Varna and resorts
Heading South, you will reach Varna, the sea capital of Bulgaria. I believe this is the prettiest city not only at the Black Sea Coast, but also in the whole of Bulgaria, combining the charm of a quaint historical town and the convenience and comfort of a big city. Varna is famous with its port, golden sands beaches and first class resorts, like St Konstantinos and Elena, Sunny Day, Riviera Beach Club and Golden Sands. Varna attracts 2 to 3 million tourists a year, as the holidaymakers may reach as many as 200,000 daily during the high season. The sea front resorts, hundreds of family hotels and B&B accommodations host tourists from all of the world, but mostly Europeans, Russions and Israelis.
One of the highlights here without a doubt is the Sea Garden- a romantic park with hundreds of intricate alleys and lush vegetation stretches along the Black Sea coast for over 5 km. Starting from the port of Varna it will take you to the outskirts of town along the city beach, dozens of pubs and restaurants, Luna park, tennis courts, outdoor gyms, summer theaters and lots of fresh juice and ice-cream stands. I love to ride my bike every morning or later in the evening in the summer and I get to enjoy something different every day. Usually after a nice work out with my bike and some Zumba in the park, I end up on the beach for a refreshing swim or a cooling cocktail to enjoy the sunset.
Last time I visited Varna, I made friends with a cat’s family who loved to play with my bike. I could not resist to share these cute pictures…:-)
Varna has great seafood, traditional and international restaurants, right on the beach or downtown, situated strategically along the promenade, where you can watch the trendy passers by, meet friends and enjoy mussles or grilled fish with a nice cold beer. A friend of mine recently opened one of the best restaurants in town – “Largo”, named after the name of an iconic street in Varna. With its central location, diverse cuisine, interesting fusion of Mediterranean and Bulgarian and international dishes, “Largo” is so much more than just a restaurant. It is the place to be if you would like a nice cup of coffee when meeting a friend or having a delicious dinner and enjoying yummy cocktails with friends at night. Famous DJs visit often and simply there is something for everyone all day and night long.
Other great choices would be restaurant “Merci” situated on the beach and designed in modern Provence style, “Sardinia”- one of the best places to have fresh mussels in white wine sauce and variety of grilled fish from the Black Sea presented with authentic recipes, “Villa Burov”- located in the heart of the Sea Garden, overseeing the spectacular Varna Bay, surrounded by old trees and luxurious villas.
The most famous resorts near Varna: St Konstantin and Elena, Sunny Day, Riviera Holiday Club, Golden Sands and Albena exist since the late 50s of the last century, initially with very few hotels and hostels, now boasting renovated and lots of new state-of-the-art modern hotels one more luxirious than the other. I like to swim and enjoy a quiet afternoon on the beach at The Bay, near Grand Hotel Varna at the St Konstantin and Elena resort. The beach is small and private, yet has every luxury and features a cute beach bistro, where you can enjoy a chilled glass of champagne or a light healthy meal. There is a wide selection of international beers and the friendly staff is too happy to oblige and mix you a nice Mojito or a Cosmo.
