Golden Sands is the largest resort on Bulgaria ‘s northern coast of the Black Sea. You can easily reach Golden Sands by car from Varna or by bus. The resort is located 18 kilometers northeast of Varna and 488 kilometers east of Sofia. It reaches the village of Kranevo to the north and the resorts of the Chaika complex to the south. Golden Sands is served by Varna Airport. The route runs along the coastline and provides a very good view of the sea.
A large number of different types of mineral waters combined with a favorable climate, warm sea, beautiful beaches, beautiful landscapes and ancient trees make Golden Sands a wonderful place for recreation and entertainment. Prices are also available at the resort. Golden sands are visited by thousands of tourists from Germany, Great Britain, Russia, Ukraine, Scandinavia, France, Central and Eastern Europe, Israel, and so on. The beach, which is covered with fine golden sand, is 3.5 km long and up to 100 meters wide. The construction of the first hotels began in 1958, and soon the resort was transformed into a modern recreation complex. Currently, there are many hotels and villas in Golden Sands, with a capacity of more than 30,000 seats. Most of them have swimming pools, fitness centers, mineral water health facilities and a currency exchange desk. They also offer car rental in Golden Sands.
Water from mineral springs at the resort has very good healing properties. Several spas are being built in the resort to take advantage of this. They offer more than 100 medical procedures combined with various healing and restorative programs. The specific climate, fresh air and sea water, rich in salts and microorganisms, as well as medicinal mud, successfully treat arthritis, arthrosis, stress, neurosis, etc. There are also numerous restaurants in Golden Sands that offer special dishes typical of Bulgarian and international cuisine.
The best time to relax on the Golden Sands
The period of rest on 3olotyh sands, as well as the choice of the season itself, largely depends on the wishes and preferences of the tourists themselves. Some come to 3oloti sandseven in winter, to breathe the sea air or be treated with the mineral waters of this resort. After all, there are not only hotels where tourists rest in the summer, but also sanatoriums that use the mineral waters of the local springs for their procedures. And if we talk specifically about the beach season, it is best to come here no earlier than mid-June, when the temperature of the water in the sea and the air become suitable for swimming. No, of course you can sunbathe in May, but you will definitely not be able to swim normally, since the sea will not be even twenty degrees warm. If this does not scare you, then you have a good chance to save on the cost of tickets, which will certainly be cheaper than in the summer. And even when traveling independently, you can find quite a good accommodation option in terms of price. But of course if there are children, there is no question of normal rest during this period. Both the sea and the air will be too cool for children.
Since the conversation started about children, then of course it is best to come with them in the second half of July or August. First, this is the period of the warmest sea water, which at the end of July reaches plus twenty-four degrees, and in August it can even rise to twenty-six degrees. But you should think about a trip at this time in advance, because it is the busiest period in terms of the number of tourists, and it can be quite difficult to find a suitable hotel or other place to stay during your vacation. It is best to take care of this in advance and make an early reservation. In this case, your place will be guaranteed, and the price in this case will be more attractive and economical. You will not feel hot, even in the warmest period of the year for this region.
And on average, the temperature is around thirty degrees. In general, children will have what they need. We would like to note that even visiting the water park is much more pleasant when it is hot outside, especially since the water park is very close.
It is better to come with small children in early September, when the number of tourists begins to decrease. At this time, it is calmer and less hectic than in the height of the season. Especially since the first half of September is ideal for rest. During the day, it is twenty-seven degrees, and the sea is about twenty-three degrees. Of course, it is not the same as in the Mediterranean resorts, where even now, at the end of November, the sea is plus twenty-two degrees, but still, for Bulgarian September, these are quite decent temperatures.
We can talk about the end of the season at the end of September, when there are very few tourists, mainly those who came for sanatorium treatment. There are several places on the beach, or rather small puddles, where warm mineral water flows from springs used in hotels and sanatoriums for procedures. One day, around the middle of October, we were passing through Varna and decided to swim in the sea, right on the 3- foot sand. Of course, the sea was quite cool, but after swimming we gladly warmed up in one such puddle, the depth of which was no more than knee-deep, but the water was warm enough that afterwards we did not want to go out into the cold air. It looked roughly like this, only there was no veranda yet, probably it was refined after the popularity of this place and they decided to make swimming, or rather being in this reservoir more comfortable, so that there was a place to leave clothes. Maybe now they take money to lie down in mineral water. There were no tourists on the beach at that time, except for us, and thank God, because they could have thought that crazy people came to the beach in October to swim in the cold sea. But now there is something to remember.
