Sveti Vlas

"St. Vlas? Where is it at all?" - so every conversation begins when they ask me which resort in Bulgaria I flew to. It is unfortunate that few people know about this wonderful place. Or vice versa? I am inclined to the fact that, possibly, the lack of crowds of vacationers at the height of the season creates a very special atmosphere in the town. You go out onto the street leading to the beach, look around, and it seems that nature seemed to hold its breath for a moment. The bright sun, blue sky, green slopes of the mountains and the blue of the sea - this is the main palette of colors of St. Vlas in the summer.

Going to Bulgaria, I was looking for a quiet resort, located next to the crowded Sunny Beach. I wanted privacy in the background of picturesque landscapes, a clean beach, decent restaurants with a choice of the freshest seafood and a decent night club for Saturday evenings. All this I found in St. Vlas.

What do we know about this place today? To begin with, it should be noted that the history of the city goes back to the 2nd century AD. However, the village received its current name only in 1886. The status of the city was assigned to her in 2006, and from that moment on, a modest fishing village was actively built up by local oligarchs - the Dinevi brothers. And they still do it with great scope and far-reaching prospects.

If you take into account the moment that the city has a unique healing microclimate, then it is here that you can combine recreation and relaxation. Air saturated with iodine ions has a beneficial effect on the lungs and on the whole organism.

Today Saint Vlas is a fashionable seaside resort. A large yacht club is located here, where a lot of chic snow-white "beauties" are moored, against which vacationers love to take photos.

Nearby is a good night bar and part-time club. Every Friday and Saturday, a string of expensive polished cars shine here. Often in the parking lot you can find the latest models of Porsche, Mercedes and Ferrari. As it turned out in a conversation with the locals, golden youth flock here from all over the coast.

In a relatively compact town, there are several hotels that proudly carry the status of five-star hotels. Fine restaurants with open terraces, on which fans are installed, delight the eye with a panoramic view of the sea, and the stomach with fresh seafood. What else do you need for a great vacation? Of course, a chic spa salon that meets all modern requirements and, of course, a spacious beach and a warm sea.

The atmosphere of calm and privacy reigns in Saint Vlas, which is uncharacteristic of resort Bulgaria. In neighboring Sunny Beach, pretty drunk teenagers from Europe, escaping from parental care for a week, come off in the evenings in full. After contemplating all this, I was impatient to return to St. Vlas and continue to rest with my soul and, of course, body. Although maybe in 18 years old I would have joined this fun, but I have already outgrown this age.

Another nice point is that the town is absolutely safe. The houses of important officials are located here, therefore special attention is paid to this issue. Some streets even have surveillance cameras.

So let's go. First things first.

How to get there

Sveti Vlas is located on the Black Sea coast just 5 kilometers from the largest resort in Bulgaria - Sunny Beach. Transport connections with this city are very well established, so getting to it will not be difficult. The fastest way is by plane. You can also take the train and bus.

By plane

It will be most convenient to fly to the airport of the city of Burgas. We open a website for booking tickets, choose an airline and a convenient flight and look forward to your vacation. Previously, it is better to compare options and prices for flights. You can do this, for example, here.

In the summer, quite a lot of airlines fly to Burgas, including:

• S7 Airlines;

• UTair;

• Nord Star;
• VIM Airlines

• Red wings
• Yamal Airlines
• Nordwind Airlines.

However, after the season ends, flights are operated by S7 Airlines.

From Moscow, the flight will take about 3 hours, from St. Petersburg - half an hour longer. Mostly these are direct non-stop flights, which is undoubtedly very convenient, agree.

Prices in the season fluctuate between 250-350 USD. The golden rule "the sooner you buy, the less you pay" is very important here.

How to get from the airport

Saint Vlas is located 40 kilometers from Burgas Airport. There are several ways to get to the city. One cheap and two more expensive.

The first is the bus. Read the instructions for finding the necessary routes below. From the airport you need to walk to a public transport stop (5-7 minutes). We leave the airport building, cross the parking lot and turn right. There is a stop. Then we wait for bus number 15, it runs every 20-25 minutes. We pay the conductor about 0.5USD and drive 15 minutes to the Burgas bus station, this is the final one.

After looking for a bus to Sunny Beach. We pay 2.5 USD and drive about an hour to Sunny Beach. Upon arrival at the bus station, we take the route number 5 or number 8 and go to St. Vlas. Tip: ask the driver at which stop you better get off so that the road to the hotel is shorter. Drivers and conductors usually know most city hotels. That’s it, your journey is finished. A bit troublesome, but this is one option.

