Burgas is Building a New Coastal Park, "Ekoton": How the Project Will Transform the Sarafovo District and Boost Property Appeal

Burgas continues to develop its urban environment and invest in modern public spaces. One of the most ambitious projects of recent years will be the construction of a new coastal park, "Ekoton", to be created in the Sarafovo district. The new "Ekoton" park will become an extension of Burgas's unified coastal recreational system. Its main promenade will be integrated with the existing pedestrian and cycling routes that link the city centre with the Sarafovo district. The park itself, however, will be located exclusively within Sarafovo, along the sea coast, on a stretch of around 1.4 km. This new project by the Municipality of Burgas is aimed not only at improving the coastline, but also at creating a new recreational zone that will enhance residents' quality of life and boost the investment appeal of real estate in the area.

What the "Ekoton" park is all about

The "Ekoton" project involves creating a modern coastal parkland along Burgas Bay. The concept was developed by the Bulgarian architecture bureau Think Forward, and its implementation has been divided into several phases.

The core idea of the project is to reclaim abandoned municipal land, transforming it into a landscaped green zone with walking routes, resting areas and modern infrastructure.

Today, a significant part of the site is in poor condition: there are overgrown areas, unauthorised car parks, construction waste and zones that have lost their greenery. Once the project is completed, this territory will completely change its appearance.

Sarafovo will gain more green spaces

One of the project's main objectives is to increase the area of public green space in the Sarafovo district, which has been actively developing and undergoing construction in recent years.

Once the works are finished, residents' access to green spaces will increase significantly. According to the project documentation, the figure will reach almost 30 sq m of green space per resident, in line with modern standards for a comfortable urban environment.

Sarafovo's new seafront promenade

The centrepiece of the project will be a wide pedestrian promenade that will extend the existing Burgas walkway and provide convenient links between Sarafovo and the coast.

During the design of the project, particular attention was paid to pedestrian safety and comfort. Car traffic within the park area will be kept to a minimum. Access will be retained only for emergency service vehicles and specialised transport, while deliveries to the facilities located here will be carried out only during set hours.

A separate, modern cycle path is also planned, kept apart from the pedestrian area by greenery and a difference in elevation.

Spaces for the whole family to relax

The project provides for the creation of a variety of public spaces.

The park will feature:

• walking avenues;
• shaded resting areas;
• pergolas with climbing plants;
• a viewing platform overlooking Burgas Bay;
• areas for exhibitions and educational events;
• spaces for art workshops;
• modern active recreation zones.

The later phases of construction also include the creation of an open-air amphitheatre and sports grounds.

Interactive ecological installations

A distinctive feature of the new park will be interactive installations dedicated to the nature of the Black Sea coast.

The project includes six thematic installations, among them:

• a "Wind Harp";
• panoramic binoculars;
• a magnifying lens for studying nature;
• kinetic marine compositions;
• a kaleidoscope;
• a "Coastal Amplifier" that lets you hear the sounds of the surrounding nature.

These elements will make the park interesting not only for walks, but also for the environmental education of children and adults.

A modern children's playground

Special attention has been given to creating a large themed children's area.

The play space will be dedicated to the natural features of the region and will introduce children to the ecosystems of the Black Sea and the Atanasovsko and Pomorie lakes.

The project includes the following play complexes:

• the "Flamingo Nest";
• the "Sunken Ship";
• the "Forest Trail";
• the "Secret River";
• play panels dedicated to migratory birds and the natural riches of the coast;
• equipment adapted for children with disabilities.

What stage the construction is at

The first phase of the project is already under way.

The Municipality of Burgas has signed a construction contract with the company Geoplan Konstrakshan. According to the published information, the deadline for the first phase is 320 calendar days, and the value of the contract exceeds €2.5 million (excl. VAT).

It is this first phase that includes the creation of the central part of the park, the main promenade and the principal resting areas.

Why the project matters for the real estate market

In recent years, the Sarafovo district has become one of the most sought-after areas of Burgas for buying a home. Modern residential complexes are being actively built here, the infrastructure is developing, and the number of shops, cafés and services is growing.

The arrival of the new coastal park will be an additional advantage for the district.

The experience of European cities shows that the presence of large, well-maintained public spaces has a positive effect on property values and makes a district more attractive for permanent living and investment.

For buyers of apartments in Sarafovo, this means not only a comfortable living environment, but also strong prospects for growing housing liquidity over the long term.

The "Ekoton" project is one of the most significant urban improvement projects Burgas has seen in recent years. The new park will connect the Sarafovo district with the coastal zone, create a modern public space, increase the area of greenery and offer residents new opportunities for recreation, sport and family leisure.

For the real estate market, this is yet another factor confirming the steady development of Burgas and its appeal both for permanent living and for property investment on the Bulgarian coast.