img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:100%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}Soft lemon sorbet, picture-perfect pebbly beaches with colorful pastel-hue houses for backdrop, and scenic drives into a blood-orange sunset: it’s easy to feel as if Amalfi is the epitome of European summers.
That is, until the cruise crowds flock into the nearest port and the bills start stacking up, what with the average overnight rate of $230 and expensive dinners. Yeah, we’re skipping that, thank you.
We’re Travel Off Path, your leading news source covering all of the trendiest, as well as the lesser-known gems across the pond, and in case you’ve been looking for an Amalfi dupe that won’t break the bank, and it’s equally gorgeous, we’ve got you covered:
Welcome To Sozopol, Europe’s Hidden Summer Paradise
Tucked away in the Black Sea Coast of Bulgaria, one of Europe’s most underrated summer getaways, Sozopol shares many a similarity with Italy’s world-famous holiday hotspot:
It has around 4,700 residents, Amalfi has over 5,000, and though Sozopol has no landmark dome-topped cathedral, it just oozes Old World charm, much like its Italian counterpart:
It’s dotted with ancient ruins, dating all the way back to the Greco-Roman period, and its historic center is criss-crossed by narrow, cobbled alleys that look like a fairytale scene come to life.
Sozopol is one of the oldest settlements in coastal Bulgaria, after all, and it’s got the architectural wealth to back up this claim:
Ancient Churches & Cobbled Streets
Its sea walls date back to the 5th century BC, when the town was but a small merchant port under Greek rule, and you can still walk on those, taking in the views of the serene Black Sea at sunset, and the colorful boats moored down by the harbor.
Only a 3-minute walk from the waterfront, the Church of the Holy Virgin is a small medieval 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 dominate.
Amalfi may get the warm-tone facades, but Bulgarian Revival houses are just as pretty in our book: built in wood, much like the church, they feature prominent, overhanging covered balconies, with elaborate flower arrangements as the cherry on top.
The best way to explore Sozopol is by getting lost in its maze-like Old Town, and trust us when we say you won’t want to leave anytime soon.
Beautiful Sandy Beaches
Have we mentioned the gorgeous coastline yet?
If you’ve ever been to Amalfi, chances are you were maybe a little disappointed by the absence of swim-friendly beaches. After all, that stretch of coast is largely made up of volcanic pebbly strips, and rocky outcrops.
Sands in Amalfi are the exception, rather than the rule.
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 amenities. The wooden houses anchored by the beach only add to the overall charm.
It can get somewhat busy in the summer months, though, as it is relatively narrow. The most beautiful and widest beach in the area, Harmanite is arguably better for a tranquil beach day, and it also has its fair share of beach bars and restaurants.
If you love seafood and Turkish-inspired pub fare, Konak is one of many inexpensive eateries in the vicinity of Harmanite Beach. They even have an outdoor terrace so you can feel the coastal breeze, and admire the view as you savor some fresh-out-the-grill shish taouk.
How Actually Cheap Is Sozopol To Visit?
Food is one of the biggest draws for tourists heading to Amalfi in summer, but Sozopol leaves nothing to be desired on the gastronomy front, either:
From the local tsatsa, a type of tiny Black Sea fish that’s typically served fried, along with lemon and beer, to rice-and-herbs-stuffed mussels, a Bulgarian seaside specialty, it’s Eastern European cuisine 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 full meal paired with a glass of local Bulgarian wine will set you back $21 tops.
Over at The Windmill, a mid-range eatery located next to Sozopol’s landmark mill, a generous seafood grill and a couple of pints of beer will add $18–$24 to your bill.
While long stays in Italy’s Amalfi Coast are reserved to affluent travelers, with the modest hotel rate starting from an already-whopping $187, Sozopol has rooms for as cheap as $54-a-night (we’re talking a double room only a few steps from the beach.
Price Comparison Between Amalfi & Sozopol
CategoryAmalfiSozopolBudget meal$15$63-course meal$45$18Fine dining$90$40Budget accommodation (hostel)$50 per night$15 per nightMid-range hotel (3-star)$150 per night$60 per nightLuxury hotel$350+ per night$120+ per nightTaxi ride (per 0.5 mile)$7$2
Swapping Amalfi for Sozopol this summer?
Don’t forget to check entry requirements applying to Americans who travel to Bulgaria, and make sure you check out our new TOP 1-Minute Trip Check to ensure you’re not forgetting any essentials.
Vinicius CostaVini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.
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