Golden Sands: Beach and walking trails

The beach itself is an obvious starting point when choosing a stay in Golden Sands. Golden Sands Beach is more than 3.5 kilometres long and combines fine golden sand with shallow water. There are also beach sports, water attractions and a promenade along the shore. These features give you different ways to plan your day: would you like to spend time by the water, enjoy sports activities or plan a walk along the promenade?

Beach, getting there and walking trails

The beach is accessible by car and by city bus routes 9, 109, 209b and 409. A short walk from several of the stops mentioned leads to the shore. If you travel by bus, check the current timetable before setting off, as transport connections may change. When planning, it helps to allow separately for the bus journey and the short walk afterwards.

Marked walking trails also offer a specific time frame: they connect the area around Aladzha Monastery with Golden Sands; two routes are listed as taking approximately 80 and 90 minutes. The two estimates differ by only about ten minutes. This lets you choose a walk based on how much time you want to set aside, without inferring an exact walking time for other routes.

Varna: culture and nature as distinct highlights

Varna offers other cultural and natural attractions that are distinct from a beach stay in Golden Sands. Among the historical sights are the Roman Baths in the southeast of the present-day city. At more than 7,000 square metres, they are the largest public ancient building discovered to date in Bulgaria. In ancient Varna, the baths were a centre of public life.

The Varna Archaeological Museum was founded in 1887 by the brothers Karel and Herman Shkorpil. It displays original finds spanning a very long period: from the Palaeolithic, dating to around 100,000 BC, to the Middle Ages, including the 7th and 8th centuries. The collection therefore focuses on a period ranging from early prehistoric eras to medieval times.

Another way to explore Varna’s history is the visitor route at Euxinograd. It includes the greenhouses and the palace building, as well as a sundial gifted by Queen Victoria, the Chapel of St Demetrius and the cellar. Euxinograd Residence in Varna can be reached by city bus routes 9, 31A, 109 and 409 to the Evksinograd stop. As routes may change, check the connection locally before travelling.

Varna offers a choice of different places and experiences for spending time in green surroundings. The Sea Garden stretches along the coast for more than 850 decares and is suitable for walking, sports and sightseeing. The University Botanical Garden, also known as Varna Eco Park, is home to more than 300 species of exotic trees and shrubs, as well as over 100 species of herbaceous plants. The two gardens therefore differ both in their stated size and in the plant collections and activities described.

Varna’s cultural history extends beyond individual buildings and collections: the International Music Festival “Varna Summer” was founded in Varna in 1926 and is considered Bulgaria’s first music festival. Together with the baths and the Archaeological Museum, it offers a distinct perspective on Varna’s history and cultural profile.

Discover more destinations: Sveti Konstantin and Elena, Kamenar, Zvezditsa, Varna.

Back to the main travel overview: Varna.