Varna

Varna is a popular seaside city on the northeastern coast of Bulgaria by the Black Sea. It is one of the largest cities in the country and is known for its beautiful beaches, seafront promenade, parks, cultural landmarks and pleasant holiday atmosphere. The city is often referred to as the “sea capital of Bulgaria” and is an ideal destination for a summer holiday, seaside relaxation and discovering the Bulgarian coast. Thanks to its location, Varna is an excellent starting point for trips to resorts such as Golden Sands, Saints Constantine and Helena or Albena.

Flights from Bratislava

You can fly from Bratislava to Varna with direct Wizz Air flights to Varna Airport, with the airport code VAR. The direct air connection between Bratislava and Varna operates 4 times a week – on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The flight from Bratislava to Varna takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes.

Transport from the airport

• Bus – from Varna Airport, you can reach the city centre by bus line 409. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes and the ticket costs around €1.60.
• Taxi / private transport – taxi is a convenient option for travelling directly to the city centre or your hotel. The journey from the airport to the centre of Varna takes approximately 15–20 minutes and the price is around €15–20.
• Transfer / shuttle – you can also use a pre-booked transfer directly to your hotel or resort. This option is practical especially when arriving later, travelling with larger luggage or heading to resorts outside the centre of Varna.
• Car rental – you can rent a car directly at the airport. This is a suitable option if you plan to explore the Bulgarian coast, beaches, smaller resorts or natural and historic places in the surrounding area.

What not to miss in Varna

When visiting Varna, you should definitely not miss these places and experiences:

• Sea Garden – a large city park by the coast, ideal for walks, relaxation, sea views and visiting nearby attractions.
• Varna beaches – the city beaches offer pleasant swimming, beach bars, restaurants and a holiday atmosphere directly by the city.
• Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral – one of Varna’s most important landmarks and a beautiful Orthodox monument in the city centre.
• Varna Archaeological Museum – a museum known for its rich collections and finds from the region, including one of the oldest processed gold treasures in the world.
• Roman Baths – remains of ancient Roman thermal baths, among the city’s most important historic landmarks.
• Seafront promenade – a popular place for evening walks, sitting by the sea and visiting restaurants or cafés.
• Golden Sands – a well-known resort near Varna with a long sandy beach, hotels, restaurants and a lively summer atmosphere.
• Aladzha Monastery – a rock monastery near Varna, one of the interesting historic and natural sites in the area.
• Bulgarian gastronomy – taste Shopska salad, banitsa, kebapche, fresh fish, seafood, Bulgarian wines and traditional rakia.

Did you know?

One of the oldest gold treasures in the world, known as the Varna Gold, was discovered in Varna. It dates back to around 4,600 BC and can be seen today in the Varna Archaeological Museum. When visiting the city, it is worth combining seaside relaxation with a walk through the Sea Garden and a trip to the resorts of Golden Sands or Saints Constantine and Helena.