
St Anastasia Island
A historic volcanic island in the Black Sea, featuring a monastery, museum, and lighthouse, offering stunning views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

St Anastasia Island
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic volcanic island in the Black Sea, featuring a monastery, museum, and lighthouse, offering stunning views.
"Great place for half-day sightseeing with beautiful views and good seafood!"

🚢 Ferry to the Island
Ferries depart from Burgas Port. The journey is about 30 mins. Book tickets in advance if possible!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The island is volcanic rock; wear sturdy shoes for exploring its charming, uneven terrain.

Quick Facts
Rating
4.7 · 324 reviews
Type
Island
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Monastery & Museum
Island interior
Step back in time at the historic monastery and museum, showcasing the island's rich past.

Panoramic Black Sea Views
Island perimeter
Soak in breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the Black Sea and the Bulgarian coastline.

1914 Lighthouse
Island highest point
Admire the striking lighthouse, a landmark offering stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history.

Island Restaurant
Waterfront
Enjoy delicious, fresh seafood with a side of beautiful sea views at the island's restaurant.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Timing
Island Exploration Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Ferry to the Island
Ferries depart from Burgas Port. The journey is about 30 mins. Book tickets in advance if possible!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The island is volcanic rock; wear sturdy shoes for exploring its charming, uneven terrain.
⏳ Island Time
You get about 2 hours on the island, which is perfect for its size. Enjoy the views!
🍽️ Seafood Delight
The island restaurant is highly recommended for fresh seafood with a view.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Ferry to the Island
Ferries depart from Burgas Port. The journey is about 30 mins. Book tickets in advance if possible!
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The island is volcanic rock; wear sturdy shoes for exploring its charming, uneven terrain.
⏳ Island Time
You get about 2 hours on the island, which is perfect for its size. Enjoy the views!
🍽️ Seafood Delight
The island restaurant is highly recommended for fresh seafood with a view.
🏴☠️ Pirate Treasure Hunt
Engage kids by asking them to find the 'well with hidden pirate treasure'!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
St. Anastasia Island is a charming, small island offering a relaxing half-day escape with historical sites and beautiful sea views. Visitors praise the fresh seafood restaurant and the unique atmosphere, though some note the island's size limits extensive exploration.
""St. Anastasia Island (Bulgarian: остров св. Анастасия, ostrov Sv. Anastasiya, formerly called Bolshevik Island, остров Болшевик) is a small Bulgarian island in the Black Sea. It is located in the Gulf of Burgas, 1.5 km off the coast near Chernomorets, at 12 metres above sea level, and covers a territory of one hectare. The island is built of volcanic rocks. It is the only inhabited island off the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. ""
Žilvinas P.
"The boat takes 30 minutes to get to the island. You have two hours to explore it, which us perfectly fine because the island is very small. There is a museum, a church and a restaurant. Neither is worth visiting, unfortunately. Still the views are great and its a relaxing place. If you travel with kids, ask them to find the well with the hidden pirate treasure. It will make an entertaining, albeit short quest."
Ivan Pavlov
"Great place for half-day sightseeing. Museum and church are must visit. The island is small, however, full with history and charm. Beautiful views. The restaurant offers very good fresh sea food! Was lucky to be there during herbs festival on Jun 24th, as there was small local business bazaar."
Marie Yanakieva
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach St. Anastasia Island is by ferry from Burgas Port. The boat trip takes approximately 30 minutes each way. It's advisable to check the ferry schedule in advance, as departures can vary, especially outside the main tourist season.
Ferry schedules can vary depending on the season and day of the week. It's best to check the official website or inquire at the Burgas Port for the most up-to-date information. Ferries typically run multiple times a day during peak season.
No, St. Anastasia Island is only accessible by boat. There is no car access to the island. You will need to take a ferry from the mainland.
The boat trip from Burgas to St. Anastasia Island is approximately 30 minutes. This allows for a relatively short and pleasant journey across the Black Sea.
While private boat tours might be available, the most common and reliable method is the official ferry service from Burgas Port. This ensures a safe and scheduled trip to the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost typically includes the ferry ticket and an entrance fee for the island. Prices can vary, so it's recommended to check current rates at the port or online. Some packages might include access to the museum.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during the peak tourist season, to secure your spot on the ferry. You can usually purchase tickets at the Burgas Port or sometimes online.
The island itself is generally accessible during daylight hours when ferries are operating. Specific attractions like the museum or church may have their own operating hours, which are best confirmed upon arrival or via official channels.
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee to access the island, which often covers the upkeep of the historical sites. This fee is usually combined with the ferry ticket price.
Yes, you can visit St. Anastasia Island independently. The ferry will take you there, and you'll have a set amount of time to explore the island at your own pace.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
On St. Anastasia Island, you can visit the historical monastery and museum, explore the 1914 lighthouse, enjoy the beautiful Black Sea views, and dine at the island's restaurant. It's a great spot for a relaxing half-day trip.
Most visitors find that two hours is sufficient to explore the island thoroughly. This allows time to visit the main attractions and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
Yes, St. Anastasia Island can be enjoyable for children. The 'pirate treasure' quest mentioned by visitors can add an element of fun. The island is small and safe for them to explore.
The island has a museum, a church, and a restaurant. There are also facilities for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Absolutely! St. Anastasia Island offers stunning photographic opportunities with its historical buildings, lighthouse, and panoramic sea views. The early morning or late afternoon light can be particularly beautiful.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on St. Anastasia Island that is highly recommended for its fresh seafood and pleasant dining atmosphere with sea views.
The restaurant primarily serves fresh seafood, capitalizing on its coastal location. Visitors have praised the quality and taste of the dishes.
Yes, lunch is a popular option on St. Anastasia Island, especially at the island's restaurant. It's a great way to extend your visit and enjoy the local cuisine.
Besides the main restaurant, you can likely find refreshing drinks, including cold tea, which has been specifically mentioned as a pleasant option.
While specific pricing isn't detailed, reviews suggest it's a good place for lunch and coffee, implying a range of options. It's generally considered a worthwhile experience for the food and ambiance.
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo spots include the lighthouse, the monastery and church, the rocky coastline, and any vantage points offering panoramic views of the Black Sea. The entire island provides a picturesque backdrop.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for sunset offer beautiful lighting conditions. The 'golden hour' can make the island's historical structures and sea views even more dramatic.
Drone photography is possible, as seen in some social media content, offering unique aerial perspectives of the island and its surroundings. Always check local regulations regarding drone usage.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens would be ideal for capturing both wide-angle sea views and details of the historical buildings. A wide-angle lens is great for the expansive scenery.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, always be respectful of any religious sites (like the church) and private areas. Commercial photography might require special permits.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit