From ancient ruins to buzzing bars — there is plenty to do in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

IT’S tempting to never leave the Nessebar Palace Resort, such is the draw of the pools, the views and the delicious food and drink.

But stroll out from the resort and the simple act of turning left or right reveals two very different sides to this Bulgarian coastal gem.

Just a few minutes to the left takes you to the vast sandy sweep of Sunny Beach, backed by its buzzing bars, clubs and restaurants.

There’s fun in the sun by day and parties non-stop by night.

Turn right and a very different side to this beautiful Black Sea resort is revealed.

The ancient city of Nessebar is just a mile from the resort but a world away from the bright lights and neon.

Jutting out in to the sparkling sea on a rocky peninsula, it is joined to the mainland by a narrow causeway.

Once a great trading city of ancient Greece, it remained a pivotal city for centuries — and is thought to have been one of the first places in the world to start making coins, in the 5th century BC.

Today the remains of buildings from the Byzantine Empire and Middle Ages can be admired with tightly-packed houses complete with terracotta-tiled roofs closely packed in cobblestoned streets and alleyways.

The city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and there is plenty to explore — including the traditional wood and stone houses, ancient churches and fort.

And among all that history is a host of authentic tiny restaurants and bars — perfect to explore as the heat of the day subsides and the sun sets into the sea.

SEA VIEW

Our favourite restaurant — Stariat Kavak — was so good we returned time and again.

It is in a perfect spot in the old town and genuinely the best value for money and friendliest restaurant I have ever been to.

The food was a symphony of the sea — shrimps sautéed in butter, white wine, garlic and dill for just £3.80; seafood pasta for £6.35 and a paella for two at just £12.75.

The quality was fabulous and owner Emil could not do enough for you.

Afterwards there are loads of bars, where a pint of the local beer will set you back just a quid.

For a great atmosphere in a truly bonkers setting, check out the Eco-Bar, hidden down a side street and set inside a cave complete with stalactites and stalagmites.

There’s cosy seating with soft lighting inside and outside, a shady cove with a waterfall and pools complete with a resident tortoise.

All this was just a mile from our base for the week — one that again exceeded all my expectations. Arriving late at night at the Nessebar Palace Hotel we couldn’t quite take it in.

But opening the curtains of our large room and stepping on to the balcony the next morning revealed an incredible view of the Black Sea.

The hotel itself is nicely designed, spacious and clean with welcoming, efficient staff.

The pool complex is large, the grounds perfectly kept.

All the usual clubs, entertainment and trips you would expect are on offer here too plus a great waterpark with six slides.

It’s all-inclusive but the food was top notch with decent quality and plenty of choice.

There’s also free local beer, wine, soft drinks and cocktails available, as well as snacks at the pool bar.

My favourite place was a small shack overlooking the beach which served paella throughout the daytime, and I mean proper paella.

There are two wings to the main hotel which also offer a further range of foods from sushi and tapas to pizza.

You genuinely don’t need to leave the complex to have a great day and evening, with entertainment on after dark.

And with so much to do whether you turn left or right, all roads lead to bliss in this Bulgarian beauty.

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