10 Best Reasons to Visit Varna
Varna is the largest city on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and the Sea capital of Bulgaria. Its area occupies 205 sq. km.
It is one of the most desirable resorts in Eastern Europe, thanks to its location, historical and cultural meaning, which determine a great value for the cost to visit.
At the same time, it is a crossroad and a trade center between the Middle East and Western Europe.
Here are the best and most special reasons to visit Varna:
1. Location and climate
Varna is situated on the west coast of the Black Sea, thanks to which it enjoys a mild climate throughout the whole year. The coldest season usually lasts from December to March, when the average temperature varies between 5 and 10 degrees, with mild to no snowfall.
The summer season starts in May and lasts until the beginning of October. The hottest temperatures in the summer usually vary between 25 and 35 degrees, and the most pleasant months to go to the beach and enjoy the sun are July and August. Sea water temperature in the summer months is usually around 23-27 degrees.
2. Beaches and mineral springs
The region of Varna includes the near resorts – “Golden Sands” and “St. St. Constantine and Elena” which altogether create a magnificent long beach line. The sea, along with the healing mineral springs, make Varna one of the preferable both sea and spa resorts.
There are 7 mineral springs with hot water between 40 and 60 degrees in “St. St. Constantine and Helena”. They are calcium-magnesium and slob mineralized, successfully treating cardiovascular diseases and have no analogue in Europe. In combination with the climate, their impact becomes even stronger.
The “Golden Sands” resort is known as the “Pearl of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast”, preferred by many Russian and West European tourists each year.
3. Historical significance of the city
Varna is the cradle of the oldest European civilization. There are exhibisions of the original artifacts of the oldest golden treasure in the world, dated between 4400 – 4200 BC.
And this is just to start with – there are many other treasures from later periods and cultures, such as Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian and others.
The rich collections of the museums in the city are of exceptional interest among the guests of Varna. Moreover, the fourth largest Roman baths in Europe are among these museums and right next to R-Varna Apartments.
The biggest historical attraction in Europe is also near Varna – the Historical park in Neofit Rilski village, on a land of more than 500 decares. A great variety of proto-Bulgarian, Greek and Thracian rituals and villages can be seen and experienced in the park.
4. Historical and cultural life
There are daily cultural events in Varna, including music, opera, theatre, ballet, national and foreign folklore, cinema festivals, art and photo exhibitions as well as outdoor happenings.
Except for the many authentic revival houses from the XIX-th century, there are plenty of galleries and museums.
Varna is great to visit all year long also because of its seasonal festivals and city celebrations.
5. Cuisine and wine
Varna is one of the well-known wine areas where good quality wines are produced. The wineries proudly offer tastings of their products, presented in interesting and memorable wine degustations.
The Bulgarian cuisine is of great interest to all tourists as it combines Balkan and oriental tastes and flavors. Food festivals are often dedicated to a specific kind of food, where visitors can experience a new touch of unknown culinary traditions. There are also many traditional Bulgarian restaurants in Varna, where you can enjoy the local cuisine.
In the few last years a new tradition for bio and organic food market was born in the center of the city where local farmers and producers offer unique products and foods made according to original old recipes.
6. Hospitality of the local people
Bulgarians are extremely hospitable people. They are warm-hearted and always happy to welcome the visitors of Varna in a traditional way – with delicious local dishes and wine.
Most of the Bulgarians speak English as well as other foreign languages which makes the stay in Varna easy and comfortable.
7. Architecture of Varna
Until the Liberation of Bulgaria from Turkish slavery in 1878, Varna was a typical oriental city with a territory of about 170 hectares and population of about 20,000 people, mostly Turks, Gagauz, Greeks and others. Bulgarians were a minority.
This determined the slower penetration of European cultural influences, including the architecture. The specific constructions of the modern appearance of Varna are mostly influenced by the European and the Mediterranean countries.
There are Byzantine, Arab, Moorish, Armenian and other architectural elements, enriched with bizarre Egyptian and abstract ornaments. Public and large commercial buildings are original and bear the hallmarks of a large construction.
8. Nightlife and fun activities
The visitors of Varna are always happy and impressed with the rich nightlife and opportunities for enjoying the city. During the summer months there are plenty of bars, restaurants and night clubs, offering various music and dance shows.
The beauty of the beachline can be experienced while dining and having a drink in the bars and the restaurants, directly located on the beach and the Sea Garden.
9. Shopping
There are three big and many smaller shopping malls in Varna, offering popular world brands, cinema halls and children play centers as well as traditional outdoor markets and small shops for specific local brands and goods.
10. Accommodation in Varna
Affirmed as one of the biggest and most visited Eastern resorts in Europe, Varna provides a big choice of accommodation options such as R-Varna Apartments, where high-quality value and luxurious services are offered in completely private apartments.
Do not hesitate to start planning on your next trip – check the availability now and make a reservation for your comfortable stay in the third biggest city in Bulgaria.
