Varna

The Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral, located in the heart of Varna, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Built in the 19th century, it features stunning golden domes, intricate murals, and beautiful stained glass windows. Inside, you can admire the finely carved iconostasis and the bishop's throne. Entry is free, but visitors can purchase small candles at the reception as a contribution to the church, following the local tradition of lighting them while praying.

The Roman Thermae are the largest ancient public building ever uncovered in Bulgaria and the fourth-largest Roman baths in Europe — a considerable claim for a site sitting quietly in the southeastern corner of a modern city. Built in the late 2nd century AD across more than 7,000 square metres, the complex served as a social hub as much as a place to bathe. You can clamber freely around the chambers and pick out surviving elements of the underfloor heating system. Remarkably, the baths were in use for little more than a century before the cost of upkeep proved too much for a declining empire.

When the Large Roman Thermae fell into disuse in the 3rd century AD, the city didn't go without — the Small Thermae stepped in to fill the gap, remaining in use until around the 6th century. Covering some 2,400 square metres, they are considerably more modest than their northern counterpart, and today there is little to see beyond foundation walls and a walkway circling the ruins. Worth a quick detour if you are already in the area.

Pobiti Kamani, also known as the Stone Forest, is a fascinating natural phenomenon featuring numerous limestone pillars, some as tall as 10 metres. These formations include hollow and solid cylinders, truncated cones, and scattered rocks and cliffs. The origin of this unique landscape remains a mystery, although evidence of human life dating back to the Mesolithic period has been discovered here. It's an intriguing destination for nature enthusiasts and those interested in geological history. If you visit during the summer, make sure you bring water, a hat, and sunscreen, as the area can get quite hot. The Stone Forest is accessible by car or public transport.

Contrary to popular belief, Varna is not just about beaches and sunbathing. If you love games and fun, the Amusement Park offers a variety of attractions and entertainment facilities. While primarily designed for children, adults can also enjoy the lively atmosphere, take a stroll, or grab a bite at one of the many eateries nearby.

The star attraction at the Varna Museum of Archaeology is the gold — specifically, more than 3,000 pieces of worked gold unearthed from the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis, dating to around 4,600–4,200 BC and considered the oldest processed gold ever found. The necropolis was discovered by chance during construction works in 1972, and the finds rewrote what archaeologists understood about prehistoric societies. Beyond the gold, you can explore artefacts spanning from the Palaeolithic through to the Middle Ages, including Roman surgical instruments, Hellenistic tombstones, and a marble plaque listing, in Greek, the names of Varna's school graduates from AD 221. A collection of around 150 icons from the 14th to 19th centuries occupies the second floor. Everything is clearly labelled in both Bulgarian and English. The museum itself is housed in a handsome late Baroque former girls' school dating from the 1890s.

Housed in a romantic Italian-built villa from 1890, the Naval Museum traces Bulgarian maritime history from the earliest Black Sea navigators of the 6th century BCE through to the Second World War and beyond. Inside, twelve halls across two floors cover naval battles, ship models, uniforms, navigational instruments, and lighthouse optics. The undisputed highlight is the Druzki, a torpedo boat that sank a Turkish cruiser during the First Balkan War of 1912. You can pay a small supplement to board it. In the grounds you'll find anchors, artillery, a submarine, and a helicopter slowly weathering the sea air.

The Varna lighthouse is easily accessible on foot, about a 20-minute walk from the eastern port. Once there, you can enjoy panoramic views of Varna Beach, Bulgarian navigation ships, and the bustling port. It remains an interesting landmark, where graffiti artists have left their mark on the structure, adding a layer of urban character.

Golden Sands is famous for its stunning golden sand and expansive beaches along the Black Sea. It's located 18 kilometres north of Varna, close to Golden Sands National Park. The resort boasts several kilometres of beachfront. The southern end is the more recently developed and less crowded, while the northern end features numerous bars and small shops. You can reach Golden Sands by public transport. Bus number 109 connects Varna city centre to the resort, although the journey typically takes a little over an hour. Taxis are also available, but they tend to be on the pricier side.

Golden Sands Nature Park stretches along nine kilometres of Black Sea coastline, 17 kilometres northeast of Varna, forming the western border of the Golden Sands resort. At just 13.2 square kilometres, it is the smallest nature park in Bulgaria, though you wouldn't know it from the variety of trails on offer. The paths are uneven and can get muddy after rain, so decent footwear is advisable. A natural highlight along the way is Aladzha Monastery, where a well provides drinking water. From there you can continue through the forest towards Vinitsa or drop down to the beach at Golden Sands.

Balchik is a charming town and seaside resort on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, perfect for a day trip if you're staying in Varna. Despite its small size, this port city offers plenty of activities to fill your day. Stroll along the promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and gelato shops, explore the beautiful botanic garden, visit the historic Balchik Museum, or simply unwind on the beach. Balchik is easily accessible by bus from both Varna and Golden Sands.