Lake Atanasovsko, a few kilometres north of Burgas, is one of the most unusual natural sights on the Bulgarian coast: a shallow, intensely saline lagoon that turns pink in summer, coloured by salt-loving algae. It is a Ramsar-protected wetland of international importance, with over 300 bird species recorded — including large concentrations of flamingos, pelicans, and waders during migration.
The lake is easily reached by bicycle from the city centre along a dedicated path. Salt has been harvested here continuously since antiquity, and the salt pans are still in operation alongside the bird reserve. In summer, some visitors apply the dark therapeutic mud from the lake bed — claimed for centuries to have healing properties — before rinsing off in the Black Sea nearby.