Port Guide | Bulgaria | Worth a Wander

Burgas

Author Image for Michael States

Michael States | Editor

Published on 2025-09-26

Welcome to Burgas-the seaside Bulgarian city that's blissfully unaware you're expecting something predictable. Like the scrappier younger sibling of Europe's flashier coastal stars, Burgas doesn't flaunt world-famous landmarks; instead, it charms visitors with salty breezes, seafood good enough to silence even the crankiest gourmand, and beaches that wisely prioritize relaxation over Instagram aesthetics. Notably, in the socialist era, Burgas was home to a deodorant factory intriguingly named "Fresh Up"-which feels poetically ironic considering how effortlessly fresh the coastal air here actually is. You'll anchor just steps away from the Sea Garden, a ribbon of green parks and cafes that practically begs for aimless strolling and people-watching. Toss aside the ship's itinerary, grab a local Zagorka beer, and dive into an impromptu village fete or jazz concert in town; or if natural beauty calls louder, explore nearby nature reserves, where flamingos dramatically pose as if auditioning for a David Attenborough documentary. Burgas won't woo you with grand promises-it'll just quietly and irreverently win your affection anyway.

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Notes from the Editor

Burgas is known for its beautiful beaches, cultural sites, and proximity to natural reserves. Visitors can explore the Sea Garden, local seafood, and vibrant festivals during the summer months.


Where do cruise ships dock in Burgas?

Port Name Burgas

Country Bulgaria

Region Southeast Europe

Ship Terminal Burgas Cruise Port

Port Type commercial port

Accessibility Burgas Cruise Port is located approximately 2 km from the city center, easily accessible by taxi and local public transport within 10-15 minutes.

What's the weather like in Burgas?

Best Season to Visit Summer (May to September)

Climate Temperate climate with hot summers and mild winters.

Weather Notes It is advisable to consider peak tourist season during summer months, with occasional rainfall.

Temperature Range 70F to 90F (21C to 32C)

High Temp 95F

Low Temp 28F

Average Temp 60F

What do I need to know about Burgas?

Language Bulgarian

Currency Bulgarian Lev (BGN)

Card Widely Accepted 1

Population 200,000

Timezone EET (UTC+2)

How do I get around Burgas?

Taxis and local buses are readily available for transit to the city center and surrounding areas.


What are The Best Things to do in Burgas?

Discover what you should do while you're in Burgas.


Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere

Sand Sculpture Festival

Sea Gardens, Burgas

Annual event featuring unique sand artwork by regional and international artists.

Distance from Terminal: 2 miles

Performance Art Walking-Distance Touristy Photo Op

Experience Fire Dancing (Nestinarstvo)

N/A

Witness the remarkable Nestinarstvo, a fire-walking ritual performed traditionally in Southeastern Bulgaria.

Distance from Terminal: 35 miles

Active Adrenaline Performance Rural Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Bulgarian Rose Oil Experience

N/A

Visit local producers to learn and experience the traditional extraction of rose oil.

Distance from Terminal: 110 miles

Workshop Self-Guided Nature Rural Bucket-List

Bulgarian Folklore Dancing Class

N/A

Interactive classes teaching traditional Bulgarian dances from this region.

Distance from Terminal: 1 miles

Active Workshop Indoors

Burgas Fish Festival

Sea Station, Burgas

Taste the regional seafood delicacies freshly prepared by local chefs.

Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles

Crowded Performance Urban Free Street Food Food Tour Walking-Distance

Overnight Trips

St. Anastasia Island Trip

N/A

A boat trip to Bulgaria's only inhabited island with intriguing historical significance.

Distance from Terminal: 4 miles

Tour Nature Water Ferry Photo Op

Excursion to Sozopol Ancient Town

Sozopol, Bulgaria

An historical seaside town rich in archaeological and cultural heritage.

Distance from Terminal: 20 miles

Tour Outdoors Nature Rural Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Historical and cultural landmarks

Pomorie Salt Museum

Yavorov Street, Pomorie

Explore the ancient tradition of salt extraction, unique to this region.

Distance from Terminal: 12 miles

Self-Guided Urban Tickets Required Museum

Beglik Tash Thracian Sanctuary

N/A

Megalithic Thracian sanctuary full of ancient mystery and ritualistic elements.

Distance from Terminal: 30 miles

Outdoors Nature Rural UNESCO Car Needed Touristy Photo Op

Ethnographic Museum Burgas

Aleko Bogoridi Str., Burgas

Exhibits highlighting southeastern Bulgarian cultural traditions and practices.

Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles

Indoors Urban Museum Walking-Distance

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Kayaking in Lake Mandrensko

N/A

Guided kayak tours along the tranquil expanse of Lake Mandrensko, surrounded by stunning wildlife.

Distance from Terminal: 7 miles

Active Adrenaline Tour Outdoors Nature Wildlife Car Needed

Sunflowers Fields Photography Tour

N/A

Picturesque expeditions to the abundant sunflower fields outside Burgas during summer.

Distance from Terminal: 25 miles

Tour Outdoors Nature Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Strandzha Mountain Safari

N/A

Jeep safari through lush mountains and hidden Strandzha villages.

Distance from Terminal: 40 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Rural Car Needed Photo Op

Paragliding at Sinemorets Cliffs

N/A

Thrilling airborne adventure over beautiful cliffs and secluded beaches.

Distance from Terminal: 50 miles

Active Adrenaline Outdoors Nature Rural Remote Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path

Poda Bird Watching Center

Poda Nature Reserve

A unique spot for bird watching, merging European migratory paths.

Distance from Terminal: 6 miles

Accessible Relaxing Outdoors Nature Wildlife Car Needed Photo Op

Mud Bath at Lake Atanasovsko

Atanasovsko Lake, Burgas

Therapeutic mud bathing in natural conditions, an unusual wellness experience.

Distance from Terminal: 3 miles

Relaxing Self-Guided Outdoors Nature Bucket-List Photo Op

Mystical Strandzha Forest Walk

N/A

Guided nature walks through ancient Strandzha forests, known for spiritual legends.

Distance from Terminal: 45 miles

Accessible Relaxing Workshop Outdoors Nature Rural Spiritual Car Needed

A Little Extra

Sunny Beach Nightlife Experience

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

Experience vibrant nightlife in one of Southeast Europe's most famous seaside resort destinations.

Distance from Terminal: 20 miles

Active Crowded Urban Drinks Touristy

Regional Wine Tasting Experience

N/A

Discover distinct tastes within local vineyards; particularly local Bulgarian varietals.

Distance from Terminal: 15 miles

Active Nature Rural Tickets Required Budget Food Tour

Sunrise Yoga by the Black Sea

N/A

Experience tranquil yoga sessions at sunrise on coastal Burgas beaches.

Distance from Terminal: 1 miles

Active Relaxing Outdoors Nature Water Walking-Distance

Bulgaria Regional Tip

Moderate dress particularly in religious institutions and formal settings. Covering shoulders and knees when visiting churches or attending formal events is advisable.

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