There is another route, with just one change. But the interval of movement of buses is longer, if you are not lucky, you will have to wait. We leave the airport according to the signs and get to the roundabout. We pass to the opposite side and go to the bridge. It is clearly visible. This stop does not have a specific address, but finding it is very simple. Next, we are waiting for the bus to Sunny Beach. The plates on the windshield are usually large, see immediately. For greater confidence, once again at the entrance, check with the driver if you will reach Sunny Beach. We settle in the empty seats and drive for half an hour.

And then at the bus station we take the route number 5 or number 8. And we go to St. Vlas.

How else can I get from the airport to St. Vlas? This option will be more expensive, but more convenient for those who have a lot of things or a heavy bag with them. Taxi from the airport to St. Vlas costs about 30-35 USD depending on the time of year and the arrogance of taxi drivers.

Keep in mind that the drivers waiting for you on the street will call the price two to three times higher. This is for those who don’t know how much a taxi costs. I can’t stand it when local bombers breed tourists and ask for a price for their services (a trip to falling apart cars with smoked salons), like for a tour of Switzerland in a premium car. Do not fall for it, call the real price!

You can rent a car and leave it directly from the airport. And after traveling to the most beautiful places, without adjusting to the bus schedules. Book a car on the Internet in advance or upon arrival to the rental desks at the airport - you decide. The only thing is better to compare prices for the same model in advance and choose the most profitable option. You can do this, for example, here.

In general, in my opinion, a car in Bulgaria will not be superfluous. The roads are good enough, the traffic is right-hand, familiar to us. Plus, the trip will be much more interesting, since many monasteries and wineries are located in the mountains, where public transport does not go.

By train

The good news is for those who, for whatever reason, prefer to travel by train: from Moscow and St. Petersburg you can take a train to Bulgaria.

In the summer season (May - September) trains leave for Burgas twice a week from the Kiev railway station. Travel time is about two days.

Tickets go on sale 60 days before the departure of the train. The price (one way) is about 200-250 USD. Better to buy in advance. Closer to the departure date will be more expensive.

Travelers from St. Petersburg will first have to get to Moscow (from 40 USD one way) and there they will have to wait for the train to Burgas.

How to get from the station

From Burgas railway station to St. Vlas can be reached by taxi (30-40 USD) or by bus. First, we are looking for a route to Sunny Beach, and there we transfer to bus number 5 or number 8. They both go to St. Vlas.

By bus

From Moscow, from the Yugo-Zapadnaya metro station, from the end of May to the end of December you can leave for Bulgaria by the Bulgarian Express bus. Travel time is a little more than a day. The route crosses the border with Ukraine, Moldova, Romania and, finally, Bulgaria. The cost of a ticket for an adult is about 130 USD.

I’m not sure that this is the best way to get to Bulgaria, as border crossing can increase the trip from 25 hours to infinity. The bus travels to the Burgas bus station, but passes through St. Vlas, where it makes two stops.

By car

The distance from Moscow to St. Vlas is about 2000 kilometers.

The route is the same as when traveling by bus (see above). Plus, you need to consider one or two nights on the road. Before the trip, it is better to immediately determine in which cities you will stop for a vacation.

From St. Petersburg, the road is approximately 400 kilometers longer (2400 km).

In principle, if you are in no hurry, you feel confident behind the wheel, and you are traveling with a person who can replace you on the road, you can go by car. But this is best done in the summer.

By ferry

Unfortunately, there is no ferry service from Russia. But a ferry to Bulgaria can be reached from the town of Chernomorsk, in Ukraine. So, if you are near Odessa and want to make a sea voyage to Varna, this option is for you.

A ticket to a cabin with three meals a day for an adult on the route Chernomorsk - Varna will cost around 70 USD. The ship goes along the Black Sea past Romania.

The second option is to get to Romania on your car and cross the Danube in the city of Calafat with a car. Travel time is about 15 minutes. However, you have to tinker with the procedure for filling out papers for transporting a car. Another nuance - ferries do not have a clear schedule. Everything is simple here: we set sail immediately as soon as the vessel is full. The ticket cost is about 4 USD, for the car you need to pay 25 USD and plus a port fee of 2 USD.

So, after 15 minutes you will land at the Bulgarian port in the town of Vidin. Here you will need to buy a vignette for driving on roads within the country. The minimum period (10 days) will cost about 10 USD.

