History | Travel
Visiting the Ancient City of Nesebar, the Pearl of the Black Sea
A seaside Bulgarian town with a 3,000-year-old history
Growing up, the beach was an hour’s drive away. Being near the sea has always felt magical. So, I didn't need much convincing when a buddy invited me to his group for a trip to Sunny Beach, Bulgaria. I had never visited the Black Sea shore and was looking forward to it.
But little did I realize I was in for a surprise.
A stone’s throw away from Sunny Beach's glamorous seaside resorts is the ancient city of Nesebar. Dubbed the “Pearl of the Black Sea,” it is indeed a gem for travelers. Even though I love going for swims and eating at seaside restaurants, my favorite thing to do is take long walks in historic places.
Our trip to Nesebar was rushed, but I recommend visiting this gorgeous town. The city has a 3,000-year-old history that lives on through its fortifications and churches. It was one of the first settlements to mint coins. The aroma of roses wafts across a bustling market tucked away among the ruins and heritage buildings.
My journey to Nesebar wasn’t typical. I was flying from Vienna and took a longer route. Before going to Sunny Beach, we stopped in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital.