Burgas holidays

How to reach Burgas

Flight time: Flights to Burgas from London and other major UK airports typically take around 3 hours 30 minutes.

Transfer time:

• From Burgas Airport, bus #15 - which runs regularly throughout the day - will get you to the city centre in about 15-20 minutes.

• Price: The bus costs about 3-4 BGN (roughly £1.30-£1.75) for a one-way trip. A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre will set you back around 20-30 BGN (£8.70-£13).

Best time to visit Burgas

Deciding on when to visit Burgas will depend on your liking for hot weather and the company of your fellow tourists.

• May to June is a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds but still beautiful warm weather. Average temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C, with around 9-11 hours of sunshine daily and minimal rainfall.

• July to August is the height of the tourist season, with correspondingly busier beaches and accommodation harder to come by (and more expensive). Temperatures often reach 28°C or higher, with plenty of sunshine (10-11 hours daily) and minimal rainfall.

• September to October offers a more relaxed experience with temperatures still quite high in September ranging from 20°C to 25°C and the sea remaining warm enough to swim in. Expect around 7-9 hours of sunshine daily. There are far fewer tourists too, while accommodation prices dip slightly.

• November to April: The off-season means far cooler temperatures (8°C to 12°C), but still with some decent sunshine (4-7 hours) and less tourist activity. A good time for a quieter and cheaper getaway, but note that many hotels close down for a few months over the winter.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Bulgarian is the official language, but English is widely understood here.

• Local habits and customs: Bulgarians shake their heads when they mean “yes” and nod when they mean “no.” Confusing? Absolutely. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

• Currency: Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). ATMs are plentiful, and credit cards are widely accepted.

• Getting around: Burgas has a reliable public transport system, including buses and taxis. A single bus journey costs about 1-2 BGN (£0.45-£0.90). Taxis are affordable, but make sure to use licensed ones.

• Electricity and plug types: Bulgaria uses the standard European 220 volts with two-pin round plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor.

• Time zone: Burgas operates on Eastern European Time, which is 2 hours ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Burgas

Burgas’s old centre is run through with boutique shops, bars and cafés, but the town’s crowning glory is the delightful Sea Gardens looking out across the coast.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Sea Garden (Morska Gradina): Sprawling park with sensational Black Sea coastal views - oh, and some lush greenery and plenty of spots to relax in too.

The best districts

• Lake Atanasovsko: Also known as the Pink Lake (it’s obvious why when you see it), this large body of water north of the centre is known for its diverse flora and fauna, but above all makes for a tranquil escape from the beach-going hordes.

Museums

• Nessebar Archaeological Museum: Just inside the city gates, this terrific museum has a marvellous array of Greek tombstones and medieval icons on display.

• Regional Historical Museum: As southeast Bulgaria’s largest museum, there is much to work your way through here, thanks to a voluminous collection of archaeological and ethnographic exhibits.

Parks and gardens

• Sea Garden (Morska Gradina): A natural barrier between the city and the sea, Burgas’s largest park features beautiful gardens, fountains and even a zoo.

Historical monuments

• St. Anastasia Island: Shrouded in mystery and legend, this secluded island monastery - and one-time prison - is well worth the short trip out by catamaran.

• The Armenian Church: As important a cultural site as any in Burgas, this modest church remains a beautiful example of Armenian architecture.

Day trips in the area

• Nessebar: Renowned for its delightful medieval churches, 19th-century wooden architecture and labyrinthine cobbled streets, Nessebar’s old town lies on a narrow, man-made isthmus connected by road to the mainland.

• Sozopol: Bulgaria’s oldest settlement owes much of its charm to the architecture of the old town, where wooden houses jostle for space on a narrow peninsula, their upper storeys almost meeting across cobbled streets.

• Pomorie: A short ride northeast of Burgas, situated on a slim, rocky peninsula, Pomorje has been offering mud treatments for well over 2,000 years. Besides mud, the town is known for salt – and wine; Pamid, Dimyat and Merlots are among the country’s best.

Activities for families in Burgas

Whilst the city’s beaches are the main reason why so many families take their holidays to Burgas, there are myriad other things to see and do.

• Water sports: Jet-skiing, parasailing and zorbing are all family-friendly activities available at various points along the coast.

• Adventure Parks: Luna Park is the big ticket family activity in these parts, with rides and attractions for all, from gentle carousels for the tiddlers to thrilling roller coasters for teens.

• Mini Golf: What family doesn’t enjoy a spot of mini-golf - and there are seemingly dozens of courses around Burgas.

Free things to do in Burgas

Burgas holidays are chiefly all about doing not very much at all, which also means spending very little.

• Beach days: The easiest way not to spend any money is to head for the beach - preferably with a picnic - and just kick back and relax.

• Free events: Staged between July and September, The Burgas Sand Sculpture Festival is a popular and fun event featuring dozens of impressively sand-carved sculptures that are free to view.

• Promenade walks: A lovely way to spend an evening without the cost, save perhaps for the odd ice cream, is to take a leisurely stroll along the promenade.

Nature and outdoor activities in Burgas

This busy, southern stretch of the Bulgarian coast provides ample opportunities to partake in any number of sporting pursuits, but if nature watching floats your boat, then there’s that too.

• Hiking: Just south of Burgas, Strandzha Nature Park has some easy walking trails alongside the potential to encounter local wildlife.

• Watersports: The Black Sea’s calm waters are ideal for a spot of jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing or paddleboarding.