From this wonderful town, where you can take a little walk and explore the ancient fortress, go another 640 kilometers to St. Vlas.

It seems to me that this option is suitable only for those who really love to travel, who crave new impressions from being on the road, and, of course, for those who are not limited in time.

hint: Sveti Vlas - time is now22: 5313 OctoberDifference in hours: Moscow & plus; 0 Kazan & plus; 0Samara & plus; 1 Yekaterinburg & plus; 2 Novosibirsk & plus; 4Vladivostok & plus; 7

When is the season. When is the best time to go?

It all depends on the purpose of your trip. In general, from October, the resort says goodbye to vacationers and goes into sleep until the end of April - beginning of May. This is the most difficult season for locals, since there is practically no work, and you have to be on forced leave.

If you are going to sunbathe and swim, choose a time from June to the end of September. During this period, the water is warm, and it is even hot outside.

If you are interested in walking and sightseeing, then it is better to go in April-May or in September-October. There are very few tourists in these seasons, but the weather is quite pleasant. Walking in the heat in the summer under the scorching sun is a bad idea. Therefore, boldly ride in spring or autumn.

Most restaurants may still be closed, but the hotel will always be happy to serve you.

In winter, the situation escalates, there are practically no people. But you can spend time in spas.

St. Vlas in the summer

The highest season is during the summer months: June, July and August. At this time, the water in the sea is warm, the sun is quite hot, the time comes for seasonal fruits and vegetables. In June, tourists are just starting to fill hotels, and in July there are already many more people on the street and beaches.

My trip fell at the beginning of June, and I can safely say that this is a great time. St. Vlas, in principle, is not crowded with vacationers, and at this time there are very few people here. This is a great opportunity to enjoy all the beauties and get a light tan under the rays of the gentle sun.

Water in the sea does not resemble fresh milk, but the temperature allows you to swim and cool slightly. In the evenings, restaurants always have free tables, you can choose any one to your taste. If you feel cool sitting on the open terrace, ask for a blanket and the problem will disappear!

Do not miss the opportunity to enjoy the sweet strawberries, cherries and apricots that are sold on the street in tents. Cheap and very tasty! A vitamin charge is provided to you!

Monthly average daily air temperature:

• June + 25ºС;
• July + 29ºС;
• August + 29ºС.

Water temperature:

• June + 22ºС;
• July + 25ºС;
• August + 26ºС.

Accommodation prices begin to rise in June, and by August they are gaining their peak marks.

St. Vlas in the fall

September can also be considered a good month for a vacation. It smoothly closes the season. The water in the sea is still quite warm (about + 23ºС), and the air still does not have time to cool off from the hot summer sun - the temperature is kept at + 25ºС. Parents are already taking their children home, prices are rapidly declining for absolutely everything (from groceries to hotel accommodations). For little money you can buy delicious grapes and peaches.

In October, the resort becomes empty, but for those who wish to improve their health, this is a great opportunity to spend time with good use at low prices. Air temperature is about + 17ºС. It’s already cold in the sea. Although taking into account the fact that half of Russia dives into the ice hole at Christmas, then + 18ºС will seem to someone to be quite a suitable temperature. Option for walruses!

St. Vlas in the spring

April and May are also very good for relaxing. It's too early to swim (the water is cold), but there is no such sweltering heat. And the prices for hotels and flights are much lower.

This is an ideal month for those who want to avoid the influx of tourists and calmly, without waiting in line, to explore temples and churches, ride in the mountains, visit a winery and taste local wine.

In April, the temperature is about + 15ºС, and in May it is already about + 20ºС. Lightweight windbreakers are quite suitable for walking.

St. Vlas in winter

Winter on the coast is not very comfortable, because cold winds from the sea bring moisture. But this does not scare our travelers.

By mid-December, whole families come here to celebrate the New Year and spend holidays. Almost all restaurants are closed, but at the hotels you can have a delicious lunch and dinner. If you choose apartments for your stay, then you will have your own kitchen and you can cook your favorite dishes. Products can be bought at the supermarket, which I will write about later.

For girls will be an unforgettable visit to the spa. There time flies by. In addition, many recovery programs are designed for 5-7 days.

Sveti Vlas - monthly weather

Hint: Sveti Vlas - weather for the months of January January ± 2.3 February ± 3.2 March ± 6.5 April ± 11.0 May ± 15.8 June ± 20.3 July ± 22.4 August ± 21.9 September ± plus 18.9 October ± 14.4 November & plus; 8.9 December & plus; 4.5

Areas. Where is better to live

Best placed closer to the sea. If only because the terrain is mountainous and rises from the coast to the mountains. Therefore, you have to go up from the beach.

