Nessebar sits on a rocky peninsula west of Sunny Beach.  It is one of the oldest towns in Europe and dates back to the ancient Thracian era in II Century AD.  The area is seeped in history that has resulted in many influences through the years to present day. 

During the Greek rule the town was renamed Mesambria whereby it was responsible for the Black Sea trade.  During this period there was a theatre and temple of the Greek God Apollo.  During the Roman era the town became of secondary importance and it was not until the late III and IV Century that the town re-instated its role as a key town once again.  It played an important role during the VII and VIII Century protecting the Byzantine Navel base.

Since the XI Century the Slav name Messebar or Nessebar has been used together with the original name Mesambria.

The peak of Nessebar’s development was during the reign of King Alexander I and the town was one of the most important centres in the Bulgarian state.

In 1371 the town was enslaved by the Turks, however, it still kept its importance as a harbour where ships were built and produce such as corn and wood were exported.  The town returned to a small fishing area after the liberation of the Turks at the end of the Ottoman era.

In 1956 the town was proclaimed an architectural and archaeological reserve.  The remnants of history can be seen today with parts of the fortified wall still existing dating back to the III Century, Churches from the V and VI Century and others from the Medieval Bulgarian and Byzantine period X to XIV Century.  Many of the old houses still exist from the revival period and their unique appearance and atmosphere are a key part of the bygone years.

Today Nessebar is steeped in peace and tranquility, caressed by the sea breeze; the quiet is disturbed only by the splashing of the waves, the cries of the seagulls and the multi-lingual tourists. You can walk around the narrow cobbled streets amongst the small shops and market stalls; enjoy the ambiance in one of the many restaurants that offer local fish and many traditional dishes from Bulgaria and for the less adventurous there are plenty of meals available associated with western food or you can just sit and soak up the atmosphere in the local cafes and bars.

The town of new Nessebar is also very close by with a 4 km sandy beach with bars,
cafes, restaurants, shops and many small hotels.