The resort of St. Konstantin and Elena is considered one of the oldest and most beautiful in Bulgaria . Its name comes from the monastery located in this area (you can also see it, however, it is very simple and not interesting for children). Ideal for a quiet family holiday and for the elderly. The resort was chosen by our compatriots, as well as residents of Romania and Germany. The resort is cool, the impression is spoiled only by a channel with not very clean water, which flows right in the middle of the resort.
This is an ancient Bulgarian climatic resort , which began to develop precisely as a resort more than 100 years ago. It is much older than the nearby popular Golden Sands on the northern coast, and especially Alben. This is a rather intimate place about 10 kilometers from Varna, in the middle of a vast shady park, aimed at a peaceful vacation. Saints Constantine and Helena gained its popularity thanks to its mineral springs, and the climate with low humidity (as well as on the entire coast of Bulgaria) and a large amount of greenery (many trees were planted in the resort about a hundred years ago) especially attract families with children here and pensioners. Note that the northern part of the resort of Saints Constantine and Helenaallocated to a separate resort area called Sunny Day.
Today, the resort has several private (at hotels) and one public pool with hot thermal water (temperature about 46-50 degrees). The water of the springs of St. Constantine and Elena is especially good for various skin diseases, musculoskeletal system, after injuries and other injuries, soothes and improves the well-being of patients with disorders of the nervous system, together with clean sea air, relieves the condition of people with respiratory system problems .
Grand Hotel Varna 5 *, Estreya Palace 4 * have their own health and wellness centers at the resort , many other hotels have excellent spa salons with open and closed pools. In any of them, you can order a procedure or a set of them according to your taste, even if you do not live there. Popular and recommended hotels with a high level of service are Romance Splendid & Spa Hotel 4 *, Azalia Hotel & Spa 4 * .
The convenient location of this seaside resort allows you to go to Varna and Golden Sands.
Why should you go to the resort of St. Konstantin and Elena with children?
- This is a very green resort (many old pines, cypresses, old oaks, which squirrels run after (children are delighted), alleys and lawns) with the cleanest air from the mountains. In some ways, it even resembles Crimea.
- Good tourist infrastructure (cafes and restaurants, entertainment facilities, which are mainly concentrated on 2 small promenades).
- Low density of hotels.
- Quiet, not “partying” place.
- Hotels with family rooms and conditions for children’s stay (yes, there are not many hotels with entertainment facilities, but animation is still somewhere. Plus, almost everywhere there is a children’s menu, which varies a little from the star rating of the hotel, but not critical).
Beach vacation (logical, because the resort is by the sea. The best beaches are in the northern part of the city. The beaches here, as everywhere in Bulgaria, are municipal, and the entrance to them is free. However, you will have to pay for the rental of sunbeds and umbrellas. A long three-kilometer strip of beach with a small with quartz sand, not too wide (50-80 meters), the entrance is sometimes on the sand, nice and shallow, and sometimes on the stones, which is not great, but in general there are no sharp differences in depth. The sea line is something like a bay. There is enough space for everyone , however, there are always a lot of people on the beach, especially in the peak season, and many people commit the sin of burying garbage in the sand. Therefore, the beach of this resort cannot be called perfectly clean, although it is cleaned every evening. The best beach for children is both sides of Sirius Beach Hotel. By the way, it is very easy to get to the beach from all the resort hotels, as the town is small and compact).- The presence of hot hydrogen sulfide mineral springs. You and your children can always relax and get healthy in one of the municipal pools with warm mineral water. Moreover, some hotels of the resort have their own pools with this useful water and offer water treatments. If everything is normal with health, then local doctors strongly recommend hyperthermal hydrogen sulfide springs for the prevention of all kinds of diseases, they say, “for the future”, before the coming tiring winter!
- Clean sea (if you have been to our resorts, you know what the sea is like there. And it is clean here!). The sea water on these beaches is characterized by a high content of useful minerals, because the water from the springs flows directly into the sea.
- Convenient location and road infrastructure. Interesting neighboring cities are nearby (9 km to Varna). It is also convenient to go on excursions, and it is not far from the airport (17 km), and the kids will not be tired at all after the flight (and the resort itself has a railway station and excellent roads for motorists).
- Separate complexes. Many hotels of the resort do not stand alone, but in complexes of three or four hotels. Therefore, in some places you can choose which hotel you will eat at. However, you need to find out about this in advance.
Cons of the resort :
A fairly high bank and stairs leading to the beaches. This can cause some difficulties if you are traveling with a baby in a stroller.
When to take children to the resort of St. Konstantin and Elena?
The best time for family vacations will be June (second half), July and August. If you decided to go on vacation in September, then you are in luck. At the beginning of September, the weather is still summer, then the weather quickly becomes unpredictable: the temperature can be + 27 ° and the sun is shining, or it can be + 15 ° with wind and rain. In the hottest months of the year, it is still very good here, the sea is warm and pleasant, so you can safely go even in the peak season.