I would single out two zones in the city:

• The first is from the beach to the highway.
• The second - from the highway to the foot of the mountains.

I advise all vacationers to stay in the first zone, which is obvious. The walk to the beach will be no more than 10-15 minutes. You will have to climb uphill back, but this is not critical.

It would be much more inconvenient to stop in zone 2 and walk 20 minutes to the sea every day for half an hour back.Believe that in the heat it is extremely unpleasant. The second zone has only one plus - the price in hotels will be lower. But this advantage is somewhat doubtful, since the best hotels are located near the beach.

The city has several small beaches, they resemble individual bays. You can take a walk and find one that you like. I chose narrow strips of sand where there are no people, because there is very little space. For those who do not want to have "neighbors" around - a great option.

St. Vlas is a very small town, as you can see by looking at the map. However, it does offer a wide selection of hotels and apartments. These are mainly 3 and 4 star hotels. But there are several options for maximum stardom. You can compare prices for accommodation here, and book your favorite room is the easiest on the "Booking".

The most famous five-star hotel is Garden Of Eden (located near the beach in zone 1).

The name speaks for itself! The beautiful garden in the hotel really gives it a special charm. It is very convenient that when leaving the garden, you get directly to the beach. However, you will have to pay for a deck chair, as well as for using wireless Internet. Still, the Bulgarian five stars are a very subjective thing. Neither bathrobes nor slippers in the rooms are worth looking for. But in any case, this option is very loved by our tourists. In June, you will have to pay 40 USD for a standard number, in July - 50 USD, in August - 70 USD, in September - 40 USD. The logic of pricing is understandable. The most expensive vacation in August, and this is not surprising.

Another noteworthy hotel was built by order of the Dinev brothers next to the yacht club (zone 1). Hotel Palace Marina Dinevi It offers guests not only the standard set of services of a five-star hotel, but also other pleasant things.

However, here in June you will have to pay about 120 USD per room. Judging by the previous example, in July it will be a little more expensive, and the highest prices fall in August. It should be noted that this is the most elite area in St. Vlas.

What else interesting resort offers its guests? All-inclusive hotels. Yes, you heard right. This option will appeal to families with children, because you do not have to wander with the child in search of a restaurant for lunch or dinner. Given the fact that the city, as it were, goes down to the sea, and you often have to go uphill, the all-inclusive option is not so bad. Although there are so many nice cafes and restaurants around with stunning views, delicious dishes and live music in the evenings, the temptation to have dinner every day in a new place is already very great.

Also in the city there are a large number of good "three rubles" with small pools and quite substantial breakfasts. Prices start at 30 USD per day with breakfast.

An even cheaper option is to rent a self-catering apartment.

Good options for such housing can be found for yourself here. Breakfast will have to be prepared on your own or on the way to the beach drop in one of the many cafes. But if you are an early bird, then you should not expect that you will be fed everywhere at 7 or 8 in the morning. Many establishments open from 10-11 hours.

Another caveat - the closer the hotel is located to the beach, the more expensive it will cost. The difference will not be very big, but nevertheless it is worth considering. If it’s not a problem for you to walk about 15 minutes to the beach, you can save a little. Just remember that you have to go uphill from the beach. A taut figure is provided here!

What are the prices for vacation

With the hotels sorted out, now about other costs.

Restaurants

Perhaps the highest prices in restaurants located on the beach and at the yacht club. The average bill per person will be about 20 USD (salad, fish or barbecue meat with a side dish and a glass of wine or beer).

The portions are large, so you should not order as in Russia - salad, first, second and dessert. Not everyone can eat it. The cocktail card is usually quite rich, prices range from 5-6 USD.

Spa services

In one of the best spa centers on the coast - Victoria SPA - Prices are quite European level. You have to fork out, but it's worth it. I will give the most common procedures as an example.

• classic massage 1 hour - about 35 USD;

• massage in a hammam with foam - about 20 USD;

• reflexology - 45 USD;

• mud therapy - about 30 USD;

• bath with medicinal salts - 25 USD;

Despite the prices, this place is very popular among visitors.

Excursions

There are many travel agencies in St. Vlas where you will be offered excursions to interesting places. Historical programs are very diverse, you can also choose an entertaining trip.

