What people say about this experience
0%
0%
0%
0%
0%
+ 6
+ 4
Excursions & day trips
Culture & history
Must-sees
Sightseeing & traditions
Folklore
Unique visit to Saint Anastasia Island in the Bulgarian Black Sea
Free cancellation
Place: Burgas
Duration: from 7 hours to 24 hours
Language: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Swedish, Chinese
Mobile voucher accepted
Instant confirmation
Private group
Do this because
- Visit to the unique and only Bulgarian Black Sea Island
- Relax on a 40-minute boat ride to Saint Anastasia
- Tour the monastery, now museum, with an electronic guide
What to expect
Be secluded in an island in the Black Sea with a 40 minute ride from Bourgas port to Saint Anastasia Island.
St. Anastasia Island is turning into destination of the region and major attraction on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast after being completely restored and renovated under a European project.
The island was inhabited by monks in the 14th century; pirates burned repeatedly the monastery buildings; and in 1923 the government turned it into a prison for opponents of the regime. In 1945 prisoners were sent again to the island, this time by the new "power of the people". The entire turbulent history of the island will be preserved and exhibited in the building of the former monastery.
Today, after the restoration and reconstruction, there are no traces left of this dramatic past. Everything looks like an ethnographic complex, but as one carried on an island in the sea. Even rainwater from the roofs is drained by tile gutters into a well. The monastery has been turned into a museum and a hotel complex with rooms to accommodate the tourists, which have been designed in the spirit of the place and are made of authentic materials - wood and stone.
The church of the island is the oldest building. It is dated back to the period between the 12th and the14th century. It is famous for its unique wooden carvings. Some of the frescoes - also from the 14th century - have been restored too.
Another interesting touch of the new tourist destination is the "Lekarna" (“Healing Place”) a small garden on the roof and, if you wish, you can select and pick the herbs yourself, from which your tea to be prepared afterwards. The Monastery Lekarna offers special liqueurs typical only for this region; mixtures of wild fruits and honey by a Monastery’s recipe. These spices are also used in one of the recipes of the restaurant on the island. And, as the largest natural mussel plantation is around the St. Anastasia Island.
Read more
Important to know
- Live guided tour in English or Bulgarian
- Audio guide in the museum is available in English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Chinese or Japanese
Read more
What’s included
Round trip boat tickets
Museum ticket
Guided tour
Audio guide
What’s not included
Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Location
Provider
VIP-Sliven Ltd.
Need a hand?
Would you like some help making a booking? Or perhaps you just want to ask a few questions. Whatever the reason, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Opening hours: Our team is available from 10.00 to 18.00 CET
Phone number: +1 208-744-6464
You might also like
Excursions & day trips
Sozopol Town Tour and Boat Trip with Ravadinovo Castle
Discover Sozopol, an ancient seaside gem on the Black Sea coast. Set sail on a boat trip around St Ivan Island, Bulgaria's largest. Next, follow your guide for a walking tour of Sozopol's cobbled streets. After a local lunch, explore the enchanting Ravadinovo Castle and wander its palatial grounds.
free cancellation
Available in:
de, en, fr, nl, pl
Excursions & day trips
Nessebar Tour with Wine Tasting Experience
A famous Balkan beauty spot and Bulgaria's best wines are in store on this excursion. You'll embark on a walking tour of UNESCO-listed Nessebar, try local treats most tourists miss out on, and visit one of the Black Sea's top-rated wineries for a wine tasting tour.
free cancellation
Available in:
en, pl
Excursions & day trips
Nessebar Old Town Walking Tour
Strolling through Nessebar is perhaps the most culturally enriching experience on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast. This headland, known as the ‘Pearl of the Black Sea', is only slightly larger than the Vatican City yet has many more churches. Ivaylo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Nessebar is a living museum – there are monuments here that were built as far back as the 5th century. Due to its strategic location, the town has always been a busy merchant hub. This is why it was here, over 2,500 years ago, that money was invented and first used for trade.'You'll begin with a guided walking tour of the old town, which is crammed onto a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Black Sea. Historians know that there's been a town here for 3,200 years, making it among Europe's oldest. There's so much history packed into the old town that Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relics from the second millennium BC, from classical antiquity and the Middle Ages have been unearthed. There's evidence here that reflects the architectural progress of the whole Balkan and East Mediterranean regions.Winding streets and alleys fringed with characterful timber homes lead you to more than 40 churches dating back as far as Byzantine times. There's also some free time to explore the town on your own, soak up the scenery on a seaside stroll or browse for souvenirs.
free cancellation
Available in:
de, en, fr, nl, pl
Activities
Captain Jack's Fun Cruise with Transfer
Catering for the whole family, this adventure on the high seas makes for the ultimate family cruise. The three-deck Sea Star Sunny Beach Boat includes entertainment and dining areas and an impressive sun deck. Adults can get busy doing very little on deck, while younger guests can get involved in the swashbuckling entertainment. It's provided by our irrepressible troupe in the roles of Captain Jack and his pirates.
