St. Anastasia Island
Burgas
St. Anastasia Island is a unique Bulgarian island located in the Black Sea's Gulf of Burgas, approximately 1.5 km off the coast near Chernomorets. Covering about one hectare and rising 12 meters above sea level, the island is composed of volcanic rocks and is the only inhabited island off the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Historically, it hosted a medieval monastery dedicated to St. Anastasia, which was rebuilt during the 18th and 19th centuries. The island later served as a prison, notably the site of a 1925 political prisoner revolt led by Teohar Bakardzhiev, inspiring a Bulgarian film. Today, visitors can explore the monastery with its church dedicated to St. Clement of Ohrid, a historic lighthouse built in 1888, a museum, a restaurant, and guesthouses. The island also features striking natural rock formations shaped by the sea and climate, such as the Dragon and the Sun Gate. Its location offers opportunities for birdwatching during migration seasons, with species like storks and eagles passing overhead. Accessible by boat from Burgas in summer, St. Anastasia Island combines historical intrigue, natural beauty, and cultural heritage, making it a captivating destination.
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Tip: The best time to visit St. Anastasia Island is during the summer months when regular boat services operate from Burgas. It is advisable to book accommodations or guided tours in advance, especially during peak season. Visitors should explore the monastery and lighthouse, and bring binoculars for birdwatching during spring and autumn migrations. The island offers limited guesthouse rooms, so early reservation is recommended. No specific ticket prices are provided, but visitors should check for any available discounts or combined tickets for museum and lighthouse access.
Interesting facts
- •St. Anastasia Island is the only inhabited island off the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
- •The island was formerly known as Bolshevik Island between 1945 and 1991, named after a political prisoner revolt in 1925.
- •The lighthouse on the island, built in 1888, was the last of seven lighthouses established along Bulgaria's Black Sea coast.
- •Natural rock formations on the island have names inspired by their shapes, such as the Dragon and the Sun Gate.
- •The island lies on the Via Pontica bird migration route, making it a notable spot for observing migrating storks, eagles, and other birds.
History
The earliest human presence on St.
Anastasia Island dates back to the 4th–6th centuries, evidenced by archaeological finds including ancient ceramics and a Constantinople amphora.
The medieval monastery dedicated to St.
Anastasia was first documented in 1575, serving as a religious center despite repeated attacks and fires.
In the 17th century, the island was mapped by Dutch scholar Nicolaes Witsen.
The monastery came under the jurisdiction of the St.
John the Baptist Monastery on St.
Ivan Island until 1623.
The island served as a strategic Ottoman artillery base in the 18th century.
Following Bulgaria's liberation, the island hosted a small fishing fleet and shipyard owned by the monastery.
In 1888, the current lighthouse was constructed, marking the last of seven coastal lighthouses built along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
The island was renamed Bolshevik Island during the communist era after a 1925 political prisoner revolt, before reverting to its original name after 1991.
Place Guide
Monastery of St. AnastasiaMedieval period, restored 18th-19th centuries
The island's centerpiece is the medieval monastery dedicated to St. Anastasia the Healer, featuring the church of St. Clement of Ohrid. The monastery has undergone restorations and conservations preserving its historical and religious significance.
Lighthouse1888
Constructed in 1888, this lighthouse is the last of seven built along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It remains operational and is a key landmark on the island, offering panoramic views of the sea and Burgas.
Natural Rock Formations
The island features unique volcanic rock formations shaped by climatic and marine conditions, including formations named the Dragon, the Sun Gate, and the Petrified Ship, each resembling their namesakes.
Museum and Guesthouses
The island hosts a museum detailing its history and culture, alongside two guesthouses with limited accommodations and a restaurant serving visitors. These facilities support tourism and cultural events on the island.