Approximate prices:

• a walk in Nessebar with lunch - about 3 USD;

• visiting Sofia, Plovdiv and the Rila Monastery - from 90 USD;

• a trip to the water park in Sunny Beach - 25 USD;

• visit to the stud farm, horseback riding, lunch and wine tasting - about 55 USD;

• fishing on a yacht - from 40 USD.

Of course, all these places can be visited independently, by car (with the exception of boat trips). But in this case, you will not have a guide.

The main attractions. What to watch

Walking around St. Vlas is very nice, despite the fact that sometimes you have to go uphill. Walking through the streets past numerous shops with cute trinkets, you will definitely look into one of them and you will not go out without a purchase.

From the open verandas of restaurants you can hear aromas, inhaling which, you understand that it is time to refresh yourself. In the city center, many cafes have very beautiful panoramic views of the coast. You sit at a table, admire the roofs of houses below and the blue of the sea, and thoughts fly away somewhere far, far away.

On the way to the hotel, be sure to go through the center, once again admire the church of St. Blasius, look at the amphitheater - suddenly you are lucky enough to attend a performance that is often held here! Although the city cannot boast of a large number of attractions and museums, but it is very cozy, compact, photogenic and very sincere. It seems that you are in a place that has been familiar to you since childhood.

There are cities in which you feel like a stranger, superfluous, and there are those where a feeling of calm is born - as if you came to visit old friends.

Top 5

As I already wrote, the city is not rich in attractions, but still they are.

I present to you my Top 5. And I will write more about these places a little lower in the relevant sections.

1. Temple of Athanasius the Great;
2. Church of St. Blasius;
3. Amphitheater "Arena";
4. Yacht Club Marina Dinevi;
5. Motorcycle Museum.

Beaches. Which are better

In St. Vlas there are essentially three beaches. The main one is located in the Old Town area. It is divided into a paid and free zone. On the first section there are sun loungers with umbrellas (about 4 USD for each item), and on the second you can enjoy a beach holiday on your own bedspread.

Life-saving for the budget conscious - until 9:00 in the morning and after 17:00 you can use the sunbeds absolutely free.

Paid parking is available near the beach (about 4-5 USD), where you can leave your car.

Playgrounds for volleyball, basketball and football daily gather here lovers of active pastime.

Two other beaches are located in the area of ​​the yacht club.

it South beach (South Beach) and Venid beach (beach "Venid"). For guests of the resort complex Dinevi resort Sun loungers, awning tents and umbrellas are provided free of charge. The rest will have to pay 5 USD. The beaches are very beautiful, with soft sand and many bars where they make cooling cocktails and snacks.

Also right on the beach are spas, sailing schools for adults and children, water scooter rentals, windsurfing equipment and much more.

Churches and temples. Which are worth a visit

The city has a temple and a church worthy of your attention.

Temple of Athanasius the Great

Outwardly, he does not at all resemble a temple or a church. This is an ordinary one-story building with a red tiled roof. Finding it is very simple. In the very center of the city there is a transport ring. Climb up to 250 meters from it and see the temple.

It is interesting that it was built during the time of Turkish dominance, around 1865. There are no bells here, because the Turks forbade their ringing to ring around the city. A bell tower was recently erected near the church for donations.

Church of St. Blasius

This church is the hallmark of the city. It was built in 2007 on the site of a monastery destroyed by the Turks in the 17th century. Named after the great martyr and patron of the city. It is difficult not to notice a snow-white building with a golden dome, you definitely will not pass by. From the marina go up and a little to the right you will see the church building.

Look inside, admire the interior and magnificent paintings. The church has two relics: a particle of the cross on which Jesus was crucified, and the relics of St. Blasius. Although you are on vacation, remember that clothing for entering the church must be appropriate.

Museums Which are worth a visit

If you have some free time, head over to the Motorcycle Museum. It is just one room in which motorcycles are on display.

The collection is small, but there are samples of the period of the First and Second World Wars. I must say that one person owns the museum, he is also a guide and a mechanic. Children will be interested.

Often in the amphitheater "Arena" (which by and large is not a museum, but rather an open-air theater), national dances are held, actors prepare performances and various show programs.

Tourist streets

There are only two of them in the city. The first is Tsar Simeon (indicated by 1 on the map). It starts at the main square. A large number of restaurants, grocery stores, souvenir shops are concentrated here. Quite a nice place for walking. Choosing one of the restaurants, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea below.

The second street runs parallel to the marina (number 2). There are also restaurants and branded stores.

Another nice area for walking is the Old Town. Tsar Simeon Street is also part of it.

