Residents of Varna love to participate in Bulgarian contests for the title of the best city. They win these competitions year after year. True, the reasons are always different. For example, the local embankment and restaurants have won prestigious awards more than once. The winner was also the huge Primorsky Park – the record holder for the number of entertainment. It is impossible to be bored here. Children are delighted with the huge dolphinarium from the Sladkarnytsia cafe , funny fish in the aquarium, bear cubs in the zoo and the local terrarium. Adults, instantly turning into children, occupy the “bridge of wishes”, where they walk back and forth with closed eyes and mutter something out loud.
If you’re tired of entertainment, it’s time to go study history. Take a walk through the heart of old Varna, where the ruins of Roman baths of the 2nd century peacefully coexist with modern high-rise buildings. Or go outside the city to the ancient Aladzha monastery , which the monks carved right into the rocks. Or you can go to Cape Kaliakra , listen to local crazy stories and sit for a glass of rakia in a local tavern with a view of the bay. But not only the Kaliakra peninsula is shrouded in legends. They say that if you get lost in the Stone Forest , which stretches not far from Varnafor many kilometers, health will become so strong that you can live up to 100 years. Believe it or not, but these mysterious stone “trees” have troubled the minds of more than one generation of geologists and scientists.
Well, when the heat subsides, when all the mysteries are solved, you can safely go to the sandy beaches of Varna . They are conditionally divided into several parts – southern, central, northern, officer and fishing. Sand everywhere and paid sunbeds with umbrellas. Marine entertainment in Varna is few and monotonous. These are mainly slides, volleyball games and catamarans. Although there are several windsurfing centers in the southern part.
When is the best time to rest in Varna?
With its temperature schedule, Varna is no different from other Black Sea resorts, not only in Bulgariabut also Romania, because, like everywhere, the beginning of the season here begins at the end of May. If you are interested in an economical vacation, then you should plan a tour or an independent trip precisely at the beginning of the season, when the prices for accommodation are not yet high due to the lack of a large number of tourists. The air temperature is quite high and allows not only to spend time on the beach sunbathing, but even to swim in the sea, although the water is still quite cool and has no more than +20 degrees. Therefore, during this period, it is better not to come with children who like to sit and play in the water to their heart’s content. The hottest and most visited months are July and August. At this time, a large number of tourists rest, which undoubtedly affects the increase in prices, both in hotels and in the private sector. Unlike the Mediterranean resorts, it is not so hot here and quite comfortable. Moreover, the water in the sea is already warming up quite well, and in August it reaches its maximum temperature of + 24 + 25 degrees. August is the best time to relax with school-aged children, which many do.
As for us, we give more preference to September, and not because the prices drop a little in this month, but because we consider this month to be the most comfortable for us. First, it is the most stable in terms of weather changes and rains are extremely rare. During the day, the temperature is excellent, and the evenings are quite warm, which allows you to go hiking and enjoy spending time in one of the many cafes or restaurants that offer excellent drinks and dishes from seafood or national Bulgarian cuisine. The sea is also good for swimming at a temperature of + 22 + 23 degrees. Schoolchildren are already studying, it becomes calmer and quieter in hotels and on beaches. September is an ideal month for vacationing with children of preschool age. The number of tourists decreases significantly, the beaches become more spacious, which gives small children more opportunities to play without straining others. Beach season inVarni is quite short, so you should prepare for it in advance, choosing the most suitable option for both the hotel and the time of rest.
Which hotel to choose for vacation in Varna?
The resorts of Bulgaria are becoming more and more popular today, both among tourists from Europe and among our compatriots. The reason is a high level of service and comfort for affordable (by average European standards) money. The beach area here today has a developed infrastructure, and the opportunities for active recreation are very diverse. One of the main tasks facing the traveler is to choose a good hotel so as not to overshadow his impressions of the rest. Here are a few options from different price categories that are definitely worth considering as options.
Grand Hotel Dimyat (111 Kniaz Boris I Blvd.).
