From here some of the best attractions of the region are within a 35 - 50 km radius, making it a great base from which to explore.
Check out Bulgaria's largest and liveliest seaside resort Sunny Beach, discover the ancient towns of Nessebar and Sozopol or relax in the spa town of Pomorie.
Every summer a variety of cultural events such as the Sand Sculpture Festival add to the city's attraction and the gorgeous Sea Gardens and Central Beach offer leisure opportunities for all. Anyone who enjoys a city destination which enhances a great holiday feeling, should not miss the opportunity to spend time in Burgas.
The Sea Gardens
This amazing stretch of parkland (72,000 square metres) along the entire seafront of Burgas has got to be the city's biggest asset and attraction. There is so much to see and do within the park area that one could spend all one's leisure time in the Sea Gardens. Here you will find not only the usual type of eateries, ice cream stalls and playgrounds but also a summer open air theatre, а former casino turned cultural centre, an alley of sculptures, swimming pool, tennis courts, mini train and much more.Many of the cities cultural events and festivals take place within these magnificent settings. It is well over 120 years since the first of the huge shade-giving trees were planted and 100 years since the gardens were designed and laid out by the architect Georgi Dutev (whose small house is on the grounds) using a large collection of plants from around the world. To this day the gardens are meticulously maintained and cared for, a joy for all to behold.
St.Anastasia Island
The lighthouse (built late 19th century) on St.Anastasia is visible from far at night.This small island (albeit the largest on Bulgarian territory) made from volcanic rock, 6.5km off the coast between Burgas and Chernomorets, is the latest tourist attraction Burgas has to offer. Where over the centuries there once was a monastery, then a prison and tales of pirates abound - visitors can spend a couple of hours exploring the island and its attractions, which include a museum and church.The monastery has 5 basic but attractive a rooms to offer for those that would like to spend a little longer on the island(reservations@gotoburgas.com) There are regular boat trips, starting at 10:00 (4 times a day) from the Burgas pier to the island and back, each journey taking between 30 - 40 minutes. Don't miss the opportunity to check out the monastery kitchen restaurant serving 'black mussels' or the herbal remedy store with its herbal teas and fresh juices.
Salt Pans
On the site of the state-owned salt company, where each year in the region of 40,000 tons of salt are won from the sea, you will find locals, throughout the summer months, soaking in the lye pools and then covering themselves in the therapeutic mud before rinsing it off in the sea. A wonderful spa treatment all for next to nothing! (There is a small admission charge nowadays and in return some improvements like clothes stands for your belongings and larger boardwalks have been introduced) Why not go along and join in? The salt pans (which gradually get redder and redder as the process of crystallisation takes place) are located on the southern side of Lake Atanassov.You can get there by car by following the signs to 'solnitsi' before reaching Sarafovo from Burgas or by taking a cycle ride along the beach from Burgas.
Poda Nature Reserve
Sitting on the verge of the (fresh water) Burgas lake and the (salt water) Black Sea, the reserve (declared in 1989) is the first territory managed by the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds with as many as 265 different species of birds having been registered here. The area not only provides safe nesting sites for many species but is also part of the migratory 'Via Pontica' - the second largest migratory route in Europe. August is therefore the perfect time to visit the centre although there is plenty to see all year round. There are several terraces and decks from where to view the birds as well as a foot trail to follow with informative boards along the way.Historic Sites of Interest
The surrounding area boasts some fascinating archaeological finds, made in recent years, that give visitors an insight into the civilisations that have dwelled on these lands over the millennia. Be sure to check out Aquae Calidae, Deultum both on the outskirts of the city.
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