While in Burgas

Burgas is the fourth-largest city in Bulgaria, and occupies the Black Sea’s westernmost point. From pink saltwater Lake Atanasovsko to the expansive Sea Garden, Burgas is full of surprises. Other attractions include a mysterious St. Anastasia island steeped in pirate legends, and three lakes inhabited by over 260 species of birds. There are many things to do while visiting this coastal city in Bulgaria.

Sea Garden

Stretching lazily along the Black Sea coast and filled with manicured flower beds, fountains, busts of Bulgarian worthies, abstract sculptures and cafes, this park is the pride of Burgas. There are spectacular views over the sea from the terraces, and steps lead down from here toward the beach.

Burgas Pier

Burgas’ original steel-and-wood pier was built in 1936, but the current concrete structure replaced it in the 1980s. It stretches almost 300m (984ft) out into the Black Sea, culminating in a 22m- (72ft-) high viewing platform looking out towards St Anastasia Island. Celebrations are held here on Epiphany (6th January), during which a priest throws a crucifix into the freezing waters, prompting warm-blooded participants to dive in after it – it’s said that whoever finds it first will enjoy health and success throughout the year.

Ethnographic Museum

Located at the southern end of the Sea Garden, the Ethnographic Museum occupies a townhouse built in 1873 for a prominent local community leader. You can explore a typical Bulgarian home from that time period, and admire the second floor display of costumes and accessories worn by those that settled in Burgas throughout the centuries.

Poda Protected Area

The nature conservation site Poda is situated a 10-minute drive south of Burgas, on the Black Sea’s westernmost extremity. Over 260 species of bird have been sighted here, including the Black Sea’s only breeding populations of spoonbills, glossy ibis, little egrets and great white, purple, night and grey herons.

Lake Atanasovsko

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Lake Atanasovsko is one of the most picturesque lagoons in Bulgaria, favoured for its bright pink hue. This tinge is created by the super saline waters that make up the Burgas Saltworks. You’ll spot locals in their bathing suits taking a dip here – the mud is said to have skin-healing properties. It’s also a popular bird-watching site – 316 out of a total of 423 bird species found in Bulgaria can be spotted here.

Aleksandrovska & Aleko Bogoridi

This two pedestrian streets are perpendicular to each other, and strolling them is a real pleasure. Along the way, you can see some of the most beautiful houses in Burgas or sit down in one of many cafes and restaurants to observe the life around you.

If you wish to visit museums there are a few of them here too, such as the Archeology Museum, Regional History Museum, or Museum of Natural History.

This part of the city is really vibrant and always full of people.