Summary
Burgas is a coastal city in southeast Bulgaria, consistently appearing at the forefront of rankings for the country’s most livable locations.
This relatively new settlement emerged in the 19th century; however, the nearby lakesides have been trading hubs for millennia, witnessing the rise of one of Europe’s earliest civilizations.
Visiting Burgas offers opportunities for beach relaxation, family excursions to the expansive Sea Garden, cultural visits to museums and archaeological sites, as well as day trips to various captivating destinations along the Black Sea coast.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Burgas:
1. Sea Garden
Among the many attractive features of Bulgarian coastal cities are their expansive seaside parks that combine recreational activities, sports facilities, gardens, and cultural venues into a single destination.
During your visit, you will likely return to the Sea Garden repeatedly, as numerous attractions are located within its grounds.
Encompassing 72,000 square meters, the area includes wooded parklands, elegant promenades adorned with fountains, playgrounds, cafes, ice cream kiosks, an open-air theater, and tennis courts. The selection of activities is extensive, and during the summer evenings, classical concerts may be attended here.
2. Poda Protected Area
Poda stands as a more untamed waterfront park, functioning as a wetland reserve located just south of the city.
The low-lying landscape surrounding Burgas fosters substantial saline and freshwater lakes, in addition to extensive marshlands like Poda, situated between the sea and Lake Mandrensko.
Visitors come to witness the diverse birdlife supported by these wetlands.
Despite its comparatively modest size, approximately 265 bird species have been recorded at Poda, 46 of which nest here.
Significant populations of various herons, egrets, spoonbills, and gloss ibises can be observed in this area.
3. Holy Cross Armenian Church
This Armenian Orthodox church, constructed in the mid-19th century and recognized as a Bulgarian cultural heritage monument, serves as a further testament to Bulgaria’s cultural interconnections.
Armenians constitute the fifth-largest minority in the nation, though their current population is under 7,000.
Inside, one may observe a significant memorial dedicated to the 1915 genocide, while the church’s prominent dome and minimalist architecture reflect typical Armenian design.
Adjacent to the church, a traditional Armenian café offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy a rich, syrupy coffee.
4. Ethnographic Museum
If you come from Western or Northern Europe, Bulgarian cultural customs may be somewhat unfamiliar, making this museum a valuable resource for understanding local traditions.
The museum occupies a distinguished residence built for the local notable Dimitar Todorov Brakalov in the 19th century.
The original first-floor ambiance has been preserved, allowing visitors to appreciate local design and elegant women’s fashion showcased in a textiles exhibit.
On the upper level, extensive displays of traditional costumes from various ethnographic groups that have inhabited the Burgas region are presented, featuring daily attire in addition to garments used for rituals and religious occasions.
5. Archaeology Museum
The Ancient Thracians notably influenced this region and bequeathed numerous artefacts that can be explored in this elegant 19th-century former schoolhouse.
One of the museum’s most notable exhibitions showcases treasures unearthed from the tomb of a Thracian princess.
A Bronze Age settlement was also discovered underwater near Burgas, with maritime tools retrieved from this site displayed here.
Additionally, Minoan bronze ingots are exhibited, signifying trade connections between this area and the Minoans, who were prominent in eastern Greece and along Turkey’s Aegean coastline.
6. Deultum
Located on the western bank of Lake Mandrensko is the village of Deultum, which has Thracian roots but flourished during the Roman era.
For those with an interest in history, the Deultum excavation site stands out prominently. Deultum was established as a free Roman colony in the 1st century by retired legionaries and evolved into one of the wealthiest towns in the Balkan Peninsula, particularly following the capital’s transition from Rome to Constantinople.
The most striking remnants include the vestiges of the bathing complex, where a substantial portion of the intricate hypocaust heating system is visible.
7. Mosta
Burgas’ pier exhibits a striking beauty, extending nearly 300 meters from the tree-lined edge of the Sea Gardens into the Black Sea.
This might be the most recognizable landmark in Burgas, primarily due to its distinctive T-shaped design.
Locals and visitors of all ages frequent this area for romantic strolls, enjoying picturesque views of the coastline from the elevated observation platform at one end.
During summer, anglers often cast their lines over the railings, while adventurous youths frequently leap from its edge into the waters below.
