For many travellers, Burgas is merely a transit point on the way to the massive resorts of Sunny Beach or Golden Sands. But in recent years, this coastal hub has emerged as a destination in its own right. If your only goal is a sunbed and an all-inclusive cocktail, you might not need this guide. However, if you possess a restless traveller’s heart and seek authentic experiences, Burgas is the perfect base for exploring the wilder, more soulful side of Southern Bulgaria. Here is our Burgas Travel Guide.
Getting Around: The Burgas Transport System
✈️ The Airport “Roundabout” Trick
Upon landing at Burgas Airport (BOJ), ignore the persistent taxi drivers. Instead, walk 200 metres past the airport terminal to the large roundabout. You’ll see a bus stop where locals gather—just follow the crowd.
Most long-distance buses from nearby Pomorie or Nessebar stop here. For less than 1 Euro, they will take you directly to the city centre at Station South (Avtogara Jug). For your return journey, take Bus No. 15 from the same station; it drops you off directly in front of the departures terminal.
📌 Pro Tip on Tickets: You don’t need to buy tickets in advance. Every bus (including city lines) has a conductor on board who will collect your fare. Since January 2026, Bulgaria has officially adopted the Euro. Carry small change; handing a 50-Euro note to a conductor for a 90-cent fare is considered a personal affront to their dignity.
🚌 Station South (Avtogara Jug)
This station is the central nervous system of your travels. Buses from here run frequently (every 30–60 minutes) to historical gems like Sozopol (approx. €3.50) and Nessebar (€4.50). The service is reliable, cheap, and comfortable, making a rental car an unnecessary burden and a waste of money in this region.
🚂 Bulgarian Trains: A Bizarre Slow-Motion Experience
Right next to the bus terminal is the central railway station. While the building itself is a cool architectural refuge, the reality of the rail service is sobering. A train to Plovdiv (250 km away) takes a staggering 4.5 hours and can cost more than a low-cost flight. If you’re eyeing Sofia (360 km), prepare for a 6 to 9-hour odyssey. The station is better suited for a quiet moment of reflection than for actual high-speed travel.
Where to Stay in Burgas
To truly soak up the atmosphere, stay in the city centre rather than the isolated resorts. Look for accommodation (Airbnb is excellent here) in the southeastern part of the city.
The “golden triangle” lies between Troikata Square, General Gurko Street, and Station South towards the Sea Garden. From here, the beach, the shops, and the transport hubs are all within easy walking distance. Ask for our Burgas Travel Guide in PDF.
Burgas Beaches and Beyond
The Sea Garden
The pride of the city is the Sea Garden, a sprawling park stretching several kilometres along the coast. It is filled with sculptures, shaded alleys, and hidden cafes. In the summer, don’t miss the Sand Sculpture Festival—a bizarre and impressive display that changes themes annually.
- South Beaches with Pier is more touristic, crowdy and very close to centre.
- North Beaches & Lazur: This area has a younger, more energetic vibe. It’s the hub for Kite Surfing and home to the “Naked” volleyball centre.
- Atanasovsko Lake: From the north beach, a dedicated cycling path leads to the pink waters of Atanasovsko Lake. Here, you can indulge in open-air mud and lye baths. It’s a surreal experience—wallowing in thick black mud that is said to be more medicinal than the Dead Sea. Note: As of 2026, the entry fee has risen to €5, but it remains worth every cent.
Day Trips: Historical Pearls and Hidden Gems
From Station South, you are 45 minutes away from two UNESCO-listed wonders: Sozopol and Nessebar. While the north of Burgas is dominated by mass tourism and hotel blocks, the south remains rugged and wild. The sand dunes and beaches around Primorsko, Kitten and Tsarevo are breathtaking.
Read more:
👉 Sozopol: Sea and history
👉 Nesebar & Sunny Beach
🐟 The Secret Spot: Chengene Skele (Fishing Village)
For something truly authentic, visit this small fishing settlement. It was created to re-house local fishermen after the modernisation of the main port. It’s a different world entirely. More importantly, this is where you will find arguably the best Ribena Chorba (fish soup) in the region.
👉 Chengene Skele (Fishing Village)
A Note on Gastronomy
Forget fine dining; look for the “tray.” In the side streets like Oborishte, you’ll find unassuming fish bistros serving fresh mackerel, scad (stavrida), and turbot (kambala). It’s fresh, cheap, and delicious.
Local Classics:
- Tsatsa (Sprats): The ultimate Balkan beach snack. Small sprats, floured and deep-fried. Perfectly paired with a cold Bulgarian beer (Kamenitza or Zagorka).
- Hamsiya (Anchovies): Slightly larger than tsatsa, served whole and drizzled with lemon.
FAQ: Burgas Travel Guide
(Upgrade 2026)
Bulgaria has used the Euro since January 2026. A ticket to the centre (Bus 15 or long-distance buses) costs around €0.90. Pay in cash to the conductor on the bus. Avoid high-denomination notes.
The South Beaches near the Sea Garden are ideal for relaxation. The North Beaches in the Lazur district are better for Kite Surfing and accessing the mud baths at Atanasovsko Lake.
Only if you are a fan of “slow travel.” Trains are slow and relatively expensive compared to the efficient bus network from Station South.
Don’t miss the Ribena Chorba (fish soup) in the fishing village or the port taverns. For a snack, try Tsatsa with a local beer.
