort town.
Getting There
Nessebar is an easy day trip from the city of Burgas and the nearby resort city of Sunny Beach, which can be see from the town. Buses run the route between Nessebar and both cities, and water taxis can be taken to Sunny Beach.
The bus to Burgas takes about 30 minutes. I was dropped off in the modern town, about a 10 minute walk from the ancient peninsula. Heading back, I took a Burgas-bound bus and got off in Pomorie. It took 15 minutes.
A fast ferry can take passengers between Nessebar and Sozopol in 40 minutes. Click here for more details.
Getting Around
There’s no need for local transportation in Nessebar. Everything worth seeing is on the ancient peninsula, and you can walk from one end to the other in just a few minutes.
Combo Tickets
Four of the medieval churches are open to visitors for a small admission fee. You can buy a combo ticket to see some or all of them, and there’s also a full combo ticket including the archaeological and ethnographic museums. Prices will be posted at the entrance to each site.
Neptun
For lunch, I ate delicious Black Sea mussels at Neptun, which overlooks the sea.
