Bulgarian Blacksea Coast
The town of Ahtopol (population: 1364) is situated on a sharply jutted cape 87 km south-east of Bourgas and 477 km south-east of Sofia. The town is perched on the rocky peninsula at the place of a Thracian settlement. It was probably colonised in 6th century BC. Its name dates back to ancient times. The Romans called it Peron-ti-cus. The Byzantine leader Agaton restored the town after the barbarian invasions and gave it his own name Agatopolis. The Byzantine and the Bulgarians took it in turns.
At the end of 14th century called was called Ahtenbolu. It was burnt down and devastated by sea pirates many a time. In 1918 it was completely burnt down again. The present day town was built anew. There are remains of a fortress wall. The Assumption Church and the St. Yani Monastery are interesting sights. High above the town is Mt. Malka Papia in the Strandzha Mountain.
Accommodation: The Elpida Hotel, the Dolphin Camping Site, the City Hotel, the Cherno More Hotel. Prices in Ahtopol are low, accommodation is no problem especially in the numerous private lodgings. The town is a much preferred resort by intellectuals and people in search of quietness and solitude. This particular place on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast has the highest number of sunny and hot days during the season.
Catering: The most famous place is the small restaurant on the beach. There is a sufficient number of catering establishments offering various menues and products. Prices are low. Local manufacturers and fishermen offer their products.
Transport: There is regular transport to Bourgas and Sozopol.
Surrounding areas: Five kilometres south of Ahtopol is the mouth of Veleka River, the most beautiful river all along the Black Sea coast in spite of the competitive characteristics of Kamchia and Ropotamo. The village of Kosti famous for the nestinarski dances (barefoot dances on glowing embers) is situated nearby the river mouth.The village of Varvara is 3 km to the north, it is a favourite place for divers and skin-divers for it is full of stone cavities in the river banks and underwater “reefs” of shells. Usually people in search of nature and solitude come to spend their holidays here. The beaches of Varvara are rocky.
The village of Sinemorets is 10 km south of Ahtopol. There is a camping site and three beautiful beaches.
The last village on the coast is called Rezovo. It has a nice beach but is rarely used as a holiday place as it is too close to the national border and the border troops are stationed here.
