Varna holidays

How to reach Varna

Flight time: Flights to Varna from London and other major UK airports typically take around 3 hours.

Transfer time:

• From Varna Airport, 10km northwest of the city, bus #409 takes 20 minutes to reach the centre.

• A taxi takes around 15 minutes.

Price:

• The bus costs about 3 BGN (roughly £1.30) for a one-way trip.

• A taxi ride from the airport to the city centre will set you back around 20-30 BGN (£8.70-£13).

Best time to visit Varna

Deciding when to take your trip to Varna will depend on how much you like the heat and the company of your fellow tourists.

• May to June is a good time to visit if you prefer fewer crowds but still beautiful warm weather. Average temperatures range from 18°C to 25°C, with around 9-11 hours of sunshine daily and minimal rainfall.

• July to August is the height of the tourist season, with correspondingly busier beaches and accommodation harder to come by (and more expensive). Temperatures often reach 28°C or higher, with plenty of sunshine (10-11 hours daily) and minimal rainfall.

• September to October offers a more relaxed experience with temperatures still quite high in September ranging from 20°C to 25°C and the sea remaining warm enough to swim in. Expect around 7-9 hours of sunshine daily. There are far fewer tourists too, while accommodation prices dip slightly.

• November to April: The off-season means far cooler temperatures (8°C to 12°C), but still with some decent sunshine (4-7 hours) and less tourist activity. A good time for a quieter and cheaper getaway, but note that some hotels close down for a few months over the winter.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Bulgarian is the official language, but as a major resort, English is widely understood here.

• Local habits and customs: Oddly, Bulgarians shake their heads when they mean “yes” and nod when they mean “no”. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

• Currency: Bulgaria uses the Bulgarian Lev (BGN). ATMs are plentiful, and credit cards are widely accepted.

• Getting around: Varna has an efficient public transport system, including buses and trolleybuses. A single journey ticket costs about 1 BGN (£0.43). Tickets can be purchased from the driver or ticket machines at bus stops. Taxis are also affordable and reliable.

• Electricity and plug types: Varna uses the standard European 230 volts with Type C and F plugs. UK travellers will need an adaptor for continental-style two-pin round plugs.

• Time zone: Varna is on Eastern European Time, which is 2 hours ahead of GMT, and observes Daylight Saving Time.

Best things to do in Varna

Varna is a cosmopolitan place, with Baroque, 19th-century and contemporary architecture pleasantly blending with shady promenades and a handsome seaside park.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Cape Kaliakra: This long rocky headland jutting out into the Black Sea north of Varna has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends, and will no doubt inspire you as you peer out to the distant horizon.

The best districts

• Ploshtad Nezavisimost: Social life revolves around this handsome square, where the opera house and theatre provide a fabulous backdrop for a slew of restaurants and cafés.

Museums

• Archeological Museum: Housing one of Bulgaria’s finest collections of antiquities, most impressive are the skeletons adorned with Thracian gold jewellery that were unearthed in Varna in 1972 and date back almost 6,000 years.

• Navy Museum: Well worth a trip to see the boat responsible for the Bulgarian Navy’s only victory; it sank the Turkish cruiser Hamidie off Cape Kaliakra in 1912.

Parks and gardens

• Sea Garden (Primorski Park): Stretching from Varna’s port almost to the pleasant, tiny beach resort of Sv Konstantin, the city’s largest park took years to lay out and was finally completed in 1908. It features beautiful gardens, fountains and even a zoo.

• Botanical Garden Ecopark: Bulgaria’s first eco-park, this delightful - and in parts, inspiring - garden is a combination of man-made and natural features.

Historical monuments

• Roman Baths: South of the centre on Ulitsa Han Krum, the extensive remains of the 3rd-century Roman baths are a testament to Varna’s rich history; indeed, it’s still possible to discern the various bathing areas and the once huge exercise hall.

• Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral: Constructed in 1886, this domed beauty contains a splendid iconostasis and bishop’s throne.