How to have fun with children at the resort of St. Constantine and St. Helena ?
Entertainment here, let’s face it, is not that much.
- colorful steam locomotives that run through the territory of the resort (you can take a ride on them, children like it very much);
- a small center with attractions and a trampoline, as well as a tent where you can paint plaster figures;
- Hotel Dolphin-Marina 4 * has at its disposal a children’s club “Toucan”, to which children from all neighboring hotels are invited;
- botanical ecopark . More details here. The park covers an area of 36 hectares. This is a real corner of paradise! A wonderful place for walks. The entrance to the park is next to the resort complex “St. Konstantin and Elena” . Plants from all over the world grow in the reserve – from Asia, Europe, America, etc. And there are so many beautiful roses in the Rose Garden (as many as 32 types – white, yellow, burgundy, pink, black!). And just countless irises. The aromas wafting through the park are wonderful. Local residents regularly come here for family picnics (there are special tables and benches in the park) – it is very quiet, calm and beautiful, and clean, of course;
- water activities Water skis, “bananas”, “flops”, catamarans for rent and others – look for them on the beaches of the resort;
- a cool restaurant ship near the Sirius hotel, a kind of unusual business card of the resort.
Which hotel to choose for a vacation in the resort of St. Konstantin and Elena?
The resort of St. Constantine and Helena is located exactly in the middle of the way between Varna airport and Golden Sands, very close to the city of Varna, actually joining its suburbs. This is a small resort town, perfectly integrated into a large park with ancient oaks, so that the air here is simply beautiful, and the number of squirrels running among these trees is so great that it drives children into crazy delight. There are not so many hotels on the territory of the resort itself, only 16 (it is true that it was like that 2 years ago, and a few more were being built, ready or not, we cannot say), a few cottages and three or four villages with houses where you can rent apartments . But the last option is not very good, due to the fact that they are quite far from the sea, somewhere on the third or fourth line, if we speak in the language of tour operators.
Strictly speaking, there is only one five-star hotel here, the Grand Hotel Varna , although there was information that the Dolphin Marina Hotel was planned to be transferred to this category, but in what way, it is not clear to us. This is a solid “four” no matter what. Other hotels have 4 and 3 stars, but this is a real gradation, unlike in Turkey, where it “floats”. In all 4- and 5-star hotels, food is “all inclusive” and a big plus is that some of the hotels are, as it were, united in a network, in which you can choose which hotel you will eat at. This is true, you need to find out in advance. For example, Grand Hotel Varna is included in the pool with such hotels as: Dolphin, Dolphin Marina and Lebyd.
Grand Hotel Varna 5*
It is very good to go here with children, because the territory is large, there are many playgrounds and there is a huge children’s trampoline, from where it is extremely problematic to pull a child out. The sea is shallow, which is also a plus for recreation with children, and the beaches are sandy.
Dolphin Marina 4*
Does it make sense for young couples to go here? I’m not sure, but it’s a pastoral and family vacation. It makes sense for young people to go to Golden Sands. There is fun, there is drive. And here it is calm, peaceful and comfortable.
Hotel Aqua Azur 4 *
Hotel Aqua Azur 4 * (Aqua Azur Hotel 4 *) is located in the northern part of the resort, 100 meters from the Black Sea coast, opposite the hotel “Azalia”. The modern hotel has excellent conditions for relaxation, holding conferences, and you can also enjoy a luxurious spa center. Built in 2005. Suitable for family holidays, people of the older generation. The hotel provides discounts for children under 14 years old! With two adults, two children under 14 stay for free.
Hotel Estreya Residence 4 *
Estreya Residence Hotel 4 * is located in a pine forest, next to mineral springs, in the center of the resort. Hotel Esther Residence 4 * has a common area with Hotel Esther Palace 4 *. Also suitable for a quiet, peaceful family vacation. Built in 2007. On the territory of the hotel was built the monastery “Saints Constantine and Elena” .
Hotel Estreya Palace 4 *
Hotel Esther Palace 4 * (Estreya Palace Hotel 4 *) is located in the center of the resort, surrounded by a lush and beautiful garden with ancient trees. Near the hotel is a monastery, thanks to which the hotel has a special atmosphere. The hotel is suitable for a quiet, peaceful, wellness vacation, for families with children and people of the older generation. But, if you want more “lively” recreation, you can visit bars, restaurants, and clubs not far from the hotel.
Hotel Lebed 4 *
Hotel Lebed 4 * (Lebed Hotel 4 *) is located surrounded by a luxurious green park, in the immediate vicinity of the Grand Hotel Varna, near the pedestrian promenade. The hotel is located 90 meters from the Black Sea coast. Offers a cozy and calm atmosphere, suitable for family vacations and recreation with children. Umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach are free.
