Varna – A Holiday on the Black Sea Coast
Varna – A Holiday on the Black Sea Coast

Varna

A Holiday on the Black Sea Coast

Published: 30 June 2023, 10:00

Destination with a Mediterranean atmosphere

If you’re looking for vast, fine sandy beaches, Varna on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast is just the place. Golden Sands Beach near Varna is particularly popular because of its fine sand. It’s perfect for sunbathing and swimming here. However, it would be a shame not to explore the area along the coast with its many pretty villages and hinterland with its deep green forest and monasteries. The parties at the coastal resorts are legendary and old towns like Nessebar are a journey back in time.

The Bulgarian Black Sea Coast stretches for a total of 378 kilometres from the border with Romania in the north to the southern border with Turkey. The inland sea bordering Asia is up to 2000 metres deep and less salty than the Mediterranean. Varna is one of the larger tourist centres along with Burgas. 

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + one hour 
  •  Population: 336.000
  •  Official language: Bulgarian
  •  Currency: Bulgarian lev (BGN)

Beautiful sights in and around Varna

Turquoise water and fine sand: the coast around Varna is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. © EdVal/AdobeStocks
Turquoise water and fine sand: the coast around Varna is home to some of the most beautiful beaches. © EdVal/AdobeStocks
The most famous beach near Varna is the four-kilometre-long Golden Sands Beach, which is especially popular with young people and families. © sandsun/AdobeStocks
The most famous beach near Varna is the four-kilometre-long Golden Sands Beach, which is especially popular with young people and families. © sandsun/AdobeStocks
Landmark of Varna: the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is the third largest cathedral in Bulgaria and is impressive both inside and out. © Valentin Valkov/AdobeStocks
Landmark of Varna: the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral is the third largest cathedral in Bulgaria and is impressive both inside and out. © Valentin Valkov/AdobeStocks
The renovated Varna Opera House is a real gem. It boasts a wide programme of operas and concerts. © Iva/AdobeStocks
The renovated Varna Opera House is a real gem. It boasts a wide programme of operas and concerts. © Iva/AdobeStocks
Walk and relax: at the Varna Sea Garden you can admire interesting fountains, exotic plants and sculptures. ©ValentinValkov/AdobeStocks
Walk and relax: at the Varna Sea Garden you can admire interesting fountains, exotic plants and sculptures. ©ValentinValkov/AdobeStocks
Balchik Palace and Park: the former summer residence of Romanian Queen Marie casts a spell over visitors with a botanical garden and a magnificent view of the sea. © ecstk22/AdobeStocks
Balchik Palace and Park: the former summer residence of Romanian Queen Marie casts a spell over visitors with a botanical garden and a magnificent view of the sea. © ecstk22/AdobeStocks
Mysterious stones: “Pobiti Kamani” (planted stones) are naturally formed stone pillars and are also known as the “stone forest”. © Sergei Razvodovsky/AdobeStocks
Mysterious stones: “Pobiti Kamani” (planted stones) are naturally formed stone pillars and are also known as the “stone forest”. © Sergei Razvodovsky/AdobeStocks
Ruins of Roman baths from the 2nd century AD can be visited in the centre of Varna – they were probably the largest Roman thermal baths in the Balkans. © dudlajzov/AdobeStocks
Ruins of Roman baths from the 2nd century AD can be visited in the centre of Varna – they were probably the largest Roman thermal baths in the Balkans. © dudlajzov/AdobeStocks
One of the oldest museums in Bulgaria: the Archaeological Museum is located in a magnificent building and houses sensational artefacts. © villorejo/AdobeStocks
One of the oldest museums in Bulgaria: the Archaeological Museum is located in a magnificent building and houses sensational artefacts. © villorejo/AdobeStocks
Built directly into the rock: the Aladzha Cave Monastery was as a retreat for hermit monks in the Middle Ages. © enigma_art/AdobeStocks
Built directly into the rock: the Aladzha Cave Monastery was as a retreat for hermit monks in the Middle Ages. © enigma_art/AdobeStocks

Along the coast: excursions from Varna

Those who want to explore a little further along the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast will not be disappointed. There are a lot of discoveries to made in coastal area north of Varna in particular. Cape Kaliakra is around an hour’s drive away and is one of the most picturesque places on the Black Sea. Driving further north, you pass pretty villages, small fishing ports and nice restaurants. The protected Lake Durankulak is located near the Romanian border. If you are heading south from Varna, it’s worth visiting the old town of Nessebar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the fishing village of Chengene Skele. 

Beautiful sights on the Black Sea Coast

The headland of Cape Kaliakra extends around seven kilometres into the sea. Sunsets in particular provide magnificent views. © todor/AdobeStocks
The headland of Cape Kaliakra extends around seven kilometres into the sea. Sunsets in particular provide magnificent views. © todor/AdobeStocks
Along the coast towards the north, you pass picturesque little villages in the midst of unspoilt nature – like Tyulenovo. © dudlajzov/AdobeStocks
Along the coast towards the north, you pass picturesque little villages in the midst of unspoilt nature – like Tyulenovo. © dudlajzov/AdobeStocks
An idyllic setting: Lake Durankulak is considered a nature reserve. Around 250 bird species have been sighted here so far. © dudlajzov/AdobeStocks
An idyllic setting: Lake Durankulak is considered a nature reserve. Around 250 bird species have been sighted here so far. © dudlajzov/AdobeStocks
Cobbled streets, old wooden houses, small shops: the old town of Nessebar, situated on an island, has a romantic atmosphere. © bortnikau/AdobeStocks
Cobbled streets, old wooden houses, small shops: the old town of Nessebar, situated on an island, has a romantic atmosphere. © bortnikau/AdobeStocks
What looks like a collection of colourful Lego bricks from above is the fishing village of Chengene Skele, where you can go for a nice walk and eat fresh fish. © Nasko/AdobeStocks
What looks like a collection of colourful Lego bricks from above is the fishing village of Chengene Skele, where you can go for a nice walk and eat fresh fish. © Nasko/AdobeStocks

Varna from BER

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Five travel tips for ...

1.    Take a look at the monks’ chambers at the Aladzha Cave Monastery

2.   Go bird watching at Lake Durankulak 

3.   Recharge your batteries in the Pobiti Kamani stone forest

4.   Enjoy the tranquillity of Balchik’s botanical garden 

5.   Take a hike around Cape Kaliakra

1.    Four kilometres long, golden, legendary: Golden Sands Beach 

2.    Less known, more tranquil: Radjana Beach

3.    Popular with locals: Bolata Beach at Cape Kaliakra

4.    Ideal for families with small children: The flat beach of Albena

5.    Surfing, paddling, kayaking: off to Asparuhovo Beach!

1.    Tarator: a cold cucumber soup for hot days 

2.    Kyopolou: a dip starter made from aubergines

3.    Schopska salad: fresh, healthy and delicious – for every day

4.    Kavarma: a traditional stew for meat lovers

5.    Mussels and fresh fish: a must on the Black Sea

Title image: Black Sea Coast with beach and mountain © by-studio/AdobeStocks

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