The back story
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The back story
Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: the back story
Ancient Greek colonies on rocky peninsulas, long sandy beaches and two lively port cities.
Trip · 1 hour by air
The Black Sea coast: Our Favourites
Ancient Greek towns on rocky peninsulas, long beaches, Varna’s ancient gold and the fire dancers of Strandzha.
What's onThis week in Sofia
What to see
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A peninsula of churches
Nessebar Old Town
A UNESCO-listed old town of medieval churches and wooden houses on a rocky peninsula.
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Striped brick and stone
Church of Christ Pantocrator
One of the most beautiful medieval churches of Nessebar, with decorated brick façades.
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Wooden houses by the sea
Sozopol Old Town
An old town of wooden houses and lanes on a peninsula, with beaches either side.
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The world’s oldest gold
Varna Archaeological Museum
Home to the gold of the Varna Necropolis, from around 4500 BC.
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Domes and a seaside park
Varna Cathedral and Sea Garden
Varna’s golden-domed cathedral and its long Sea Garden above the beaches.
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A queen’s seaside retreat
Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden
The seaside palace of Queen Marie of Romania, with terraced gardens and a botanical garden.
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Traditions
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Barefoot on embers
Nestinari fire dancing
In early June, nestinari dance barefoot on embers in a few villages of Strandzha.
Getting there
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1 hour by air
Getting to the Black Sea coast
Short flights from Sofia to Varna, or about five to seven hours by car, bus or train.
Share your The Black Sea coast experience
Been to The Black Sea coast? Share your tips with other visitors.
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