St. Anastasia Island
Hello, guys!
I'm back to writing after a short break as I was busy here at home with some other tasks. I remember I made a trip in the summer to a small island in the Black Sea and thought I want to share my experience about it. I don't think I actually have an entire blog devoted to an island, so I hope it will be interesting.
The place I'm referring to is called St. Anastasia Island, and it is accessible from Burgas city, Bulgaria. This island was known by the locals and tourists, visiting Burgas for a long time, but by a different name - Bolshevik Island. It was also accessible in the past by ships, but now, after renovating the entire complex of buildings and transportation to it, the interest of visiting the place is increasing each year.
The coastal rocks of the island
The Ships
video source: www.youtube.com
Indeed, St. Anastasia is convenient to go to, for many different reasons. Since you can't go on your own unless you have a boat, there is a schedule for several ships rotating to take the tourists from the main bridge in Burgas. The trip itself is not more than 40 minutes, and visitors can enjoy the view of the port, and the city. The closest resorts at the Black Sea are also visible on the horizon. When I visited, the ship that took us was named Captain Hook, which is an attractive red "pirate" ship. It is also used for making different kinds of entertainment programs and parties. When I was there I saw many fun photos of their events, with people dressed like pirates, playing games, etc. I don't usually have any problems with traveling on short distances, with any of the transportations, so it was not a big problem for me, that the ship was swinging from side to side. Once on the island, you have exactly two hours to visit wherever you like, and then the ship takes you back to the city.
View to the island from Captain Hook Ship
Actually, my first visit to St. Anastasia Island was a long time ago when I was a child. Unfortunately, I don't remember much of it, but for sure the ship was different by that time. After the renovation, I visited only once, so I can't tell much about the other ships. The one I was traveling with was just fine.
About the Island
St. Anastasia Island is the only inhabited island off the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast.
The Dragon
I also want to give briefly some facts and information about the place. St. Anastasia Island is situated at 6.5 km inside the Burgas Bay, and has an area of 0.01 km². Despite its insignificant size, the location has a rich history, multiple legends are associated with the island and many historical theories are floating around. The island came into existence due to volcanic activity and it is now around 12 m above the water. Through the years the coastal cliffs were shaped into different structures, which were named later, e.g. The Fossilized Pirate Ship, The Mushroom, The Dragon, etc. Well, with a little imagination those rocks closely resemble the objects of their names.
The Mushroom formation
The first signs that the island was ever inhabited date back to the IV century. Part of it was used as a monastery. Then in the beginning of the XX century, it was turned into a prison. As of today most parts of the island are accessible, except the lighthouse, situated on one of its sides and the area around it. It is claimed that there are secret tunnels under the ground below the buildings, however, those were never found and even their existence can't be proven.
View of the Lighthouse of St. Anastasia Island
The entire location is full of mystery and old stories about events and legends from the past. One of them is regarding pirates. As the story goes, pirates tried to attack St. Anastasia, but the monks hid inside their monastery. Suddenly, a storm came and sank the pirate ship. It is believed that the remains of this particular ship are still there by the seashore, resembled by the coastal rocks (or The Fossilized Pirate Ship). Of course, this is an interesting legend, but like most legends is maybe only partially representing the truth.
The Fossilized Pirate Ship
Besides all these rocky views, there are also buildings for different purposes. The most notable ones are the museum (I will talk about it later.), a guest house, a lighthouse and some restaurants. I also noticed there is a well right in the middle of the island. I don't know if still functions or is only a decoration now, but it stands there. Of course, benches are everywhere around the place, just in case one gets tired of walking for too long around the 0.01 km². In case tourists decide that they want to spend more time on this magnificent island, they have the option to book a night or more in the guest house. It is also possible to organize events, such as weddings, parties and birthdays and use the facilities on the island and the atmosphere as a unique stage.
Some of the buildings on St. Anastasia Island
The Museum
video source: www.youtube.com
One of the places to visit during the two-hour stay is, of course, the museum. It was renovated recently and now has a modern look and feel. At the end, they issue a certificate for visiting the St. Anastasia Island and it looks kind of official. I keep mine somewhere in my documentation. The museum is located in one of the buildings and is spread through several rooms. The hallways display artifacts, pottery and some historical details regarding the place. Every room gives a story and facts about the past or is made as an attraction for the tourists.
I'll mention some of the most impressive rooms in the museum. The entire exposition consists of six premises. The first one is called the Treasury and is full of coins from different periods and nations. Of course, I don't think it's necessary to be mentioned, but... there are some skulls and bones scattered across the treasure. Just like in pirate movies. Another interesting room is called "Ekamos". It represents the bioluminescence features of plankton. The lighting is very poor so that the effect of the moving "creatures" on the floor can be fully perceived. It is fun because walking on the floor "attracts" the plankton and they start gathering around the feet of the people.
The other parts of the museum were not so interesting for me, as they were displaying mainly historical facts about the life of the people on the island. But, I still want to mention them. One room is giving details about the monastery and the monks, another one, about the prisoners, living on the island. And the last ones are about St. Anastasia herself and the modern times of the place. I'm glad I managed to visit the museum because otherwise, two hours would be too long to spend in such a small area.
The port at St. Anastasia Island
Other than that, it is indeed a quite place, unless of course, there is an event going on. If I have the chance I will definitely try to stay for longer, just to feel the atmosphere on the island. I'm sure it's different to see the location in all parts of the day.
St. Anastasia Island is a superb location providing a unique experience, combined with a short trip by ship. I really liked it myself, and as I can see, tourists and visitors of Burgas enjoy it also. In fact, since its opening after the renovation, the number of people traveling to the island has increased notably.
View of the island from the sea
That's all for now. Thanks for reading!
- NinaB
