Sozopol Old Town Roads

About This Anchorage

Sozopol is the jewel of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast — the country's oldest continuously inhabited city, founded as Apollonia Pontica ('Black Sea City') by Greek colonists from Miletus in 610 BC. The Old Town on its rocky peninsula is a labyrinth of cobbled streets, wooden National Revival-period houses (19th century), ancient church ruins, and a small working harbour. It has the character of a Greek island town — whitewashed walls, bougainvillea, fish restaurants — but with a distinctly Bulgarian soul. Anchoring in the roads off the Old Town, with the stone houses rising above the waterline and the Byzantine church visible on the headland, is one of the signature moments of Black Sea sailing. The Apollonia Arts Festival (September) is one of Bulgaria's most celebrated cultural events. The growing sailing scene here means more visiting sailors each year — a community still discovering this extraordinary town.

Hazards

• !Open to NE — prevailing summer wind; move to Harmani Bay in strong NE
• !Tourist boat traffic in summer — excursion boats and ferries to St Ivan Island
• !Entry formalities required if first Bulgarian port — clear at Burgas
• !Thunderstorms develop rapidly in summer — monitor closely

Skipper's Tips

• →Explore the Old Town at dusk — the evening atmosphere after tourists leave is magical
• →The Southern Fortress Wall (ancient Greek, rebuilt by Byzantines) is extraordinary
• →The Archaeological Museum has the famous St Ivan Island relics and ancient Greek finds
• →Visit Apollonia Arts Festival in September — world-class arts in a remarkable setting
• →Fresh fish at the Old Town harbour restaurants — Black Sea turbot is exceptional

Nearby Anchorages