Varna is the third largest city in Bulgaria and is very close to the major resorts of Golden Sands, Albena and Saint Constantine.
I have been going to this city every year for the last 11 years and therefore I have seen the many changes which have taken place since the fall of Communism.
Varna is spread along several miles of coastline which all have very good beaches. Along the coastal strip is the "sea garden" which is a public park which stretches for several kms. It is this park which forms the main focus of the city.
Tourists when going to Varna rarely go beyond the city centre. This is perhaps just as well as the city centre is quite pleasant, but away from the centre are hundreds and hundreds of "blocks" - many of which are not in good condition.
The city centre has been much improved in recent years with the arrival of KFC, McDonalds etc, but many of the smaller shops have benefited from investment. There are many interesting properties in the centre of the City - which show that this city was quite an attractive one before WW2. Some of these have been improved and UNESCO is funding some improvements as well.
Varna Cathedral is a must see as is Varna museum (although few tourists ever go there)as this museum houses one of the great prehistoric gold collections in the world - indeed Varna is famous for having the oldest burials in Europe where gold artifacts were found. It was also a main seaport for both the Greeks and the Romans which is reflected in the museum.
Varna is by western standards very cheap and it is about half of the price as can be found in the Bulgarian resorts. This is what particularly attracts many UK tourists, but the Russians and Germans greatly outnumber the British and French.
Overall, Varna is an interesting city which is trying to come to terms with western soceity, but there is a long way to go yet as unemployment and wages are very small in comparison with western Europe.
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Hi there I see that many people bring up the financial point. I think that people can be happy without thinking constantly for money. That's why it is called a vacation, isn't it?
Nice review!
todorvn 08.02.2004 10:48
this is good review
KRISS2 25.01.2004 01:46
i am sure that you will find the town very different now. its one of my favorite. As a child i always went there for our summer holidays and i have such a nice memories!!!!
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Advantages: Cheap hoilday, not overcrowded, friendly people,fantastic food,beer 30p a pint,Not a 'tourist trap' Disadvantages: Street vendors harassing you, hygiene in toilets, quite a long journey, can be crowded at PEAK times
bwsr2 07.07.2001 (08.01.2002)
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Review of General: Bulgaria
Advantages: Cheaper than Western Europe, Great nightlife, English-speaking, Stunning Scenery, Friendly inhabitants Disadvantages: Pricier than other Eastern European Capitals, Very busy in summer, Adverse weather in winter
bwsr2 15.02.2004 (05.05.2004)
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