BRONZE AGE BEAUTY AT THE CROSSROADS BETWEEN CONTINENTS, CULTURES, AND TIME Healing pink lakes. Secluded pirate islands. Famous Byzantine battlegrounds. It sounds like a place straight out of a fable, but it’s actually the very real, very beautiful port city of Burgas, Bulgaria. Sitting perched along the country’s 378 kilometers of coastline on the Black Sea, Burgas is one of the largest cities in often overlooked Bulgaria, considered part of the Balkans, the former provinces of the Ottoman Empire. With impressive roots that stretch deep into the past, way back to the Bronze Age, you’ll find lots of evidence of an incredible history, with many archaeological sites, findings, and museums to explore. The charming town center is lively and walkable, but renting a bike is a fun way to get around to see the beautiful beaches, lovely seaside park, and other sights. And there are plenty of famous sights to see. Stroll the iconic Pier that reaches 300 meters into the Black Sea, snap a photo at the Compass on Alexandrovska Street in the hub of the city (it marks kilometer zero of Burgas) or admire the Saints Cyril and Methodius Cathedral, built between 1897 and 1907 and one of the most