Obzor is a small Black Sea resort famous with calm and safe sea, clear and not too salty water, healthy air and golden sand. Being located at almost equal distances from Varna and Burgas, the town of Obzor is a favorite holiday destination, both for Bulgarian and foreign tourists. It has a population of over 2000 inhabitants and is situated 65 km south of Varna , 73 km north of Bourgas and 530 km east of Sofia.

     Obzor lies in the skirts of the eastern part of the Stara Planina Mountain with the mountain ridge raising to the west of the city and the Dvoynitsa river bounding it to the north. The long beach by the town extends from the St. Atanas cape to the north to the southern Mona Petra cape to the south. The town's beach is followed by a small nestling cove and a beach named Irakli after an ancient village of the same name. The St. Nikola cape is several kilometres further to the south where the Balkan Mountains slope into the Black Sea. Temperatures in the region vary from a very warm 31C in the summer right down to 5C in the winter and sea temperatures remain between 20C and 25C for 7 months of the year.

     History

     Obzor is one of the oldest Black Sea settlements. In Hellenic times, the name of the town was Navlohos. Later, it became known as Heliopolis (Town of the Sun) and in Roman times it was given the name of Tempium Jovis (Jupiter's Temple). During the Middle Ages the place was dominated by a fortress named Kozyak, though this was later destroyed completely by the Ottoman troops. Its present name Obzor was given in 1935. The near-by beach of Irakli and the surrounding area were once inhabited by Greek settlers who later left it and settled to live with the Bulgarians in Obzor.

     Landmarks

     The origins of the town can be seen in the small park, which is lined with columns and statuary fragments from a Roman temple to Jupiter. On the west of the town are the remains of the medieval Bulgarian fortress Kozyak. During the peak season there is a few-day rocker fair in Obzor gathering hundreds of motorcyclists from all over the country.

     Accommodation

     Hotels of medium and low category and plenty of private lodgings at moderate prices during the holiday season are located in the town. There are also three camping sites with bungalows between the town of Obzor and the village of Byala - "Luna," "Prostor" and "Slantse", as well as the camping site "Bachvata".

     Catering

     Besides the Ticha Hotel's restaurant, the Starata Kushta Restaurant (The Old House Restaurant) is another popular place among holidaymakers. There are small restaurants and refreshment stalls along the coast, as well as groceries. Local producers also offer fresh fruits and vegetables.

     Transport

     There is regular bus transport from Varna and Bourgas. This is complemented by private taxis and minibuses during the holiday season.

     Surrounding areas

     The village of Byala is situated 6 km north of Obzor. Once there was an ancient Greek fortress named Aspro. 14 km. south of Obzor is Cape of Emine, which overlooks the Bay of Nessebar. Bulgaria's stormiest cape has a lighthouse and the ruins of a medieval fortress, called Emona and a monastery. The village Emona near Cape Emine is famous for being the birthplace of the Thracian king Rez. He participated in the Thracian War and was killed by Odysseus and Diomedus according to Homer's Iliad.