What to see in 1 day

In one day, St. Vlas can be walked up and down, peek into the church, walk along the beaches, dine in a restaurant, buy souvenirs, take dozens of beautiful photographs. But the city has a measured, leisurely rest. Therefore, he should pay at least a week. And given the fact that the surroundings of the city are incredibly picturesque and the excursion program is very diverse, you can safely go here for three to four weeks. Of course, depending on how much time you have left.

What to see in the surroundings

Bulgarian village of Bata

It is located 30 kilometers from Burgas and is already a very nice place. Simple peasants live here, who lead the usual rural way of life. Of course, since tourists began to come here in large numbers, a lot has begun to look artificial, but nevertheless, this is not a scenery, but a real rural life.

It should be noted that this is not exactly what in our understanding is called a village. Bata is a tiny, cozy little town with cobbled old streets, gingerbread houses and even a small water mill.

Walking through the narrow streets, look into the houses where a woodcarver, a potter or a woman who spins fabrics works. There were also souvenir shops with fragrant soaps, Bulgarian cosmetics, and local artisans. At the entrance to the village in the evenings guests are treated to a brandy (a drink for an amateur). Overall, the place is definitely worth a look.

Evksinograd Castle

The magnificent building located near Varna includes the castle itself, a huge park, slopes with vineyards and a winery. Here you can wander along shady alleys for a long time and enjoy the picturesque views.

Do not miss the opportunity to go to the winery and taste the wines. You can buy a bottle of magnificent "Riesling and go further on the road.

Sozopol

75 kilometers from St. Vlas is a wonderful open-air museum city - Sozopol.

You can go to the port and visit the small chapel of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, whom the sailors consider the patron of the sea. It is he who keeps the coast from floods. Departing sailors are confident that the waters will be calm and will not pose any danger.

Also check out the Thracian Khan House. This 19th-century building contains household items, national clothes and folklore costumes.

Village Ravadinovo

It became famous thanks to the construction of a real palace, which should turn into a luxury tourist complex. Drive here from St. Vlas about 80 kilometers.

It is interesting that construction is underway at the moment, but curious tourists are already letting in for 4 USD. Perhaps very soon it will be possible to book a room in this amazing place. In the meantime, we just go and see.

Hint: Routes to neighboring cities Sveti Vlas - Nessebar 6 km Sveti Vlas - Overview 15 km Sveti Vlas - Varna 56 km Sveti Vlas - Istanbul 214 km Sveti Vlas - Plovdiv 254 km

Food. What to try

I present to you my hit parade of the most delicious dishes in my opinion.

• Shkembe Chorba. It is good to order a very rich spicy soup from entrails in the evening or in the cool season.
• Moussaka. Bulgarian casserole has become my favorite. The filling is very juicy and the ingredients complement each other's taste perfectly.

• Banitsa. There are many types of it, all not to try. Inside there may be meat, and vegetables, and cheese, and cottage cheese, there is even fruit banica. Try any, do not lose!

• Baked lamb. Not every cafe serves it, because it takes a long time to prepare. But often this delicious meat can be found on the menu. Meat lovers will appreciate it.

• Kavarma. The dish is simple and satisfying - stewed vegetables with meat.
• Ovcharsky Salad.

• Shopsky Salad. This is already a classic. It does not require presentation, since it is a must-eat.
• Seafood and fish. Try charcoal fish, grilled shrimps, clams stewed in wine, in sauce or baked on a pillow of large crystals of sea salt.

Be sure to check out the grocery store and pay attention to the dairy department. Bulgarian ayran, feta cheese, sour milk, yellow cheese and yoghurts simply have no equal in the price-quality category. Swiss dairy products may not be inferior in quality, but its price is several times higher. Therefore, we buy and charge the body with beneficial bacteria.

Recommended Places

I can immediately say that all the restaurants that I visited in St. Vlas were incomparable - both on the beach and in the Old Town. Delicious everywhere, fresh food. But the favorites, of course, managed to appear.

Budgetary

As a cheap meal, I would advise you to try fast food, which is plentiful in the streets.

Mid level

• Admiral

• Gloria Mar

• "Siana";

• Central

Expensive

• "Manastira";

• "Vodenitsa";

• "Strata Mill";

• Triumph (Russian cuisine);

• Victorio (fish restaurant);

• Nar (Georgian cuisine).

Holidays

There are no magnificent celebrations and festivities in the city. The most favorite holiday of the townspeople is Christmas. In the evening of December 24, families sit down at the festive table and spend time in a cozy atmosphere.

