Sozopol is listed in the 100 Tourist Sites of Bulgaria issued by the Bulgarian Tourist Union. The resort town with its unique atmosphere is the oldest town on the Bulgarian Black Sea coastline. The first settlement there had been established in the end of 4-3 c. BC. Many anchors from the second and first millennium BC have been discovered in the town's bay, a proof of active shipping since ancient times.
In 610 BC on present-day Sozopol's territory a Hellenic colony (“polis”) had been established under the name of Apollonia Pontica. The name of the town comes from the god Apollo, considered as a colonies protector. The town established itself as a trade and naval centre. It kept strong relations with the cities of Ancient Greece – Miletus, Athens, Corinth, Heraclea Pontica and the islands Rhodes, Chios, Lesbos, etc. The symbol of the town – the anchor, present on all coins minted by Apollonia since the sixth century BC, is proof of the importance of its maritime trade. The rich town soon became an important cultural centre. A large temple dedicated to Apollo was built. Numerous churches and houses, made of stone and wood in 18th-19th century, have been preserved, creating the unique architectural appearance of the present-day Sozopol. The antique icons and the fine wood-carved iconostasis are remarkable examples of the art crafts' development during that period.

CLIMATE:
The climate in Sozopol is under the influence of the Mediterranean Sea flows which can be recognized in 20 to 40 km depth from the coastline. The annual average temperature is 13.3° С, while in countryside it is 11.5° С. The most appropriate holiday period is beginning of May till the end of October. 

TOURISM CONDITIONS:
The accommodation facilities in Sozopol Municipality includes over 70 000 beds, the number of new 4* and 5* hotels increases. Accommodation possibilities include Sozopol, Djuni holiday settlement, the villages of Chernomorets, Ravadinovo. Another quite visited accommodation place are the camping sites, situated along the sea coast - "Kavatsite", "Smokinya", "Veselie", "Gradina", "Zlatna Ribka", etc.
The sand is middle small and small, most of it quartzy.

BEACHES:
Central beach – with sand, in the old part of Sozopol, 18 220 sq.m. area;
Harmanite beach - 40 000 sq.m. area, dunes – with sand, in the new part of Sozopol - 14 280 sq.m.;
Kavatsite beach - 99 727 sq.m., dunes – with sand, in 3 km from Sozopol, 96 100 sq.m. area;
Alepu beach - 237 739 sq.m., dunes – with sand, in 8 km from Sozopol, 66 000 sq.m. area;
Arkutino beach – with sand, in 14 km from Sozopol, 68 450 sq.m.;
Ropotamo beach – with sand, in 18 km from Sozopol, 36 780 sq.m.;
Rosenets beach park, Atiya Bay – with sand, in 19 km from Sozopol, 13 832 sq.m.;
Vromos beach, Vromos Bay – with sand, in 16 km from Sozopol, 203 944 sq.m.;
Chervenka beach, St Nikola Bay – with sand, in 7 km from Sozopol, 38 852 sq.m.;
“Chernomorets” camping site beach, St Nikola Bay – with sand, in 6 km from Sozopol, 28 540 sq.m.;
“Gradina” camping site beach – with sand, in 4 km from Sozopol, 139 283 sq.m., dunes - 135 400 sq.m.;
“Zlatna Ribka” camping site beach – with sand, in 3 km from Sozopol, 69 640 sq.m., dunes - 63 200 sq.m.;
St Marina beach – with sand, in 1 km from Sozopol, 12 280 sq.m. area.

LOCATION:
Sozopol Municipality is situated in the north-east part of Bourgas Province. Its beach resources are among the biggest in the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The Sozopol Harbour has a regional importance.  It is used for passengers  transport, entertainment tourist trips, as well as cargo-carrying transport. There are yacht ports and fish boats piers in Sozopol, the village of Chernomorets and Atiya Bay.
Sozopol is situated in the south-east part of Bulgaria, the southernmost point of Bourgas Bay, in  35 km from the city of Bourgas, in ecologically clean region. It is located on two picturesque peninsulas and it combines in an unique way rich history and modern lifestyle.

Other towns and settlements in the region:
towns/cities: Bourgas, Aytos;
holiday settlements: Primorsko, Kiten, Pomorie, Nessebar, Djunite, Sunny Beach resort, St Vlas.

TRANSPORT:
How can we reach Sozopol?
By bus:
You can take a direct bus to Sozopol from the Central Bus Station in Sofia. During the summer period a preliminary ticket purchase is recommended (at least a week prior to travel date).
By train:
You can take a train to Bourgas from the Central Railway Station in Sofia.
By air plane:
The fastest way to reach Sozopol from Sofia is by plane (Sofia-Bourgas) and from Bourgas Airport you can take a bus or a taxi to Sozopol. There are regular buses from Bourgas to Sozopol.
The local transport in Sozopol is mini trains, going around the town and its surrounding area.

HARBOUR SERVICES:
Sozopol Harbour offers passengers and cargo transport. There are seven ship places and a passengers terminal with check point. In addition, Sozopol offers yacht ports and fish boats piers. Excursion services include trips to the near-by town of Chernomorets and Djunite holiday settlement.

