St. Anastasia Island

Saint Anastasia is a small island of volcanic rock in Burgas bay, the only inhabited Bulgarian Black Sea island, with a monastery recorded from the medieval period, a lighthouse, and buildings that were later used as a prison, after the monks left in 1923. It was restored and opened to visitors in 2014 with a small museum, a restaurant, a chapel and four guest rooms, so it is possible to stay the night after the last boat leaves, which is the reason to go. The island is about one hectare and is walked in twenty minutes.

Highlights

• The monastery and chapel - the religious buildings at the centre.
• The small museum - the island's past from monastery to prison.
• The lighthouse - the working light on the rock.
• Staying after the last boat - four guest rooms on the island.

When to go

May to September, when the boats run; crossings are cancelled in wind. Half a day, or overnight in one of the four rooms, which must be booked well ahead. Mornings are calmest.

Good to know

The island is tiny and twenty minutes covers it; the visit is the boat and the setting. Crossings cancel frequently for weather. Rooms are four and book out months ahead. The restaurant is the only food.

Nearby

Burgas is on the mainland; Sozopol lies south along the coast.

Key facts