Varna, Bulgaria
The more northerly of the two major cities on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Riviera
Varna is enjoying its new-found status as an international resort town. Peel back the surface and you’ll find ancient settlements, a vibey university scene and a thriving seaport with much to offer the inquisitive visitor. In fact, one eminent British newspaper even called it “the good time capital of Bulgaria”. Go - and find out why.
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Destination overview
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| Language: | Bulgarian | |
| Currency: | Lev | |
| Time zone: | GMT +2 hours (GMT +3 hours in summer) | |
| Flight Time: | 3 hours 50 | |
| Holiday type: | Beach, Summer sun, City break | |
| Weather: | Average maximum temperature: 11.8°C Rainfall: 483.1mm a year |
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Must see:
When you’re beside the sea, see the Sea Garden, which contains not only the city’s Aquarium and Dolphinarium, but a zoo, a planetarium, lines of trees planted by famous Cosmonauts and much more...
Must eat at:
For true local flavour, including music and ambience as well as high quality traditional cooking, hot foot it to Mehana Hushove, where you’ll compete with the locals for a table, such is its popularity. Best of all, it won’t set you back much – and the atmosphere is free.
Must be there for:
The biennial International Ballet Competition was founded here in the 1960s and to this day attracts the cream of the prima and would-be prima ballerinas in three age categories every other July.
Well-travelled tips:
- Christmas comes early in Varna. St Nicholas Day is worth looking out for if you’re here around 6 December. He’s Santa – but not as we know him.
- In a town of 20 festivals (some annual, some less regular), there’s bound to be one that matches your passions. Check local listings as soon as you arrive to see what’s on.
Visa:
British citizens do not need a visa to visit Bulgaria.