How to Take the Return Boat Trip to St. Anastasia Island in Burgas

The warm *Black Sea beaches* of the Bulgarian city of Burgas are a must-visit for any beach-lover. But in addition to the beaches, Burgas has several small islands that offer unique experiences. One of the most well-known is St. Anastasia Island, which is accessible via a return boat trip
In this guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know to take the return boat trip to St. Anastasia Island from Burgas. We’ll cover the history of the island, its attractions, the boat trip itself, and a few helpful tips for making the most of your trip

The History of St. Anastasia Island

St. Anastasia Island is one of the few inhabited islands off the coast of Bulgaria. It’s quite small in size, just 1.8 km from north to south and 1 km from east to west
The island is believed to be named after Queen Anastasia, the wife of Emperor Basil II of Byzantium. According to legend, the island served as a refuge for persecuted Christians during Ottoman rule in Bulgaria
The first inhabitants were believed to have settled here in the 17th century, and many more followed throughout the centuries. The population reached a peak in the 19th century with 500 families living on the island. Since then, it has experienced population decline, and today just 10-12 families remain, along with occasional visitors during the summer months

What to See and Do on St. Anastasia Island

St. Anastasia Island is known for its stunning natural beauty and quiet atmosphere. The combination of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs and lush vegetation make it an ideal spot for peace and relaxation.

The first stop for many visitors is at the Church of St. Anastasia, which dates back to the 18th century and still manages to look quite beautiful despite its age. The church is adorned with intricate murals and has a small garden with a well-preserved monument to Queen Anastasia.

The island is also home to several beaches, including Solnik Beach and Spanakorechi Beach. Both offer plenty of sunbathing spots, but Solnik is the better choice if you want to stay overnight as it is one of the few beaches with camping facilities.

As you explore the island further, you may stumble upon some historic sites such as a 16th century monastery and several old churches. There are also some natural wonders such as hidden caves and coves that you can explore by boat or kayak.

All in all, St. Anastasia Island is an ideal destination if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature.

The Boat Trip to St. Anastasi’s Island

If you’re planning on visiting the island, you can reach it by taking a boat from Burgas port. The boat is a regular public ferry run by Efrem Gogov Marine Transport Ltd.

The ferry runs seven times a day from Burgas port at 9am, 11am, 12pm 3pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm daily. The trip takes roughly one hour each way, so make sure to plan your return trip before embarking on the journey. The fare for adults is 15 euros, while children under 12 years old can travel for free.

You can also book boat rides for larger groups with Efrem Gogov Marine Transport Ltd., which offers private boat trips to St. Anastosia from Burgas at a reasonable rate.

Tips for Enjoying Your Trip

Once you arrive at St. Anastasia Island, there are several things you should keep in mind to ensure that you have an enjoyable experience:

1. Book Early: The return boat trip from Burgas is extremely popular, especially during peak season in July and August. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book in advance so that you can be sure of getting a ticket on whichever day works best for you.

2. Pack Light: Pack light as most items such as food, drinks and beach supplies can be bought on the island. Keep in mind that the ferry ride is only one hour long and you don’t want to be weighed down with heavy bags during your trip!

3. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Don’t forget to wear light clothing and bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays while you’re out on the island enjoying its natural beauty!

4. Bring Cash: Don’t forget to bring enough cash as most places on the island do not accept credit cards or other forms of payment.

Conclusion

Taking the return boat trip from Burgas to St. Anastasia Island is one of the best ways to experience Bulgaria’s beautiful Black Sea coast. The island offers a unique combination of world-class beaches, scenic sights and historic attractions that are sure to delight visitors from all around the world.

So if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or simply wanting to explore an unspoiled part of Bulgaria, then a return boat trip from Burgas to St. Anastasia Island should be on your list! To book your ticket now and make sure that you secure a spot on your preferred day, click here.