One of Europe’s most ancient centres of civilisation, Varna has been an active player on the world stage for millennia. The Romans called the city Odessa, but there was civilisation flourishing here long before the days of the empire. Today’s visitors come not only for the rich cultural attractions, but also for the beaches and resort lifestyle available here on the Black Sea coast.
Archaeological excavations that began in the 1970s have uncovered the remains of an ancient civilisation immediately outside of Varna. Only a third of the site has been uncovered, and the global archaeological community enthusiastically acknowledges this as one of the most important discoveries in recent history.
Varna’s rich culture is one of its greatest assets. The ancient Romans were established here in the Second century, and the ruins of the Roman bathhouses can still be seen today. The Necropolis is even older, with graves that date to 4,000 BC and earlier. Gold excavated from these ancient burial sites has circled the globe in travelling exhibits and can be viewed locally in the Archaeological Museum.
Varna Lake is a relaxed outdoor venue with plenty of shopping and dining facilities. Another excellent outdoor attraction is the Stone Forest, a 50 million-year-old collection of rock pillars that were once used as a place of worship in antiquity. Of course, the main attraction for most visitors is the beaches along the Black Sea coast, where water sports and sunbathing are popular during the summer.
Varna’s attractions are headlined by the Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral, despite the fact it is relatively young when compared to other churches in the city. Several popular tourist attractions, including the Planetarium, the Dolphinarium and the Naval Museum are all found in the Sea Garden. Along the Black Sea coast is the Kaliakra Cape, where 40 women leapt to their deaths after an invasion of Turks in the 1400s century.
Varna is conveniently linked to Bulgaria’s comprehensive rail network, making it easy to arrive by train from Sofia or virtually any other Bulgarian city. Buses fill in the gaps between major rail hubs, and there are more than 80 city buses plying regular routes through the city of Varna itself. Alternatively, it is possible to fly into local airport, which has connections to major European and Russian cities.
Varna’s climate is mild most of the year, and weather patterns generated by the Black Sea work to stabilise the climate. Summers (July and August) are characterised by ample sunshine and average temperatures of 30°C. While periodic rainfall is common, August is the driest month and remains the best time for sightseeing and enjoying the beach.
Winters are very cold, with average highs hovering around 5°C during January and February. The Black Sea continues to deliver moisture in the form of snow, and periods of heavy snowfall are possible during these months. November and December are the rainiest months of the year.
