Obzor Holidays

A millennium ago, Roman emperors came to Obzor, on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Riviera, for some much-needed R&R. The idea caught on, and today this up-and coming small town is really popular for its laid-back appeal. The lush backdrop of the Stara Planina mountains and the long, sandy beach keep the relaxed feel going, though there are plenty of bars and restaurants to pick up the pace in the evenings.

Bulgaria is famous for its beautiful beaches, and Obzor keeps the side up with an 8-kilometre sweep of golden sand edging alongside the town. The water here is shallow and clear, which is great for children, and there’s a promenade lined with cafés and hotel bars so you won’t have to do much legwork to get to a lunch spot.

The great thing about Obzor is that it’s compact enough to easily get around. One place you’ll soon be familiar with is the town square – a paved piazza that comes with restaurants, bars and a large fountain. And between here and the beach is a lovely little park, dotted with shade-giving palm trees.

Obzor is also really well-placed for trips along the coast. You’ve only got to drive 10 minutes north and you’re at the pretty town of Byala, which has some great harbourside restaurants. And not much further south there’s Irakli Beach, which doubles up as a nature reserve. You can even be in Nessebar in around half an hour. The cobbled streets of the UNESCO old town are filled with dainty squares and churches.