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Varna Travel Guide

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Varna, Bulgaria

Visit the Splendour of the Bulgaria’s Black Sea Capital - Varna

Varna , is the sea side capital of Bulgaria based exactly on the Black sea coast. The city has often been twinned with Barcelona because of its likeness with the Ramblas leading to the beach. Varna is a great beach resort with bar, cafes and great restaurants alongside being a great shopping destination. Varna also offers a great nightlife right on the beach front, with plenty of night clubs, bars and even Casino’s to try out.

History: The city of Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria with its population of 314,539 people. It is widely called the seaside capital of Bulgaria as it is the biggest city at the Bulgarian coast. The city lies in the Bay of Varna, nestled in a deep valley between the Frengen Plareau and the Avren Plateau. Varna is over 11 km long, while its width, including newly erected residential quarters, is nearly 9km. The city's structure resembles an amphitheatre as it follows the curves of the Bay of Varna. It is surrounded by gardens, vineyards and groves.

Nowadays it is the main port for both naval and commercial shipping and, adjacent as it is to the coastal resorts of Golden Sands, St. Constantine (Drouzhba) and Albena, it has a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Sailors on shore-leave in unfamiliar ceremonial uniforms, mingle with foreign tourists and locals as they promenade along shady boulevards, lined by dignified 19th and early 20th century buildings.

The city has a great wealth of museums, historical buildings, art galleries and even an opera. One of the most famous tourist destinations and landmarks is the 19 th Century Cathedral of Assumption of Virgin, while the ancient ruins of the Roman Spa is the largest ancient building in Bulgaria.

 

Cathedral of Assumption

Varna is the commercial and shipping hub on its eastern border. Varna’s location makes it a brilliant location to explore the rest of the county’s coastline towns and resorts, some of the most notable ones being Burgas, Albena, Golden Sands, Nessebar and Sozopol.

Fountains

One "Must See" event all visitors to Varna are the spectacular fountain displays on the lovely pedestrian shopping plaza near Nezavisimost Sq., which is about 2-3 minutes stroll down from the Cathedral of The "Holy Assumption".

Out and about in Varna

Some of the key attractions and places to see are listed below.

The Stone Forest (Pobitite Kamani)

The "Stone Forest" resemble a curious collection of stone columns up to 7m in height referred to as belonging to the "Central Group" as there are a further 15 smaller groups within a 50 sq. km area. The "Central Group" is the biggest and the only "Group" identified as an "International Tourist Site". But what are they? and how were they formed? There are about 15 official theories related to their origin. The most popular that they were formed from sediment on the sea bottom.

A picture of the Stone Forest

Grand Hotel Varna

 

Sts. Constantine and Elena, formerly known as Drouzhba, is the oldest resort. It too is well-wooded, but has small beaches and coves giving it a cosier atmosphere. Its tranquillity appeals to sedater visitors and participants in the many international conferences held here.

The resort's Grand Hotel Varna is one of the finest hotels in Bulgaria, with a large range of facilities including a complete balneological complex, a casino, a nightclub and bars, two swimming pools, tennis courts and a bowling alley.