Saint Anastasia Island: Catamaran Cruise & History
The only inhabited volcanic rock island along Bulgaria's Black Sea coastline. A complete guide to catamaran departures from Magazia 1, museum tickets, and culinary highlights.
⚡ St. Anastasia Island Snapshot
- Location: Volcanic rock outcropping in the Gulf of Burgas, 6 km southeast of the port (42°28'05"N, 27°33'11"E).
- Ferry Terminal: Departs from Magazia 1 Terminal in the Public Access Zone of the Port of Burgas.
- Catamaran Schedule: 3 daily sailings during summer (May–October) at 10:00, 13:30, and 17:00 (subject to sea swell).
- Round-Trip Boat Tariff: €9.50 (~$10.30) standard adult; €8.00 students/seniors; €4.00 kids 3–7.
- Museum Admission: €3.00 (~$3.25) for the Assumption Monastery interactive historical exhibition.
- Culinary Tip: Sample the traditional Black Sea Ribena Chorba (fish soup made with five local species and island herbs) at the monastery tavern.
Centuries of History: Pirates, Monks & Prison Escapes
Spanning just 0.022 square kilometers, Saint Anastasia Island has played a dramatic role in regional maritime history since the 14th century:
- Medieval Monastery of the Assumption: Established during the Second Bulgarian Empire and surviving through the Ottoman period. According to coastal lore, pirate raiders frequently assaulted the sanctuary until Saint Anastasia sent a fierce sea tempest that broke the pirate vessel into the petrified rock formation still known today as "The Shipwreck".
- The Bulgarian Alcatraz (1923 & 1925): Following the June 1923 coup and the 1925 St. Nedelya Church assault, the royal government transformed the monastic cells into a high-security political prison. In July 1925, 43 communist and agrarian prisoners staged an audacious maritime escape, rowing across the stormy gulf to the Strandzha mainland and fleeing to the Soviet Union.
- Rehabilitation & Cultural Rebirth: In 2014, the Municipality of Burgas restored the island using European regional development funds, adding modern floating docks, an interactive multimedia museum, an herbal pharmacy, and the seaside restaurant "100 Years Ago".
Catamaran Timetable & Booking Protocol
Catamarans depart exclusively from the newly renovated public pier at Magazia 1 (located adjacent to the historic 1903 port gates and the Sea Garden).
Things to See & Do on the Island
- Interactive Museum Exhibition (€3.00): Five themed chambers featuring underwater archaeological artifacts found in the bay, pirate audio dramas, monastic manuscripts, and prison relics.
- Herbal Healing Pharmacy (Lekarna): Discover teas and tinctures prepared from wild mountain and island herbs (ironwort, thyme, sage, mint) gathered across Strandzha.
- The 1914 Lighthouse: Commissioned by French engineering firm Sautter-Harlé and automated in the late 20th century, casting light across 10 nautical miles.
- Seafood Lunch at the Monastery Tavern: Taste fresh mid-morning Black Sea catch: fried sprat (tsatsa) served with chilled Burgasko beer, seasonal turbot, and homemade fig jam.
Top 4 Burgas & Regional Tours Compared
Dual pricing in EUR and USD. All experiences include free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to departure and certified English-speaking local guides.
| Parameter |
🏆 #1 Maritime Bestseller
St. Anastasia Island Catamaran Cruise
€39.00 (~$42.10)
Round-trip cruise & museum pass
|
🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage
Nessebar Old Town & Black Sea Wine Tasting
€30.00 (~$32.40)
Transfer, guide & wine cellar
|
⛵ Premium Riviera Sailing
Sozopol Catamaran Cruise & Lunch
€96.00 (~$103.70)
All-inclusive lunch, swim & drinks
|
🌿 Natural Healing & Roman Spa
Lake Atanasovsko Lye & Aquae Calidae
€28.00 (~$30.50)
Full day salt pass & Roman hammam
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Hours | 5 Hours | 6 Hours | 4 Hours |
| Booking Partner | Viator (Tripadvisor) | Viator (Tripadvisor) | Viator (Tripadvisor) | GetYourGuide |
| Departure Hub | Magazia 1 Terminal (Port of Burgas) | South Bus Station / Hotel Pickup | Sozopol Marina / Central Shuttle | Solnitsite & Vetren Mineral Park |
| Key Inclusions | High-speed catamaran cruise, island museum entry ticket, audio guide access | Return AC transport, certified art guide, 4 vintage wine tastings, Old Town walk | Sailing on luxury catamaran, Mediterranean buffet, open bar, snorkel gear | Solnitsite mineral lye pools, black mud bath, Roman hammam 3D show |
| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours | Free cancellation up to 24 hours | Free cancellation up to 24 hours | Free cancellation up to 24 hours |
| Rating & Reviews | ⭐ 4.68 / 5.0 (25 reviews) | ⭐ 4.90 / 5.0 (42 reviews) | ⭐ 5.0 / 5.0 (9 reviews) | ⭐ 4.85 / 5.0 (18 reviews) |
| Best For | Families, island lovers, historic maritime scenery | Couples, wine enthusiasts, Byzantine architecture | Summer luxury, swimming in wild coves, scenic views | Health seekers, natural mineral therapy, Roman history |
Frequently Asked Questions
Authoritative answers based on municipal transit rules, official schedules, and local conditions.
Standard adult round-trip boat tickets cost €9.50. Students and seniors pay €8.00, and children aged 3 to 7 travel for €4.00. Museum admission on the island is €3.00.
All official municipal catamarans depart from the Magazia 1 passenger pier located in the Public Access Zone of Port Complex Burgas, right at the foot of the Sea Garden near the central railway station.
The modern catamaran crossing takes approximately 30 minutes each way across the Gulf of Burgas. Visitors receive 2 hours of free time on the island before the vessel returns.
Yes! The island offers a limited number of guest rooms situated inside the restored monastic quarters. Reservations must be booked several months in advance through the official GotoBurgas municipal portal.
Check vessel status before traveling down to the port. You can contact the Magazia 1 ticket dispatch desk directly by calling +359 882 004 124. If a sailing is canceled due to high waves, ticket holders can rebook or receive a full refund.
