Sozopol
Thousands of years of history, embraced by golden beaches and the warm Black Sea
Beaches & activities
Your perfect summer experience
Sozopol is known for its golden beaches, gentle sunshine and countless opportunities for water sports and relaxation. From the wide town beach at Harmanite to the natural dunes at Kavatsi, the coastline offers a beach for every taste.
Sozopol's central beach is just a two-minute walk from Velonia Guest House — the perfect starting point for your summer adventures.
Sozopol Central Beach
2 min. walk from VeloniaA wide town beach with fine sand and shallow, warm water — a favourite with families with children. Just a two-minute walk from Velonia Guest House.
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Zlatna Ribka Beach
~3 km from the centreA quiet beach with golden sand outside the town centre — a pleasant option for a longer walk or a short drive or taxi ride.
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Kavatsi Beach
Dunes and forestA natural beach south of the town, framed by sand dunes and centuries-old forest — popular for camping and a quieter stay by the sea.
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Water sports
At most beachesHire a kayak or SUP board, or try jet skiing along the coast — equipment is available seasonally at the larger town beaches.
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Boat trips
From the harbourTake a boat trip past Sozopol's rocky headlands to St Ivan and St Petar islands — a popular summer excursion.
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Diving
With an instructorDiscover the underwater world of the Black Sea with local diving centres — shipwrecks, reefs and rich marine life off the coast of Sozopol.
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Useful for planning your beach day
Beach season
The main season runs from mid-June to mid-September, while September itself offers a quieter, more relaxed stay.
Water temperature
In summer, the Black Sea off Sozopol is typically between 22°C and 26°C — ideal for swimming and water activities.
Safety
Sozopol's larger town beaches are usually staffed by lifeguards during the main summer season.
Landmarks
A town with 6,000 years of history
Sozopol (ancient Apollonia) is among the oldest towns on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, and its unique atmosphere comes from its many architectural and historical monuments. Discover centuries-old landmarks on a pleasant walk from the Old Town.
The Old Town
Architectural reservePicturesque cobbled streets and wooden 19th-century Revival-era houses, perched on a rocky peninsula overlooking the sea.
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The Southern Fortress Wall
Ancient ApolloniaRestored remains of the ancient fortress walls and towers of Apollonia Pontica — one of the oldest Greek colonies on the Black Sea coast.
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Historic churches
Cultural monumentsSozopol preserves several Revival-era churches with partially sunken foundations — a result of Ottoman-era restrictions — and beautifully carved iconostases.
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The Archaeological Museum
Artefacts from ApolloniaA rich collection of finds from ancient Apollonia Pontica — amphorae, jewellery and one of the largest collections of stone anchors in Bulgaria.
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St Ivan Island
By boatBulgaria's largest Black Sea island, home to the remains of a monastery and a lighthouse. In 2010, relics linked to St John the Baptist were discovered here.
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The Apollonia Arts Festival
Early SeptemberOne of Bulgaria's oldest arts festivals — every autumn it turns the Old Town into a stage for music, theatre and exhibitions.
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Just a short distance from your stay
The Old Town, the fortress walls and most of Sozopol's landmarks are easily reached on foot or with a short drive from Velonia — and the central beach is just a two-minute walk away.
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