The busiest port and second-largest coastal city, Bourgas ranks fourth in size in Bulgaria after Sofia, Plovdiv and Varna. It is situated in the farthest western part of Bourgas bay and is 390 km east of Sofia.

The town is situated between the sea and two lakes - Atanasovo Lake and Bourgas Lake. The climate of Bourgas is suitable for recreation – mild winter and long sunny summer. The beaches are covered with dark black curable sand.

HISTORY

Bourgas is a successor of the late Roman small town called Deultum – a military colony for veterans. 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.

SURROUNDING AREA

Around Bourgas lies the largest array of naturally enclosed water basins in Bulgaria. Due to the low level of the coast there are three lagoon-lakes: Atanasovo lake, Bourgas Lake and Mandra lake. They are home to such waterfowl as spoonbills, ibises and pelicans, as well as nesting grounds for migrating swallows, gulls, terns, egrets and storks.

Bourgas' municipal beaches contain metal ore which accounts for their black-streaked appearance and high temperature. The best beaches in the area can be found to the north around Sunny Beach or south of Sozopol.

The island of St. Anastasia is three sea miles east of the town. There is a well preserved old church.

The Mineral public baths are 13 km north-west of the town in the direction to Aitos. There are the remains of the old Roman town built around the mineral springs.

The park Otmanli is 15 km away from the town near the Chokalya cape.