Varna
Tourism Sites
Aladzha Monastery
🧠 Fact: : A medieval monastery carved directly into a limestone cliff
💡 Tip: Bring water and a hat — the hike up gets sunny!
Info - Nestled within a forest just outside Varna, Aladzha Monastery is a remarkable medieval cave monastery carved directly into a limestone cliff. Dating from the 12th to 14th centuries, it once housed hermit monks who lived and worshipped in its tiny rock-hewn chapels, cells, and refectories. Visitors can explore the preserved frescoes, narrow passageways, and small caves spread across two levels. The surrounding woodland and archaeological park add to its peaceful, spiritual atmosphere. It’s especially atmospheric at sunset, and summer often brings sound-and-light shows that recount the site’s fascinating history. A unique blend of nature and history, it’s a must-see in the Varna region.
Roman Baths of Odessos
🧠 Fact: Among the largest preserved Roman bath ruins in Europe.
💡 Tip: Go with a guide for cool Roman-era insights.
Info - The Roman Baths of Odessos in Varna are the largest ancient baths in Bulgaria and among the largest in Europe. Built in the late 2nd century AD, these impressive ruins once formed the heart of social life in the ancient Roman city of Odessos. Visitors can wander among towering walls, arched chambers, and marble remnants, imagining the bustling gatherings of citizens enjoying steam rooms, pools, and relaxation spaces. Informative plaques throughout help explain the bathhouse’s sophisticated heating systems and layout. Set in the city center, it’s an atmospheric historical landmark that offers a glimpse into Varna’s ancient Roman past.
Sea Garden (Primorski Park)
🧠 Fact: A massive seaside park that combines nature, culture, and family fun.
💡 Tip: Rent a bike or take a long walk along the Black Sea coast.
Info - Stretching along the Black Sea coast in Varna, Sea Garden is Bulgaria’s most famous seaside park — a lush escape blending manicured gardens, shady walking paths, sculptures, and playgrounds. Locals come here to jog, cycle, or simply relax under towering trees with sea breezes in the air. The park features the Varna Dolphinarium, a planetarium, and an open-air theater hosting concerts in summer. Its beautifully landscaped flowerbeds, art installations, and panoramic viewpoints over the beach make it a must-visit. Sea Garden perfectly balances nature, culture, and recreation, offering a scenic, family-friendly retreat by the sea.
Varna Archaeological Museum
🧠 Fact: Home to the world's oldest processed gold artifacts.
💡 Tip: Don't miss the Thracian gold treasure exhibit.
Info - Home to one of Bulgaria’s most significant archaeological collections, the Varna Archaeological Museum is a cultural treasure trove. Its star attraction is the world-famous Varna Gold — the oldest processed gold artifacts known to humanity, dating back over 6,000 years. Beyond this, visitors can explore ancient Roman mosaics, medieval icons, and fascinating Thracian relics. The museum’s exhibitions trace the history of the Varna region from prehistoric settlements through Roman rule and the Middle Ages. Housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century building, it’s a must-see for history enthusiasts keen to uncover Bulgaria’s ancient past.
Varna Dolphinarium
🧠 Fact: The only dolphinarium on the Balkan Peninsula.
💡 Tip: Book early for front-row seats at the dolphin show.
Info - A family favorite along Varna’s Sea Garden, the Varna Dolphinarium delivers entertaining and educational marine shows starring playful bottlenose dolphins. Opened in 1984, it remains Bulgaria’s only dolphinarium and offers a cheerful, engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The resident dolphins perform synchronized jumps, ball tricks, and impressive acrobatics during lively shows accompanied by music and commentary. There are opportunities to interact with the dolphins or watch their training sessions. Surrounded by lush parkland and near the coast, the Dolphinarium combines marine fun with scenic seaside relaxation — a must for families visiting the Black Sea coast.