Sozopol, with his 5000 inhabitants of today is the oldest of the Bulgaria's Black Sea coastal towns. Located 34 kilometres south of Bourgas on a slender rocky peninsula and three isles, Sozopol was founded in 610 BC by Miletian Greeks as their colony of Apollonia, thrived as a middleman between the Greek and the Thracian world. Later, in the years of early Christianity it was named Sozopol (Salvator) and so was inhabited for more then 2600 years.
Today, this charming place is a popular tourist resort best known for its casual ambiance, several sandy beaches, and distinctive nineteenth-century stone and wood houses, some 45 of which are designated national cultural monuments. Out of July-August, Sozopol is a calm romantic fishing town and is a favored haunt of artists, writers and other contemplative types.
In addition of being an important trading center, Sozopol had been an active art and cultural center all the time. This tradition continues today with the annual Apollonia Arts Festival, held in the beginning of September. An event that provides to it's visitors ten long days and nights of music, theater, dance, cinema and many others.