Varna: Discover Antiquity, the Coast and Nature

Antiquity and Archaeology in Varna

The Roman Baths are located in the southeast of the present-day city. Covering more than 7,000 square metres, they are the largest public ancient building discovered to date in Bulgaria. In ancient Varna, the baths were a centre of public life. Their scale and historical role make them a special destination for anyone interested in urban life in antiquity.

The Archaeological Museum of Varna was founded in 1887 by the brothers Karel and Herman Shkorpil. It displays original finds spanning a wide period: from the Palaeolithic, with objects dating to around 100,000 BC, to the Middle Ages, including pieces from the 7th and 8th centuries. Anyone who enjoys comparing different eras will find a different way to explore history here than at the baths. The museum is served by city bus routes 7, 12, 31, 31A, 148, 9, 14 and 409; the stops named are “Muzeya” and “Sevastopol”.

Coastal Paths, Gardens and Beaches

Varna’s Sea Garden stretches along the coast for more than 850 decares. It is suitable for walking, sports and sightseeing. This means you can also spend time outdoors during your stay in Varna, rather than focusing exclusively on museums and historic sites. The Sea Garden is also home to the Festa Dolphinarium, considered the only attraction of its kind in Bulgaria.

Another green destination is the University Botanical Garden – Varna Ecopark. Its plant diversity includes more than 300 species of exotic trees and shrubs, as well as more than 100 species of herbaceous plants. At the Ecopark, the Academic Jockey Club offers riding lessons with an instructor and free riding for experienced riders. Its offerings also include carriage, cabriolet and painted-wagon tours along the Ecopark route. These different options appeal to travellers who would rather experience nature on foot or by horse and carriage.

The coastline at Golden Sands Beach stretches for more than 3.5 kilometres. There are beach sports, various water sports and other attractions. City bus routes 9, 109, 209b and 409 are listed for getting there; the beach is also accessible on foot or by car. The stops listed include “Travel”, “Madara”, “Aqva park”, “Republika”, “Direktsiyata”, “Zora” and “Kukeri”. If the beach and water sports are part of your plans, you can take these connections into account when choosing where to stay.

Euxinograd Residence and Special Events

The visitor route at Euxinograd Residence includes the greenhouses, the palace building, a sundial—a gift from Queen Victoria—the “St. Demetrius” chapel and the cellar. To get there, take city bus routes 9, 31A, 109 or 409 to the “Evksinograd” stop. The route takes in a range of different points of interest and may appeal to travellers who want to see more than just one building on an outing.

Traditions and music are also part of Varna. The International Music Festival “Varna Summer” was founded in the city in 1926 and is considered Bulgaria’s first music festival. Every year, Varna hosts Todorov Den, featuring traditional races, competitions with horse-drawn and donkey carts, and prizes for the most beautiful horses. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between these special events and the attractions described as open year-round; no specific dates for the festival or Todorov Den are given here.

The places on this page include Varna, Sveti Konštantin I Elena, Golden Sands, Kamenar and Zvezditsa.

For the broader travel overview: Varna Province.

More destinations

More places within the same destination:

Byala, Dalgopol, Provadia.