Sozopol, Bulgaria

Sozopol stands on a dramatic headland along southern Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, home to roughly 4,500 permanent residents. Established in the 7th century BC as Apollonia Pontica by Milesian Greek colonists, it ranks among the oldest towns in the region. The historic peninsula features stone-and-timber houses from the Bulgarian National Revival era set along narrow cobblestone streets. Key sites include the archaeological museum, medieval fortress walls, and the offshore Saint Ivan Island, where ancient monastic relics were uncovered. Sandy shorelines like Harmanite Beach and the scenic seaside promenade attract coastal travelers each summer.