Reviewing Nessebar.

Nessebar might be the perfect place for you if you ever feel like wandering across centuries of history while also attempting not to trip over someone's selfie stick. Nestled down Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, this old, tiny village has mastered the ability of appearing charming and somewhat overburdened at once. And really, I identify.

Nessebar is perched on a tiny peninsula so beautiful it seems made just for postcards. A narrow causeway hints at the drama to follow. On one side, the glistening new section of town has vibrant pubs and beach resorts. Old Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site on the other side, has cobblestone streets, old churches, and a lot of cats that think they own the place.

Walking the historic streets is half obstacle course, half treasure hunting. Every turn exposes something old. You might instantly feel morally obligated to purchase a fourth-century church, a piece of ancient fortification, or a small store offering handmade lace. The paradox is that you go there hoping to walk around history gently and reflectively. Instead, you're dodging souvenir magnets and attempting not to run into the couple snapping twenty-seven shots for the ideal angle. Still, somehow it's pretty lovely.

The churches are the real showstoppers. Nessebar has so many that you start to wonder if the whole population formerly lived on nothing but prayer. The Church of Christ Pantocrator is usually noted for its elaborate brickwork and wonderfully mismatched details. One of those structures that seems to have been put up by someone with a lot of enthusiasm and only some instructions. In a positive manner.

Indeed, no trip to Nessebar would be complete without the ocean. Usually calm, the Black Sea welcomes you to ignore anything your phone has been buzzing about and forget about anything else. People who love the beach can lay a towel anywhere they find room or grab a sunbed. If you are like me, you will tell yourself you will read a book while unwinding by the lake. You will then spend the next hour watching seagulls fight over a stray French fry instead. Regrets? None.

Food-wise, hope for seafood. There is a lot of it. Fish grilled to taste like it swam up to the restaurant that very morning, mussels served in flavorful broths, and plenty of salads to help you convince yourself you are eating well. Combine it with a cold Bulgarian white wine, and then everything seems to make sense.

Nessebar finds an unusual equilibrium between contemporary vacation mood and old-world grandeur. You may purchase a fridge magnet in the shape of a medieval basilica, then enjoy ice cream as the sunset illuminates the antique windmill and admire the basilica itself. If that isn't peak Mediterranean dream with a sprinkle of lovable Bulgarian anarchy, then I'm at a loss.

To sum up, go. Welcome the cats, the waves, the crowds, and the past. Nessebar will provide memories that are both timeless and somewhat sunburnt.