Unique visit to Saint Anastasia Island in the Bulgarian Black Sea
Excursions & day trips

Unique visit to Saint Anastasia Island in the Bulgarian Black Sea

from
$39.00
Free cancellation
Language: English, Italian, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Swedish, Chinese
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: from 7 hours to 24 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • 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
What's included
  • check Round trip boat tickets
  • check Museum ticket
  • check Guided tour
  • check Audio guide
What's not included
  • x_not_included Food and drinks
  • x_not_included Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Where

ul. "Knyaz Alexander Batenberg" 1, 8000 Harbour complex, Burgas, Bulgaria

Meeting point:
Board the ferry at the Burgas Port.
What to remember
  • 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
Provider
VIP-Sliven Ltd.
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

0%
0%
0%
0%
0%

You might also like

Balkan Mountains quad safari small-group morning  tour
Activities

Balkan Mountains quad safari small-group morning tour

Discovering Bulgaria's stunning mountains will take on a new dimension with this thrilling small group quad safari. You'll spend a day roaming 25km of rugged mountain trails off the beaten track. This is a proper, white-knuckle Balkan adventure requiring serious concentration and effort.To make sure you get the most out of your quad experience, there's a safety course featuring test-driving. Then, once you've got to grips with the quad, it's time to head into the wilderness. We break every now and then to catch our breath during an otherwise breathless experience.You can ride the quad solo or accompanied by a friend. A minibus transfer service picks you up at your hotel and drops you off back at the resort.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Captain Jack's Fun Cruise with Transfer
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 

VIP Catamaran Cruise
Activities

VIP Catamaran Cruise

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 

4x4 Photo Safari to Strandzha Nature Reserve with Honey Tasting
Activities

4x4 Photo Safari to Strandzha Nature Reserve with Honey Tasting

The southernmost village on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, Rezovo village is as close to Turkey as you can get. You'll journey by 4x4 along the scenic coastlines and lush landscapes of Sinemorets to see sea views, tranquil villages, rock formations and the Rezovska River. Irena, one of our expert local guides, says ‘Located right on the Turkish border, Rezovo is influenced by both Bulgarian and Turkish cultures. This is reflected in the local customs, cuisine, and even the language spoken by some of its residents.'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. Rumble along the captivating coastline of Sinemorets, where you'll have several opportunities to capture great photos. Dive deeper into nature as you steer through the Strandzha woods and take a rugged off-road trail to the Veleka River.Once we arrive at Rezovo, you'll take a walk to Rezovska River to see fascinating rock formations before enjoying time to soak up the tranquillity of the seaside village, from where the border with Turkey is visible. After a brief comfort break, we'll call in at a local beekeeper. Here, you'll have a unique chance to learn about beekeeping and enjoy a honey tasting session, one of the highlights of the region's natural produce. This half day trip is a great combination of 4x4 thrills, culture and nature.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Bulgarian village half-day tour with honey and brandy tasting
Excursions & day trips

Bulgarian village half-day tour with honey and brandy tasting

Nestled in the Balkan Mountains, two traditional Bulgarian villages take this spotlight on this morning tour. You'll learn about authentic rural life, visit a bee garden, and learn how typical Bulgarian treats are made. Ivaylo, one of our guides, says “the slow-paced life in the village of Erkech, combined with the serene mountain atmosphere and scenic views, makes this tour the perfect nature escape.”First, you'll stop at a bee garden in the village of Kosharitza, where you'll see first-hand how honey is made, and sample some of the produce – there's pure natural honey, as well as mead and sweet honey brandy made here. Then, you'll head over to Erkech – this part of the tour is all about getting to grips with how the locals live. You'll see how wool has been made for hundreds of years, and how brandy is distilled, before a tasting session. Then, you can show off your cooking skills in a competition making banitza, a typical Bulgarian pastry.And for younger guests, there's plenty of fun in store. There's a playground with swings, slides, seesaws and a bunch of games, like badminton, skipping ropes, hoops and more. Plus, kids can get hands-on with making Bulgarian martenitsa, which are small woollen dolls worn on 1st March, known as the day of Baba Marta, to celebrate the end of winter.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, pl 

Khan’s Tent
Excursions & day trips

Khan’s Tent

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 

Markets, Malls & City Sights
Activities

Markets, Malls & City Sights

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 

Balkan Mountains quad safari small-group afternoon tour
Activities

Balkan Mountains quad safari small-group afternoon tour

Discovering Bulgaria's stunning mountains will take on a new dimension with this thrilling small group quad safari. You'll spend a day roaming 25km of rugged mountain trails off the beaten track. This is a proper, white-knuckle Balkan adventure requiring serious concentration and effort.To make sure you get the most out of your quad experience, there's a safety course featuring test-driving. Then, once you've got to grips with the quad, it's time to head into the wilderness. We break every now and then to catch our breath during an otherwise breathless experience.You can ride the quad solo or accompanied by a friend. A minibus transfer service picks you up at your hotel and drops you off back at the resort.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Sozopol Town Tour and Boat Trip with Ravadinovo Castle
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 

Veleka Valley Boat Tour
Activities

Veleka Valley Boat Tour

The Veleka valley is one of Bulgaria's true hidden gems. On this motorboat cruise along the river Veleka, you'll discover landscapes barely changed by humans. From wooded banks to golden natural beaches and endemic fauna, this is the great outdoors as Mother Nature intended it. The fun kicks off as you hop onboard a motorboat and set sail on the Veleka towards the Black Sea. With an array of scenery to soak in along the way, and maybe even an encounter with amphibious animals, this unspoiled river is the perfect place to relax surrounded by nature.The dense woodlands give way to the stunning beach of Sinemorets – one of the most beautiful in Bulgaria. It is formed from an 800-metre-long sandbar at the river's mouth, with cliffs either side. This coastal wilderness is hard to come by in this day and age – so make sure you have your cameras at the ready.

free cancellation
Available in:

en