After enjoying the myriad things to do in Burgas, from strolling along the Sea Garden’s breezy promenades to bird watching in the nearby lakes, day trips from Burgas allow you to delve deeper into the beauty and history of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. These excursions take you beyond the city’s boundaries to explore ancient towns, wild nature reserves, and secluded beaches, offering a broader perspective on Bulgaria’s diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
As you venture from Burgas, the vast array of things to do in Bulgaria becomes apparent, highlighting the country’s rich tapestry of history, nature, and culinary excellence. Whether it’s the architectural marvels of Sozopol, the tranquil beauty of Strandzha Mountain, or the cultural festivities in Nessebar, each day trip enriches your experience with new discoveries and unforgettable memories.
Choosing where to stay in Burgas is key to fully embracing both the city’s vibrant atmosphere and the convenience of embarking on these exploratory day trips. Selecting the right accommodation ensures easy access to Burgas’s attractions and a comfortable base from which to venture into the surrounding regions, capturing the essence of Bulgaria’s coastal allure.
Discover Best Day Trips from Burgas, Bulgaria
1. Sozopol, Bulgaria

Sozopol, one of the oldest towns on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, is renowned for its charming old town with wooden houses and cobbled streets. The town is also known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant cultural festivals.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Travel Time: About 35 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Charming old town with wooden houses, cobbled streets, beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural festivals
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Entrance Fees:
- Archaeological Museum: €3
- Southern Fortress Wall and Tower Museum: €2
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Old Town of Sozopol, Southern Fortress Wall, Beaches
Travel Tip: Visit the Archaeological Museum for a glimpse into Sozopol’s rich history and don’t miss the Southern Fortress Wall and Tower Museum.
2. Nessebar, Bulgaria

Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a rich history with its ancient ruins and well-preserved medieval churches. This picturesque town is located on a small peninsula and is known for its unique architecture and stunning sea views.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient ruins, medieval churches, unique architecture, stunning sea views
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Church of Saint Sophia: €3
- Archaeological Museum: €4
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Old Town of Nessebar, Sea Views, Fishing Harbor
Travel Tip: Explore the Old Town’s narrow lanes and try the local seafood in one of the seaside restaurants.
3. Ropotamo Nature Reserve, Bulgaria

Ropotamo Nature Reserve is a haven for nature lovers, featuring diverse flora and fauna, river boat tours, and beautiful scenery. The reserve is known for attractions like the Ropotamo River, the Lion’s Head rock formation, and the Arkutino swamp area.
Distance: Approximately 50 km
Travel Time: About 50 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Diverse flora and fauna, river boat tours, Lion’s Head rock formation, Arkutino swamp area
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- River Boat Tour: €10
- Reserve Entrance: Free
Budget: Approximately €15-€30 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Ropotamo River, Lion’s Head Rock, Arkutino Swamp
Travel Tip: Take a river boat tour to fully appreciate the beauty of the Ropotamo River and its surroundings.
4. Poda Nature Protection Area, Bulgaria

Poda Nature Protection Area, located near Burgas, is a must-visit for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. It’s home to over 250 bird species and offers excellent birdwatching facilities and guided tours.
Distance: Approximately 10 km
Travel Time: About 15 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Over 250 bird species, excellent birdwatching facilities, guided tours
Best Time to Visit: Spring and Autumn (for bird migration)
Entrance Fees:
- Poda Entrance: €2
- Guided Tour: €5
Budget: Approximately €10-€20 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Poda Wetlands, Birdwatching Platforms
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars for bird watching and visit during spring or autumn for the best bird migration views.
5. Strandzha Nature Park, Bulgaria

Strandzha Nature Park, the largest protected area in Bulgaria, is known for its rich biodiversity, traditional villages, and ancient Thracian sanctuaries. The park offers numerous hiking trails and cultural experiences.
Distance: Approximately 70 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Rich biodiversity, traditional villages, ancient Thracian sanctuaries, numerous hiking trails
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Free (for general park access)
- Thracian Sanctuary Tour: €5
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Strandzha Mountains, Thracian Sanctuary at Mishkova Niva
Travel Tip: Visit the Thracian sanctuary at Mishkova Niva for a unique cultural experience.
6. Varna, Bulgaria

Varna, Bulgaria’s maritime capital, is known for its archaeological museum housing the oldest gold treasure in the world, beautiful beaches, and the Sea Garden park. The city also offers a vibrant cultural and nightlife scene.
Distance: Approximately 130 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Archaeological museum, Roman Thermae, Sea Garden park, vibrant cultural and nightlife scene
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Archaeological Museum: €5
- Roman Thermae: €3
Budget: Approximately €30-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Sea Garden, Roman Thermae, Varna Beach
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Roman Thermae and the Dolphinarium in Varna.
7. Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

Veliko Tarnovo, known as the “City of the Tsars,” is famous for its medieval fortress, Tsarevets, and its historical significance as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire. The city’s architecture and art galleries are also noteworthy.
Distance: Approximately 180 km
Travel Time: About 3 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Tsarevets Fortress, medieval architecture, historical significance as the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Tsarevets Fortress: €5
- Sound and Light Show: €10
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Tsarevets Fortress, Veliko Tarnovo Old Town
Travel Tip: Visit the Tsarevets Fortress in the evening to witness the spectacular sound and light show.
8. Balchik, Bulgaria

Balchik, a small coastal town, is famous for its Botanical Garden and the Balchik Palace, built for Queen Marie of Romania. The town offers a tranquil atmosphere with its seaside promenade and local eateries.
Distance: Approximately 160 km
Travel Time: About 2 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Botanical Garden, Balchik Palace, seaside promenade, local eateries
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Botanical Garden: €5
- Balchik Palace: €5
Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Botanical Garden, Balchik Palace, Seaside Views
Travel Tip: Explore the Botanical Garden, which is home to over 2000 plant species, including a collection of large-sized cacti.
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Sources:
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