Bulgaria's St Anastasia Island Attracted 15 000 in 3 Months

The Black Sea island of Saint Anastasia has been visited by nearly 15 000 tourists since it was first open to visitors on May 15, officials say.

Trips to the venue have been booked for weeks ahead, Focus News Agency quoted Kristina Valcheva, in charge of tourism at the nearby city of Burgas, as saying.

Interest in visiting the place is still on the rise and is likely to be maintained in August despite the recent bad water, which has forced authorities to put off boat trips a few times over the past weeks, Valcheva believes.

St Anastasia is the first Bulgarian island turned into a tourist destination.

Apart from its natural beauty, it also offers archeological and historical sites.

Its guest house has only nine beds, but monastic cells could also be used to spend the night there.

Herbs and fig jams made of products that have grown on the island are also enjoying popularity.

A boat reaching the island is available three times a day and leaves from the pier in the Burgas Sea Garden.

On August 15, St Anastasia will celebrate its festive day as the Church of the Assumption of Mary will mark the Orthodox event with the same name.

The Burgas Municipality has promised that a special program to celebrate the day on St Anastasia is in preparation.