Nessebar ranks 11th in a European list of places whose living conditions are linked to a long life, the municipality said. The list comes from travel agency CV Villas and covers 20 European destinations.

The agency compared the places on how easy it is to walk around, the pace of life, what people eat and the social setting. Nessebar is the only Bulgarian town in the study.

The town makes the top 20 thanks to qualities that are not part of its usual image as a tourist and historic centre: a mild sea climate, rich cultural heritage and places where people can meet. The ranking says these make it attractive and allow a varied way of life. It singled out places that combine an active life, calm and full contact with other people.

Mayor Nikolay Dimitrov said Nessebar brings sea, history and nature together in one place. He said the municipality is improving the town's surroundings, protecting its cultural and natural heritage and widening the options for an active life at any age.

"The administration is steadily working to develop the town as a place where people choose not only to take a holiday, but also to live all year round," Dimitrov said.

The municipality says a pleasant environment is part of its effort to give residents a better life. It says international rankings draw attention to what makes a town a favourite both for visits and for people of different ages to live in permanently.