Basic information about Sveti Vlas

Where is Sveti Vlas located?

Sveti Vlas — or, as it is often referred to in English, Saint Vlas — is a charming resort town on the southeastern coast of Bulgaria, along the Black Sea. With ancient historical roots, the settlement only recently gained official town status in 2006. Today, the permanent population of Sveti Vlas is just over 4,000 people, but like any seaside resort, this number multiplies several times during the tourist season.

Nestled at the foot of the Stara Planina Mountain, the resort is uniquely known for its combination of mountain and sea air, which makes it especially beneficial for treating a variety of health conditions.

Sveti Vlas falls under the administration of the municipality of Nessebar, in the Burgas region of Bulgaria. The town of Nessebar is just 8 km away, the regional capital Burgas lies 40 km to the south, and the famous Sunny Beach resort is only 3 km from Sveti Vlas.

The national currency is the Bulgarian lev (BGN).

A Bit of History

The town of Sveti Vlas, like many others in Bulgaria, was founded by Greek colonists. The first settlers of the area in the 2nd century were the Thracians, who gave the original name to the settlement and the region — Larisa. It was only in the 14th century that the town received its modern name, in honor of the god Veles and the Christian saint Blaise, patron of trade, livestock breeding, and healing. Several medieval monasteries have been preserved in the surroundings of the town to this day.

Until the 1920s, the village was inhabited mainly by Greeks. Later, Greek families relocated to Western Thrace, which had become part of Greece. Today, the population of Sveti Vlas is predominantly Bulgarian, with Ukrainians having recently settled here as well.

In 1963, Sveti Vlas was granted the status of a health resort, particularly favorable for people suffering from respiratory diseases.