Burgas (sometimes written as Bourgas) is a lively port city on the sunny coast of the Black Sea and a perfect base for exploring the many wonders southeastern Bulgaria has to offer. It is tucked between the sea and three lakes, meaning it is rich in wildlife and opportunities for walks, baths and birdwatching. The city and the historic towns along the coast boast sandy beaches, succulent seafood, Roman ruins, stone-and-wood villages and excursions to quiet islands for contemplation.
A sea- and lakeside holiday
Burgas is almost an island, surrounded by the Black Sea and the Burgas Lakes. This waterfront gem has been settled by the Thracians, Romans and on through history as residents and visitors came here to enjoy the salt and mud, sand and sea. This is a holiday spot full of history and nature, perfect for strolling through towns Roman and medieval, watching birds migrate, or soaking up the sun on a Black Sea beach.
Sea gardens and salt lakes
At the heart of Burgas, at the Black Sea shore, is Sea Garden, 72,000 square metres of promenades, fountains, woods, playgrounds, cafés, outdoor concert spaces, tennis courts and more. There are also steps down to the sandy beaches where Burgas comes to sunbathe and swim. Here you’ll also find the city’s iconic pier, the Mosta, perfect for a stroll out into the Black Sea for the view. Back in town, check out the Ethnographic Museum, with costumes from Bulgaria’s ethnic groups, or the Archaeological Museum, showcasing relics from a Bronze Age settlement discovered underwater near Burgas. The Armenian or Orthodox churches are also worth a peek inside. A visit to Lake Atanasovsko is just a matter of continuing your amble through the Sea Garden – eventually you will walk through the salt pans and find yourself on the shore of this supersaline lake, just 30 centimetres deep. Home to some 300 bird species, it’s an amazing place to be, especially during autumn migration. Dip into the pools in the southern section and cover yourself in black medicinal mud for a healing spa experience, for free!
Grilled meats and seafood delights
Bulgarian food, best experienced in a mehana, or tavern, includes lamb kebabs and other grilled meats, stuffed peppers and tangy, cheesy shopska salad. Have rakia, the local fruit brandy, or red wine with your meal, and leave some room for Bulgarian baklava as dessert. Where to try these? Choose Rosé in the city centre, Teniova Kashta in a city park, or Dalyana, overlooking the beach, where you can sample fresh grilled fish as well. Ethno, in the centre, specialises in seafood such as scrumptious Black Sea mussels.
Wine shops and drinks by the sea
Burgas’s pedestrianised city centre has streets lined with shops and cafés – be sure to pop into Bezisten, a centuries-old villa converted into a collection of small shops linked by covered passages. Mall Galleria Burgas and Burgas Plaza Mall have every shop you’ll ever need, except perhaps local wines, which you can find at Enoteca Wine & Friends and Wine Merchant. As night falls, Bar Neptun on the southern end of Sea Garden is the place to be, offering varied music and sea views. Mezetto is a lovely wine and beer bar, which also has a good selection of bar food and snacks if you’re feeling peckish.
Birds, lakes and islands
Once you’ve soaked in the mud of Lake Atanasovsko, see how the Romans bathed at Aquae Calidae, the city’s restored Roman baths from the 1st century. Turkish sultan Suleiman the Magnificent also frequented this ancient site – don’t miss his bathhouse! Or make your way south to Lake Mandrensko, which may no longer be a salt lake but is now home to wetland reserve Poda, where 265 bird species have been sighted. On the western shore of the lake is the village of Deabelt, which has Thracian origins but flourished in the 1st century under the Romans. Done with lakes and birds? Head out into the Black Sea by boat to see serene Saint Anastasia Island, with just a few guesthouses and a lighthouse. Just 35 kilometres north along the coast is the UNESCO-listed town of Nessebar, with cobblestone streets and 10 or more beautiful old churches, including Saint Sofia, in ruins but dating from the 1st century. Be sure to see the windmill that marks the entrance to the city. Or head south to Sozopol, one of the oldest towns on the Black Sea and a popular resort for centuries. Founded as Apollonia in the 7th century BC, the old town is dotted with carved wooden buildings and medieval fortifications. Time for the beach? Choose rocky coves or the golden sands of Piasachni diuni. Venture out to Saint Ivan Island to watch birds or catch a glimpse of the rare Mediterranean monk seal. South of here, along the border with Turkey, see hillside farms and stone and wood villages that haven’t changed much over the centuries.
Burgas airport
Public bus 15 will take you the 10 kilometres to the city centre, or take a taxi or rent a car. Burgas Airport has duty-free and travel accessories shops, and a Bulgarian souvenir shop. Dining choices include casual eateries, a coffee shop and takeaway options.
Burgas weather
Burgas has a warm and temperate climate, with an average of 23°C in July, the hottest month, and 3°C in January, the coldest month. Early spring can be rainy, so perhaps choose May through October for your holiday in Burgas.
FAQs for booking flights to Burgas
How to get cheap flights to to Burgas?
Use FareFinder to compare fares and discover the cheapest Burgas flights for the next 6 months, helping you to plan ahead and save. Frequent flyers can save even more by joining the Wizz Discount Club, which gives you and your companions access to an instant €10.00 discount on fares from €19.99 and further discounts on checked-in baggage purchased online.
When is the best time to visit Burgas?
The best time to visit Burgas is during the warm months of June to September. Temperatures average 25°C – 30°C, making it ideal for swimming at the local beach and exploring the attractions of the city. September is especially recommended because even though it’s after summer, the temperatures are still high, and you won’t experience the overcrowding that’s common during the peak season. The crowds are less during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) but you can still enjoy this charming seaside’s cultural offerings.
How to get from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach?
The options to get from Burgas Airport to Sunny Beach include public bus No 15 that departs from the airport. This will take around 44 minutes. You can also hire a taxi, which is a 23-minute ride. If you prefer driving, then there’s always the option of renting a car out. The drive takes approximately 23 minutes. Shuttle services are also available, which take 22 minutes. The last option is the town cars that take 23 minutes. This makes the bus the cheapest option and the shuttle the fastest option to Sunny Beach.
How do I offset the carbon emissions of a Burgas flight?
As part of our commitment to reduce carbon emissions, we've launched a carbon offsetting scheme. Input the details of your Burgas flight into our travel footprint calculator to calculate your carbon emissions. You can choose to offset your emissions by making a payment supporting two verified carbon-reducing projects. You will receive a certificate in return, recognising the offset emissions.