8. St. Anastasia Island
From July to August, visitors can catch a boat from Mosta to this island located a few kilometers southeast of the city.
This represents Bulgaria’s largest inhabited island, which remains quite small; only a few buildings, including a restaurant, museum, guesthouses, and a lighthouse, inhabit its land.
For much of the 20th century, St. Anastasia functioned as an offshore prison, although it has housed a convent since medieval times.
This location offers a refreshing escape and a touch of seclusion, with overnight accommodation options available at one of the guesthouses.
9. Sozopol
Located 35 kilometers south of Burgas, Sozopol is a Black Sea resort with a history that stretches back to the Thracians and stands as one of the oldest towns in the region.
Founded as Apollonia in the 7th century BC, this town was named for its temple dedicated to Apollo, which housed a massive statue later transferred to Rome for display in the Capitol.
Be sure to admire the traditional wooden architecture in Sozopol’s Old Town and explore the fascinating remnants of its ancient history.
A brief tour of the town’s restored medieval fortifications can add to your experience, and for relaxation, nearby rocky coves or the golden sands of Piasachni diuni located around Stolets Peninsula provide refreshing options.
10. North Beach
Surrounded by Seaside Park, North Beach serves as a prime location where residents and visitors in Burgas gather for sunbathing, swimming, and engaging in an array of activities both on land and at sea.
The beach stretches for 1,700 meters and boasts a wide sandy expanse that is diligently maintained and complemented by numerous bars and restaurants, along with the attractions of Burgas’ Seaside Park.
Available facilities include beach soccer areas, volleyball courts, as well as changing rooms and showers for the convenience of swimmers.
Essentially, everything needed for a pleasant day at the beach is conveniently within reach, making it an ideal retreat for families and couples alike.
11. Traditional Mehana
Even in a contemporary destination such as Burgas, it remains essential to experience authentic Bulgarian cuisine in the traditional setting of a mehana, or tavern.
These establishments serve an array of Bulgarian classics, including kebabs, various grilled meats, stuffed peppers, and the renowned shopska salad.
Complement your meal with rakia or Bulgarian red wine while enjoying performances by traditional Bulgarian musicians and dancers in folk attire.
To conclude your meal, indulge in baklava or sweetened yogurt to savor a genuine taste of Bulgaria.
12. St. Ivan Island
Situated in the bay near Sozopol, this island is named after John the Baptist (Ivan in Slavic languages).
Notably, in 2010, a sarcophagus containing relics was uncovered on this uninhabited island, dated to the 1st century AD and believed to have belonged to an individual from the Middle East.
Apart from its historical significance, St. Ivan Island is a serene nature reserve serving as a nesting ground for over 70 bird species and a rare habitat for the critically endangered Mediterranean monk seals.
Visiting during the summer allows for boat access from Sozopol.
13. Burgas Galleria
During the warmer months, one might seek refuge in the air-conditioned environment of this newly constructed three-story shopping center.
Situated on the western fringe of the city, it is well-connected to the center with convenient bus transfers operating throughout the day.
Inside, visitors can explore various international high-street brands such as H&M, Zara, and Benetton.
Shopping may stimulate appetite, and the food court on the second floor features options likely to satisfy children and adults alike, including popular fast-food outlets.
14. Strandzha
The southeastern corner of Bulgaria, bordering Turkey, is characterized by a vast natural park.
This landscape features low-lying forested mountains and idyllic hillside farms extending to the horizon.
Scattered throughout this expanse are villages where visitors can explore traditional Bulgarian stone and wooden houses, experiencing ways of life that have remained relatively unchanged for centuries.
This region’s climate is unexpectedly humid, with rainfall nourishing deciduous forests and creating lush pastures for livestock.
15. Nessebar
Located just 35 kilometers to the north along the coast, Nessebar is a UNESCO-listed town that combines seaside enjoyment with immense historical significance.
Wandering the cobblestone streets of old Nessebar, visitors may encounter a beautiful historic church on nearly every corner.
The most significant of these structures date back to the 500s: St. Sofia has remained in ruin since the 1700s, yet its nave and the majority of the Byzantine arches are strikingly preserved.
For those inclined to explore further, no fewer than ten other ancient and medieval churches await discovery, alongside the city’s fortifications and the iconic windmill that marks the entrance to Nessebar.
