The name Burgaz derives from the Greek word for tower, pyrgos, a reference to the ancient watch tower on its summit.

The single hill is 170m in height, and known as Bayraktepe (Flag Hill) in Turkish or Hristos Tepesi (Christ Hill) in Greek.

The principal landmark upon approaching Burgaz is the dome of the Greek Ortodox Church of St. John the Baptist, which in its present form dates back to 1899. It was built on the site of the Byzantine Monastery of St. John and parts of this original structure have been incorporated in todays church.

Attractions on Burgazada also include the quaint Sait Faik Museum, established in tribute to former resident celebrated Turkish short-story writer Sait Faik Abasiyanik.