This is probably one of the best five-star hotels in Varna . It is located in the very center of the city, near the Sea Garden . One of the most popular beaches in Varnais within walking distance from the hotel. There are numerous shopping centers and restaurants around the hotel. The hotel rooms are distinguished by their spaciousness. Yes, the area of a double room here is 45 square meters. There is a TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, a fully stocked mini-bar with snacks and drinks, and the bathroom has a full hydromassage bath. The beds will be comfortable even for tall guests, they are more than two meters long. Free high-speed Wi-Fi is available in all rooms. You will undoubtedly be pleased with the view that opens from the windows of this hotel: either on the sea garden or on the Varna Bay. Breakfast is included in the price of all rooms of this hotel and is served in the hotel restaurant every morning from 7 to 11 o’clock. At any other time, you can dine here with dishes of traditional Bulgarian and international cuisine for a reasonable price. There is an opportunity to relax with a glass of cocktail in the cozy lobby bar of the hotel. If you rented a car to move around the resort area, free parking is available in the area adjacent to the hotel. Moreover, you can rent a car directly by contacting the hotel reception desk. On the first floor of the hotel there is a beauty salon and a small souvenir shop. The assortment is not very large, but there are exclusive “hand-made” items. To Varna airportfrom the hotel – less than 10 km. If necessary, you can order a transfer to / from the airport. As an additional bonus from the hotel, you will receive a discount on visiting an excellent tennis court located not far from the hotel. The cost of accommodation in a standard double hotel room starts from 2,500 hryvnias per day. There is no additional charge for children under 12 years of age. For an older child or an additional adult in the room, you will need to pay about 700 hryvnias per day. Baby cots can be provided upon request. Check-in at the hotel is from 2 p.m. Departure – up to 12 o’clock.
Panorama Hotel (31, Primorski blvd.).
This four-star hotel has one of the best locations in Varna . It is located right on the famous Primorsky Boulevard – Varna’s business card , a stone’s throw from the beach. A large number of beach clubs are concentrated around the hotel. From the railway station of Varnayou will reach the hotel on foot in just five minutes. If you get to the city through the airport, there is a bus stop next to the hotel that departs from the airport. Here at your service are standard rooms designed for “double” or “double+” accommodation, as well as full-fledged apartments with an increased area of 50 square meters. The latter are suitable for accommodation of travelers traveling with a large family or campaign. Half of the hotel’s rooms have windows overlooking the sea. There is no additional charge for the type, but there are restrictions on the availability of free rooms. Specify the accommodation option in advance when booking. Each room has a TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Wi-fi is provided by a code to be taken at the reception and is available throughout the hotel. As an additional service in the hotel, a good spa salon is at your service, where you can order any type of relaxing massage, as well as a spacious sauna. The cost of accommodation in a standard hotel room starts from 1,400 hryvnias per day. Apartments will cost you twice as much. No matter which room you stay in, buffet breakfast is always included in its price. Children under the age of 12 stay with you absolutely free of charge. For an additional adult, you will have to pay 80% of the room price per day. Check-in at the hotel is from 2 p.m. Departure – up to 12 o’clock. For an additional adult, you will have to pay 80% of the room price per day. Check-in at the hotel is from 2 p.m. Departure – up to 12 o’clock. For an additional adult, you will have to pay 80% of the room price per day. Check-in at the hotel is from 2 p.m. Departure – up to 12 o’clock.
Aqua Hotel (12 Devnya St.).
This four-star hotel is not located on the first line, but in the central part of the city in the shopping district. To the port of Varnait is possible to reach the city’s railway station on foot, and it only takes 10-15 minutes. And the beach can be reached by public transport in just a few minutes. The hotel rooms have everything you need for a comfortable rest: a TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Free Wi-Fi is available. The only drawback is the small area of the room. It is only 14 square meters. Accordingly, the bathroom is also small and has a shower cabin. Breakfast is included in the price of all rooms. It is served in a local restaurant according to the “buffet” principle and, it should be noted, is quite diverse and nutritious. There is even a separate children’s meal option. In addition, in the vicinity of the hotel there are many various cafes and restaurants, including fast food. The hotel has its own spa with a hot tub and a fitness center. You can use their services for an additional fee by making an appointment at the reception desk. If you need car parking, the hotel has a choice between a free underground car park or a paid, guarded outdoor car park right at the entrance to the hotel building. The cost of accommodation in this hotel starts from 1400 hryvnias. Children up to 6 years of age stay for free, for an older child you will have to pay an additional 50% of the room price per day. Check-in at the hotel, as well as the estimated time, is at 12 o’clock. Children up to 6 years of age stay for free, for an older child you will have to pay an additional 50% of the room price per day. Check-in at the hotel, as well as the estimated time, is at 12 o’clock. Children up to 6 years of age stay for free, for an older child you will have to pay an additional 50% of the room price per day. Check-in at the hotel, as well as the estimated time, is at 12 o’clock.
