Nessebar Historical Holiday Resort in Bulgaria

The town of Nessebar in Bulgaria is one of the oldest towns in Europe. It is the successor of the ancient Thracian settlement called Mesambria founded in the Second century AD. Its name means town of Melsa. Since 510 AD it was turned into Greek colony town by Dorian settlers. They called it Mesambria and turned it a rival to the town of Apollo for the Black Sea trade. Since XI century the Slav name Messebar or Nessebar has been used together with the original name Mesambria. There are ancient buildings and historical monuments as well as quiet restaurants and fashionable cafes. Nessebar is located on a small peninsula in the Black Sea wich is linked with the land only by a long and narrow road. It has existed for more than 9,000 years.

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Places of Interest

Besides well-preserved churches, one can see the remains of fortress walls (best preserved at the old town's gate and the port), authentic medieval, Roman and Greek street pavements, different fortifications, unique designs of houses and other buildings. Some of the typical houses of Nessebar built in a unique style of the 16th-19th century are real architectural monuments (e.g. the houses of Diamanti, that of Panayot Mouskoyani, which hosts an ethnographic exhibition of Captain Pavel). The old quarters of Nessebar show remarkable mastership in the construction of houses, stone walls, and streets. The Turkish bath and the windmill at the beginning of the causeway are of particular interest. Nessebar has an abundance of small stalls run by the locals, selling a vast array of bulgarian souvenirs and postcards.

Nessebar Accommodation

The most popular Nessebar hotels in the town are Messembria Hotel, Globus Hotel and Bourgas Hotel. There are also a lot of small hotels and private lodgings available (including in old Nessebar at private houses and small hotels. In the new part of Nessebar there are now some excellent apartment complexes situated over looking the beach and perfectly situated only a short walk from the old town.

1 Bedroom Penthouse overlooking Old Nessebar Resort

Stunning 6th floor one bedroom penthouse apartment overlooking old Nessebar and Sunny Beach coastline. It is fully furnished with all modern conveniences including air conditioning in the bedroom and living room.

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Places to Eat and Drink

The town of Nessebar is rich in restaurants, old-style mehanas and pubs with lovely sea views and serving excellent food of Bulgarian nature as well as other European flavours. Prices are somewhat above the average level of other old towns along the coast, though these are quite reasonable if compared to the nearby high-class resorts of Golden Sands, Albena or Sunny Beach.

Entertainment & Nightlife

The resort of Nessebar in Bulgaria has little in the way of nightlife, but situated only a short bus ride from Sunny Beach, nightlife is not far away. For those wanting more than just architecture, there are a great selection of entertainments at Sunny Beach, and an amazing waterpark just past Sveti Vlas only 15 minutes up the coast. Those looking for city life can drove up the coast to Bourgas, the town has a great selection of high quality restaurants, nightclubs and other attractions. Cafes line the main street, service excellent coffee and a wide selection of cakes.

Getting Around

There is regular bus transport from Balchik, Varna, the Golden Sands resort, Elenite and Dobrich to Albena, complemented by private minibuses, route and ordinary taxis, and even sea transport from and to the small port in the resort.

Nessebar Summary

Good Sandy Beach
Good Restaurants and Bars
Good Selection of Accommodation
Excellent Historical Site
Good Location for Family Holidays

Nessebar Reviews

Mr Filby from Wales

Comments: "I visited Nessebar on recommendation from friends. Being interested in architecture and history I found the old town fascinating, picturesque and eating out was amazingly cheap. Highly recommend you visit while on holiday in Bulgaria."

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1 Bed Apartment with communal pool in Nessebar

Lovely apartment at the Global City complex, overlooking the beautiful golden beach. The complex comprises communal swimming pool, children's pool, B-B-Q area and children's play area.