The Best Things to See and Do in Nessebar, Bulgaria

Nessebar old town once occupied its own Black Sea island but is now connected to the modern part of the city by a man-made isthmus. It’s a movie-set-style collection of houses dating from the 18th and 19th centuries, wherein the stone-walled ground floors housed livestock and the wooden upper levels sheltered human occupants. Scattered among them are the ruins of Medieval walls, Byzantine churches, and street vendors selling souvenirs and handicrafts.

The Archaeological Museum is the starting point of a self-guided tour through Nessebar old town, a red-dotted trail that meanders through the streets. Its permanent collection, Nessebar Down the Centuries, features pottery, artwork, statues and jewellery from all six stages of the 3,000-year history of the town. Journey through periods spanning the Eneolithic, Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Bulgarian civilisations. Must-see highlights include a collection of silver coins from the Thracian era, during which Nessebar was one of the first places in the world to use money in trading.

Nessebar old town is still encircled by the ruins of its ancient fortifications, dating mainly from the Byzantine and Medieval eras. One of their best-preserved features is a cylindrical watchtower located close to the entrance, on the northern side of the peninsula. Walk around the perimeter of the old town to see several Byzantine churches and the famous Nessebar stone-and-wood houses.

This shed-like structure is found halfway along the isthmus that connects the old and new towns of Nessebar. Dating from the Renaissance period, when the city was under Ottoman rule, it stands precariously on a cylindrical stone base, its wooden spindles resembling a giant spider web. Several benches next to the windmill look towards the resort town of Sunny Beach, situated 5km (3mi) to the north.

The 14th-century Church of Christ Pantocrator stands at the entrance to Nessebar old town, greeting visitors with an elaborate exterior of red brick and pale stone. High concave arches alternate with friezes of decorative saucers and flowers in an impressive display. The building now houses an art gallery showcasing the works of Bulgarian artists and the remnants of some of the original church wall murals.

Fish and seafood specialist Dalyan Akrotir sits on a rocky patch of coast next to Spectrum Beach, about a half-hour walk from Nessebar old town. Featuring the best of the morning catch, dishes such as steamed mussels, barbecued bluefish, grilled prawns and deep-fried tsatsa (European sprat) are served on a terrace jutting over the water. Pair this with a glass of the excellent draft beer or a dry white wine for a true taste of the Black Sea coast.

Aquapark Nessebar is home to the highest number of water-based attractions anywhere in Europe (60 and counting). There are 38 slides, including the Giant Slalom – 146m (479ft) of ascents and descents – and the vertiginous Freefall, which starts off with an almost-vertical drop of 10m (33ft). Calm your shredded nerves or toast your bravery by swimming up to the pool bar for a cocktail, or relax in a gazebo at the Mediterranean Bar.

Hiking to Cape Emine – the northernmost point of Burgas Bay – requires dedication, but the sunset views make it all worthwhile. A route of about 7km (4mi) starts to the north of the Cape on Irakli Beach, one of the most unspoilt areas on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, a 40-minute drive from Nessebar. Another track begins in the resort town of Elenite, located 11km (7mi) to the west of Ermine and a 25-minute drive from Nessebar.