Is it worth going to Varna on vacation with children?
Now many resorts pay special attention to tourists vacationing with children, for this purpose water parks, dolphinariums and other entertainment facilities are being built. The hotels create conditions for a comfortable family vacation, which include interesting children’s animation, various clubs, services of babysitters and tutors, children’s menu, etc. Varna is no exception in this respect. This is the largest city on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, in addition to beautiful beaches with modern and comfortable hotels, here you can find a large number of entertainment, places of leisure and attractions that will interest not only adults, but also children.
If you decide to relax with children in Varna , then we recommend that you pay attention to Hotel Melia Grand Hermitage 5 * , which is located on the first coastline and is ideal for family vacations. There is no point in writing about all its advantages, since the infrastructure is quite developed and meets all modern comfort requirements. Let’s talk only about what concerns recreation with children. First of all, these are two children’s clubs. The first is located inside the hotel itself, where children’s drawing and sculpting classes are held, as well as various competitions, the second is in the park, on the territory. There is also a big one
playground. In addition, there is a colorful pool specially for children, in which various games are held. To attract children’s interest, pirate days are organized with a treasure hunt, Indian games, etc., etc. Also, a mini disco is organized every evening for children. There is a babysitter service for the little ones, and there are three restaurants on the hotel’s territory that offer children’s meals. If you need different milk formulas and other baby food for babies, as well as diapers and baby hygiene items, all this can be found in supermarkets and pharmacies in the city. In addition, there are a number of large shopping centers in Varna , such as METROfor example, where you can buy everything you need at fairly low prices. There is also a selection of good quality items. In general, the hotel for a family holiday is quite decent and if you are interested, you can read the reviews of tourists about it, although as they say, there are as many people as there are opinions, and there will always be dissatisfied people.
As for entertainment outside the hotel, there is also something to do here. On the beach, as in principle at all resorts, there are water sports and entertainment in the form of banana rides, mattresses, bagels, etc., including for children. You can take the children to the dolphin show held at the Dolphinarium. During the performance, which lasts 40-45 minutes, interactive games are held with the participation of the audience and to the delight of children. After the performance, adults and children can admire how dolphins have fun and play underwater. For this, a transparent screen is installed in the lower part of the pool. The Dolphinarium is located in Primorsky Park at the address of Morskata Gradyn. Performances are held three times a day, the program is voiced in several languages at the same time. The cost of entrance tickets is eight leva for adults and six leva for children under 12 years old. Admission is free for children under two years of age.
Right here in Primorsky Park, which by the way is quite large and has a length of eight kilometers, there is a terrarium “Exotic Zoo” , which is home to a large number of insects and cold-blooded animals, including spiders, scorpions, crocodiles, turtles, lizards and snakes. Among the large snakes there are pythons and anacondas. This terrarium is considered the largest in Bulgaria in terms of the number of inhabitants. You can take pictures with some of the animals. The cost of the visit is quite symbolic and amounts to 0.80 leva for children and 1.20 leva for adults.
Another place to visit in Primorsky Park can be the Aquarium , the history of which is more than a hundred years old. Aquariums with exotic fish from tropical latitudes will surely interest children. In addition, there is a large selection of representatives of sea and ocean fauna, such as octopuses, crabs, etc. In Primorsky Park, these are far from the only places interesting to visit, on its huge territory, which is a favorite place not only for tourists, but also for local residents, there is much to see and you will be able to see for yourself after visiting it.
You can visit the puppet theater , which is located at the address of st. Dragoman, 4, where performances are held for both children and adults. True, all productions are held in Bulgarian. The pride of the puppet theater is the puppet museum , which is considered one of the most interesting in Europe. It features puppets that have been in use since the day the theater was founded.
