Town in Burgas Province, Bulgaria
Sozopol
Old fishing town on a rocky peninsula, with wooden houses, small beaches and seafood. Nicer and quieter than Sunny Beach but busy in August; services thin out after September.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$1,580–2,250Comfortable, one person · €1,400–2,000Details
- Value for money49/100Better value than 48% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goMay–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 30°CDetails
- Internet94 MbpsFixed broadband, Bulgaria medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe and widely drunk, though resorts often serve bottled.Details
- LGBTQ+3/5Tolerant, but be discreetDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: common in tourist areasDetails
- Doctor's visit$34–90Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBus to BurgasVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless work in most restaurants and shops; keep cash for small stalls, beach kiosks and some taxis.Details
Where to stay in Sozopol
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Old Town (peninsula) | Cobbled lanes, tavernas and views; no cars |
| Harmanite beach area | Beach stays south of the old town |
| New Town | Cheaper rooms, supermarkets, buses |
Apps that work in Sozopol
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber
- BG Toll: Buying the highway e-vignette
- Taxis: Taxis wait near the old-town gate; agree fares or insist on the meter. No ride apps work.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Bulgaria.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work in most restaurants and shops; keep cash for small stalls, beach kiosks and some taxis.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Avoid Euronet ATMs with high fees; use bank ATMs and always decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Around 10% in restaurants is customary; round up taxi fares. In resorts, check whether service is already on the bill.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay work at contactless terminals almost everywhere in cities.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Full Schengen member since 2025: 90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area. Non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo for the EES.
- ETIAS pre-travel authorisation is not yet required; its launch has slipped beyond 2026.
- Border guards may ask for proof of accommodation, an onward ticket and enough money for your stay.
Emergency numbers
Police 166 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 160 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
EU SIMs roam at no extra cost. Prepaid SIMs at operator shops require passport registration; a month of data costs about €10–20. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Bulgaria
Going to Sozopol solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Sozopol meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.