Unique natural phenomenon
The beach of St Vlas stretches from cape Emine westward to the sand dunes among which is located the popular Black Sea resort “Sunny Beach”. Its unique location between the Emon Mountain and the Black Sea determines the specific climate of the region.
The beach, which is away from the noise and the every-day life of the big city and borders the sea and the mountain at the same time, is a wonderful place for holiday during all seasons. The presence of air currents between the sea and the nearby mountain defile creates a unique natural phenomenon that clears the air from mechanic and other pollution. The natural aerosols of the sea, together with the crystal clear air cause a strong healing effect on the climate for bronchial asthma and other lung diseases. The constant bioclimatic environment provides the possibility for the all-year-round use of the natural conditions for sea-treatment and prevention. That’s why the only sea sanatorium in Bulgaria is located just next to VISTA DEL MAR – a center with traditions in the treatment of respiratory organs, heart diseases as well as for the rehabilitation of patients with traumatic, orthopedic and rheumatologic problems.
The combination of sea and mountain and the prevalent Mediterranean climate determine the region of Sunny Beach and St. Vlas as a preferred destination for recreational and SPA tourism.
Climate
The Black Sea coast is a separate sub-region of the Mediterranean climatic region. Having similar favorable climatic conditions, it is considered of the same rank as the most prestigious resorts in Europe, Africa and North America. The sunny and hot weather with refreshing wind during the day, the breeze circulation from the sea and the high sun radiation by noon time are typical for the summer and autumn period throughout the Black Seaside.
The beach of Sunny Beach and St. Vlas is entirely turned to the south toward Nessebar and the Bourgas bay and the mountain protects it from the northern winds. In this particular place the number of the sunny days is the highest – from 240 to 260 yearly with relatively mild winter. The foggy and cloudy days are rare for this region and the sunny days are from one to two times more than the sunny days at the Northern Black Seaside. The cold days are normal for December, January and February and are averagely 23 for the whole year. Thanks to this bioclimatic feature, it is possible to use all year round the natural riches of the region for holiday, sea treatment and prevention.
History
St. Vlas was founded in 2nd century as a Thracian settlement with the name “Larissa”. During 14th century it adopts the name of St. Vlasiy, who was the patron of tradesmen, a cattle-breeder and a healer. St. Vasiliy was a respected saint either by the Catholic church and the eastern Orthodox church. The legend for the Saint reveals his deep faith in Christian values and the multiple persecutions and tortures he had to suffer because of his refusal to accept idolatry. The monastery bearing his name was burnt down by the numerous attacks of pirates during 14-18 c. In the suburbs of the village were located four other monasteries.
The coast of St. Vlas witnessed historical events that are significant for the Hellenist and Roman worlds, many sea and land battles which conclusion was fateful for the Bulgarian Kingdom as well as for the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. The ancient Thracians left from these shores to establish the first settlement on the neck of Nessebar called Menambria according to the Greek geographer Strabon.
St.Vlas is one of the oldest villages in Nessebar district. During the years of the Ottoman Rule the village had several names – all connected with the monasteries. The Turkish called it “Kyuchuk Manastir” and it was also registered in the archives as the village of “Manastir”. The official name “St.Vlas” was first mentioned in the state archives after 1886.
|
