Sozopol Pomorie and Burgas from Nessebar
The towns around Nessebar are best taken nearest first. This page lists them by distance, with what each one is for and the practical snags. Distances are rounded, and prices are in euros.
| Place | Distance | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Pomorie | about 20 km | salt lake, Salt Museum, dome tomb |
| Burgas | about 35 km | Sea Garden, bus hub |
| Irakli beach | about 30 to 32 km north | wild protected beach |
| Sozopol | about 70 km via Burgas | old town, fortress wall walk |
| Varna | about 100 km north | Archaeological Museum, Roman baths |
Pomorie, the nearest
On the shore of Lake Pomorie stands the Salt Museum, and close by is a dome tomb from the Thracian and Roman period, dated to the 2nd to 4th century AD. Lake Pomorie is a salt and mud lake. Opening hours change, so check before you set out. Adult entry to the museum is about 1.53 euros, and the door staff can confirm it.
Burgas
The seaside Sea Garden, called Morska Gradina, is the reason to come. Buses from Nessebar pass through Sunny Beach and the intercity station. Burgas is also where trains stop, because Nessebar has no station of its own.
Irakli beach and the north
North of Nessebar is a stretch of wild coast. Irakli beach, a protected area, lies about 30 to 32 km away, and Obzor sits a further 12 km on. Cape Emine is part of the same coast. Treat the sea carefully, because red flags apply and you should not swim alone.
Sozopol
Sozopol is about 70 km by road, an hour and a quarter via Burgas. Wander the old town, visit its Archaeological Museum and walk the Southern Fortress Wall. In summer, resellers sell a guided catamaran day trip that takes about an hour each way, leaving Nessebar harbour with pick-ups from the resorts. Sailings are seasonal and may be cancelled. The Mopang, a US steamer sunk by a mine in 1921 near St Ivan Island, lies 30 to 35 m below the surface. It is a protected underwater archaeological site and a diving challenge for technical divers only.
Near Sozopol is the Castle of Ravadinovo, nicknamed In Love with the Wind. An adult ticket is about 15 euros, with free entry for children under 7 and discounts on presenting ID. Opening hours vary, so confirm them before you drive out. Opinions split between kitsch and enchanting.
Varna
A long day at about 100 km, Varna rewards the trip with the Archaeological Museum, home of the Varna gold, and its Roman baths.
Not realistic as day trips
Sofia and Plovdiv are not day-trip distances from Nessebar.
Getting back from the airport
If you are arriving by air, Burgas Airport is 35 to 40 km away. There is no direct bus. Use the city bus to Burgas South Bus Station and an intercity bus onward, which takes 60 to 90 minutes. Private transfers and taxis cost roughly 25 to 45 euros.
More on the town itself is in the Nessebar guide , and longer routes are in Multi-day trips from Nessebar . Compare group excursions on GetYourGuide , see bus times at Burgas Bus , and read about Irakli on Welcome Bulgaria .