Hotel Dolphin 4 *
Hotel Dolphin 4 * (Dolphin Hotel 4 *) is part of the Grand Hotel Varna complex and has a common infrastructure with all hotels in the complex, located in the center of the resort in the middle of a well-kept park 50 meters from the sea. The hotel offers a lot of entertainment for both children and adults. Umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach are free.
Hotel Azalia 4 *
Hotel Azalia 4 * (Azalia Hotel 4 *) is a modern hotel located in the center of the resort, directly on the beach, in a quiet and cozy place. The hotel offers a unique combination of architecture with a breathtaking view of the sea and the beach strip. Local mineral springs make vacation by the sea not only pleasant, but also useful. The hotel was built in 2004. The hotel offers a wide entertainment program for children and adults. Ideal for family holidays with children.
Hotel Frederic Curi 4 *
Hotel Frederic Joliot Curie 3 * is located among greenery in the lively center of the resort of Saints Constantine and Helena . The hotel has a balneological center. Diseases of the musculoskeletal system, peripheral nervous system, hypertension, bronchial asthma, chronic respiratory diseases, metabolic disorders, etc. are treated here.
Hotel Gloria 3 *
Hotel Gloria 3 * (Gloria Hotel 3 *) is located in the middle of a natural park that combines coniferous and deciduous trees that create coolness and comfort on hot summer days. Next to the hotel is a lively embankment: cafes, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops. The hotel is suitable for family holidays with children. Renovated in 2008. Umbrellas and sunbeds on the beach are free.
Car rental in the resort of St. Constantine and St. Helena
The sunny resort took the name of the ancient monastery of the 8th century – Saints Konstantin and Elena . By renting a car in St. Constantine, you will be able to visit this ancient and incredible place on the northern coast of Bulgaria. It is very simple and easy. Just choose a car and fill out the contact form. The earlier you place an order, the greater the discount you will receive – an additional discount of 5, 10% is given to customers who place an order at least 7-14 days, respectively.
The reserved car for rent will be waiting for you at the place of arrival – at the airport of Varna , at the airport of Burgas , or at the address of your stay in Varna or St. Constantine . It will be inexpensive and convenient. The amount you will pay for the rental car includes: CASCO, OSAGO, VAT, road taxes (vignette), unlimited mileage, round-the-clock customer support.
How to get to the resort of St. Constantine and St. Helena
There are flights from Ukraine to Varna, from where the resort of St. Constantine and St. Helena is 40 km away and can be reached in an hour by land transport.
Transport
Mostly tourists prefer to move around the resort on foot, it is small. For long distances, you can use public transport, a taxi. You need to agree on the price in advance with private individuals, but it is better to take an official one with a taximeter.
Sights and entertainment of the resort of St. Constantine and St. Helena
The territory of the resort of St. Constantine and St. Helena is rightfully considered the greenest in Bulgaria and the most ecologically clean, moreover, it borders the largest botanical garden in Bulgaria. Almost everyone who had the opportunity to relax in this place notes the large number of squirrels, which is also another proof in favor of the clean ecology of this area.
One of the oldest monasteries in Bulgaria is located on the territory of the resort, which gave the resort its own name. The place is surprisingly modest and elevated, which stands out among the pathos and luxury of hotels by its modesty.
Beaches of the resort of St. Konstantin and St. Helena
It is worth paying special attention to the beach, the place for which 90 percent of travelers go. There are not so many full-fledged places for swimming in the entire resort. The main beaches: South Beach , which is fully owned by the Grand Hotiv Varna complex, the beach near the Dolphin Marina Hotel does not have a shallow landing, the Small Beach with a rocky landing, and several small beaches at the Azalia, Aqua Azur, and other hotels. Sunbeds and umbrellas are free for hotel guests, but for those who bathe, who do not have a treasured bracelet, it costs some foreign money.
Kitchen of the St. Constantine and St. Helena resort
Food in almost all hotels is the same and is based on the international principle for hotels of the all inclusive system, it is a buffet consisting of 50 percent local cuisine, 50 percent European, but with one big difference, a large amount of fruit is served. Locally produced alcohol is available to vacationers around the clock. There are many restaurants in the resort where you can try local cuisine, while often guests pay only for the entrance.
Shopping of the resort of St. Constantine and St. Helena
The resort itself is small and shopping opportunities are limited, but the proximity to Varna is a very good advantage, which is used by tourists who want to do a good shopping.
Precautions
St. Constantine and St. Helena is generally a safe resort, but you need to keep an eye on things in crowded places, and do not leave them unattended on the beach.
Surroundings of the resort of St. Konstantin and St. Helena
A little north of the resort is the famous Sunny Beach. You should definitely visit Varna, there are many interesting sights and good shopping.