St. Anastasia Island

St. Anastasia Island is located in the Burgas Bay in the Black Sea. It is a volcanic rock island, 12 meters high, at some places up to 17 meters high, and its area is almost 9 decres. Between 1959 and 1990 it was known as Bolshevik Island. It is surrounded by mystery and there are hundreds of legends and stories about it.

One of the most famous legends is about the pirates who attacked the island at the time when it was housing a monastery. The monks hid in the church and prayed to Saint Anastasia to help them and save them from the raid. She heard their prayers and sent a fearsome storm which broke the pirate ship in two. Even until today, the remains of the ship are fossilised in a rock, which every island visitor can see. It is believed that the reason for the pirate raids was a golden treasure, buried on the island and protected by the ghost of a dead pirate.

According to another story, Vikings used to reach the Island. There are no documents, proving this; however, there are traces of two big fires.

There are three rock phenomena on St. Anastasia Island, known as The Mushrooms, The Dragon and The Fossilised Pirate Ship. Some believe that there are two underground caves on the Island, whose entrance is very well hidden and no one can unveil their secrets. However, these have not been discovered until now.

 

Availability for visits: Yes, Paid, all year round, available guide, with access for people with disabilities

Transport accessibility: by sea

Tourist infrastructure: 5 rooms for accommodation, restaurants, shops, Tourist Information Centre, the former monastery building has been turned into an Interactive Museum