Usually the most spectacular events take place at the Marina Dinevi Yacht Club. You need to follow the poster, since the site is the venue for many fashion events, including sailing regattas.

Security. What to watch out for

As I already wrote, in St. Vlas much attention is paid to the issue of security. However, the beach does not need to leave bags and backpacks unattended. I also do not recommend taking large amounts of money, documents and a lot of equipment when you go to the sea. It is better to leave valuables in a safe for peace of mind. And take enough money to have enough for fruit, water and a snack.

In the evenings, walking around the city is also absolutely safe. The only thing is that many streets empty after 22:00 and become a little uncomfortable, although lanterns are everywhere lit.

You can change money at any exchange office - the rate is almost the same everywhere.But it’s better to go around and compare for fun.

Things to do

For nature lovers in St. Vlas organize mountain walks with a guide. The route is about 5 kilometers long, but sometimes it can change a little. In any case, you will learn about the local flora and fauna, have a great time surrounded by beautiful nature, breathing in the mountain air. If you wish, you can take water and light snacks with you - they will come in handy during stops. Shoes should be comfortable, beachwear is not suitable here.

For families with children, you can advise a boat trip on a pirate ship.

For an hour and a half, passengers are entertained with contests, songs and dances, and for the kids a search is made for "treasures" on the ship. In fact, you will not see anything special during this walk, but it will be interesting for children.

Evenings can be spent at the spa. They are few, but they all provide a wide range of services.

And the most important thing to do in St. Vlas is to spend more time at the sea and breathe in the healing air, saturated with iodine ions. Your body will thank you!

Shopping and shops

There are few shopping opportunities in St. Vlas. This is a small town, and there are no large malls or shopping centers. On the street parallel to the yacht club, there are a dozen shops with luxury brands of clothing. You can take a walk to see, but the prices are average European.

In the Old Town you can find many small shops and shops where clothes are sold as well.

The best supermarket is called Mercury.

Here you can buy absolutely everything - from food, alcohol to cosmetics. Prices for cosmetics are slightly lower than in tourist stores.

Another supermarket is located next to the amphitheater. It is called "Arena" and also has a good selection of products, wines and cosmetics.

Bars Where to go

Bars in St. Vlas, as you already understood, once or twice and miscalculated. But still they are, and the couple became my favorites. First of all, I would advise you to look into La cubanita.

Here, in the evenings, Latin fiery music is played, the host often invites local artists. There are a lot of people here during the dark season, and finding a free table will be problematic. But why a bar table if you are not going to have a full dinner? The main fun happens at the bar. Plus, there are very good cocktails here.

Next institution - Noti - In the afternoon it works like a restaurant in the afternoon, and turns into a bar in the evening. The DJ plays the tracks, the young people have fun, but there is no stormy fun and dancing on the tables.

The next two bars are next to Marina Dinevi. It "Rococo" and "Magneto ". It is quite a European level institution, where plays both live music and the latest world news.

Perhaps this review of the bars can be completed. Each of them is worthy of attention if you like a similar format of relaxation. As a bonus, most establishments have open terraces, where it is very pleasant to be on warm evenings.

Clubs and nightlife

In St. Vlas there is only one nightclub located next to the marina - Planet Yacht. It is divided into zones: there is an open part where a light breeze blows pleasantly, there is a lounge area where you can comfortably sit with soft shisha with a hookah, admiring the lights of the Sunny Beach in the distance. A separate place is also allocated for the dance floor. In general, everything is saturated with an atmosphere of relaxed luxury. DJs play good music - it won’t be boring.

The cocktails here, by Bulgarian standards, are expensive, but the club was built with a focus on wealthy visitors.

There is no dress code, but when going to a party, exclude shorts and beachwear - otherwise you will feel like a black sheep.

Extreme sports

All water sports opportunities are concentrated on the beach near Marina Dinevi. There is a windsurfing and yachting school. Guests are offered to fly a paraglider (from 30 USD) or ride a water bike (about 15 USD). All entertainment is held at a high level: experienced instructors, good equipment and excellent conditions.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

From St. Vlas, you can bring the entire standard list of souvenirs that are sold in Bulgaria. I would also add that a bottle of wine or brandy, which is produced in small wineries in the vicinity of the city, will be a good gift.

The wines here are really amazing quality and can safely compete with many European manufacturers.

