Besides the obvious draw which is Old Nessebar itself, and its ancient cobblestone streets full of ruins and churches, there are many more things to experience in the area. Here are 5 free things to do in Nessebar if you are on a budget and curious about the vicinity.
Nessebar South Beach
With Sunny Beach only ½ hour away by foot, one might think that this beach would be similar to that of its large neighbour. The secret is Nessebar beach is so much better! Not only are their less crowds, but the water seems a little calmer and cleaner.
The sand is oh so soft and searching for shells and glass is a lovely way to spend some down time. Here you can rent chairs and umbrellas for 8 or 9 LEV for the day. At one end is a curved rocky pier which has created a very calm pool like area with virtually no waves. A perfect place to watch the crabs and sea life!
Walk to the other end and sandstone cliffs soar above your head. For those wanting to swim and bath without clothing, this would be the area for you! 😉
Old Nessy Perimeter
Today I had a beautiful scenic walk. Old Nessebar was once an island, before the isthmus was built to connect it to the mainland. I wanted to see if I could walk the perimeter of the island without going up into the streets, and the answer is yes!
There is a path of various descriptions, the entire way! The views from every angle are breathtaking. Some looking straight out into the Black Sea, and others looking over to Sunny Beach and beyond.
Windmills
Google Nessebar and the picture that will most likely show up in the first 20 images is the huge windmill that sits proudly on the isthmus as you enter old Nessy. This beautiful old wooden windmill built in the 19th century, sits precariously atop a small stone base and makes for an amazing photo.
But did you know there are actually two other windmills? All that remains of one is a stone base in Old Nessebar. The third one is a little hidden and I don’t even know if it is original or not.
But if you have followed the isthmus out of town, stay to the right at the fork and climb the hill. At the top, if you look towards your left, you will see a massive old brown and white wooden building. Not only is the building itself gorgeous, but at the far left side, right at the top is the third windmill!
Sand Dunes
I have to admit, this is one of my favourite things about this area and it took me completely unawares. The whole area around Nessebar is actually sand dunes! Very little is fenced off. Most have trails that one can follow up and into these dunes.
Be careful not to disturb any of the vegetation though, as it’s a rare phenomenon that these dunes even exist here. The ecosystem within them is very special.
Old Nessy Marina
As I mentioned above, Old Nessebar was originally an island. To expand the space in more recent years, it appears to have been at least two man made additions to increase the land mass near the marinas. The biggest marina is right near the entrance to the town at the bus stop.
Here a beautiful series of buildings has been constructed, with a wooden walk way through them. Inside this lovely and calm space are flower beds, art galleries and restaurants. Walking over towards the water and you can admire the yachts, pleasure boats and other watercraft.
Following this path near the water will take you through different parts of the marina and even into an area where the picturesque blue and white wooden fishing boats reside. Oh such a charming scene!
There is so much to see and do in this beautiful neck of the woods. Nessebar truly is part of the Bulgarian Riviera. This spectacular piece of coastline is home to many beautiful sights and experiences.
