District of Burgas is located in south-eastern Bulgaria and is the largest district in the country by territory. It includes 13 municipalities and combines the southern Black Sea coast with extensive rural areas, the Strandzha Mountains, fertile lowlands, forests, rivers and protected natural areas. The administrative centre is the city of Burgas, one of the most important cities and transport centres in south-eastern Bulgaria.
The district has a particularly attractive geographical location, extending along a significant part of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline and reaching the border with Türkiye in the south. It includes the municipalities of Burgas, Aytos, Kameno, Karnobat, Malko Tarnovo, Nessebar, Pomorie, Primorsko, Ruen, Sredets, Sozopol, Sungurlare and Tsarevo. The region benefits from good road connections with other parts of Bulgaria, while Burgas International Airport provides convenient access to the area and international destinations.
The natural landscape of District of Burgas is highly diverse. The northern and central parts include lowlands, agricultural areas and gently rolling hills, while the southern part extends into the Strandzha Mountains. The district is also characterised by numerous rivers, wetlands, lakes, forests and protected natural areas. This combination of landscapes provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, fishing, wildlife observation and other outdoor activities.
The Black Sea coast is one of the main attractions of the district. It includes popular seaside destinations such as Nessebar, Sunny Beach, Pomorie, Sozopol, Primorsko and Tsarevo, as well as numerous smaller coastal villages, beaches and bays. Inland areas offer a quieter alternative, with traditional villages, agricultural landscapes and the forested surroundings of Strandzha.
District of Burgas has a rich and diverse history. The region has been inhabited since ancient times and preserves important traces of Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine and medieval Bulgarian civilisations. Ancient settlements, fortresses, churches, monasteries, dolmens and archaeological sites can be found throughout the district. The ancient town of Nessebar, located on a rocky peninsula on the Black Sea, is one of the most important historical sites in Bulgaria and is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The local economy is diverse, with tourism, services, trade, transport, agriculture, food processing and industry playing important roles. The coastal municipalities have a strong tourism sector, while the inland areas are traditionally associated with agriculture, forestry and rural activities. The combination of developed coastal centres and peaceful countryside areas makes the district attractive for both tourism and permanent living.
The district also has a strong cultural identity, with traditional Bulgarian villages, folklore, local festivals, crafts and regional cuisine. The Strandzha area is particularly well known for its distinctive traditions and cultural heritage, while the coastal towns preserve a mixture of Bulgarian, Greek and wider Black Sea influences.
Tourism and landmarks:
– Nessebar Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient ruins, medieval churches and traditional houses situated on a historic Black Sea peninsula;
– Sozopol Old Town – one of the oldest coastal towns in Bulgaria, known for its historic architecture, archaeological heritage and seaside setting;
– Ropotamo Nature Reserve – a protected natural area near Primorsko, known for its river, forests, wetlands and diverse wildlife;
– Strandzha Nature Park – the largest protected natural area in Bulgaria, covering extensive forested landscapes in the southern part of the district;
– Pomorie Lake and Atanasovsko Lake – important coastal wetlands known for their biodiversity, salt production and birdlife;
– Beglik Tash – an ancient Thracian rock sanctuary near Primorsko, located within a forested coastal landscape;
– Deultum – Debelt Archaeological Reserve – an important ancient Roman site near Burgas, preserving the remains of the Roman city of Deultum and later settlements;
– Golyamo Bukovo Monastery “St. Living-Giving Spring” – a historic Orthodox monastery in the Strandzha region and an important religious landmark;
– The southern Black Sea coast – a combination of sandy beaches, rocky bays, coastal towns and quieter seaside villages offering opportunities for tourism and recreation;
– Traditional villages and rural landscapes – peaceful inland areas with forests, agricultural land and authentic Bulgarian village character, suitable for rural tourism and countryside living.
Today, District of Burgas offers an attractive combination of Black Sea coastline, mountain landscapes, historical heritage and peaceful countryside. Its international airport, coastal tourism, natural attractions and traditional inland villages make the district suitable for tourism, permanent living, second homes and countryside properties.