Burgas

Burgas is Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city and the main gateway to the northern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It lies on the shore of Burgas Bay, surrounded by a system of lakes that are among the most important wetlands in Europe and a paradise for birdwatchers. The city itself is pleasantly calm, with a long pedestrian zone, cafés and the relaxed atmosphere of a seaside port.

The heart of the city is the Sea Garden (Morska gradina) – a vast park along the coast with tree-lined avenues, statues, a summer amphitheatre and stairways leading directly to the city beach. It is the most popular spot for an evening stroll and also a good starting point for exploring the city.

What not to miss around Burgas

• Nesebar – an old town on a rocky peninsula inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Here you’ll find the remains of medieval churches, wooden houses from the era of the Bulgarian National Revival, and narrow cobbled streets with sea views.
• Sunny Beach (Slanchev bryag) – the largest resort in Bulgaria with several kilometres of sandy beach, suitable for families as well as those looking for a livelier nightlife.
• Sozopol – a romantic little town south of Burgas with stone streets, galleries and a calmer atmosphere than the northern resorts.
• Pomorie – known for its healing mud from the salt lakes and traditional salt production.
• Burgas Lakes – Lake Atanasovsko and Lake Burgas are among the best places in Europe to observe migratory birds, especially during the spring and autumn migration.

Bulgarian coastal cuisine is built on fresh fish, shopska salad, grilled meat and sirene cheese. In Burgas you’ll find plenty of mehanas – traditional restaurants where you can eat well and cheaply right by the sea.

The swimming season on the Bulgarian coast lasts roughly from June to September, when the sea is pleasantly warm. May and September are ideal for those who prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures, and are also well suited to inland trips or hiking in the Strandzha mountains.

Flight connection from Košice
Burgas is one of the holiday destinations available directly from Košice Airport. Flights are operated by Smartwings as part of the summer charter season, and tickets for them can also be purchased separately – directly from the carrier or through travel agencies. Besides Burgas, Smartwings also offers separate tickets from Košice to Larnaca, Heraklion and Rhodes.

Burgas Airport is located about 10 kilometres from the city centre and is well connected to both city and suburban transport; transfers and buses run to the resorts on the northern coast. Car rental desks can be found right in the terminal. Check the current departure times in Košice Airport’s flight schedule before you travel.