Burgas Province: Coastal Lakes, Birdlife and Culture

Burgas Province lies in southeastern Bulgaria on the southern Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The region can be explored through several themes: coastal wetlands and migratory birds, forests in Strandja, trails through river landscapes, and archaeological and island cultural sites. If you are looking for accommodation for a trip like this, you can start by considering which of these themes you want to focus on. The following places show how varied nature watching, outdoor activities and history can be in the destination.

Coastal Wetlands and Birdwatching

The coastal lakes of Burgas are rich in species and lie along the Via Pontica, a migration route used by European migratory birds. The large coastal wetland includes the lakes Pomorie, Atanasovsko, Burgas and Mandrensko, as well as the Poda and Chengene Skele lagoons. The region therefore offers several named wetlands as reference points for anyone particularly interested in landscapes and birdlife.

Poda lies along the Via Pontica and is considered one of Europe’s richest places for birdwatching. The nature conservation centre supports observation from terraces, a visitor trail and bird hides; binoculars, telescopes and ornithological tours are also available. You can reach the centre by taking city bus 17 from Burgas South Bus Station, then walking across the old canal bridge. Check transport information before setting off.

A birdwatching hide at Lake Atanasovsko can be reached on foot, by bicycle or by car, and is connected to Burgas by a cycle path. The southern salt pans have public saltwater and mud pools, which can be reached on foot or by bicycle along the beach. Check whether the pools are accessible on site before planning your visit.

Forests, Protected Areas and Trails

In the Strandja area, the Silkosija protected area preserves relict beech and oak forests with evergreen undergrowth. It is home to 260 species of higher plants. There is a clear rule for tourist visits: they are permitted only on a marked trail and accompanied by the protected area’s wardens. Plan your visit with this access restriction in mind.

Strandja Park offers mountain, ecological, ornithological, sports and cultural-educational routes, as well as guided tours. Information on accommodation and food is also part of the park’s visitor services. Mladezhko is described as one of the most scenic places in Strandja and is located about 50 kilometres from Burgas.

The Ropotamo protected area offers a boat trip along the lower river, a trail to the river mouth, the Lion’s Head rock formation and an environmental information centre. Visitor services and access rules can change, so check the current conditions before your visit.

Cycling and Outdoor Activities in Burgas

A cycling route in Burgas follows the pedestrian and cycle path along the Atanasovska Spit between the sea and Lake Atanasovsko; from there, you can access Burgas Surf Club. In Ezero Park, you can walk, cycle or jog. It extends Burgas Sea Garden. The Green Corridors initiative connects natural, cultural and historical attractions in the region with cycling routes. Alongside observing protected areas, there are therefore routes for outdoor activities and exploring a variety of themes.

Archaeology, Island History and Local Culture

At Aquae Calidae, visitor routes provide access to the walls of the ancient Therme Thermopolis, first-century Roman baths and medieval rooms. A restored bathhouse of Suleiman the Magnificent serves as a museum; a film featuring 3D mapping is also shown there. The collection complements the architecture with objects found at the site: coins, jewellery, bathing utensils, seals, ceramics, marble details, inscriptions and religious objects.

St. Anastasia Island has a history as a monastery and a prison. Today, it has a museum, a small amphitheatre, a beach, a pharmacy café and a fish restaurant. Municipal catamarans run from Magazia 1 at Burgas port to the island. As schedules may change, it is worth checking departure times before your trip.

Chengene Skele introduces local fishing traditions, artefacts and fishing methods, as well as ways to identify fish from the Black Sea. The offerings also include a café and a restaurant serving specialities made from time-tested recipes. As offerings and operators may change, check what is currently available before visiting. At Vaya Ecopark, the focus is on encounters with rare and protected species, along with interactive activities about biodiversity and nature conservation.

Discover more destinations: Karnobat, Sredets Municipality, Primorsko, Sveti Vlas, Aytos, Burgas, Sozopol, Pomorie, Tsarevo, Sungurlare, Malko Tarnovo, Nessebar, Ruen.

For the main travel overview: Bulgaria.