|
Ahtopol is a rocky outcrop situated 87 km southeast of Bourgas. It is a small village with a population of 1,500 and has two long beaches, with the one further north being used by nudists.
It is accessed via a regular bus service to Bourgas which passes through nearby Sinemoretz and Rezovo and most of the towns and villages on the southern coastline.
Ahtopol is built on the site of an ancient Thracian colony whuch dates back to the 6th century BC. It was named Peronticus by the Romans, Agatopolis by the Byzantines and Ahtenbolu by the Ottomans. It was raided by sea pirates as recently as 1918 when it was set alight and completely destroyed. The ruins of the fortress and fountain with a carved horseman are the only remaining monuments.
But there are still attractions to visit including the Assumption Church, St Yani Monastery, quay and lighthouse and mouth of the Veleka River (which is just five kilometres to the south) and is one of the most beautiful rivers to flow into the Black Sea.
The excellent beaches of Sinemoretz, Silistar and Rezovo on the southern border of Ahtopol are wonderful areas to sunbathe.
There are numerous inexpensive restaurants here offering traditional Bulgarian cuisine and fresh fish caught by local fishermen. Or if you want to do your own regional cooking then you can buy fish from the quayside and fruit and vegetables from local growers who have stalls dotted all over the village. It is
|
