Varna
Bulgaria's seaside capital on the Black Sea coast
About the city
Varna is the largest resort on Bulgaria's northern coast and the country's main maritime gateway. The city blends wide sandy beaches in its centre, a shady Sea Garden stretching more than eight kilometres, and 2nd-century Roman thermae — among the largest in the Balkans. In summer the promenade fills with cafes, mussel markets, and open-air evening concerts.
For Ukrainian travellers, Varna is one of the most convenient ways to reach the sea. Direct buses run from Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, and Chernivtsi, with several departures a day at the height of the season. The route passes through Moldova and Romania, so an international passport is required and tickets are cheaper booked early.
From here it is easy to reach the neighbouring resorts of Golden Sands, Albena, and Sveti Konstantin, as well as the UNESCO-listed old town of Nessebar. The beach season runs from May to September, when the sea warms to 25-27 °C.