Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
15 kinds of mammal include Europe's smallest native species, the pygmy shrew. Several
reptile species, such as the Balkan green lizard, can also be seen.
To really admire the bird life up close, go on a walk along the signposted, 2.5km
nature trail (admission up to 6 people 10 lv) . It takes about three hours to complete and
there's an explanatory leaflet in English available from the centre. It's recommended that
you get a guide (English- or German-speaking), which will cost an extra 20 lv per group.
East of Burgas, the 28-sq-km Burgasko Lake (or Lake Vaya) is the largest sea lake in
Bulgaria. It is home to pelicans throughout the year, but the best time to see them is
between April and October. A 1½-hour boat trip around this lake costs about 5 lv per per-
son, but a minimum of six passengers is required. A guide is recommended and costs ex-
tra. For details, contact the conservation office ( 056-500 560) in Burgas, or the Poda
Conservation Centre. More information is available at www.burgaslakes.org .
The conservation centre is poorly signposted on the left, about 8km south of Burgas on
the road to Sozopol. It's accessible by taxi (about 10 lv one way), or catch bus 15 from
Yug bus station ( Click here ) .
Sozopol
0550 / POP 5000
Ancient Sozopol, with its charming old town of meandering cobbled streets and pretty
wooden houses huddled together on a narrow peninsula, is one of the coast's real high-
lights. With two superb beaches, a genial atmosphere, plentiful accommodation and good
transport links, it has long been a popular seaside resort and makes an excellent base for
exploring the area. Although not quite as crowded as Nesebâr, it is becoming ever more
popular with international visitors. There's a lively cultural scene, too, with plenty of free
concerts and other events in summer.
The new town, or 'Harmanite' as it's known, lies south of the tiny bus station. The best
beach is in this part of town, but otherwise, it's mainly modern hotels and residential
areas.
History
Sozopol is the oldest settlement on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, founded in an area be-
longing to the Thracian Skyrmianoi tribe in 611 BC by Greek colonists from Miletus, who
called their home Apollonia Pontica, in honour of the god Apollo. One of these early set-
tlers was the philosopher and astronomer Anaximander.
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