Varna is a popular resort town in Bulgaria. Its specificity is that it is not a purely resort village, consisting of an embankment and a line of hotels. It is an ancient city with a rich history, a host of interesting sights, and a large historical center. The swimming season lasts here from June to September, but at any other time there is something to do in Varna and its surroundings.
Varna, as a summer destination, has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantage is that there are really great wide sandy beaches, and for sand lovers there are several rocky coves. The beaches of Varna are free, municipal, and at the same time quite clean throughout the city. The disadvantage is that, apart from some distant suburbs, there are simply no hotels located exactly on the first line, very close to the sea. In any case, you have to go to the beach. But the seaside park of Varna redeems everything: there is where to walk with children, have fun for adults and, most importantly, take a break from the heat.
Districts of Varna
Administratively, there are five large districts in Varna: Primorsky, Mladost, Vladislav Varenchik, Odessos and Asparuhovo. But for tourists, the division into quarters of those areas that are closer to the embankment, in which the main attractions are located, is more relevant. So the following areas and quarters can be distinguished:
- Centre;
- Hristo Botev;
- Kolkhozen Pazar;
- Batak;
- Gull;
- St. Nicholas;
- Asparuhovo.
Centre
Its main attractions are concentrated in the Central District of Varna. The center is small, but there is no such thing that all interesting places are nearby. In order to see everything, you have to take a walk.
It is here that the Assumption Cathedral, built in 1886, the Varna Archaeological Museum with a unique collection of the oldest gold in Europe, the ruins of Roman baths, the Museum of the History of Varna, the Maritime Church of St. Nicholas, the pedestrian boulevard Knyaz Boris … Varna was actively built up after the liberation from the Ottoman yoke at the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th centuries, the most beautiful areas of urban development were created at that time. Here, in the center, are the main places of entertainment. This is, first of all, the Varna Opera, where world - including Russian - classics are staged, and several nightclubs.
However, the city center is closer to the port than to the Seaside Park, so you will have to go from here to the sea. But the best beach, the central one, is closest to the center - it is located just east of the port. Above the central beach is the "museum" part of the Primorsky Park: the Naval Museum, the small Varna Oceanarium and the summer theater, where musical groups perform every night during the season. There are beach entertainment centers on the beach itself - you can rent a catamaran, trampoline, surfboard.
The Central District has its own small grocery market - it is located right on the square in front of the Cathedral. It is more expensive here than in the central market in Varna, which is quite far from the center, but still cheaper than in small shops near the sea. On the central streets there are large shopping centers, banks, specialized shops of Bulgarian rose cosmetics, large restaurants.
- Advantages of the area: attractions, shopping, entertainment.
- Disadvantages: it can be far from the sea.
Hristo Botev
The quarter, named after Hristov Botev Street, along which you can walk to the very center. Located close to the sea, but far from the central beach - this is a block exactly opposite the port and the industrial zone to the west of the port. Its advantage is that it is quiet and inexpensive, there are no large shopping centers, but it is full of small shops, bakeries, and very simple cafes. Near the port and railway station. From here you can walk to the west of the port - there is a lighthouse and its own outlet to the sea, but already "wild", without infrastructure, sun beds and changing cabins.
The streets here are rather deserted and confusing; the best way to get around is with a navigator. There are green areas and playgrounds, but no clubs, discos and attractions. An ordinary seaside area, great for those who value tranquility and are ready to walk to the sea every day for half an hour.
- Advantages of the area: very quiet; inexpensive.
- Disadvantages: far from the sea and entertainment.
Kolkhozen Pazar
The area of the "collective farm market". Actually, it is not remarkable for anything except the market, but the market occupies almost an entire quarter. He has a grocery part (with a separate fish row, where you can buy freshly caught mussels, shrimps, and any seasonal fish for a penny). On the market there is draft wine, spices, cheeses, and, of course, vegetables and fruits are very cheap by Russian standards. There is a part that is occupied by shops with clothes, household goods and even seedlings.
You can get to the sea from here by public transport or on foot - but it will take at least half an hour, but walking here for shopping is worth it anyway. Nearby attractions include the Archaeological Museum of Varna and the building of the City Hall.
- Advantages of the area: excellent and interesting shopping.
- Disadvantages: nothing but shopping.
Batak
A small residential area, starting almost immediately from the center, and consisting of the most common panel houses. It is quite far from the sea - half an hour's walk around the city. But for those who are willing to walk, it is a great attraction. The fact is that it is far from the sea, but close to the Cathedral. Batak is located approximately halfway between it and the central market, and there is also a large supermarket of the Macau chain. There are not many supermarkets in Varna, so this is a big plus for those who rent apartments. In addition, the area is quite green, despite the fact that these green areas are not a park, but wastelands where the local population walks and walks their dogs: the air is fresh here, and there is where to hide from the heat.
There are no hotels in this area, there are only apartments that have been converted from ordinary apartments in panel houses, there are also almost no restaurants of their own. Batak is a great option for a budget and long-term getaway for those who can afford to walk a lot.
Gull
The area running along the huge Primorsky Park of Varna. It starts approximately from the central entrance to the park and stretches to the west of it. The historical center and sights are far from here, the buildings - the farther from the center, the duller and more modern. But to the sea and entertainment in the park - close. It is here that a dolphinarium, a small zoo, hot springs on the shore, the most delicious seaside restaurants are located, and literally a few minutes walk from the central streets with shops and a summer theater.
However, keep in mind that the park is quite wide, there are simply no hotels right on the beach, on the first line, there are only a few villas located in the forest zone. But even from them to the beach you will have to go through the park and go down the stairs, and then climb them up.
The infrastructure of the area itself is completely ordinary urban: there are cafes, supermarkets, bakeries. It should be borne in mind that both the Seaside Park and the Chaika area itself are quite long, the further from the center and entertainment, the cheaper.
Advantages of the area: the area closest to the sea and entertainment; huge park.
Disadvantages: the area is quite long, you need to carefully look where the housing is located.
St. Nicholas
The easternmost district of Varna, in fact, is already a suburb. It starts where the green park area ends. There are also no hotels on the first line, but almost any accommodation will offer beautiful views of the bay. The nearest beach is to the west, in the Seaside Park.
There are several excellent five-star hotels and "view" villas here, if you limit yourself to the hotel and the beach, and be prepared for the fact that you need to walk for a long time in the park or take a car to get everything interesting - this is a good option. There is nothing to see in the area itself, there are no interesting restaurants, no entertainment either.
Asparuhovo
Asparuhovo is the westernmost suburb. It is located so far from Varna itself that it can be considered as a separate city - Asparuhovo on the other side of the airport, and from there to the center of Varna by public transport for at least half an hour.
This is a clean green area with its own large seaside park, and hotels here are focused mainly on families with children. The terrain is flatter here, so there are traditional large hotels on the first line next to the sea. The beaches here are just as great as in Varna, but less crowded. There is a wonderful observation deck with magnificent views of the bay.
There are not many restaurants in Asparuhovo, but there is a large shopping center, Bill's supermarket, in a word, this is an excellent accommodation option for a relaxing beach holiday.
- Advantages: close to the beach, children's infrastructure, green area.
- Disadvantages: very far from Varna itself.