So, in general, the beach holiday season on the 3- mile sands lasts about three months, which you need to invest in to visit this resort, so there is no time to think about it for a long time. Think for yourself and decide what time for rest might suit you best. It remains only to wish you good weather and a pleasant rest.
Which hotel is the best to stay at Golden Sands?
Even those who have never been to 3olotyh sands and even to Bulgaria, have probably heard about this resort, since it is well known since Soviet times. Therefore, almost the entire first line consists of hotels built in the Soviet period, and now simply modernized. More modern, built away from the beach, where there was free land. But nevertheless, there are quite good hotels on the first line, in which you can have a great rest and spend your vacation. We will talk about a couple of such that may interest potential tourists who are going to relax on the 3- foot sands .
A good hotel can be called Hotel Morsko Oko Garden , which is located practically on the seashore. And the hotel pool itself is actually on the beach. By the way, sunbeds and umbrellas are provided free of charge. The hotel works on the “all inclusive” system, so you don’t have to think about food, breakfast, lunch and dinner are covered in the form of a “buffet table”.
You can quench your thirst and eat ice cream in the hotel bars. The hotel also has a beer bar “Petlite Beer House”, where you can order drinks and play table tennis or darts. As for the rooms, they are quite spacious, with balconies and separate bathrooms. In addition, the room has satellite TV, a refrigerator and, of course, air conditioning. Furnished rooms are also quite good. Internet works for free in public places. If you need to exchange currency, you can do it at the hotel, as such a service is provided here. We can add that this hotel has good animation. As for recreation with children, a free bed is provided in the room for a child up to eleven years of age. Otherwise, it is worth noting that there are no special conditions for children. So, if your emphasis is on children’s vacation, then I think that the second option, which we will also talk about below, is more suitable for you. We can add to the above, that hotel clients can visit one of the most popular disco clubs in the resort for free, which is PR, and it is located in the center of the city. The hotel really looks good and modern. We think that you will definitely like and remember your vacation there.
And now information for those who are going to come with children and the main emphasis is on good conditions for family recreation. We will talk about this hotel Marina Grand Beach Hotel. It belongs to the 5 * category and, like the previous one, works on the “all inclusive” system. It is already more suitable for recreation of children, for whom there is a children’s pool, a playground, animation with various competitions and entertainment programs. As for the accommodation of children, two cots can be placed in the room for babies under the age of four, and one bed for older children under the age of twelve. Moreover, they are provided free of charge, which is also important for the vacation budget. Among the hotel’s services, there is a childcare service and a babysitter, which surely cannot fail to interest parents who want to spend some time without their children.
Among the main services provided by the hotel, we can mention car rental, delivery of food and drinks to the room, currency exchange, by the way, there is an ATM on the hotel premises, from which you can withdraw the required amount of cash at any time. This is very convenient, because sometimes you may need cash urgently, and you have to look for an ATM on the streets of the resort. In the laundry and dry cleaning, you can put your clothes and shoes in order. In addition, the hotel has a beauty salon and a hairdresser, where you can put yourself in order. Those wishing to improve their health can visit the health center and take a course of balneological procedures or massage sessions.
The hotel also has a sauna and a fitness center, which are always open to visitors. Well, let’s talk about swimming pools for adults, of which there are two. One is open and one is closed, so in case of bad weather there is always a chance to use the pool. As for the accommodation of pets, I am forced to upset their owners, because it is prohibited on the territory of the hotel, by the way, and the one mentioned earlier.
Perhaps one drawback of this hotel is that it is not located on the beach itself, but a few tens of meters from it, on the territory of a beautiful park. But this does not reduce its merits. I think that this fact will not greatly overshadow the hotel guests, since, as we said, the beach is very close.
