Bulgaria's Bunkers

The Pier of Burgas, stretching nearly 300 metres into the Black Sea, is a defining feature of the city’s coastline. Originally constructed in 1936 and revitalised in 2013, it features a 22-metre-high viewing platform and serves as a departure point for boat trips to Saint Anastasia Island. A popular spot for leisurely walks or morning runs, the Pier also hosts the annual Epiphany cross-throwing ceremony, blending natural beauty with cultural tradition.

Lake Atanasovsko, located just north of Burgas, is a coastal salt lake known for its vivid pink hues. The Instagram-ready colours are caused by the microalgae Dunaliella salina. Spanning a vast area, the lake is divided into two sections. The northern part is a protected nature reserve, home to over 300 bird species, including rare and endangered waterfowl like Dalmatian pelicans and white herons. The southern section is used for traditional sun-and-shovel powered salt production, yielding around 40,000 tons annually. The lake’s high salinity and mineral-rich mud are believed to have therapeutic properties, attracting visitors seeking natural remedies for skin conditions, arthritis, and other ailments. A designated birdwatching shelter near the lake’s edge offers observation spots for wildlife enthusiasts. Access is restricted to marked paths to preserve the delicate ecosystem. With its unique blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural significance, Lake Atanasovsko is a remarkable destination on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast.

Bulgaria’s coastal bunkers, remnants of its WWII alliance with Nazi Germany, are scattered along the Black Sea coast. In Burgas, one bunker sits just off Central Beach, between the Pantheon of the Fallen Antifascists and the Flora Burgas Expo Centre. Another can be found near Lake Atanasovsko, known as the Bunker at the Salt Pans. Once military outposts, these structures now stand as silent reminders of a complex past, with some repurposed into cafes and covered in murals, or left abandoned, offering a glimpse into 20th-century history.

The Center for Contemporary Art & Library in Burgas is a modern cultural hub combining art exhibitions, workshops, and a well-equipped library. It features spaces for fine, applied, and decorative arts, fashion, and design, alongside dedicated areas for children’s creativity and young talents. The library, one of the largest in southeastern Bulgaria, offers a wide range of resources and hosts events like biennales, exhibitions, and lectures, making it a dynamic space for learning and cultural engagement. It’s a perfect spot to cool down from the summer heat and take a break from the beach.