ATTRACTIONS:
The ancient Sozopol is declared as an architectural and archaeological reserve. The visitors will be delighted to see the cultural historical heritage from the Antiquity and Middle Ages.
Here are held:
- “Apollonia” Arts Festival – in the beginning of September many famous musicians, artists, actors and poetry lovers from all around the world gather. The festival is 10 days and its programme includes music concerts, dances, theatre performances, cinema, art exhibitions and many more events.
- The Neptune Festival – dedicated to the sea;
- National Open-air Sculptures – little plastic arts in stones;
- Professional and Enthusiast Art Nights for Bulgarians and Foreigners – for tourists;
- “A Club with Autograph” – meetings with creators.

You can also enjoy:
- a walk along the ancient town – authentic churches and small ancient chapels; antique fortress' wall, encircling the old town; numerous archaeological finds and Sozopol's medieval houses made out of stone and wood; a walk to Djunite holiday settlement, Arkutino marsh area – 62 hectares, covered with a natant water-lilies, irises and creeping lianas, some kilometres further to the south you can reach Ropotamo River where you can take a boat trip to the sea;
- a trip with panoramic boat to “St Anastasia” Island, “St Ivan” Island or Ropotamo River outfall;
- numerous art galleries and shops with painting, black and white drawing, applied arts objects collections, souvenirs;
- lots of bars and cafes along the seaside streets with a gorgeous sea view;
- restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Bulgarian cuisine dishes and also taste the Sozopol cuisine – local clams and dried mackerel;
For the children in the town park: many cradles, cars, inflatable castles, drawing on plaster figures, pony riding, etc.

SPORTS ACTIVITIES:
- all water sports are in individual programmes or according to suggestions from the secured beaches;
- sailing boats with sceptre up to 10 passengers for rent;
- the best place for surfing, well-managed surfing schools and surfs for rent;
- individual fish programmes with boats can be organized, from the rocky beach or underwater;
- water sports competitions;
- beach volleyball and football competitions;
-  field and track racing path and stadium;
- horse riding school for adults and children with very well-skilled instructors.

RESTAURANTS AND NIGHT LIFE:
Sozopol restaurants' atmosphere is incomparable especially those in the old part of the town, located in the southern alley. Under the aromatic figs crowns you can taste varied fish specialities and cool down with a cold beverage. The authentic old houses and the bohemian look add an extra colouring and humour to the tourists, visiting Sozopol.
Here are some well-known restaurants:
“Vyatarna Melnitsa” (“Windmill”) Restaurant, Old Sozopol, 299 seats, Bulgarian cuisine, fish specialities, music – folk progammes, tel.: +359 550 22844;
“Neptune” Tavern, 45 “Morski skali” St (the rocks next to “Palikari”), 60 seats, tel.: +359 888 633 486;
“Pri Hudojnitsite” (“At the Painters'”) Restaurant, Old Sozopol, 150 seats, national cuisine, tel.: + 359 878 650 160;
“Olymp” Restaurant, 14 “Kulata” St (next to the central square), traditional cuisine and specialities, tel.: +359 898 865 050;
“Ksantana” Restaurant, Old Sozopol, national cuisine, tel.: +359 550 22454; +359 889 224 173;
“Casablanka” Restaurant, on the Harmani beach, 130 seats, Bulgarian and European cuisine, music – pop, tel.: +359 887 000600;
“Orion” Restaurant Tavern, in the centre, 100 seats, national cuisine, music – folklore, tel.: +359 550 23193;
“Chuchura” Tavern, 10 “Ribarska” St, 60 seats, national cuisine, music – folklore, tel.: +359 550 22566;
Sozopol in the night:
“Cult” Dance Club, Harmanite beach, music styles - Hot HITS, house & dance, soul & R'N'B, retro,  80's & 90's, tel. +359 888 563 446; +359 899 822 686;
“Aqua Club” Discotheque, Harmanite beach, tel.: +359 886 886 886;
“Maskata” Dance Club, Harmanite beach;
“Havana” Bar, Harmanite beach, tel.: + 359 888 452 881.
Casinos: If you like gambling, Sunny Beach, Bourgas and Primorsko are waiting for you. Professional services and impressive interior. All you need is good luck.

HEALTH & BALNEOLOGY:
There are very nice hotels in Sozopol offering varied SPA procedures:
“Laguna Beach Resort” Spa Hotel;
“South Pearl Residence“ Spa Complex;
“Selena” Spa Hotel, the new part of Sozopol.

EXCURSIONS AND SIGHTSEEING AROUND THE REGION:
Sozopol is one of the most attractive place in Bulgaria, combining antiquity and modern world. Near-by is the marsh area of Arkutino and the natural reserve along Ropotamo River with rich flora and fauna species.
Excursion possibilities around the area: to Sunny Beach, Nessebar, Primorsko and Bourgas. Another attraction near Sozopol is “St Ivan” Island, located in 2 km to the north of the Old Town. This is the biggest island in the Bulgarian sea territory. On the island there is a sonar lighthouse (with sound signals), which together with the lighthouse of “Emine” Island shows the direction of the vessels to the Bourgas Bay. In ancient times the island had been a pirates' hiding place, and later there was built a monastery named after Virgin Mary, and later renamed as “St Ivan Prodomos”. A unique underwater phenomenon stands near the island – “Kamennata Gora” (“The Stone Forest”).