The pride of “Golden Sands” can be called the Aquapolis Aquapark , which was built quite recently in the Mediterranean style. In addition to water slides and various attractions in the form of a climbing wall or a shooting range, there are cozy cafes and restaurants where you can eat ice cream, drink cold drinks and have a snack. In addition, various contests and games, as well as lotteries and raffles, are constantly held on the territory of the water park especially for children, followed by the awarding of prizes to the winners. The cost of a ticket to visit the Aquapark is $25.
And the greatest interest will surely be caused by the new amusement park “HAPPY LAND” , which opened last year and is located twenty kilometers from Varna , in the direction of the city of Burgas. This is a whole entertainment town for children.
In general, while vacationing in Varna, you will always be able to find entertainment to your liking both for yourself and for your children. If we talk about the best time to relax with children, then in our opinion these are the months of July and August. The climate in the Varna area is quite mild and there are no such high temperatures as in the resorts of Turkey or Egypt. In addition, in August the sea warms up to the maximum and reaches +26 degrees, which especially pleases children and allows them to stay in the water for a long time.
Where can you eat in Varna?
Bistro “Modus”
Bistro “Modus” is located on the first floor of the hotel of the same name. This bistro is located at a short distance from the local beach – at a distance of three hundred meters – so tourists are often here, they usually stop by on the way to their hotels. Therefore, despite the strict interior decoration, there are often visitors here in inappropriate clothes – however, this does not bother anyone, as the spirit of the establishment promotes a good, relaxed mood.
This place is not suitable for loud companies, there are only three dozen seats here. In this establishment, visitors appreciate the comfortable atmosphere and high level of service. I especially like to sit in the open courtyard, inhaling the aromas of roses and at the same time enjoying delicious dishes.
Bistro “Modus” is popular for its seafood dishes, where visitors can order “salmon with basil sauce” or “tiger shrimp”. You can also try meat dishes, steaks are very popular here. First of all, you should order a soup or salad, then the main dish, and don’t forget the dessert – the variety of dishes based on mascarpone cheese is definitely worth the money you spend. The cost of the main course varies between 14-20 leva, in general, you will have to spend 35-40 leva for lunch in this bistro.
Restaurant “La Pastaria”
Currently, there are four restaurants from this chain of Italian cuisine establishments in Varna . The hall, located in the central part, on the street, is the most popular. Dragoman. There is enough space to accommodate almost a hundred people, half of this number is indoors, and the other is in the garden, at tables. In principle, there are a lot of places, but the number of those who want to get here is even more – so book a table in advance by calling 052 632060 or on the restaurant’s website.
The restaurant “La Pastaria” can boast of such a large number of visitors thanks to its excellent cuisine – here, along with Italian recipes, local ones are also used, although the advantage always remains with the former. Clients are offered delicious snacks such as ” Tuscan salad ” or ” Salat Verde ” with parmesan. As a main dish, many prefer risotto or wonderful pastas, some with interesting names like ” Quatro Formaggi “. As for the wine list of the “La Pastaria” restaurant, it presents more than one and a half hundred items – Bulgarian, Italian, French wines… The interior decoration of the establishment deserves special praise – it is well thought out and presents the restaurant as an Italian country tavern.
Restaurant “Villa Marciana”
Despite the fact that this gastronomic establishment is located at a distance of thirty kilometers from the city, everyone who has visited here will say that the time spent on the road is more than compensated by the excellent dishes offered and the elegant interior. The restaurant has carefully recreated the interior of Rococo style palaces. Local residents hold various celebrations and corporate events in it. The owners of the establishment assure that the holiday you will celebrate here will be remembered for a long time, and they have reason to say so – along with the beautiful interior decoration, visitors will be delighted by the highest level of service and the pleasure of perfectly prepared dishes.
As for the menu, there are many options here – from ordinary and relatively inexpensive barbecue, prepared in front of visitors, to such culinary masterpieces as chicken fillet with blue cheese and nutritious pork medallions with potatoes and mushrooms. It is clear that in an institution of this level you will have to pay a lot – on average, a lunch will cost a visitor 500 or even 70 leva. If you take wine, it’s about a whole hundred. However, the high prices in the restaurant “Villa Marciana” do not deter customers, so there are usually a lot of them here, so it is worth ordering a table in advance, using the website of this establishment.
