Varna – Bulgaria's sea capital, the world's oldest gold and the beaches

Varna is Bulgaria’s third-largest city and its “sea capital”. The beach is right in town, and the Sea Garden is one of the largest parks on the Black Sea coast. Beneath the streets lie traces of ancient Odessos. Varna mixes a summer holiday with culture and history, which makes it ideal for families and for anyone who gets bored on a sunbed.

What to see in the city

• The Archaeological Museum – home to the Varna Gold from the Varna Necropolis (around 4600–4200 BC), the oldest worked gold in the world. A must for every visitor.
• The Roman Baths – the largest Roman baths in Bulgaria and among the largest in Europe, from the 2nd–3rd century.
• The Sea Garden – a huge seafront park with promenades, the Natural History Museum, the Naval Museum, the Aquarium and an observatory with a planetarium.
• The Cathedral of the Dormition – the city’s symbol, built in the late 19th century.
• The seaside promenade – a long walk past beaches, cafés and bars, buzzing in the evening.

Beaches

The city beaches are wide and sandy. They include Central Beach, Ofitserski, Pochivka, Noy, Kabakum, Pasha Dere, Asparuhovo, Fichoza and Chernomorets. To the north are the resorts of St Constantine and Helena and Golden Sands, with mineral pools, water parks and more nightlife.

Around Varna

• Aladzha Monastery – a rock monastery carved into a sheer limestone cliff, about 14 km from the centre, home to hermits in the Middle Ages.
• The Stone Forest (Pobiti Kamani) – about 18 km west of Varna. Hundreds of stone columns up to 7 m tall rise from the sand – a natural wonder whose origin is still debated.
• Euxinograd – the former royal summer residence, with a park and winery. Visits are limited.
• Balchik – Queen Marie of Romania’s palace and the Botanical Garden, about 40 km away.
• Cape Kaliakra – a narrow rocky headland 60 km away, with fortress ruins, red cliffs and dolphins offshore.

Sample 3-day plan

1. The Archaeological Museum and Varna Gold, the Roman Baths and the cathedral. Beach in the afternoon and the promenade in the evening.
2. Aladzha Monastery in the morning, then the beach or Golden Sands.
3. The Stone Forest on the way to Balchik and Kaliakra – a full-day trip.

Getting there

By air – flights from Sofia to Varna Airport (about 1 hour). By car – about 440 km and 5 hours via Veliko Tarnovo and Shumen, or on the Hemus motorway (parts still under construction). By train – direct trains, about 7 hours. By bus – frequent direct buses, about 6 hours.

When to visit

June–September is beach season, with July and August busiest and priciest. May and October are pleasant for exploring the city and surroundings.

Practical tips

• Book a room or apartment early for summer.
• City buses reach all the beaches and the resorts to the north.
• The sea north of Varna is rougher – watch the lifeguards’ flags.
• Some beaches have free areas; others charge for umbrellas and sunbeds.