Day trips in the area

• Nessebar: Renowned for its delightful medieval churches, 19th-century wooden architecture and labyrinthine cobbled streets, Nessebar’s old town lies on a narrow, man-made isthmus connected by road to the mainland.

• Balchik: A charming coastal town made famous by Romania’s Queen Marie, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, it merits a visit courtesy of its beautiful botanical gardens and the majestic Balchik Palace.

Activities for families in Varna

The resort's beaches are of course a major pull, and are why so many families take their holidays to Varna, but there are many other forms of entertainment on offer here.

• Parks and gardens: Families could spend the best part of a day at Sea Garden (Primorski Park), a vast green space with playgrounds, fountains and even a zoo.

• Interactive museums: For kids in thrall to history and archaeology, both the Museum of Archaeology, with its fascinating exhibits on ancient Thrace and the Roman Empire, and the Naval Museum, which brings Bulgaria’s maritime history to life, won’t disappoint.

• Aquariums and zoos: In the heart of Primorski Park, the well-tended zoo features a large number of animals including camels, emus and other exotic birds, spiders, snakes, crabs, frogs, geckos and rodents. The Dolphinarium, meanwhile, has it all going on, with the resident dolphins performing high jumps, double flips, triple axles and the like.

Free things to do in Varna

Come at the right time and you could quite easily spend much of your Varna holidays soaking up the free festivals, but failing that, there are many other ways of holidaying here on a budget.

• Free events: Varna’s roster of summer events is outstanding: July’s Summer International Music Festival is Bulgaria’s oldest, while there’s more great (and free) music and dance at the Folklore Festival. Finally, Celebration Day Varna City on 15th August is a day of concerts, regatta competitions and performances.

• Outdoor markets: Surrounding the cathedral is a fabulous market, selling local embroidery and lace along with the usual souvenirs.

• Evening walks: The main square is the starting point of Varna’s evening promenade, which flows eastward along Bulevard Knyaz Boris I and towards Bulevard Slivnitsa and the seaside gardens.

Nature and outdoor activities in Varna

Varna is nicely positioned right at the heart of the Black Sea coast and is within easy reach of all kinds of pursuits, both on water and land.

• Hiking: The nearby Golden Sands Nature Park offers several hiking trails that meander through this protected territory, at the same time as the opportunity to admire all kinds of flora and fauna, including eagle owls, red deer and wild boar.

• Water sports: Jet-skiing, parasailing and zorbing are all family-friendly activities available at various stations along the main beach here.

• Cycling: Varna has a decent network of cycling paths which wend their way through the Sea Garden and along the long promenade, which makes renting a bike an attractive proposition.

Discover the best beaches in Varna

Varna, Bulgaria’s vibrant seaside city, is renowned for its beautiful beaches along the Black Sea coast. Whether you're looking for lively beach scenes, family-friendly spots, or peaceful retreats, Varna’s beaches offer something for everyone. Here are some of the top beaches to explore during your holidays in Varna:

Varna Central Beach

Varna Central Beach is the most popular and accessible beach in the city, located near the Sea Garden. This expansive sandy beach offers a lively atmosphere with plenty of amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants. The shallow, calm waters make it ideal for swimming and perfect for families with children. The nearby promenade is great for a leisurely walk, offering beautiful sea views and a variety of dining options.

Asparuhovo Beach

Asparuhovo Beach is located to the south of Varna, across the Asparuhov Bridge. This quieter beach is known for its wide sandy shore and clear waters. It’s a great spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the central beaches. Asparuhovo Beach is well-maintained and offers amenities such as sun loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars. The adjacent Asparuhov Park provides a scenic setting for picnics and leisurely walks.

Sunny Day Beach

Sunny Day Beach, located in the Sunny Day Resort near Varna, is known for its clean, golden sands and crystal-clear waters. This beach offers a more upscale experience with luxury resorts and high-end amenities. It’s perfect for those looking to relax in a more tranquil and exclusive environment. The beach is equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachside restaurants offering delicious local cuisine.

