Top routes for bike riding in Burgas

Today we’ll introduce you to some routes that any resident or visitor to the city can use to escape the stress and discover new and interesting places in Burgas. All you need is motivation, nice weather, and, of course, positive energy! The routes are designed to pass through various points of interest, adding variety to your day off.

1. The Salt Pans – A traditional destination for Burgas residents. The route starts at the Sea Garden, specifically at the parking lot near the railroad crossing. From there to the Salt Pans, you’ll travel along a path exclusively for pedestrians and cyclists. The bike path runs along the Atanasovska laguna, which separates the sea from Atanasovsko Lake. The Burgas Surf Club is also located here. If the wind is right, you might be lucky enough to see windsurfers and kitesurfers from Burgas and all over the country up close. Along the way before the final stop, you can take a break and rest—there’s a water fountain, as well as a pump to inflate your tires. At the Salt Pans, you’ll find not only the largest open-air spa center in Bulgaria, but also several spots where you can lock up your bike and enjoy a delicious, affordable meal, have a beer or coffee, and, of course, take a dip in the sea. From the Salt pans parking lot, you can take the paved road to reach the northern part of the lake, from where you can walk to "The Spot"—a bird-watching area. To get there, pass under the overpass on the road to Varna.

Distance – about 2.4 km from the parking lot at the traps to the salt pans; 5.9 km to the northern part of the Salt Pans.

2. Sarafovo – For the more motivated and fit, the trip to the Salt pans continues to Burgas’s romantic neighborhood—Sarafovo. The bike path continues to the parking lot in front of Salt pans Beach—a favorite spot for many Burgas residents. From there, you have several options to continue –

1. Take the dirt road that runs alongside the sunflower fields. This road is elevated, offering a unique view of both Sarafovo and Burgas. Keep in mind that cars do use this dirt road, though rarely.

2. Take the promenade that runs right along the sea—here you can enjoy the sea up close. Recently, lighting has been installed, so you can also enjoy a nighttime stroll. The promenade ends at the fishing harbor, where you can relax in the peaceful atmosphere of boats and yachts. From the harbor, you can continue to the beach in the Sarafovo neighborhood, where there are pleasant taverns.

Distance – from the Solnitsite salt pans to Sarafovo via the dirt road – about 4 km; from the Solnitsite salt pans to Sarafovo Harbor via the seaside promenade – about 3.5 km.

3. Poda – The Poda Nature Conservation Center is a popular destination for birdwatchers. Here, you can observe many beautiful birds in their natural habitat. Near the nature conservation center, there is an area with gazebos, barbecue pits, and small piers for those who enjoy picnics and fishing. Anyone can reach this peaceful spot via a bike path from the city center, which runs parallel to the Burgas-Sozopol road but is separated from it and secured by a guardrail.

Distance – from Burgas Railway Station to the “Poda” Nature Conservation Center – approximately 9 km.

4. The Bird Watching Station at Atanasovsko Lake – Another pleasant spot close to nature can be found tucked away on the outskirts of town. On the other side of Atanasovsko Lake lies the birdwatching station and the Black-winged Stilt Trail. The most convenient way to get there is through Ezero Park—this way, in the summer, you can combine your walk with a visit to the Burgas Equestrian Center, as well as the Sand Sculpture Festival. Continuing along the route, you’ll see the bike school, where anyone open to more extreme riding can do a few laps around the obstacles of varying sizes and heights. Toward the “Zornitsa” complex, the route continues along Dimitar Dimov Blvd. toward the roundabout for Pomorie and Varna. Before the gas station, you’ll see the sign for the observation deck.

Distance: from the railroad crossing at Ezero Park to the observation deck at Atanasovsko Lake – 3.2 km.