The 8 Best Things to See and Do in Pomorie, Bulgaria
Pomorie is one of the largest towns along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, which turns into a hodgepodge of people from all parts of Bulgaria and Europe in the summer. It’s a dream destination for those who need more than sandy beaches and salt water for their summer vacation. Healing mud, an impressive antique tomb, and a tiny quarter of historical wooden houses are among the things that make it a truly special place.
See the unique Antique Beehive Tomb
If you have already seen one or more Thracian tombs in Bulgaria, this one will surprise you because it’s far from typical. The unassuming mound by the road hosts a hall with a mushroom-shaped brick-coated dome that attracts architects from around the world due to its perfect construction. It is believed that the tomb was used as a mausoleum for a rich family from Pomorie (then named Anhialo) rather than for a single person like most of the other Thracian tombs. The tomb is open from June to September, every day except Monday, from 9am to 5pm. In winter, you need to make a request by e-mail in advance at pomoriemuseum@abv.bg, and form a group of at least ten people.
Amble around the old Pomorie houses
Traditional Bulgarian houses have historically been different in different parts of the country, with those along the Black Sea Coast featuring wooden façades. The second floor is usually wider than the first so you have the feeling that the building is towering above you when you are at its base at street level. There is a small quarter of preserved old Pomorie houses close to the promenade. You will immediately recognize them because of the feeling that time stopped long ago here.
Witness monastic life at St George Monastery
St George is an active men’s monastery where visitors can see monastic life and taste local products such as wine or jam made by the monks themselves. The main church was built in 1856, but the site has been considered a sacred place for centuries – back to the time of the ancient Thracians.
Renew your skin with healing mud
Pomorie is known for its healing mud sourced out of Pomorie Lake. There are several high-class spa and wellness hotels in the area where you can receive both cosmetic and health treatments. If you are traveling on a budget, you can head to the Salt Pans right by the entrance of the Salt Museum. Follow the people covered from head to toe in black mud to find the place where you can get your mud therapy for free. The lake is just a few meters away, so you can wash your skin after the mud has hardened. It’s not advisable to apply the mud for more than 20 minutes a day.
Watch the birds at Pomorie Lake
Pomorie Lake is one of the most important bird habitats in Bulgaria and a pleasant nature escape if you want to trade the crowded beaches for some peace and quiet. Stop at the Visitor Center of the lake (right next to the Salt Museum), take a look at the birds in binoculars, and rent a bike to ride all along its shore with a view to the lake and the sea at the same time.
Get curious at the Salt Museum and the History Museum
There are two main museums in Pomorie that deserve your attention. The History Museum will take you on a journey back in time, unfolding the town before your eyes as it used to look from thousands of years ago (when it was a main hub of the Black Sea) until the beginning of the last century. The Salt Museum is another must-visit attraction because of the millennia-old tradition of salt production in Pomorie. Even today, salt is extracted from Pomorie Lake just as it has been done for untold generations.
Sit on the bench of the poet Peyo Yavorov
Peyo Yavorov is one of the most beloved Bulgarian poets who used to live and work in Pomorie. He would spent long hours contemplating by the sea, and today the place known as the Yavorov Rocks (Yavorovi Skali/ Яворови скали) is where you can see a statue of the author. Sit on the bench by the rocks and do a little quiet contemplation of your own – who knows, it just might inspire your inner poet.
The statue of Peyo Yavorov, 28, P.K. Yavorov Str., 8200 Pomorie, Bulgaria