Travel guide – nessebur
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Overview
North of Bourgas lies the ancient town of Nessebur, located on a small peninsula in the Black Sea which is connected to the mainland by a long and narrow isthmus. The picturesque town is one of the oldest in Europe, having emerged as a fortified Thracian settlement over 9,000 years ago and having changed hands many times before being captured by the Bulgarians in the 7th century. Nessebur has an old town and a new town, but it is the old quarter that gives the peninsula its character, and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A popular tourist attraction, it charms visitors with its narrow cobblestone streets, period wooden houses, courtyards, taverns and romantic atmosphere. The old town is famous for its medieval churches, with beautiful facades and well-preserved interiors, which are the remnants of the Slav and Greek Orthodox communities that were part of the peninsula's history. Nessebur is an architectural and historic monument of Bulgarian culture and is one of the most favoured tourist resorts along the southern coast. It offers a good selection of private accommodation, and the new town has modern facilities as well as larger hotels.
Restaurants
Nessebur has no shortage of restaurants, cafes and taverns. The most alluring restaurants are along Roussalka and Tsar Ivan Assen Streets on the southeastern tip of the peninsula. Neptune Restaurant is the best for fresh fish and offers splendid sea views.
Nightlife
The mega-resort of Sunny Beach is just two miles (3km) away and offers an excellent nightlife for those seeking more entertainment than Nessebur can offer.
Activities
There are two beaches near the new town as well as the nearby beaches of Sunny Resort, which also offers all the activities of a large-scale tourist resort. The old town is full of architectural monuments, ancient churches and museums to explore.
Climate
The Maritime climate along the coast is characterised by warm, sunny days from May to October with mid-summer air temperatures averaging 83°F (28°C) and sea temperatures ranging from 73-77°F (23-25°C). The wettest months are June, October and December. Winter is cold, although milder than the interior of the country where the snow falls heavily, and many of the resorts shut down for the season.
Health
No vaccinations are required for entry to Bulgaria. The country poses few health risks beyond mild travellers' diarrhoea. Bird flu has been confirmed in wild birds in north west Bulgaria, but measures have been taken to contain the outbreak; visitors are not at risk although close contact with caged, wild and domestic birds should be avoided, and all poultry and egg dishes well cooked as a precaution. Mains water is chlorinated, but occasionally causes stomach upsets, so bottled water is advised. Food is safe in hotels and restaurants, but street vendors should be avoided. Medical treatment can be expensive and payment is expected immediately. Facilities in local hospitals are basic and old-fashioned and specialised treatment and equipment is not freely available. Medical insurance, with provision for emergency evacuation, is therefore vitally necessary.
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