Restaurants of the chain “Happy Bar & Grill”
Half a dozen establishments of this company are located in the city and its surroundings. The most popular among visitors are those located on Slivnytsa Boulevard and St. Preslav The first is located near the Marine Park – beachgoers like to relax here. There are places for 350 people in the room, and 200 on the terrace.
The second one does not have such a large number of seats – it can simultaneously accommodate 80 visitors inside and another hundred – in the summer garden. In any case, here you will be pleased with both the dishes and the relatively low prices for them. Both Bulgarian and Western cuisine, many fish dishes are presented.
For those who come to the restaurant with children, special menus with low-fat food are offered. As for desserts, here you can order delicious ice cream and traditional Bulgarian cakes.
Museums, theaters and sights of Varna
Varna , as befits any resort city, can offer a lot of interesting things for tourists to keep interest in itself. Bar-restaurant and club-disco entertainment in Varna can be combined with a rich cultural and educational program. The sights of Varna are in perfect order – there are enough of them to spend more than one day viewing them and not get bored.
Sights of Varna
In Varna, first of all, you should visit the main church of Varna – the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – it is located in the center of the city. Architecturally, the temple resembles a Russian church, but Bulgarian traditions can be traced in it quite strongly. The interior of the cathedral is distinguished by splendor, and the frescoes, the value of which is difficult to overestimate, are especially proud – they are more than 130 years old.
Another church definitely deserves attention if you have already decided to explore the main sights of Varna . This is the Church of St. Nicholas (Church of St. Nicholas). It is interesting in that its creation was financed by one man, and the interior design was undertaken by enthusiastic artists many years later. It turned out quite impressive for them. If you are interested in a religious topic, in particular, icon painting, then you just need to visit the Church of St. Athanasius . This building is very distantly reminiscent of a traditional church – its purpose is indicated by a cross on the roof and a bell tower. And the famous cathedral with a carved iconostasis, which is recognized by specialists as a real masterpiece and a collection of very rare icons of the XVIII-XIX centuries.
If you are interested in various ancient antiquities, be sure to include a trip to the Roman Baths in the number of excursions . They are located very close to the church of St. Athanasius. There is no such building in Bulgaria anymore. The building dates back to the second century AD and, for obvious reasons, has not been preserved very well. However, these ruins are very capable of creating an idea of the former greatness of the thermal baths.
There is a lot of interesting things in the Varna Maritime Park , also known as the Sea Garden . In fact, it is the second symbol of the city after the Cathedral. On its territory, which stretches for almost three kilometers and covers an area of 60 hectares, there are the Varna Pantheon, a dolphinarium, a zoo, a Maritime Museum, an aquarium, an observatory and a planetarium, as well as many monuments, including a monument to Yuri Gagarin . Apparently, these are not all the attractions of Varna , but only the most famous and bright ones, but nothing has been said about the streets of this city, and like all old streets, they have their own history, imbued with the charisma of antiquity and the color of national traditions. Take a walk along them and you will find a lot of impressions.
Museums of Varna
The interesting places of Varna are not limited to sights alone. Inquisitive seekers of bright experiences in Varna have an advantage over fans of passive recreation on the beach, because in addition to the main monuments of deep antiquity, the city is also famous for its museums. In the Archaeological Museum (Varna Archaeological Museum) , as the name implies, exhibits collected at different times during excavations are collected. There are also those who have become a real sensation in scientific circles. This is, first of all, a collection of products made of pure gold, consisting of two thousand items.
It is very interesting to visit the Maritime Museum of Varna . It is located in Primorsky Park, in its southern part. It is clear that there is a lot of all kinds of weapons, with which the museum was replenished, starting from the end of the 19th century. Of course, the main exhibits are real warships, which are located on the open site of the museum. You can get acquainted with the history of Bulgarian life in the Ethnographic Museum of Varna (Ethnographic Museum Varna) . It is located in a building that is an exhibit in itself, and the museum exposition will take you back to the 19th century and tell you about the culture and traditions of the Bulgarian people who lived in this region at that time.
Ethnography, in some sense, is connected to another museum – the Museum of the History of Varna . It is interesting because in it you will see life-size modeled old craft benches, a lawyer’s office and some other restored premises and interiors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the Renaissance Museum , in addition to an interesting collection of firearms and cold weapons, as well as a unique collection of icons of the XIV-XVIII centuries. the hall where the process of creating an icon is demonstrated is very popular.