Golden Sands Beach

Golden Sands Beach is one of the most famous beaches near Varna, located just a short drive north of the city. This resort area boasts a long stretch of fine, golden sand and is known for its vibrant atmosphere. The beach offers a wide range of activities, including water sports, beach volleyball, and various entertainment options. Golden Sands Beach is lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars, making it a lively destination both day and night.

Albena Beach

Albena Beach, located north of Varna, is part of the Albena Resort and is renowned for its pristine sands and clear waters. This family-friendly beach offers a wide range of facilities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, playgrounds, and water sports. The shallow waters make it safe for children, and the beach is well-maintained with plenty of dining and entertainment options nearby.

Saints Constantine and Helena Beach

Saints Constantine and Helena Beach is part of Bulgaria’s oldest seaside resort, located just a short distance from Varna. This beach offers a peaceful and scenic environment with beautiful gardens and mineral springs nearby. The beach is equipped with all the necessary amenities, including sun loungers, umbrellas, and beachside cafes. It’s a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Fichoza Beach

Fichoza Beach is a hidden gem located south of Varna, offering a more secluded and natural beach experience. This beach is less developed and is surrounded by lush greenery, providing a tranquil retreat away from the more crowded beaches. Fichoza Beach is ideal for those looking to unwind and enjoy the serene environment. The clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkelling.

Varna’s diverse range of beaches ensures that every visitor can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the Black Sea coastline. Whether you’re seeking a lively beach with plenty of activities or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, Varna’s beaches have something to offer for everyone. Plan your beach days to make the most of your holidays in Varna.

Local dishes in Varna

Meat reigns supreme in Bulgaria, but here in Varna you’ll find plenty of seafood too, as well as all the usual Bulgarian staples.

Some typical dishes

• Gyuvech: The best-known traditional dish is a rich stew comprising peppers, aubergines and beans, to which either meat or meat stock is added.

• Kiselo mlyako: Bulgarians consider their yogurt the world’s finest, and hardly miss a day without consuming it. As well as being tasty, it’s renowned for its probiotic qualities.

• Shopska salad: The combination of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions and feta, or Bulgarian sirene (white brine) cheese, is hard to beat - and a rare treat for vegetarians.

Meat dishes

• Sarmi: Stuffed cabbage or vine leaves filled with minced meat, rice and spices, then slow-cooked to perfection.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Tsatsa: Fried sprat fish, usually served with a wedge of lemon, these small, crispy morsels are the perfect companion to a cold beer on a hot day.

• Mussels with rice: These fresh Black Sea mussels from Dabolka, the Black Sea’s biggest mussel farm, are tossed in rice, herbs and spices.

• Rapa whelks: A large, carnivorous sea snail, these surprisingly tasty whelks are typically served as part of a salad, though can be fried and served as a main too.

Street food

• Kebapcheta: Grilled minced meat rissoles usually served with a hunk of bread and pickles - popular variations include shishche (shish kebab) and kyofteta (meatballs).

• Banitsa: A flaky pastry envelope with a filling – usually cheese – sold by bakeries and street vendors in the morning and evening.

Sweets and desserts

Bulgarian desserts tend to consist of very sweet Turkish derivatives, such as baklava or revane, while Halvitsa, a kind of nougat, is also popular. Ice cream sellers litter the resort’s numerous promenades.

Local drinks

• Rakia: This traditional fruit brandy, often made from grapes or plums, is strong and usually served as an aperitif - best sipped to avoid a sore head.

• Bulgarian wine: The local wines are constantly improving, and among the best reds are the heavy, mellow Melnik and rich, dark Mavrud, while Dimyat is a good dry white.

• Bulgarian craft beer: Produced in abundance, leading local brands are Boliarka from Veliko Tarnovo, Astika from Haskovo and Zagorka from Stara Zagora. Boliarka also produces a bizarre stout called Stolichno.