Burgas

Chengene Skele, a historic fishing village established in 1784, lies 15 kilometres south of Burgas and remains a hub for traditional fishing practices. Relocated in the 1970s due to the expansion of Burgas Port, the village now thrives as a cultural and tourist destination. Visitors can explore exhibitions on Black Sea fishing traditions, enjoy fresh seafood dishes like baked carp and “ribena chorba” fish soup, and take boat trips from the nearby dock. The village also features a multifunctional building, amphitheatre, and a small beach, making it a year-round attraction.

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.

Nessebar, a city-museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another marvellous day trip from Burgas, located just 35 kilometres away. This ancient town, often called the "Pearl of the Black Sea", sits on a small peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, offering stunning sea views on both sides. Its cobblestone streets wind through a historic centre filled with over a millennium of architectural treasures, including the Church of St. Sofia, a 5th-century basilica, and other medieval churches like St. John the Baptist and St. Stephen. The Old Town, a maze of narrow lanes and 18th-century houses, invites leisurely exploration, with artisan shops and street vendors adding to its charm. Nessebar was once a Thracian settlement and later a Greek colony, playing a key role in the development of trade and culture in the Black Sea region. Its unique blend of ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, and a lively atmosphere makes it a captivating destination for history enthusiasts and casual vacationers.

Saint Anastasia Island, the only inhabited island in Bulgaria’s Black Sea, lies 6 kilometres from Burgas and is steeped in history and legend. Once a monastery and later a prison, it now features a lighthouse, a couple of small museums, and the 15th-century Church of the Assumption with its 1802 wooden iconostasis. You can explore the island’s rocky shores, enjoy sea cuisine at the restaurant, or try herbal potions at the monastery. Regular catamaran services from Burgas make it an accessible and intriguing day trip.