How to get around the city

St. Vlas is a very small town, and it is most convenient to walk on it. However, to explore the surroundings you can not do without a taxi, regular bus or even a rented car. I’ll tell you more about these modes of transport below.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis are the most comfortable and expensive way to get around. It is better not to ask you to call a car in hotels at the reception, but stock up on business cards of local taxi drivers or look in advance on the Internet for the phone numbers of local companies.

Taxi fares from city to city or from one resort to another are mostly fixed. They are indicated in the price list, which is inside the car or sometimes lies under the windshield (for example: a trip to Golden Sands will cost about 65 USD, to Sozopol - 40 USD). If you need to get to a particular meta, to a supermarket or club, the driver will turn on the counter.

It would seem that the counter is the most honest way of calculating the cost. But sometimes "miracles" happen, and in different taxi companies for the same distance you will get a different amount of money. This happens because the cost of one kilometer in each taxi is different. They differ sometimes significantly. Therefore, you should first find out the price per kilometer and only then get into the car.

Otherwise, a taxi is a very convenient solution. If only because you do not need to pay for parking or look for where to leave the car. Also, if you do not have a driver’s license, then this is your option.

Buses

Buses are not needed to travel around St. Vlas, as the whole city can be bypassed. The only thing will have to rise from the coast to the center.

If you want to visit the neighboring resort Elenite or Sunny Beach, then buses No. 5 and No. 8 will be very helpful:

• Bus number 5 passes along the main highway of the city, making several stops. His route: St. Vlas - Sunny Beach - Nessebar.
• Bus number 8 has a longer route: Elenite - St. Vlas - Sunny Beach - Nessebar. It is very convenient that for a nominal fee (about 1 USD) you can drive to Nessebar on your own and spend the whole day there, and then return back on the same route.

Vehicle rental

The most convenient option for traveling around St. Vlas. Convenient because a lot of interesting things are located in the mountains, and just for the sake of beautiful scenery it is worth a ride there. You can also ride along the nearby beaches. This is especially true for families with children, since in such cases it is necessary to take a lot of things.

In St. Vlas, you can find several companies offering car rental. Compare prices, see what models can offer you, carefully read all the conditions and hit the road! All these manipulations can be done via the Internet. For example, using this site.

It is better to take a car from large companies than from small local ones. The fact is that well-known distributors use pan-European insurance, and the conditions for a local company may differ, and not in your favor.

In order to rent a car, you will need:

• driver's license;
• international passport;
• driving experience of 3 years (if it is less, you will have to pay an additional amount).

Most companies provide you with a car with:

• unlimited mileage;
• insurance
• VAT included in the price;
• vignette.

Separately paid:

• CASCO;
• the ability to drive a car to a second driver;
• Baby chair.

Tips for motorists

As for moving around the city by car, there are some important rulesto be observed:

• dipped beam should be lit at any time of the day;
• a child under 12 years old and up to 1.5 m tall cannot ride in the front passenger seat;
• the driver is forbidden to talk on the phone while holding it in his hands. Only wireless is allowed.

Speed ​​Limit:

• in the village - 50 km / h;
• outside the village - 90 km / h;
• on the highway - 140km / h.

It is important that the driver must pay the fine on the spot. That is, go to the nearest bank and make a transfer. Also, the inspector can pick up the rights from the violator and send them later by mail.

Vacation with children

St. Vlas is a great place to relax with children.

Firstly, the sea is rather shallow off the coast, and the entrance to it is gentle. Children are comfortable swimming here, as there are practically no waves.

Secondly, children will not be bored. There are plenty of water activities on the beaches: riding a banana, cheesecake and the like.

Thirdly, restaurants often have a children's menu. And if you cook yourself, then in the shops they sell quality products, whether it is milk or meat. It is worth talking about the abundance of fresh vegetables and fruits.

As I noticed during my vacation, families with children often come to St. Vlas for several summer months. They rent apartments by the sea and enjoy life, stock up on health and vitamins a year in advance.

Ski vacation

In Bulgaria there are excellent ski resorts, I will name only a few:

• Bansko
• Borovets
• Vitosha.

They are located at a distance of 300-450 kilometers from St. Vlas. I think that if you plan a winter vacation in the mountains, it can be easily combined with a vacation in St. Vlas. Having allocated at least a couple of days for this wonderful town, you will gain strength and breathe in the healing air of these places.

By renting a car, this distance (between the ski resort and the coast) can be overcome without problems.

Watch the video: Sveti Vlas - Black Sea coast of Bulgaria (May 2024).