Born in Varna, Petar Kostadinov, carries the sea inside him. That’s why he suggests you enjoy what the Black Sea has to offer before the time that tourists flood its streets and beaches.
Do you like the way that Sofia empties every weekend and the noisy streets in the centre of the city suddenly become quiet, allowing you to walk without bumping into cars and other people? If you enjoy rediscovering a city devoid of its typical crowd, now is the time to visit Nessebar on the Black Sea coast.
Nessebar is one of the most popular summer holiday destinations and has a lot to offer in hotel facilities and cultural tourism. But everyone who has been to the Black Sea in the summer can rightfully complain about the hundreds of people walking the shore and the streets, making any attempt at a relaxed holiday a mission impossible. Nessebar is no exception. But go there in the last week of May, and you’re in for an entirely different experience.
The charm of the old town with its narrow streets and traditional Bulgarian houses is even more stunning without the crowds of tourists. You will also see fishermen repairing their boats, wishing for a busy season. The sight of more than 20 old and rusty motorboats in dry dock at Nessebar’s old town port is amazing.
Now is your chance to walk to all the places you have ever wanted to see and ask all the questions you ever had in mind. For example, I’ve always wanted to have a closer look at the church in the old town. Now the young priest was more than pleased to share some of the church history with us.
Another great thing about off-season Nessebar is that is in not a construction site. No heavy trucks loaded with debris, no uniformed workers. And, restaurant prices are still reasonable. In the old town I recommend two places: Plovdiv and Morskiat Vulk (The Sea Wolf). They are right at the harbour and offer traditional Bulgarian cuisine. As far as bars go, almost every hotel in town offers decent options. If you want to visit a dance club, there is only one working at the moment, and you’ll have to enjoy (or endure) chalga (pop folk) music.
