Summer Romantica

‘Summer Romantica’ Apartments are located in a private complex in Sozopol. Located 33 kilometers south of Bourgas on a slender rocky peninsula, Sozopol is the oldest of Bulgaria’s coastal towns. Sozopol was founded in 610 BC by Miletian Greeks, and named Apollonia, after their God of Beauty Apollo. It thrived as a middleman between the Greek world and the indigenous Thracians. Today, this charming place is a popular tourist resort best known for its casual ambiance, two sandy beaches, and distinctive nineteenth-century stone and wood houses. Some of which are designated national cultural monuments. While Sozopol is a bustling place during July and August, during off-season it reverts back to a sleepy fishing village and is a favoured haunt of artists, writers and other contemplative types.

The sights of Sozopol are many, but none of them can be separated from the rest. All of them impact visitors as an attractive ensemble. Among these are two ancient churches from the Renaissance period – The Saint Zosim Church and The Holy Virgin Church. Cobbled streets and high fences in front of which the old women sit and chat, knit laces and sell jams further feed the ancient atmosphere of the town. Interestingly, one can still hear Greek speech among natives, particularly in the old town. Other places to visit are the Archaeological Museum and the Art Gallery. At the beginning of September the town hosts the popular annual Apollonia International Art Festival, which attracts artists and art lovers from all over the country and abroad.

The best beach in the area is at Dyuni, an upscale Austrian-designed resort village complex, six kilometers south of Sozopol. Past Dyuni, the coastal road passes by the Arkutino swamp. Arkutino swamp is a 62-hectare area of floating water lilies, irises and creeping liana vines. A few kilometers further south is the Ropotamo river nature reserve. Tour boats routinely ply the verdant-rich lower stretch of the river to the sea.

During the summer period , private vans and local council buses provide hourly daily service to and from Bourgas. The tiny bus station (closed Mon-Tues off-season) is opposite the seaside park, next to the open-air bazaar, and there is a taxi stand in front. The Private Vans Depot is only 50 meters away. Although the old hydrofoils may have passed their sell-by date, private “sea taxis” venture to Bourgas, Nessebar, Varna, and anywhere the siren’s call might tempt a seafaring traveler to go. From Sofia, a number of private companies operate comfortable coaches to Sozopol.