There are, of course, a large number of no less good hotels in this resort, even possibly more good and suitable ones, therefore, before going on vacation, you should look at all the offered options and especially read the reviews of tourists, which will be better than any advertising brochures and descriptions
If you have children, you should carefully familiarize yourself with the hotel’s services, as not everyone is suitable for such a vacation. Some do not have conditions, such as children’s pools or playgrounds, some do not have babysitting services or the menu is not quite suitable, and this is one of the factors of a full-fledged rest, because no one wants to have an additional headache at the resort due to one issue or another. Some prefer sanatorium treatment, as in these places there are mineral springs, the waters of which are used in balneology, for the treatment of various diseases. In general, there can be quite a lot of options and the choice is very diverse, which depends only on you.
Golden sands: entertainment on vacation
Golden Sands is considered the largest resort complex in the north of the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. This resort is located 25 km from Varna. The name of the city is very easy to associate with a luxurious beach 100 m wide and 3.5 km long. This is an excellent city for rest and recovery. The resort is young, it began to be built in the middle of the last century, on the territory of a nature reserve with magnificent landscapes.
Today there are many hotels, restaurants, cafes and entertainment centers in Golden Sands . Today, 30,000 people can rest in Pisky at the same time, and at the same time, with all the amenities. Since the town is young, there are almost no historical monuments here.
And all the same, there is definitely something to do here.
- sunbathe on city beaches
Everything is clear here! Luxurious, clean, equipped beaches where it’s so great to lie around from May to October.
play in the casino.
There are two casinos here.
1) Hotel-casino Astera Hotel & Casino 4 *
The hotel has been operating for a little less than 10 years and is already quite popular. It is located 50 meters from the sea. Stylish and modern hotel.
2) Grand Hotel & Casino International 5*
Five stars – there are five stars. Guests are offered 24 gaming tables with modern gaming equipment. Plus a karaoke bar and a billiard room.
- dance in nightclubs and sit in bars
For example, “Pr. Club “or simply” PR “. The club has been operating since 2005. Excellent design, soft chairs and sofas, dance floor. There are not always enough places to sit, but no one cares. Bulgarian DJs perform in the club, as well as DJs from other countries. The club is usually open from 10 pm to 5 am every day, without days off.
Club “Roxy” is located in the very center of the resort at the hotel “Helios” . This club is very popular among resort guests, maybe even the most popular club. Quite loud and fun parties are held here. The club is open until the morning, it closes at 4 o’clock, not earlier. The music is very diverse, R’N’B, pop music, melodies of the 80s and 90s. Plus a good selection of drinks. Prices are the same as everywhere else, 7-10 leva.
- – go to the amusement park “Aquapolis”
An amusement park with pools, fountains, artificial waterfalls, interesting buildings in the Moorish style – in general, the park is very beautiful. The park is located on an area of 40,000 square meters. Ride the “Niagara” slide, and at a speed of 50 km / h, or “Kamikaze”, “Wild River” (although not very wild), “Black Hole”, and others. And you can simply rent sunbeds and umbrellas for 5 leva per day. For the little ones, there is a shallow pool and simple slides. Various contests, competitions, lotteries and games are also organized for children. At the same time, the water park can accommodate up to 3,000 people, so you can imagine the size of the building. A safe costs 4 leva (large) and a small one for 2 leva per day. There is a cafe in the water park, and if it is expensive for you, you can simply go outside the territory and have lunch in a cafe for less. A day at the water park costs 33 leva for adults and 16 leva for children. If you arrive at the water park after 4:00 p.m., the ticket will cost 24 and 12 leva, respectively. Children under 90 centimeters in height always enter for free. The water park is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., but the schedule changes in summer and winter. By the way, don’t even think about bringing food or drinks with you – everything will be taken at the entrance, for sure. A good place for a family holiday!
- visit the “Golden Sands” nature park
This is a protected area of 13 square kilometers, which preserves unique species of fauna and flora. This is the smallest natural park in the country. The park was built in 1943 in an ordinary forest, improved and planted. Well, actually, around and on the territory of the park, they broke up the resort. The highest point of the park is 269 meters. Five tourist routes pass through the park. “Orange”, “blue” and “yellow” routes are for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the scenery. These routes are short, they can be completed at a leisurely pace in an hour or a half. The “green” route can be completed in two and a half hours, the “red” route – more than four hours – then you will admire both the beauty of nature and historical monuments. You won’t get lost for sure. In addition, there are several special areas for recreation and picnics on the territory of the park. You can even rent barbecue equipment – it’s the limit of dreams, to grill kebabs on such a beauty. By the way, 150 species of medicinal plants grow in the park, there is a huge number of algae in the reservoirs, dozens of species of animals, birds, and reptiles live here. Arm yourself with a camera to capture a couple of good shots. Similarly, for a walk in the park, you can take a tour, although, most likely, only in English (a tour for 5-10 people costs 20 BGN, 10-20 people – 40 BGN, ask at the reception of your hotel).
