Varna
Varna, the sea capital of Bulgaria, is located in the northern part of the
Black Sea Coast and is its biggest city. Together with
Burgas to the South, Varna is the main cultural and entertainment centre in this part of Bulgaria and connects the whole country (and Europe) to the beautiful sea shore. Every year thousands of tourists arrive at its airport hungry for some sun rays and fun.
Apart from the beach and all the attractions that go with it, the city also boasts a beautiful sea garden, great restaurants and cafes, museums and theatres, and a dolphinarium – the most popular sea park in Bulgaria. The nights in Varna are quite eventful so those of you who love to have good time will not be disappointed.
One of the characteristic traits of Varna is its architectural splendour. The
Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral is the biggest church in the city. It was constructed in the period 1882-1886 as a token of gratitude to the Russian Empire and today it is regarded as the most emblematic building in the city centre. The
Varna Opera House, the Clock Tower and the 19th-century royal summer palace of
Euxinograd, located at the northern end of the flowery sea garden, together with its lovely park, are just a few of the sea capital’s remarkable architectural monuments.
As for the attractions that tourists will find outside this urban centre… well, they are quite varied and quite a few. The busy
Golden Sands and
Albena Resorts are nearby. The historically important coastal town of
Balchik is also not too far away. Krapets Village and
Durankulak Lake lie further up the road, approximately 100 km north of the city.
Tourists who have a soft spot for culture should check out the rock-hewn
Aladzha Monastery near Golden Sands, and the
Madara Horseman, located 80 km west of Varna. And if you are into nature, go see the
Standing Stones, an astonishing natural phenomenon, or visit
Kamchia, one of
UNESCO’s biosphere reserves.