Guide to Varna
Varna, the third largest city in Bulgaria, is located on the Black Sea coast. Varna is also the largest Bulgarian port. It covers 205 square kilometers with a population of over 320,000. The city offers many cultural activities all year round and is also a popular seaside resort. Apart from the beautiful beaches, the ancient Roman baths are also a big attraction.
Accommodation in Varna
Varna offers its visitors a large and varied selection of accommodation. The widest offer (more then 1000) consists of apartment accommodation. They are followed by hotels, guest houses and hostels. The most luxurious hotels include, for example, the Grand Hotel London, located in the very heart of Varna, near the Morska gradina park and near the sea coast. The most sought-after accommodation is located near the beaches and the city promenade with views of the Black Sea. As for accommodation prices, you can find the cheapest ones in hostels starting from CZK 400 per bed per night. Luxury 5* hotels then offer rooms from two thousand per night. The most popular hotels in the city include Capitol Hotel, Graffit Gallery Design Hotel. For families with children, for those who like privacy or for larger groups of people, there is a selection of nice apartments located both in the city center and near the coast. Some of them have swimming pools or gardens offering pleasant places to relax. The most popular accommodations in Varna include Capitol Hotel, Panorama Hotel, and mOdus Hotel.
Weather in Varna
The weather in Varna is typical for coastal areas. The warmest month is July, the coldest is January. In terms of precipitation during the year, it rains the most in June and November. This area is very favorable for growing kiwi, figs or pomegranates.
History of Varna
Varna was founded in the 6th century BC by the Greeks. Later, the city was inhabited by the Romans, for whom it became an important access point to the sea. At the beginning of the century, Odyssos was in the association of five important cities, together with the cities of Tomi (Constance), Mesambra (Nesebar), Kalateja and Apollonia (Sozopol). The city experienced its greatest boom during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. During the 6th century, Odyssos was the target of raids by Slavs and Avars, who gradually destroyed it and with it the original name disappeared. Asparuch, the Bulgarian Khan, takes over this ruined city in the 7th century. In 679, the recognition of the new Bulgarian state was signed here. Between 773 and 950, Varna was disputed between the Byzantine Empire and the Bulgarians. These wars will end with the victory of the Byzantine Empire, which owns the city until 1202. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Varna was a very important port that traded with cities such as Venice or Genoa.
Transportation to Varna
The airport in Varna (Varna airport) is located 8 km west of the city center. The connection between the airport and the center is provided by buses and taxis. But there is also a free shuttle bus service. The airport serves flights to many European and non-European destinations and cities. The leading airlines are Bulgaria Air and Bulgarian Air Charter. The main train station is located in the city within walking distance from the center. Regular connections go here from, for example, Sofia, Plovdiv. There are also two bus stations in Varna. One serves only inland connections, the other operates long-distance lines to countries such as Greece, Turkey (Istanbul), Romania and other Central and Western European countries. Buses, trolleybuses, taxis or you can rent a car at several city rental offices are used for transportation around the city. Be carefull with taxis at the airport, there are some non official that wants to charge more then double price.
Sights and attractions in Varna
In Varna you will find over one hundred and fifty historical and cultural monuments. One of the most famous monuments and also the most visited are the old Roman baths from the 2nd and 3rd centuries. This spa is the third largest in Europe. Other monuments worth visiting include the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin from 1886, the Archaeological Museum with more than a hundred thousand exhibits, or the Church of St. Athanasia. Varna is home to Bulgaria's longest Asparouhov Bridge, which connects the city center with the residential districts of Galata and Asparouhovo. Among the no less visited attractions of Varna are the Nicolaus Copernicus Planetarium or the Black Sea Museum. The local Zoo has a great dolphinarium. 5 km from the center lies the Euxinograd Palace, the former residence of Prince Alexander I of Battenberg. The palace is located in beautiful gardens with various types of exotic plants. It also includes sports facilities, docks and wine cellars.
Sports in Varna
As is the case with all European countries, football is one of the most popular sports in Bulgaria's Varna. Rival teams here are Cherno More and Spartak. In 2007, a municipal stadium with a capacity of over 30,000 people was built in Varna. In addition to sports events, a number of concerts and other cultural events are also held here throughout the year. Other sports teams and sports include the Eurions Cherno More men's basketball team, women's volleyball, gymnastics, but also water sports such as swimming and sailing races.