Nesebar is one of Bulgaria's most distinctive coastal towns: a compact old settlement on a rocky peninsula, joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway and packed with medieval brick churches. The Black Sea resort sprawl comes right up to its edge, but the old town still has enough stone, timber, and sea air to justify the crowds.
The pleasure is in wandering. Start at the gate and the ancient fortifications, then drift through lanes of wooden upper floors, souvenir stalls, and church ruins. The best individual stops include the Church of Christ Pantocrator, Church of St Stephen, Hagia Sophia Church, and the Archaeological Museum.
Nesebar works as a half-day trip from Burgas, Sunny Beach, or the northern Black Sea resorts. Come early or late in high season; midday can turn the old town into a slow procession of tour groups, beachgoers, and restaurant touts.