Sozopol Old Town
Sozopol, Bulgaria
A fishing town on a rocky headland with weathered timber-framed houses, narrow lanes and sea views from the old harbour. Cars are restricted in the old part, so park at the edge and walk in.
Sozopol was founded in the 7th century BC by Greek settlers from Miletus, at first as Antheia and later as Apollonia, after a temple of Apollo in the town. It was one of the largest and richest Greek colonies on the Black Sea until Roman troops under Marcus Lucullus devastated it in 72 BC. The name Sozopolis appears in the 1st century AD. The old town stands on a former island, which is now joined to the mainland by a narrow strip of land.
The architecture of the houses from the Bulgarian National Revival period gives the old town its distinctive character. One to two hours is enough for a stroll through the lanes and down to the harbour. If you want peace and quiet, it is best to avoid high-summer weekends. The Apollonia arts festival has been held here every September since 1984.
- Nearest town
- Sozopol, Bulgaria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 42.4170, 27.6958
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Златна рибкаCampsite2 km from Sozopol Old Town
- Къмпинг градинаCampsite4 km from Sozopol Old Town
- БохемиCampsite9 km from Sozopol Old TownTentsCaravans
- АтлиманCampsite20 km from Sozopol Old Town
- ГарденияCampsite23 km from Sozopol Old Town · 23 pitchesCaravansWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Якото мястоCampsite23 km from Sozopol Old Town
All campsites in Bulgaria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Sozopol Old Town?
Sozopol Old Town is in Sozopol, Bulgaria, at GPS 42.4170, 27.6958. It is about 27 km from Nessebar.
Can you camp near Sozopol Old Town?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Nelly, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 24 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Sozopol Old Town?
Places worth a stop nearby: Nessebar Old Town (27 km), Aladzha Monastery (99 km), Madara Rider (106 km) and Balchik Palace (117 km).
When is the best time to visit Sozopol Old Town?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)