Best of All Worlds

Cruise to Burgas, Bulgaria

Travelers don't typically consider Bulgaria a beach destination, but this country lies on the western coast of the Black Sea. Cruises to Burgas, Bulgaria, are the best way to experience Bulgaria's beachy side, as well as to delve into its cultural and culinary offerings. This city is the largest port in Bulgaria and is surrounded by the Burgas Lakes. Burgas lends itself to outdoor exploration, whether that means marveling at the pink Lake Atanasovsko, relaxing at the beach, or wandering the colorful Sea Garden. It's also an ideal place for sampling Bulgarian food. There are plenty of mehanas — traditional Bulgarian taverns — in Burgas, serving up tarator (a cold soup made of yogurt and cucumber), kebabs, and shopska salad. History buffs won't be disappointed either, with the Roman ruins of Deultum and several museums within easy reach of the city center.

National Language Bulgarian

Currency Accepted Bulgarian lev (BGN)

Things To Do in Burgas, Bulgaria

Spend an afternoon taking in the beauty of the Sea Garden in Burgas, Bulgaria

Enjoy the Serenity of Sea Garden

Cruises to Burgas, Bulgaria, aren't complete without a trip to Sea Garden, the most beautiful park in the city, nestled between Burgas and the Black Sea. The 775,000 square-foot park is home to woods, statue-studded promenades with fountains, carpets of colorful flowers, and even cafes, playgrounds, and an open-air theater.

The pink Lake Atanasovsko in Burgas, Bulgaria

Glide Across the Pink Lake

Just north of the city, you'll find Lake Atanasovsko, called the "pink lake" because of the colorful brine shrimp living in the water. Rather than just being great Instagram fodder, the pink lake also functions as a relaxing spa experience. The high salt content means you can float easily across the surface. Finish by covering yourself in mud from the nearby Black Sea for a nourishing skin treatment.

Relax or pick up a volleyball on the beach in Burgas, Bulgaria

Make It a Burgas Beach Day

As you might expect from a city right on the Black Sea, a trip to the beach is one of the best things to do in Burgas, Bulgaria. North Beach, a mile-long beach lined with bars and restaurants, has everything you'll need for a relaxing day. That includes showers, volleyball courts, rental umbrellas and sunbeds.

Dig into a bowl of cold tarator soup in Burgas, Bulgaria

LOCAL CUISINE

You could easily spend a day in Burgas doing nothing but eating. Traditional Bulgarian cuisine is abundant here, from cold tarator soup and shopska salad to stuffed peppers, kebabs, and fries topped with Bulgarian white cheese. Try 8 Mamas near the Sea Garden for delicious local food and live music.

SHOPPING

The Galleria Burgas Mall is an impressive blend of name-brand shops and local boutiques. You'll find a range of stores selling both international and traditional Bulgarian brands, as well as a range of restaurants and entertainment venues. For literary-minded travelers, a stop at Helikon bookstore is a must. A gathering place as well as a bookstore, Helikon is a great way to acquaint yourself with the community.