Municipality of Sredets is located in south-eastern Bulgaria and is one of the municipalities of District of Burgas. Covering an area of approximately 1,150 km², it is the largest municipality in District of Burgas by territory and one of the largest municipalities in Bulgaria. The municipality is situated between the southern Black Sea coast, the Strandzha Mountains and the Bulgarian-Turkish border.
The municipality includes the town of Sredets, which is the administrative centre, and 32 villages. It borders the municipalities of Karnobat, Kameno, Sozopol and Malko Tarnovo in District of Burgas, as well as municipalities in District of Yambol, while its southern boundary reaches the Republic of Türkiye. Sredets is approximately 30 km from Burgas, providing convenient access to the regional centre, the Black Sea coast and Burgas International Airport.
The landscape of Municipality of Sredets is diverse. The northern part is characterised mainly by lowland and gently rolling terrain, while the southern and south-eastern parts extend into the northern areas of the Strandzha Mountains. The area includes agricultural fields, forests, hills and river valleys, creating a peaceful and varied countryside environment.
The main rivers in the municipality are the Sredetska and Fakijska Rivers. Together with the extensive woodland and rural landscapes, they contribute to the natural character of the area and provide opportunities for walking, fishing, wildlife observation and other outdoor activities. The Bozhura area near Sredets is an established recreational area and an important location for local tourism.
Municipality of Sredets has a long and important history. The area has been inhabited since ancient times and preserves traces of Thracian, Roman, Byzantine and medieval Bulgarian settlement. The ancient Roman city of Deultum near the village of Debelt is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the region. The town of Sredets itself also has a long history and was historically known as Karabunar.
Agriculture and forestry remain important parts of the local economy. The fertile northern areas are suitable for growing cereals and other crops, while the southern parts are characterised by forests, pastures and traditional rural land use. The municipality also offers potential for organic farming, rural tourism and other nature-based activities.
The location of Municipality of Sredets is one of its main advantages. It offers a peaceful countryside environment while remaining within convenient reach of Burgas and the southern Black Sea coast. The road connections through Sredets provide access towards Burgas, Yambol, Elhovo, Karnobat, Malko Tarnovo and the Turkish border, making the area suitable for permanent living, second homes and countryside properties.
The region also preserves a strong tradition of Bulgarian rural culture and local heritage, with traditional villages, folklore events, archaeological sites, historic buildings and religious landmarks contributing to its authentic character.
Tourism and landmarks:
– Deultum – Debelt Archaeological Reserve – one of the most important archaeological sites in south-eastern Bulgaria, preserving the remains of the ancient 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 and cultural landmark;
– Bozhura Tourist and Recreational Area – a scenic area surrounded by forests and rolling Strandzha landscapes, offering opportunities for walking, recreation and nature tourism;
– Strandzha Mountain – a distinctive natural region with extensive forests, traditional villages, rich biodiversity and numerous archaeological monuments;
– Megalithic monuments and Thracian sites – the wider area is known for dolmens, Thracian burial mounds, sanctuaries and other archaeological remains;
– Sredetska and Fakijska River valleys – attractive rural landscapes suitable for fishing, walking, nature observation and outdoor activities;
– Traditional villages and rural landscapes – peaceful countryside areas preserving elements of authentic Bulgarian village life and offering opportunities for rural tourism.
Today, Municipality of Sredets offers a combination of natural beauty, historical heritage and peaceful rural surroundings. Its convenient location, close to Burgas, the Black Sea coast and Burgas International Airport, together with its forests, agricultural landscapes and traditional villages, makes it an attractive area for rural tourism, permanent living, second homes and countryside properties.