Nessebar (Несебър) is an old town located close to Sunny Beach. The city is divided into an old part a and newer part. The old part is located on a small peninsula connected by a isthmus to the rest of the city.
Sunny Beach and the town of Nessebar in the distance
The old center of the city is super charming with cobbled streets, alleys and small, closely spaced houses. The place has many old buildings built in stone in old Bulgarian tradition style.
Nessebar is recommended as a tourist destination and is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
I rented a room nearby the city center in the old town, so I was able to walk around and also to have a more local and nice experience.
The nice town of old Nessebar
It is a beautiful city with plenty of atmosphere. It has the same coziness that other old towns like Venice have. However, it must be said that tourism also flourish here, as the place is packed with small shops and restaurants, and it is crammed with visitors in the summer. But that has its own charm, as there are lots of shops selling and exhibiting arts and crafts - and of course lots of souvenirs.
Art, craftsmanship, souvenirs and small stores
I had booked two nights in an older house. It was in a small room and with a shared balcony which faced the town's church. Unfortunately, the room was without air conditioning, which had two disadvantages: firstly, it was unbearably hot - more than 30 degrees even in the evening - and secondly, I could not close the windows, as otherwise it would be so hot and muggy in the room, that it was impossible to sleep. This meant that I was instead being kept awake by all the seagulls in the city who gave concerts almost around the clock.
Seagulls giving a concert
But all in all, it was a actually a nice and exciting stay that I wouldn't have been without.
Of course there are also people in the streets that sells all sorts of things. They are not that pushy and persistent as you find it in e.g. Egypt or other countries where you can feel that they are more desperate to make a sale. I met this gypsy woman selling bracelets and because I didn't have that much money on me, I got it very cheap and left her a bit sad and annoyed. I felt a little bad and went back to her a little later and payed her the full price. This made her very happy and I was allowed to take this photo of us:
Gypsy woman selling bracelets
And yes, Lokum, can also be bought in Bulgaria. We danish people are very amuzed by the fact that Lokum in danish actually means a toilet without water. It is often located outside the house (coz of the smellies).
Turkish Delight is also found in Bulgaria
For us ignorant danes, here is what our AI friend explains about Lokum:
Lokum, more widely known as Turkish Delight, is a traditional confectionery treat that originates from Turkey. This sweet is made from starch and sugar, often flavored with rosewater, lemon, or mastic, and can include a variety of ingredients such as chopped nuts, especially pistachios, walnuts, or almonds. The mixture is cast in a mold and cut into small, jelly-like cubes, which are then dusted with powdered sugar or desiccated coconut to prevent sticking.
Несебър was a very great place to visit and the town was very beautiful and impressive, but I must say that I prefer cities in Bulgaria with a bit less tourism.
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