Varna: Archaeology, Coast and Gardens

In the southeast of the present-day city of Varna lie the Roman Baths. Covering more than 7,000 square metres, they are the largest public ancient building discovered in Bulgaria to date. In ancient Varna, they were a centre of public life. The range of possible excursions offers a useful guide when choosing a hotel: consider which experiences you want to shape your trip before selecting a hotel in Varna.

Archaeology and City History

The Varna Archaeological Museum was founded in 1887 by brothers Karel and Herman Shkorpil. Its original finds date from the Palaeolithic period—with finds from around 100,000 BC—to the Middle Ages, including the 7th and 8th centuries. The collection therefore offers a broad time span for exploring the history of the region.

The treasure of the Varna Chalcolithic Necropolis is particularly well known: it is considered the oldest technologically worked gold in the world and is displayed in the Archaeological Museum. Most of the necropolis objects date from 4600 to 4200 BC and are also now largely housed in the museum. You can reach the museum on city bus routes 7, 12, 31, 31A, 148, 9, 14 and 409; the stops are called “Muzeya” and “Sevastopol”. As bus services can change, check the route locally before travelling.

Euxinograd and Golden Sands

The visitor route at the Euxinograd Residence includes the greenhouses, the palace building, a sundial presented as a gift by Queen Victoria, the “St. Demetrius” chapel and the cellar. You can reach the residence on city bus routes 9, 31A, 109 and 409, getting off at the “Evksinograd” stop. Check the connection locally again before your visit.

Golden Sands Beach is more than 3.5 kilometres long. Activities on offer there include beach sports and various water sports, as well as other attractions. You can get to the beach on city bus routes 9, 109, 209b and 409, as well as on foot or by car. Stops include “Travel”, “Madara”, “Aqva park”, “Republika”, “Direktsiyata”, “Zora” and “Kukeri”. When planning, you can weigh up a visit centred on archaeology against the beach and water sports on offer.

Green Spaces and Activities

Varna’s Sea Garden stretches along the coast for more than 850 decares and is ideal for walking, sports and sightseeing. The University Botanical Garden – Varna Eco Park offers a different perspective: it includes more than 300 species of exotic trees and shrubs, as well as more than 100 species of herbaceous plants. Horse lovers will also find the Academic Jockey Club in the garden. It offers riding lessons with an instructor, free riding for advanced riders, as well as tours by carriage, cabriolet and painted wagon along the Eco Park route.

Horses also play a role in Todorov Den. Varna holds the festival every year, with traditional races, competitions featuring horse-drawn carriages and donkey carts, and prizes for the most beautiful horses. The Festa Dolphinarium, considered the only attraction of its kind in Bulgaria, is also located in the Sea Garden. The varied themes—from archaeological collections and gardens to beach and horse-related activities—can help you tailor your stay to the experiences that interest you most.

Discover More Destinations

Varna, Golden Sands, Sveti Konstantin i Elena, Zvezditsa, Kamenar, Beloslav, Vetrino, Dalgopol

For the broader travel overview: Varna Province.