Golden Sands is defined above all by Zlatni Pyasatsi Beach, which stretches for more than 3.5 kilometres. Fine golden sand and shallow water meet beach sports, water attractions and a promenade running along the shore. This gives you several options for planning your day: time by the water, sports on the beach or a stroll along the promenade. You can give each of these elements a different emphasis, depending on your interests.

Getting to the Beach

You can reach the beach by car or on city bus routes 9, 109, 209b and 409. From several of the stops mentioned, it is a short walk to the shore. If you travel by bus, allow for this walk when planning your arrival. Check the timetable before travelling, as bus services may change. This lets you consider travelling by car or city bus as different options for your beach day, without overlooking the final stretch on foot from the stop.

Marked Trails and Planning Your Time

Marked hiking trails connect the Aladzha Monastery area with Golden Sands. Approximate walking times of 80 and 90 minutes are given for the routes. If you want to fit a walk and time at the beach into the same day, these estimates can help you account for the time needed on the trail.

In the Wider Destination of Varna

The Roman Baths are located in the southeast of the present-day city of Varna. Covering more than 7,000 square metres, they are the largest public ancient building discovered in Bulgaria to date; in ancient Varna, they were also a centre of public life. The Varna Archaeological Museum was founded in 1887 by brothers Karel and Herman Shkorpil. Its original finds span from the Palaeolithic period, including finds dating to around 100,000 BC, to the Middle Ages, and include finds from the 7th and 8th centuries. The baths offer a glimpse of ancient public life, while the museum’s collections cover a much longer period.

Varna’s Sea Garden offers another focus: it stretches along the coast for more than 850 decares and is suited to walks, sports and sightseeing. The University Botanical Garden – Ecopark Varna has more than 300 species of exotic trees and shrubs, as well as more than 100 species of herbaceous plants. At Euxinograd, the visitor route includes greenhouses, the palace building, a sundial gifted by Queen Victoria, the “St. Demetrius” chapel and the cellar.

For those interested in culture, the history of the city’s musical life offers another perspective: the International Music Festival “Varna Summer” was founded in Varna in 1926 and is considered Bulgaria’s first music festival. The Festa Dolphinarium is located in Varna’s Sea Garden and is considered the only attraction of its kind in Bulgaria. These cultural and natural attractions add further perspectives on the wider destination of Varna to the beach-focused itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Kamenar, Zvezditsa, Varna, Sveti Konstantin i Elena

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