Varna is one of the most visited cities in Europe by tourists who travel for pleasure and holidaymakers.
Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria (with population more than 347 840 people), with an area of 205 sq. km. Its situation on the Northern shore of the Black Sea, along with its richness in natural resources make it one of the famous resorts Europe wide, definitely the largest one in the Black Sea region. It also happens to be on the crossroads between Western Europe and the Middle East.
Varna is a great city that has it all. But you might think, what is so special about Varna? Here are the Top 10 reasons to visit Varna:
1. WEATHER
Varna has a great location and is has mild climate throughout the year. The coldest time during the year is usually from December to Mart, in which the average temperature is between 5 and 10°C. The summer begins in early May and lasts till early October. Temperatures in summer usually vary between 25 C and 35 degrees C. The hottest months are usually July and August, with temperature around 30 - 35°C, so it’s the perfect climate to go to the beach and enjoy the sun. Seawater temperature during the summer months is usually around 23–27 degrees C.
2. BEACHES & THERMAL SPRINGS
Region of Varna (including Golden Sands and St. St. Constantine and Helena Resorts) well-known with its pure and tiny sands and the hot mineral springs. The resort Golden Sands is known as “The pearl of the Bulgarian Black Seaside”.
3. HISTORY
Varna the cradle of the oldest European civilization. In the city you could see the original artifacts of the oldest gold treasure in the whole world (4600 – 4200 B.C.). And that is just for the start of your history tour – there are many other treasures from later periods and cultures, such as Thracian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Bulgarian…
The guests of the city of Varna are deeply impressed and fascinated with the absolutely rich collections of the many museums of Varna, the more that the fourth biggest Roman Thermal Baths of Europe are among those museums.
4. CULTURAL LIFE AND FESTIVALS
Varna has become a very cosmopolitan city, so you can constantly find artistic and cultural exhibitions throughout the city. There are many art galleries and museums. Varna boasts with countless cultural events, involving folklore, music, ballet, opera and theater, movies and animated pictures presentations, exhibitions in the open air and plenty of art galleries.
Varna is also a candidate for European Capital of Culture in 2019.
5. GASTRONOMY
Bulgarian cuisine is exceptionally diverse and delicious, consisting of various salads, breadstuffs, stews, and other local dishes. Many of the dishes are prepared according to traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation over the centuries. In Varna there are many traditional Bulgarian restaurants, wineries where you can taste the famous dishes with different type of food.
6. HOSPITABLE PEOPLE
Bulgarians are very hospitable people. In most places you will be welcomed in the traditional way with delicious local meals and wine. The people like to celebrate and you can observe local festivals. Young Bulgarians speak English and other foreign languages.
7. ARCHITECTURE
By 1878, Varna was an Ottoman city of mostly wooden houses in a style characteristic of the Black Sea coast, densely packed along narrow, winding lanes. It was surrounded by a stone wall restored in the 1830s with a citadel, a moat, ornamented iron gates flanked by towers, and a vaulted stone bridge across the River Varna. The place abounded in pre-Ottoman relics, ancient ruins were widely used as stone quarries. Today, very little of this legacy remains; the city centre was rebuilt by the nascent Bulgarian middle class in late 19th and early 20th centuries in Western style with local interpretations of Neo-Renaissance, Neo-Baroque, Neoclassicism, Art Nouveau and Art Deco (many of those buildings, whose ownership was restored after 1989, underwent renovations).
8. NIGHTLIFE
Varna has an impressive nightlife and many say that the city never sleeps. It’s almost impossible to find closed bar or club during the night in the summer. Many of the bars and restaurants in the summer mounts are located direct on the beach, nearby the Sea Garden.
9. FASHION & SHOPPING
Varna is popular for its creative and innovative fashion and you can find here a plenty of modern shopping centers, traditional open-air markets and small shops.
10. Good value for money
Last but not least, the prices in the country are very reasonable - good value for money.
These are the top 10 reason to visit Varna, but for sure you find more reasons to come to Varna a city of unique charm with wide range of leisure activities to enjoy. Don’t hesitate and start planning your trip!