Nessebar from Burgas: how to get there and what to see
The old town of Nessebar on its peninsula is a UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient Mesembria. It is about 37 km from Burgas by bus or car. Here is how to get there, what to fit into a day and where to swim.
- ≈37 kmfrom Burgas, bus about 70 minutes
- UNESCOold town on the peninsula
- 23churches known today, about 40 by legend
Distances, travel times and prices are approximate and timetables change with the season. Check them at the South bus station before you go.
Getting there from Burgas
Bus from the South bus station
The coastal route via Pomorie, Aheloy and Ravda takes about 70 minutes, 24 trips a day from 6:10 to 22:05, with a stop by old Nessebar.
By car
About 37 km along the coastal road. The old town is pedestrian: leave the car at the parking by the entrance or outside and walk, especially in summer.
From Burgas airport
About 26 km, 27–35 minutes by car, transfer from €40. We found no direct bus: bus no. 15 to the South station takes 25–30 minutes, then a bus to Nessebar 50–70 minutes, a ticket of about €3–4.
A day plan
Pomorie with its salt lake in the morning, Nessebar in the afternoon: it is about 25 km from Pomorie to Nessebar, 30–40 minutes by car. More in the route “Burgas in 3 days”.
Data collected from open sources and our own coast pages.
Church of Christ Pantocrator
13th–14th century, one of the best-preserved medieval churches in the country, with a richly decorated facade. Now an art gallery.
Church of St Stephen
Today a museum: more than 1,000 unique frescoes with biblical scenes.
Ruins of St Sophia
A basilica of the 5th–6th century and one of the main symbols of the town. By legend Nessebar had about 40 churches, and 23 are known today.
Archaeological Museum
Founded in 1956 at the entrance to the old town (2A Mesembria St). Pottery, statues and jewellery up to 3,000 years old.
Old town gate
A favourite photo spot. Part of ancient Mesembria lies under water.
Data collected from open sources and our own coast pages.
Beaches and the sea
South Beach, Nessebar
You can swim right by the old town walls, which makes it easy to combine sea and a walk. The beach was on the 2021 Blue Flag list; the list is updated every year.
Sunny Beach next door
The lively resort is very close. Local buses run between Nessebar, Sunny Beach and Ravda about every 15 minutes.
When to go
The swimming season runs from May to September, with the warmest sea from July to September. More on the sea temperature page.
Data collected from open sources and our own coast pages.
Tips
Walking the old town
The old town is compact, so go on foot. Cobbles and narrow lanes are awkward for strollers.
Safety
Keep bags close on the Nessebar – Sunny Beach bus and on the beach, and book taxis through your hotel.
Where to stay
You can stay in Burgas and come for a day, or spend the second night of the route in Nessebar.
Data collected from open sources and our own coast pages.
Questions and answers
How long is the trip from Burgas to Nessebar?
About 70 minutes by bus on the coastal route; by car it is about 37 km along the coastal road.
What to see in Nessebar in one day?
The Church of Christ Pantocrator, the Church of St Stephen with over 1,000 frescoes, the ruins of St Sophia and the archaeological museum, with time left for the beach by the old town.
Where to leave the car in Nessebar?
The old town is pedestrian: use the parking by the entrance or outside it, then walk.
Data collected from open sources and our own coast pages.
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External sources
Distances, travel times and prices are approximate and timetables change with the season. Check them at the South bus station before you go.