For those who are tired of noisy crowded resorts, Obzor is an ideal destination. This peaceful and cozy town is located on the coast of the Black Sea in the Burgas region of Bulgaria. Here you can truly relax without the hustle and bustle, while enjoying the picturesque nature and local attractions.
History of the City
Despite its small size, the city has a history of over 3 millennia. The first inhabitants of this area were the Thracians, who founded the settlement of Navlahos. Several centuries later, the Greeks settled here and established the city of Heliopolis (the city of the sun). The Romans dedicated the city to the supreme god Jupiter and named it Theopolis. By the way, the ruins of the Jupiter Temple have been preserved in Obzor to this day.
In the 16th century, the Turks-Ottomans, who came after the Romans, named the city Goezeken, which means "beautiful view" or in Bulgarian, Obzor.
As a resort, Obzor was opened in the 20th century. Its modern history dates back to 1934. Since then, the resort has been rapidly developing, becoming a prosperous tourist center that enjoys stable demand among European tourists.
Main Characteristics of Obzor
Obzor is located exactly in the middle of the road connecting the northern and southern resorts of Bulgaria. It is only 65 km away from Varna and 60 km away from another well-known seaport and regional center, Burgas. The archaeological capital of Bulgaria, Nesebar, is located 30 km from Obzor, while the vibrant Sunny Beach is just 25 km away.
The fastest way to reach Obzor is by transfer from Varna or Burgas (which takes about an hour) after flying to the airports of these resorts.
The population of Obzor is just over 2,000 people. Administratively, the city is part of the Nesebar municipality in the Burgas region.
The national currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN).
Advantages of Vacationing in the Resort
In Obzor, every tourist is protected from excessive attention from vendors eager to make a quick profit. In Varna, Sunny Beach, or Nessebar, visitors are literally approached by souvenir shop owners, whereas in Obzor, you can enjoy your vacation peacefully.
Despite its relatively modest size, the town boasts plenty of historical and cultural attractions.
For those who like to discover as much as possible during their holiday, the geographical location of Obzor is ideal. The town sits between southern Bulgarian resort towns and northern settlements that are of purely historical significance.
Not every major tourist center in Bulgaria has a bus station. Obzor, however, has a well-developed public transportation system. You can reach almost any point in the country by bus, ferry, or taxi.
The resort offers accommodation for every taste. Visitors can choose from self-catering apartments or hotels rated 3, 4, and 5 stars.
Obzor has all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay: cafés and restaurants with diverse cuisines, souvenir shops, pharmacies, markets, supermarkets, and even Internet cafés.
The local population is welcoming and contributes to a relaxing holiday with its unhurried pace of life.
Weather and Climate
The season in Obzor begins in May and lasts until mid-October, with July and August considered the high season.
The sea temperature here is usually 1–2°C higher than in Albena, Nessebar, Varna, or Sunny Beach. Well-maintained beaches and clear, warm water attract many families with children every year.
The local air is remarkable for being exceptionally light and clean, adding to the town’s appeal as a peaceful seaside retreat.
Features of Beach Holidays in Obzor
The resort’s 8 km coastline is conventionally divided into three areas: northern, central, and southern beaches. Each of them offers all the necessary infrastructure for a comfortable stay. The central beach is usually the most crowded. On the outskirts of the northern and southern beaches, there are small sections of wild coastal areas (the most popular is Irakli) for those who enjoy a more secluded seaside experience.
By the sea, during the season, a variety of entertainment options are available:
Relaxed leisure in cafés, bars, and restaurants;
Extreme activities: diving, surfing, water skiing, go-karting, parachute jumps, horse riding;
Amusement park with several dozen rides for children;
The entertainment center “Castle” with various bars and nightclubs for young people;
Traditional beach sports: volleyball, football, tennis, and more.
Health and Wellness Centers in the Resort
Obzor features several balneological resorts, whose main attraction is treatment with mineral waters. Tourists from Europe often come to the town specifically to improve their health. Local therapies are particularly effective for treating bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, and other respiratory system diseases.
Obzor Attractions
The most interesting natural and cultural attractions of the resort include:
Palm Park — a green oasis covering 20,000 sq. m. near the central beach. In the center of the park is the so-called “Avenue” or museum, as locals often call it, which contains the ruins of the ancient Roman city Heliopolis and the Temple of Jupiter;
The city clock tower, 12 meters tall, located on Obzor’s central square;
Kozjak — a Roman bastion or fortified fort;
Emona Fortress, situated on the southern cape of Obzor;
House of Culture, which houses a library with 17,000 books.
Obzor is a wonderful choice for those tired of noisy tourist megacities. In this small, charming town, visitors can escape the hustle and bustle and breathe deeply. Both romantics and families will find exactly what they expect from a relaxing holiday!