In continuation of the military theme, you can visit the museum “Vladislav Varnenchyk” . This is a whole memorial complex dedicated to the battle for the liberation of the Balkans in 1444. The most interesting thing is that the battle took place right in the place of the park, where the museum is located. It immediately becomes clear what exhibits are presented in it. It remains only to see them with your own eyes. And another museum that will be useful to bring children to. This is the Museum of Dolls . Of course, the main exhibits of the museum are dolls, and those that once took part in performances. They were all made by Georgy Saravanov, the man who founded the Varna Puppet Theater. Take your children there, they will be delighted.
Theaters of Varna
It is impossible not to touch the theatrical life of the city. After all, Varna was, not much, not a little, but the cultural capital of Europe not so long ago. The Varna State Opera , which has toured half the world, has in its rich repertoire works of both classical opera and productions by modern authors. Fans of drama can go to performances at the “Stoyan Bochvara” theater . It is worth noting that the theater mainly hosts performances for young people. A strong professional troupe is constantly searching for new theatrical forms. Drama Theater “Bolgaran” is the first private theater of Varna. The repertoire of the theater is quite large and designed for different age categories. And, of course, the Varna Puppet Theater is a must-see .
Varna Airport: How to get there, information, taxi
Varna Airport , located just 8 kilometers from Bulgaria’s second largest city on the Black Sea, is the most convenient if you plan to vacation at the resorts of the northern coast (Albena, Balchik, Golden Sands, Saints Constantine and Helena, Kranevo, Riviera, Sunny Day ) and in Varna itself .
Previously, before the global reconstruction carried out by the German management company, Fraport, this airport had a rather pitiful sight – a small and cramped provincial airport, with eternal queues in the high summer season of tourists arriving on charter flights to Bulgaria from various countries. However, in 2013, with the opening of the new modern Terminal 2, the situation improved significantly.
Varna Airport accepts regular (Sofia, Moscow, Kyiv, Vienna, London and Istanbul) and charter flights from various countries (mainly in the summer). In the high tourist season, there are 147 airlines connecting Varna with 160 cities in 58 countries.
Free Wi-Fi is available in Terminal 2 of the Varna Airport. In addition to the traditional Duty Free , there is a Bulgarian souvenir shop and several coffee shops, as well as McDonald’s, in the departure area. Varna airport also has a VIP terminal with a lounge and a view of the runway.
The following car rental offices are located in the arrivals area of Varna airport: Avis, Budget, Choice, Hertz, Europcar, Top, Sixt.
Here you can choose and rent a car for traveling around Bulgaria.
(Instant comparison of offers, prices and conditions of the world’s leading car rental companies, online booking confirmation and flexible terms, discounts, super offers).
Getting from Varna airport to most of the seaside resorts of the northern coast is so easy and very cheap on city buses that if you are not burdened with large luggage, it is quite possible to save on a taxi (although it is not expensive in Bulgaria) and get there by public transport.
After leaving Terminal 2, you need to go to the right to Terminal 1, there is a stop for regular city buses. The ticket price is from 1 to 3 Bulgarian levs, buses run from 5:45 to 23:00 with an interval of about 15 minutes. The ticket is sold from the conductor.
To Golden Sands => bus No. 409 ( Varna Airport – Varna Mall – Varna Bus Station – Center (Cathedral) – Golden Sands)
Other resorts of the Bulgarian Riviera can be reached with a transfer in the center of Varna :
St. Constantine and Helena => bus No. 8 ( Varna – Resort of St. Constantine and Helena – Varna )
Sunny Day and Riviera => bus No. 9 ( Varna – Evksinograd – Sunny Day – Golden Sands – Riviera – Varna)
Bus No. 109 follows the route Varna – Evksinograd – Sunny Day – Golden Sands – Varna
However, with children and luggage, to get to / from the Varna airport to the hotel or apartment in just a few minutes, it is more convenient to order a taxi transfer online in advance (Pros: a large reliable company, international taxi service at local prices, confirmation comes to your email, and the driver is waiting at the exit of the arrival area with a sign on which your name is written, there is no need to look for anyone and negotiate, since the amount is known in advance; full payment only after arrival at the destination)