Soft lemon sorbet, picture-perfect pebbly beaches with colorful pastel-hue homes for background, and picturesque drives into a blood-orange sundown: it’s easy to feel as if Amalfi is the epitome of European summers.
That is, till the cruise crowds flock into the nearest port and the costs begin stacking up, what with the typical overnight rate of $230 and pricey dinners. Yeah, we’re skipping that, thank you.
We’re Travel Off Course, your leading news source covering all of the trendiest, along with the lesser-known gems across the pond, and in case you have actually been trying to find an Amalfi dupe that won’t break the bank, and it’s similarly gorgeous, we’ve got you covered:
Welcome To Sozopol, Europe’s Hidden Summer season Paradise
Tucked away in the Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria, among Europe’s most underrated summer season vacations, Sozopol shares many a resemblance with Italy’s world-famous holiday hotspot: It has around 4,700 locals, Amalfi has more than 5,000, and though Sozopol has no landmark dome-topped cathedral, it just exudes Old World charm, similar to its
Italian equivalent: It’s dotted with ancient ruins, dating all the method back to the Greco-Roman duration, and its historical center is criss-crossed by narrow, cobbled streets that look like a fairytale scene come to life.
Sozopol is one of the earliest settlements in coastal Bulgaria, after all, and it’s got the architectural wealth to support this claim:
Ancient Churches & Cobbled Streets
Its sea walls go back to the 5th century BC, when the town was but
a little merchant port under Greek rule, and you can still stroll on those, taking in the views of the serene Black Sea at sundown, and the vibrant boats moored down by the harbor. Only a 3-minute walk from the waterfront, the Church of the Holy Virgin is a small middle ages treasure erected in the 15th century in wood that can’t be missed: it’s one-of-a-kind in a country where soaring Byzantine-inspired basilicas control.
Amalfi might get the warm-tone exteriors, but Bulgarian Revival houses are just as pretty in our book: integrated in wood, just like the church, they feature popular, overhanging covered balconies, with elaborate flower arrangements as the cherry on top.
The best method to check out Sozopol is by getting lost in its maze-like Old Town, and trust us when we state you will not wish to leave anytime quickly.
Gorgeous Sandy Beaches
Have we mentioned the beautiful shoreline yet? If you’ve ever been to Amalfi, opportunities are you were maybe a little dissatisfied by the lack of swim-friendly beaches. After all, that stretch of coast is mostly made up of volcanic pebbly strips, and rocky outcrops.
Sands in Amalfi are the exception, instead of the guideline.
Over in Sozopol, however, golden-sand beaches await, with the Main Beach itself, right in the Old Town, offering calm waves and a wide range of features. The wood houses anchored by the beach only add to the total charm.
It can get somewhat busy in the summertime, however, as it is reasonably narrow. The most gorgeous and largest beach in the area, Harmanite is arguably much better for a peaceful beach day, and it also has its fair share of beach bars and restaurants.
If you like seafood and Turkish-inspired bar fare, Konak is among numerous affordable restaurants in the vicinity of Harmanite Beach. They even have an outdoor balcony so you can feel the seaside breeze, and appreciate the view as you relish some fresh-out-the-grill shish taouk.
How Really Low-cost Is Sozopol To Go to?
Food is among the biggest draws for tourists heading to Amalfi in summertime, however Sozopol leaves absolutely nothing to be preferred on the gastronomy front, either: From the local tsatsa, a kind of tiny Black Sea fish that’s normally served fried, along with lemon and beer, to rice-and-herbs-stuffed mussels, a Bulgarian seaside specialized, it’s Eastern European food at its finest.
You know, none of the funny-looking beetroot soups and heavy-on-the-stomach potato pies.
The best part is, unlike in Amalfi, dining out in downtown Sozopol won’t bleed your wallet dry. Right in the heart of the Old Town, Ksantana is a cozy bistro with a view where a square meal coupled with a glass of local Bulgarian white wine will set you back $21 tops.
Over at The Windmill, a mid-range eatery situated next to Sozopol’s landmark mill, a generous seafood grill and a number of pints of beer will include $18–$24 to your expense.
While long stays in Italy’s Amalfi Coast are reserved to wealthy tourists, with the modest hotel rate beginning with an already-whopping $187, Sozopol has spaces for as inexpensive as $54-a-night (we’re talking a double space just a few actions from the beach.
Rate Contrast In Between Amalfi & Sozopol
| Category Amalfi Sozopol Budget plan meal$15$6 3-course meal $45$18 Fine dining$90$40 Budget plan accommodation( hostel )$50 per night$15 per night | ||
| Mid-range hotel (3-star) | $150 per night | $60 per night |
| High-end hotel | $350+ per night | $120+ per night |
| Taxi ride (per 0.5 mile) | $7 | $2 |
Switching Amalfi for Sozopol this summer?
Don’t forget to inspect entry requirements using to Americans who take a trip to Bulgaria, and ensure you take a look at our new TOP 1-Minute Trip Examine to guarantee you’re not forgetting any fundamentals.
< img alt=""src ="https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/670a9f78091c16bd874672b1cb939f4e22e64fe6c391eb68b0f897b10dbfd49e?s=96&d=mm&r=g"height ="96" width="96"/ > Vinicius Costa Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a propensity for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into helpful stories that will have you packing your bags.
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