Also, during your tour for a couple, visit the unique Aladzha rock monastery (built either in the 10th or in the 13th-14th centuries). A very interesting place, with corridors carved out of limestone and rock frescoes. Everything is set up for viewing, hanging stairs with railings and wooden corridors. If possible, stay here until the evening. Then you can watch the evening visual performance “Legends of Aladja Monastery”, when historical episodes with a musical background are projected onto the 40-meter rock. 600 meters from the monastery there are catacombs, buildings dating back to the early Christian era, places where monks were buried. In short, the place is very mysterious.
Well, that’s how it is. A week in Golden Sands – a good tan + a sea of impressions!
Kitchen in Golden Sands
At every step, you are invited to visit a cafe, restaurant or beer bar with many different dishes of both local cuisine and cuisine of other countries. And who would refuse such a temptation and not try delicious Bulgarian dishes and fine wine? Cafes and restaurants are presented here on various topics. Sometimes it is a small seafood restaurant with a large selection of seafood dishes, then suddenly it is a Ukrainian cafe, very interestingly decorated, with borscht and vodka. Or you can get on an old ship, where you will be pleasantly surprised with a wonderful menu prepared from freshly caught fish.
They feed here very tasty and a lot. The output of a standard dish – salad, meat, fish – is not less than 300 grams. Despite the fact that the price is the same as ours for a dish of the same name, but with twice the weight. The most popular dish is Shop salad – coarsely chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, pepper and cottage cheese. Not a single meal is complete for a Bulgarian without it. And we, having appreciated the taste and portion sizes of Shop salad, devoured it every day. There is always a lot of fish in seaside cafes. You will be in Golden Sands– try fried bulls (“popchit” in Bulgarian), horse mackerel, mackerel or tar shark. Beer (“bira” in Bulgarian) is always accompanied by a small, fried, slightly salted “tsyatsa” in the local dialect. Like seeds, good-natured Bulgarians click this fish under beer. Tourists, having tried this snack once, instantly become its fans. It’s strange why no one in our country roasts and sells ordinary kolka for beer? Interesting cold soup “tarator” – sour milk mixed with fresh cucumbers. At first it is scary to eat such a mixture, but gradually you get used to it.
Shopping in Golden Sands
There are many shops, benches and pavilions along the coast of the resort. A large selection of youth clothing, beach accessories, sports club paraphernalia, sneakers is offered. There is a mini-market near the Admiral hotel, which offers the largest variety of souvenirs. Traditional Bulgarian souvenirs are embroidered clothes and blouses, linen, rugs, honey, perfumes, pottery, leather, handmade silver, copper and iron products, shells of various colors. But if you want to make higher-quality purchases, it is better to visit the elite shops located along the central street in Varna.
In conclusion, we can safely say that if you want to relax as a family, and even with small children, then, of course, go to the Golden Sands resort – you will not regret it. A large selection of hotels located right on the shore, a variety of entertainment and the wonderful friendly hospitality of the Bulgarian people will leave only positive emotions in your memory for a long time.
How to get to Golden Sands
The most budget-friendly way to get to Golden Sands from Varna is bus #109. In just 30 minutes and 2 leva (1 euro), he will take you to the city bus station.
You can also take a shuttle, which is convenient if you have, for example, heavy luggage. A trip from Varna to Golden Sands will cost 25 euros. You can choose a car and order a transfer on the official website of the Kiwitaxi service.
If you are traveling with a group of several people or if you have heavy luggage, it will be convenient to use a transfer that can be ordered in advance. For just 25 euros, the driver will meet you at the airport with a name plate, help you with your luggage and take you anywhere in Golden Sands.
Transport
Public transport at the resort includes buses. Bus routes 9, 89 and 109 connect the resort with Varna railway station, bus 409 connects with Varna airport through the city center, buses 209 and 309 connect with other areas of Varna. You can also use taxi services.