The Black Sea coast offers up a range of seaside options. There are vast belts of sand with enough space to build a kingdom of sandcastles – or just to really stretch out on your towel. The biggest beach is at the mouths of the Kamchiya and Shkorpilovska rivers. It measures up at a massive 13 kilometres. Or, put your exploring hat on and see what you can discover in a secluded cove. There are steep cliffs to trek along, too.
The Varna region takes up nearly 4,000 square kilometres of north-eastern Bulgaria. The Black Sea nestles up to it on one side, and as you head inland there’s a hint of the Danube Plain’s rolling hills. There’s a real mixed bag, landscape-wise. You’ve got forests, thermal springs, and even a desert.
If you’re a history buff, you’ve got plenty to keep you busy in the Varna region. There are lots of sites that are still in great shape because they’re carved right into cliffs and rock faces. In the 13th century, monks chipped away at a limestone cliff until the Aladzha monastery was built. You can go and see a light show there in the summer. You have to trudge up lots of steps to reach the 4th-century Ovech fortress – the steps are carved into the rock, too. The amazing views that wait for you at the top are worth the climb.