Nessebar Holidays 2024/2025 | Cheap Holidays to Nessebar

From wide, sweeping, golden sands to a small historic town perched on the peninsula, it’s easy to see why Nessebar is often referred to as “the pearl of the Black Sea”. Enjoy a sun-soaked holiday steeped in history, immerse yourself in Bulgarian culture and delight at the amazing Balkan cuisine.

Beaches

Nessebar has three stunning, golden sand beaches and each is different from the last. Whether you’re looking for tranquillity and stunning views, family fun or adrenaline-fuelled activities, Nessebar has you covered. Nessebar Old Town beach is a small, peaceful pebble beach and no matter the time of year, the beach remains unspoilt and uncrowded. Nessebar South Beach is a wide, sweeping golden sand beach that has been awarded Blue Flag status. There are plenty of loungers and parasols in the north, along with two windsurfing schools for those who want to be active. The sand here slowly slopes into the sea, making it perfect for family fun in the sea. The southern part of this beach is natural and used as a nudist beach. Finally, Ravda Central Beach is a popular sandy beach for families. The north is made up of many secluded bays with shallow water – and while they may be secluded, they still get busy in peak times. The south of the beach is popular with locals and tends to be slightly quieter, so head here for ultimate relaxation.

Food & Drink

Famous for its mix of Eastern European and Balkan influences, the Bulgarian cuisine is packed with grilled meats, dairy and fresh fruit and veg. You’ll find that pastries, salads, stews and soups are staple dishes in traditional restaurants. The cuisine in Nessebar also includes a lot of fresh fish and seafood – reflective of the rich, vibrant fishing history associated with the town. Pastries are a popular option for breakfast here, try the traditional banitsa (layers of filo pastry, eggs and cheese all rolled together and baked till golden). For a light lunch give the shopska salad - a refreshing blend of tomatoes, cucumber, onions, peppers, parsley and the Bulgarian cheese, sirene -a go. Finally, wash it all down with a healthy glug of rakia, a traditional Bulgarian alcoholic spirit made from grapes, plums and apricots.

Culture

The people of Bulgaria are very friendly and sociable with culture and tradition at their heart. In fact many traditions and rituals, dating back to as early as the seventh 7th century, are still practiced today. Between New Year and Lent, you may see Kukeri walking the streets of Bulgaria. This ritual involves men dressing in elaborate costumes, often made from animal furs with bells on the waist and large wooden masks. This ritual is said to ward off evil spirits and provide a good harvest for the upcoming summer. If you visit through March you will likely find small red and white pieces of yarn tied to many trees. These are Martenitsa and are usually handmade and then passed onto loved ones as a gift to signify the start of spring. From big ritual displays to the making and giving of small keepsakes, depending on the time of year you visit Nessebar, you’ll be sure to be surrounded with Bulgarian culture.

Nightlife

The nightlife in Nessebar is incredibly varied so whether you’re on holiday with the kids or enjoying a romantic getaway, there will be something to suit all tastes. Nessebar’s Old Town has a relaxed and laid-back feel. Wander through the winding streets and enjoy a drink in Michaels Eco-bar. It’s a hard-to-find wooden doorway that opens into friendly bar with floor-to-ceiling stalagmites. Head out the back and watch the turtles swimming in the pool below. The newer part of Nessebar has a more cosmopolitan vibe with a blend of small, local bars and chic new hotspots. Enjoy a cocktail while watching the sun set over the Black Sea, visit the famous floating Tequila Bar, explore the quirky bars off the beaten track and dance the night away in one of Nessebar’s nightclubs.

Important Information

Flight Time: 3.5 hoursTime Difference: +2 hoursCurrency: Bulgarian LevOfficial Language: Bulgarian

Weather in Nessebar

JAN

7^°C

FEB

9^°C

MAR

12^°C

APR

16^°C

MAY

21^°C

JUN

26^°C

JUL

28^°C

AUG

28^°C

SEP

24^°C

OCT

19^°C

NOV

13^°C

DEC

8^°C

Bulgaria has four very distinct seasons so weather can vary significantly. If sun is what you’re after then visit Nessebar in the summer months. July and August are the hottest months with temperatures regularly reaching around 28°C, while May and September are slightly cooler with average highs of 24°C. Winter season can be rather chilly with average temperatures often sitting around 3°C.

Visit the Old Town

Now a UNESCO World heritage site, Nessebar’s Old Town is located on a peninsular and connected to the main land by a narrow isthmus. At over 3,000 years old it’s one of Europe’s oldest towns. Wander the picturesque, cobbled streets and take in the architecture of this picture-perfect town. Spend the morning exploring the Ancient City of Nessebar with its many ruins then grab lunch at one of the restaurants overlooking the Black Sea. In the afternoon, take a stroll to the Ethnographic Museum which is set in a house that is more than 150 years old. Here you will learn about the culture of Nessebar including the fishing history and wine making.

Spend a day at the beach

The sun is shining, the water is crystal blue and the sand is warm – everything you need for a perfect day at the beach. Relax on one of the many loungers or discover your own favourite spot in one of the postcard-worthy, secluded bays. If you’re looking for something a bit more adventurous then try scuba diving at the Old Town beach or windsurfing at South Beach. There are also a huge range of bars and restaurants dotted along the shoreline to grab a spot of lunch or a cooling drink.

Explore the many churches

Nessebar is steeped in history and nothing serves as a reminder more than the sheer amount of churches sprawled across the town. With some churches dating back to the fifth century, it is easy to see why Nessebar Old Town has been given UNESCO status. Spend a day discovering the unique and varied architecture among the churches and wander through the remains of churches that have since fallen to ruin.

Aqua Paradise

What better way to spend a hot summer’s day than in a waterpark. With a mix of gentle slides for little ones and adrenaline-fuelled slides for the more adventurous, kids and grown-ups alike will love Aqua Paradise. Learn to surf on the surf-simulator, float down the lazy river or soak up the sun on one of the many loungers – the choice is yours.

Nessebar Holidays