The town of Bourgas (population: 210 260) is the second district centre on the Black Sea Coast. It is situated in the Western part of Bourgas Bay and is 390 km east from Sofia. Due to the low level of the coast there are three lagoon-lakes: Atanasovo, Bourgas and Mandra lakes. The town is situated between the sea and the first two lakes. The climate of Bourgas is suitable for recreation – mild winter and long sunny summer. The beaches are covered with dark black curable sand. Bourgas ranks fourth in size in the country after Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna.

     History

     Bourgas is a successor of the late Roman small town called Deultum – a military colony for veterans. Later it was called Develt, which served as a name for the present day village of Debelt. Later a curative settlement was built called Aqua kalidae, arranged around the mineral springs well known in the area. Thracian tribes used to live here before the commencement of this construction work. In the Middle Ages a small fortress called Pirgos was erected, most probably used as a watchtower. It was only in 17th century that Bourgas was given its present name. It was called Ahelo-Bourgas. After the Liberation it was called Bourgas, and was a small settlement. Ever since the town has grown and became the centre of the Southern Black Sea Coast, a town of well developed industry and trade. 

     Landmarks

     The District History Museum, founded in 1925, houses an archaeological hall with a rich collection of old colonies on the Black Sea Coast. There are exhibits of modern history, and photos of eminent Renaissance leaders. The Art Gallery exhibits foreign and Bulgarian art. The Ethnographic Museum has an interesting collection of traditional masks of Koukeri, costumes typical of the region and ritual accessories. The Museum of Nature and Science contains many exhibits describing the geological characteristics of the earth, the region, the flora and fauna. 

     The Sea Park in the town is probably the most beautiful one on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. It is situated on a high shore all of it smothered in flower beds, trees and sculptures. The St. St. Cyril and Methodius Cathedral is interesting with its marvelous frescos and wooden alter. Also interesting sights of Bourgas are the American Church, the Catholic Cathedral, St. Holy Mother and St. Ivan Rilski churhces.

     Theatres

     The Philharmonic, Opera House, and Theatre of Drama are housed in three different building and function all through the season. Together with the Puppet Theatre they outline the cultural atmosphere in the town. 

     Festivals

·         Five days of the Classical German and Austrian music – at the end of April 

·         International Theater Festival of Small Forms called "Theatre in a Case" –  May and June
·         Three-week Festival of Opera and Classical Music in memory of the conductor Emil Chakurov – July
·         International Folk Festival and Week of the Arts for Children – August
·         International Pop- and Jazz- Meeting called "Bourgas and the Sea" –  September
·         International Tournament for Standard and Latin American Dances –  December

     Transport

     The airport of Bourgas receives flights from the country and from abroad all through the year. There are flights to Sofia every day. The flight is 40 min. The railway station in Bourgas has connections to all main directions in the country. The reservation in a sleeping car should be made at least a week earlier. The bus station is located next to the railway station. 

     Surrounding Areas

    Pomorie Lake is located 20 km north from Bourgas and is surrounded by salt mines and balneo-resorts, as well as the town of Pomorie. Atanasovo Lake is to the north too. It is a home for many marsh and sea birds migrating from Gibraltar and the Bosphorus. Bourgas Lake is near the town. Pelicans, ibis, and herons nest there. Mandra Lake is 10 km south of Bourgas and is also an important ornithological reserve. The island of St. Anastasia is three sea miles east of the town. There is a well preserved old church there. 

     The salt mines of Bourgas are a sight of interest. They border the Bourgas Lake, and some of them even stretch to Atanasovo Lake. The Mineral public baths are 13 km north-west from the town in the direction to Aitos. There are the remains of the old Roman town built around the mineral springs. The village of Kraimorie is to the south of Bourgas on the way to the old fortress of Pirgos. The park Otmanli is 15 km away from the town near the Chokalya Cape.