Giro d'Italia in Bulgaria 2026: The Black Sea Route - Nessebar-Burgas

In 2026, Bulgaria will host the Grande Partenza (Grand Start) of the 109th edition of the Giro d’Italia (Tour of Italy). Stage 1 (May 8th) of the cycling race, with a length of 147 km, passes along the Southern Black Sea coast, combining ancient history with biodiversity.

The route: Nessebar – Ravda – Aheloy – Pomorie – Burgas – Malko Tarnovo – Rosen – Chernomorets – Sveti Toma – Cape Agalina – Sozopol – Burgas (finish).

Cultural and historical sites:

• The Old Town of Nessebar (UNESCO): an architectural and historical reserve with fortress walls and churches.
• Aqua Calidae (Burgas): ancient and medieval thermal baths.
• Aheloy: historic battle from 917 AD and a monument.
• Pomorie (Ancient Anhialo): an ancient salt-producing and commercial center.
• Sozopol (Apollonia Pontica): The Old Town and St. St. Kirik and Julita Island.
• Castle "In Love with the Wind" (Ravadinovo).

Natural landmarks:

• St. Thomas Island (Snake Island): Thracian sanctuary and Christian buildings.
• Burgas Lake (Vaya): the largest in Bulgaria, with over 250 species of birds.
• Atanasovsko Lake: part of "Via Pontica", a protected area with pink lagoons.
• Ropotamo Reserve.
• Cape Agalina.
• Sand dunes (Drivers' Beach, "Smokinya" campsite, "Kavatsi" beach).

In Burgas, the cyclists will also pass by the Sea Garden and the "Bridge".