Varna is known as Bulgaria's "Sea Capital". It has the largest harbour in the country, which is used for both the navy and for commercial shipping. It is also one of Bulgaria's most important commercial, cultural, educational and scientific centres. Varna is a cosmopolitan city, with literally thousands of shops selling both locally-produced and imported goods. Major international stores are being attracted to the city. Companies such as Mr. Bricolage, Praktiker, Metro and Kaufland have already opened stores in Varna. Clothes shops abound in Varna, particularly in the city centre where stylish boutiques sell Italian and French designer imports.
There is a vast range of hotels, restaurants and bars in Varna. In addition to restaurants offering Bulgarian cuisine, you will find Australian, Turkish, Italian, Chinese, Indian and, of course, McDonalds and Kentucky Fried Chicken. The city also has enough bars and nightclubs to keep the most ardent party-goers happy every night of the year.
Varna, an All-year Resort
Bulgarians are very aware of the many features and attractions that Varna offers. Many Bulgarians travel to Varna for the weekend and also for their summer vacations. Varna has a long, sandy beach with soft sand. The beach can be reached by car (and there are plenty of parking spaces all along the promenade) or by foot. The walk down to the beach is a very pleasant experience, as the paths wander through the extensive gardens of Primorski Park. Huge areas of lawn, flower beds, and some impressive statues fill the area between the beach and the main Boulevard.
For some reason, investors from other countries (apart from Russia and Romania) have not yet realized the full potential of this city. In addition to the beach, there are plenty of other facilities that help to make Varna such an attractive proposition. A large pedestrian-only shopping centre, cinemas, theatres and even an opera house ensure that daytime and evening hours are full of interest.
Hidden away amongst the trees and plants of Primorski Park (otherwise known as the 'Sea Garden") are all kinds of delights for children. During the summer months the park is dotted with stalls selling toys, sweets and gifts. Other stalls invite you to try your hand at scooping up the plastic ducks, throwing rings over prizes and many other silly and fun activities that you will recognize from fairgrounds in Western Europe. There are adventure playgrounds with climbing equipment, slides and swings, electric cars, boats on the lake, "baby bungees", inflatable slides and bouncy castles, a monorail and even a roller-coaster.
Amongst the city's other attractions is the only dolphinarium on the Balkan peninsula. There is also a planetarium, an Aquarium, a large outside swimming pool (lido), botanical gardens and a go-kart track. The nearby resort of Golden Sands provides more water-based fun in the Aquapolis aqua park.
When the weather is cooler, and a day on the beach has lost its appeal, there is still plenty to do. Varna's impressive new shopping malls will keep you occupied for many hours. These are not just shopping centres - they are places to wine, dine and feast all your senses. On the top floor of Varna Mall you will find a large array of arcade games (suitable for all ages), a casino, a bar with billiard tables, a multi-screen cinema, a "4D cinema" and even "bumper cars". Just try and drag the kids away from here - especially as McDonald's, Burger King and many other tasty delights are on offer.
Further information
Golden Sands
Golden Sands (known locally as Zlatni Pyasatsi) is one of the two largest resorts on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. It takes its name from the vast stretch of beautiful, clean, golden sand. According to a legend, Pirates buried their gold in the ground at the seaside resort and the
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Tourist Information
Bulgaria is a small country situated in south‑Eastern Europe. Bulgaria occupies the central part of the Balkan Peninsula on both sides of the Balkan mountain range. To the north, Bulgaria shares a border with Romania. The largest part of this border runs along the River Danube. To
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Travelling to Bulgaria
We are happy to help you choose and book your flights between the UK and Bulgaria. Below is a list of airlines that offer scheduled flights from the UK to Bulgaria. During the summer months, you can also buy \"flight only\" deals from holiday companies such as Thomsons and Balkan Holidays.
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