• Fishing: Keen anglers will enjoy the coastal waters, where huge numbers of saltwater fish, including turbot, mackerel and tuna can be fished for. Note that there is no angling off-season on the coast.

• Bird Watching: A little way north of Burgas, Kamchia Nature Reserve offers the possibility to observe some of Europe’s rarest and most unusual birdlife, including the Orco Falcon and Black Stork.

Discover the best beaches in Burgas

Burgas, located on Bulgaria’s picturesque Black Sea coast, is renowned for its stunning beaches. Whether you're looking to relax, partake in water sports, or enjoy a family-friendly environment, Burgas has a beach to suit every preference. Here are some of the top beaches to explore during your holidays in Burgas:

Central Beach

Central Beach is one of the most popular and accessible beaches in Burgas, situated near the Sea Garden. This sandy beach offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants. The calm, clear waters are ideal for swimming, making it a great spot for families. The nearby Sea Garden provides a scenic backdrop and offers additional recreational activities, such as walking paths, playgrounds, and cafes.

North Beach

North Beach, located adjacent to Central Beach, is another favourite among locals and tourists. Known for its wide stretch of fine sand and clean waters, North Beach is perfect for sunbathing and beach sports. The beach is well-maintained and equipped with all necessary facilities, including lifeguards, making it safe for families with children. The promenade along North Beach is lined with cafes and ice cream parlours, providing plenty of options for refreshments.

Sarafovo Beach

Sarafovo Beach is located in the Sarafovo neighbourhood, just a short drive from the city centre. This beach offers a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere compared to the central beaches. Sarafovo Beach is known for its golden sands and shallow waters, making it ideal for families and those looking for a peaceful day by the sea. The beach is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and a few beach bars, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable visit.

Kraimorie Beach

Kraimorie Beach, situated in the Kraimorie neighbourhood, is a hidden gem offering a more secluded beach experience. This beach is less crowded and features a mix of sand and pebbles, with crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The surrounding area is lush and green, providing a scenic and tranquil environment. Kraimorie Beach is equipped with basic amenities, including sun loungers and a few local eateries.

Chernomorets Beach

Chernomorets Beach is located a short distance south of Burgas and offers a beautiful and serene beach setting. This beach is known for its fine sand and calm waters, making it perfect for relaxation and family outings. Chernomorets Beach is well-equipped with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. The nearby town of Chernomorets offers additional amenities, including restaurants and shops, making it a convenient beach destination.

Pomorie Beach

Pomorie Beach, located to the north of Burgas, is part of the Pomorie Resort. This beach is famous for its long stretch of fine sand and therapeutic mud, which is said to have healing properties. Pomorie Beach is perfect for those looking to combine relaxation with wellness. The beach is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and various water sports facilities. The nearby town of Pomorie offers a range of dining and entertainment options.

Burgas’s diverse range of beaches ensures that every visitor can find the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the Black Sea coast. Whether you're seeking a lively beach with plenty of activities, a quiet retreat, or a family-friendly environment, Burgas’s beaches have something to offer for everyone. Plan your beach days to make the most of your holidays in this beautiful coastal city.

Food and drink

Meat is king in most of Bulgaria, but here in Burgas it’s seafood that dominates, although you can find all the usual staples on most restaurant menus.

Some typical dishes

• Gyuvech: The best-known traditional dish is a rich stew comprising peppers, aubergines and beans, to which either meat or meat stock is added.

• Kiselo mlyako: Bulgarians consider their yogurt the world’s finest, and hardly miss a day without consuming it. As well as being tasty, it’s renowned for its probiotic qualities.

• Shopska salad: The combination of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions and feta, or Bulgarian sirene (white brine) cheese, is hard to beat - and a rare treat for vegetarians.

Meat dishes

• Sarmi: Stuffed cabbage or vine leaves filled with minced meat, rice and spices, then slow-cooked to perfection.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Tsatsa: Fried sprat fish, usually served with a wedge of lemon, these small, crispy morsels are the perfect companion to a cold beer on a hot day.

• Mussels with rice: These fresh Black Sea mussels from Dabolka, the Black Sea’s biggest mussel farm, are tossed in rice, herbs and spices.

• Rapa whelks: A large, carnivorous sea snail, these surprisingly tasty whelks are typically served as part of a salad, though can be fried and served as a main too.

Street food

• Kebapcheta: Grilled minced meat rissoles usually served with a hunk of bread and pickles - popular variations include shishche (shish kebab) and kyofteta (meatballs).

• Banitsa: A flaky pastry envelope with a filling – usually cheese – sold by bakeries and street vendors in the morning and evening.

Sweets and desserts

Bulgarian desserts tend to consist of very sweet Turkish derivatives, such as baklava or revane, while Halvitsa, a kind of nougat, is also popular. Ice cream sellers litter the resort’s numerous promenades.

Local drinks

• Rakia: This traditional fruit brandy, often made from grapes or plums, is strong and usually served as an aperitif - best sipped to avoid a sore head.

• Bulgarian wine: The local wines are constantly improving, and among the best reds are the heavy, mellow Melnik and rich, dark Mavrud, while Dimyat is a good dry white.

• Bulgarian craft beer: Produced in abundance, leading local brands are Boliarka from Veliko Tarnovo, Astika from Haskovo and Zagorka from Stara Zagora. Boliarka also produces a bizarre stout called Stolichno.