The largest town in southeastern Bulgaria and the second largest town on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. Burgas is the most important cultural, economic, transport, administrative, tourist and educational centre in Southeastern Bulgaria and it is of national importance. The city is the administrative centre of the municipality and province of the same name, as well as the seat of regional and national institutions. Near Burgas are:
Sunny Beach is the largest tourist complex along the Black Sea Coast. With its hotels and apartment complexes located along the seashore and hidden in greenery, Sunny Beach looks like a magical oasis. The beach is 8 km long and 30 to 60 meters wide, covered with fine golden sand and natural sand dunes. The complex has been awarded the Blue Flag eco-award for its proven ecological advantages of clean beaches and sea, fresh air coming from the nearby mountains.
St. Vlas is hidden in the eastern part of the Balkan Mountains, in close proximity to the Black Sea Coast. Now its coast is growing into the most picturesque holiday spot on the Black Sea Coast. The air currents between the sea and the mountain create a unique natural phenomenon that purifies the air. The natural sea breeze in combination with the crystal clear air creates conditions for sea balneotherapy and has a positive effect on patients suffering from asthma and other lung diseases. The favourable climate is suitable for year-round treatment.
A picturesque resort with fresh mountain air, warm sea breeze, beautiful nature untouched by civilization and beautiful beaches with golden sand. The town has preserved thousands of years of history of several civilizations, but it successfully meets the challenges of the modern world.
The first settlement on the site of today's Malko Tarnovo was Thracian. Under the Byzantine Emperor Constantine, the area developed culturally and economically due to its proximity to the capital of Byzantium – Constantinople. The nowadays town was established in the late 16th and early 17th century. The town is in the heart of the Strandzha Mountains – in one of the most protected forested areas in Bulgaria with a unique climate and flora and fauna. In Malko Tarnovo and its surroundings, there are numerous archaeological finds of particular importance related to the Thracians.
Aytos is an old settlement, founded by the Thracian tribes. Archaeological finds near the town from the New Stone Age testify that a settlement existed in this place long ago. The remains of three towers (northwest of the town) are from the medieval fortress of Aetos (Greek for eagle), erected between 650 and 750, hence its present name. According to an ancient legend, the settlement was founded by Aethos (“eagle”), a disciple and follower of Orpheus.
Located in front of the south approaches of the Rishki and Varbishki passes, features an ancient rich history and culture, dating as back as the Neolith era. Villages and tumuli reveal traces of life from the Eneolithic, Bronze and Iron Ages, rich settlement life from the Antiquity and Middle Ages. After the foundation of the Bulgarian state in 681, because of its exceptional role, the lands of the Karnobat region were field of many battles and centuries-old interests between Bulgaria and Byzantium.
Situated on two picturesque peninsulas, the town had several names – Tsarevo, Vasiliku (12th century), Vasilikos (1352), Vasiliko (until 1934), Tsarevo (until 1950), Michurin (until 1991). Many archaeological monuments testify to the rich history of Tsarevo. One interesting landmark in the town is the Church of St. Trinity. There is a late antique and medieval fortress on Papia peak in Strandzha. The resort offers wonderful opportunities for family recreation and holiday.
The town was founded with the name of Anchialos at the end of the 5th century BC. Most of its inhabitants were Thracians. It flourished especially during the Roman rule. The Christianity was already introduced in the ancient Anchialos at the end of the 1st century AD. According to the legend, Andrew the Apostle (also called Saint Andrew) passed through the Black Sea city on his way to Kiev, then a major administrative and port centre within the Roman Empire.
The oldest town on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. The earliest settlement in the area dates back to the end of the 5th millennium BC. The original name of the city is attested as Antheia. The name was later changed to Apollonia in honour of the ancient Greek god Apollo, patron of emigrants and revered as a healer. To distinguish it from other towns with the name Apollonia that existed at that time (such as Apollonia of Illyria or Apollonia Midroniorum. After the division of the Roman Empire in 395, the region of today's Sozopol fell into the boundaries of the Eastern Roman Empire.
The only Bulgarian town that is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. One of the oldest towns in Europe, more than 3200 years old, where the spirit of bygone times meets the pulse of the modern town. A town where you are surrounded by millennia of history and where numerous civilizations have left material traces that harmoniously fit into modernity.