St Anastasia Island

Burgas


This small volcanic island makes for a fun day of exploring. The island, which has served as a religious retreat, a prison and pirate bait (according to legend, a golden treasure is buried in its sands), is today dominated by a lighthouse and a monastery, where visitors can sample various healing herb potions. At least two (and usually more) ships leave daily from May to October from the passenger ferry terminal south of the bus and train stations.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Burgas attractions

1. Maritime Park

4.12 MILES

Stretching lazily along the Black Sea coast and filled with manicured flower beds, fountains, busts of Bulgarian worthies, abstract sculptures and cafes,…

2. Archaeological Museum

4.34 MILES

This small museum houses a diverting collection of local finds including Neolithic flint tools, a wooden canoe from the 5th century BC, Greek statuary and…

3. Surp Hach Armenian Church

4.39 MILES

This church dates from 1853 and was built by the city's then-Armenian residents. There's a monument to the slaughter of Armenians in the years following…

4. Natural History Museum

4.4 MILES

Old-fashioned but informative displays on local flora, fauna and geology are on view here. Exhibits of rocks, seashells, butterflies and beetles occupy…

5. Ethnographic Museum

4.44 MILES

Regional folk costumes, jewellery and furniture are on show at this museum, as well as displays covering the local weaving and fishing industries…

6. Sv Cyril & Methodius Cathedral

4.49 MILES

Completed in 1907, the city’s main church boasts an especially fine, intricately carved iconostasis and colourful murals. It was closed in 2016 to undergo…

7. Soviet Army Monument

4.69 MILES

Standing sentinel over pl Troikata is this towering Red Army memorial. Comprising a column surmounted by a saluting Russian soldier and figurative panels,…

8. Poda Conservation Centre

4.71 MILES

Four lakes surrounding Burgas (Pomoriysko, Atanasovsko, Mandrensko and Burgasko) comprise 9500 hectares and represent the largest wetland system in…