Welcome to Burgas
The city of Burgas is the administrative center of the largest tourist region in Bulgaria as it is located on the Southern Black Sea coast. Burgas is one of the fastest developing cities in Bulgaria. Its geostrategic location makes it one of the country’s most important economic centers, as well as a developing tourist destination. The city is a natural commercial and transport hub – an important gate to the continent. The Burgas International Airport handles more than 2.8 million passengers annually and the port is among the most favorable on the Black sea coast.
Walking down Burgas city center feels like stepping into the past – a car-free pedestrian area with the low-rise buildings in the Neoclassical and Rococo style of another time. However, the stroll between bohemian cafes is a walk along with one of the most high-tech public spaces in Europe. The old-style street lamps with round tabletops offer ports for charging computers, mobiles, cameras, electric bikes, and wheelchairs, and also emit free Wi-Fi covering the area.
Climate
The climate is temperate continental; influenced by the Black Sea and three lakes. The place offers summer days with pleasant temperatures and afternoon breeze, long autumns, mild winters, and colorful springtimes. The number of sunny days during the summer varies between 24 and 27 per month. The average summer temperature is around 26 degrees.
Geography
The Gulf of Burgas is the largest bay of the Western Black Sea Coast, outlined with long beach strips of fine sand, a gradually deepening sea level, calm and clean water, light and pleasant breezes. In the middle of the dark blue waters of the bay, the small volcanic island of St. Anastasia captures the eye and makes it obvious why it is referred to as the most romantic place in the area.
The well-developed transport infrastructure connects the city with the rest of the country and continental Europe by highways, railways, sea, and air. The distance from Burgas to the capital – Sofia, is 389 km and to the second biggest city – Plovdiv – 272 km – all of which is connected by the Trakia Highway. Another advantage is the proximity to megapolis Istanbul and its new International airport – 325 km. Through the city pass many roads from the national and international road networks. Burgas is a logistical hub fur the Pan-European Transport Corridor 8, which provides a link between the Adriatic and the Black Sea coasts.
History
Burgas is a crossroads of ancient civilizations since ancient times. A prehistoric village existed here and it was a center of salt and copper trade and production. The ancient Thracians selected it for their first trading spot ‘emporio’, which was also used as a link between the Greek settlements on the West Coast of the Black Sea. A few centuries later the Romans built a fortress nearby with a port as their gate to the rich lands of Thrace. The fortress was known as Burgos, Pyrgos in Greek, or Foros in Italian.
Tourism
More than 40 percent of the mass tourism in Bulgaria happens in the Burgas region. The natural resources of Burgas are undoubtedly one of the reasons why the city is a preferred place for tourism and recreation. The tourists can choose between visits to the Island of St. Anastasia, places for sport, recreation and entertainment, time for good food and coffee, and of course – with a sea view.
Aquae Calidae is a place that brings together the millennial history thanks to the local mineral water springs, known for their highly-valued healing properties and temperature of 41.5C. It attracts visitors with a variety of opportunities for relaxation and entertainment, offering time to grab a coffee and learn about the habits of different cultures.
Park Arena complex houses the most modern swimming pool in Bulgaria. With a depth of two to three meters and a length of 50 meters, the pool meets the requirements of the International Swimming Federation and the European swimming league. It hosts swimming, water ball, and synchronous swimming events as well as international competitions. It has 1,200 seats for spectators and additional seats for disabled persons to access easily. The complex also offers a public area with tennis courts, a three-pitch sports court, gym, a steam room, and sauna as well as a recreation area with outdoor activities: yoga, aerobics, climbing and football, dancing, and more.
The futuristic sports complex Arena Burgas will open in summer 2020, offering a venue with a 7,000-seat capacity, indoor track, conditions, and technical equipment for organizing local, national, and international competitions in various types of sports, mobile stands, training blocks, conference rooms and more.
The new Congress Centre of Burgas is a venue for large events. The halls offer 500 and 200 seats, modern equipment, meeting space, service, and leisure space. Expo center Flora, the Cultural Center Sea Casino, and NHK all offer additional opportunities for organizing events and conferences in the city.
Travel to Burgas
Burgas Airport
Burgas Airport serves the Southeast of Bulgaria and provides convenient links to major airports such as Moscow, London, Tel Aviv, Manchester, St. Petersburg, and Vienna.
In 2019 are registered more than 20 000 flights and more than 2.8 million passengers from 140 destinations in more than 75 countries. For 2020 Burgas Airport expects an increase of flights from Russia, Poland, and the Czech Republic.
Burgas Passenger Terminal
Burgas passenger terminal serves the cruise and passengers ships from all over the world. There is a yacht port right next to it, which offers a safe yacht ramp with a depth of 6 meters. The public zone of the port is a favorite spot for walks, meetings, cultural events, and festivals.
