Shabla has a rich history. The settlement's emergence dates back to Thracian times. Later on, the town became a Greek colony, followed by a Roman fortress, named Karia, with an adjacent harbour in the vicinity of the Shabla cape. The town's apogee was reached in early Byzantine times, when trade and crafts underwent brisk development. However, this prosperous period was followed by a downturn, during which Shabla decayed to a mere settlement of fishermen.
The archaeological excavations at Cape Shabla (about 5km east of the town) are the most interesting site for the visitors. Thraces of the antique town of Canon Limen can be seen there. These reveal the remains of an ancient Roman fortress, which has served as a commercial hub for a number of settlements along coast.
The fish-rich Lake of Shabla is situated 2 km away of the town, on the very seashore, and is a wonderful place for fishing and recreation. It is the nesting site for more than 100,000 wild geese.
The Dourankoulak Moor, situated to the north of Shabla, is yet another must-see location for naturelovers. It is famous for hosting a number of marsh birds, including such in the Red Book of Bulgarian fauna. It is not only nature that attracts visitors to this place - the remains of the largest Eneolithic settlement in Europe have been excavated on the big island in the Dourankoulak Moor.