free cancellation
Available in:
en
Activities
With Bulgaria's coastline on one side and the Black Sea horizon on the other, the views really don't get more beautiful than during this catamaran cruise. And to make it just that bit better, you'll be wined and dined and generally pampered while soaking in the sights and the sun.Step on board the largest luxury catamaran on the Black Sea and set sail with only chilling out in mind. You can stretch out on deck for a spot of sunbathing or amble over to the bar for a drink.After dropping anchor in a calm, secluded spot with just the right setting, you can go for a swim or snorkel and then it's time for a tasty lunch on board. This is what being on holidays is all about.
free cancellation
Available in:
en
Activities
Safari to Silistar Nature Reserve
The southernmost village on the Black Sea coast, Rezovo village is as close to Turkey as you can get. You'll journey by 4x4 along the coastline to see beautiful natural landscapes, tranquil villages, incredible rock formations by Rezovska River and panoramic bays.We'll get the tour started with a quick safety talk from your guide regarding the route and the day's programme before you hop into a 4x4 and set off along the Black Sea coast. We'll travel towards the border with Turkey stopping off for incredible photo opportunities along the way and drive through the area of Sinemorets, known for its pristine beaches.Once we arrive at Rezovo, you'll take a walk to Rezovska River to see fascinating rock formations before being treated to a honeydew honey tasting and time to soak up the tranquillity of the seaside village. Then visit Sveta Petka chapel, and we'll continue the tour to Silistar nature reserve where you can admire a wealth of flora and fauna before returning to Bourgas.
free cancellation
Available in:
en
Tickets and events
As rip-roaring Bulgarian nights go, few can hold a candle to an evening at Khan's Tent. You'll enjoy a classic four-course dinner and a world-class cabaret show performed by an international troupe. And the Panoramic Bar boasts fantastic views over Sunny Beach bay, too.Known as Hanska Shatra to the locals, this venue in the hills overlooking Sunny Beach is located where the medieval Khan Krum set up camp to besiege Nessebar. And Bulgarian history and heritage are very much a part of the Khan's Tent experience.After transfer to the venue, you'll sit down for a four-course dinner and witness amazing performances, ranging from acrobatics to choreographed dances and featuring popular live music. Impressive doesn't even begin to describe it. You'll be dropped back at your resort after the show.
free cancellation
Available in:
en
Activities
If shopping is your thing, then heaven awaits on this full day tour to the village of Kableshkovo and city of Bourgas. First up is the traditional market in Kableshkovo followed by a visit to a shopping centre in Bourgas. Round off the day with free time in the city centre, where you'll be able to sightsee or rest those limbs after all that shopping.We'll get the tour underway in Kableshkovo – a village where you'll find a market crammed with stalls all stocked with everything Bulgarian – from wine to fresh produce, leather goods and more. Take some time to freely meander from stall to stall before we head to modern shopping Mecca of Bourgas.After the mall, you'll be dropped off in the heart of the city where you can recuperate and explore at your own pace. Stroll through the Sea Garden or take the weight off your feet at one of the waterfront cafés.
free cancellation
Available in:
en
Activities
For an adventure into the Balkan mountains surrounding Sunny Beach, look no further than this extreme off-road excursion in the countryside. After a quick safety briefing, you'll set off in a 4x4. We'll drive along off-road tracks through rivers, villages and panoramic viewpoints before a pause in the action for a refreshing drink and a few fun games – there's even a prize for the winner. Following a route along picturesque mountain roads to a mineral spring, we'll rumble all the way to the village of Poroy. Here you'll stop for a well-earned lunch of traditional Bulgarian dishes and roasted bacon before returning to your hotel.
free cancellation
Available in:
en
Excursions & day trips
Nessebar Tour and Folk Evening
This tour packs in heritage, culture and folklore during your visit to Nessebar. And after exploring this historic town – known as the ‘pearl of the Black Sea' – you'll end your day on a scintillating high with a full-throated Bulgarian village feast.You'll begin with a guided walking tour of Nessebar old town of, which is crammed into a narrow peninsula jutting out into the Black Sea. Such is its wealth of history that Nessebar is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – it's about the same size as the Vatican but with more churches. Winding streets and alleys of old timber homes lead you to tree-lined plazas with ruined Byzantine churches. There'll be some free time before the day's climax.We'll then head to a nearby village for a proper Bulgarian banquet at a folk-themed restaurant. The highlight of the evening, tough, is the performance by the ‘nestinari' – those who dance barefoot over the smouldering embers of a fire.
free cancellation
Available in:
de, en, fr, pl
Company 
We recommend
Help & support
