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Bulgaria · Black Sea coast

Varna and Golden Sands travel guide

A seaside city, beaches and the world's oldest gold

Golden Sands beach near Varna. Photo: The original uploader was Chlempi at..., CC BY-SA 2.0 de, via Wikimedia Commons

3h 15mflight from London
VARnearest main airport
25° in Augwarmest month
4° in Jancoolest month

Varna is Bulgaria's third city and summer capital, with a long sea garden, Roman baths and the museum holding the Varna Necropolis gold, the oldest worked gold in the world.

Golden Sands, just north, has a long beach backed by forest, and Albena is a calmer family resort.

Good forBeachesCity breaksHistoryFamilies

What Varna is known for

  • Golden Sands

    Beach and forest.

  • Roman baths

    Huge ruins in town.

  • Varna gold

    The oldest gold treasure.

  • Sea Garden

    A long seaside park.

Top things to do in Varna and Golden Sands

  1. 1

    Golden Sands beach

    Sand and water sports.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    The Archaeological Museum

    The Varna gold.

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  3. 3

    Aladzha Monastery

    A cave monastery in the cliffs.

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  4. 4

    Balchik Palace

    A queen's palace and gardens.

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See all tours and tickets in Varna

Where to stay in Varna and Golden Sands

Find a hotel in Varna

Best time to visit Varna and Golden Sands

Best value: May, Sep. June to September.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
3.9 C4°J4.6 C5°F7.1 C7°M10.5 C10°A16.3 C16°M21.5 C22°J24.3 C24°J24.7 C25°A20.8 C21°S15.6 C16°O10.8 C11°N6 C6°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Varna and Golden Sands, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 3h 15m from London to VAR, and flights from most UK airports. How long is the flight from your airport?

Buses and taxis link the resorts to Varna.

Airport transfer to Varna

Find flights to Varna (VAR)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Use metered taxis from reputable firms.
  • Albena is calmer for young children.
  • The sea is warmest in August.
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Varna and Golden Sands FAQ

Golden Sands or Sunny Beach?

Golden Sands is a bit calmer and greener.

Is Varna worth visiting?

Yes, for the museums and promenade.

More places in Bulgaria

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