Burgas, Bulgaria

     Burgas is a city on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Burgas is an industrial center with many tourist attractions in the region. The Burgas port is the largest cargo port in the country. The closeness to the sea and the flat nature of the region is the reason for its settlement from antiquity to the present day. There are multiple archaeological finds from the Thracian period (4th century BC). Some of the greatest battles between Byzantine Empire and Bulgaria had been conducted in the region.

      During the Ottoman Empire, Burgas developed as educational and cultural center. In 18th century, Burgas port had already turned into the largest port south from thhe Balkan Mountain. Along with the good transport connections, developed industry, sea outlet and the same time presserved history, nowadays Burgas is an attractive destination for tourists.

     Tourists can learn more about the city and many interesting facts in the expositions of the Regional Historical Museum of Burgas. Documents and pictures related to the most important history of Burgas - after 1878 to the 1970s are presented in the historical exposition. The history of ship building on the Black Sea since the middle of second century BC is presented by a special collection of articles. The visitors can learn more about the history of Burgas during the 1st and 2nd Bulgarian Empire and falling of the town under Ottoman domination. There are also multiple galleries in Burgas. The Marine Park is a suitable place for a walk and relaxation, Burgas also have a summer theater, situated there.

     During the summer season, Burgas turns into a festival center. The Sand Figures Festival has been conducted for a few years. Sculptures from all over the world participate in the making of sand figures, for which is used tones of sand. Festival theme is different every year and the figures are related to the theme.

     A bicycle park with three levels of difficulty is constructed in the Lake Park. A special route is constructed for the so called ''dirt jumping'' for the adrenaline seekers. This is a discipline in cycling, in which artificially made jumping areas must be passed, and multiple attractive figures are performed in the air. Spirit of Burgas is a festival which brought international fame to Burgas and Bulgaria. The festival has been conducted since 2008 in August and gathers world famous musicians in various styles on a number of scenes. Burgas is a host of plenty of folklore, musical and literature festivals and their culmination is during the summer season.

      There are three lakes surrounding Burgas. Vaya Lake is the largest natural lake, located to the west of Burgas. The water is 4 - 11% salty and isn't recommended for swimming. Atanasovsko Lake is located to the North of Burgas. The water is 20 - 18% salty, which makes it very favorable for salt production. Due to specific salt flora in the region, more than 70% of all birds can be seen only here, especially during the autumn migration ''highways''. Mandarsko Lake is located to the South of Burgas. Until 1934 it was salty lake, but later its structure was changed and there was constructed a dam.

     Saint Anastasia Island is located very close to Burgas. It is the only inhabited island off the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The convent had existed since the Middle Ages and was reconstructed during the 18th - 19th century. It has been abandoned since 1923, when the island was transformed into a prison. In 1925, a group of forty three political prisoners (communists and ant - fascists) escaped from the island. In their honor, the island was renamed - Bolshevik Island, when the communists came into power in 1945. Nowadays, there is a lighthouse on the island, a monastery with church, a small quay, restaurant and two guest houses with a total of five rooms, available from Burgas via boat services running multiple times a day.

     As a large cultural and tourist center, Burgas can offer diverse accomodation options - luxurious hotels, small cozy family hotels, guest houses, etc. The night life, especially in the summer season, also offers a lot of opportunities. Catering establishments and bars are also located along the sea shore and the Marine Park.

     For most visitors, the port city of Burgas is a transit point for the more appealing resorts and historic towns further up and down the coast. Burgas is a lively, well - kept city with pedestrianised centre, a long uncrowded beach and some very interesting museum. Nature lovers also come to Burgas for the three lakes just outside the city. They are heavens for abundant bird life. The city is a starting point for visiting the seaside resorts in the area - Sunny Beach resort, town of Nessebar, Sozopol and many others.