Things to do in Golden Sands
Discover the best attractions and experiences Golden Sands has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore remnants from ancient civilizations and medieval times along the Varna coast and nearby towns.
Aladzha Monastery
A medieval Orthodox cave monastery set in chalk cliffs above the coast, with frescoes and forest surroundings.
Nessebar Old Town
A UNESCO-listed ancient town with narrow lanes, churches and well-preserved timber houses by the sea.
Varna Roman Baths
Ruins of Odessos' Roman baths and forum that reveal Varna's ancient past near the city center.
Museums
Delve into archaeology, regional history and coastal heritage at nearby museums.
Varna Archaeological Museum
Houses rich artifacts from the Varna region, including Thracian relics and notable gold finds.
Balchik Palace
The palace and its museum complex overlooking the sea, coupled with a lush botanical garden.
Varna Ethnographic Museum
Exhibits on Bulgarian crafts, costumes and everyday life in the Dobruja and Black Sea region.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites reflect the region's Orthodox heritage and spiritual history.
Dormition of the Theotokos Cathedral (Varna)
A grand Orthodox cathedral and a key religious landmark on Varna’s waterfront lane.
Aladzha Monastery
A historic cave monastery that also serves as a sacred, contemplative site in the forested hills.
National & Theme Parks
Nature-filled day trips to coastal reserves and botanical gardens nearby.
Kaliakra Nature Reserve
Dramatic cape with sea cliffs, sea views and a fortress ruin overlooking the Black Sea.
Balchik Botanical Garden (Balchik Palace grounds)
Historic garden perched above the coast, paired with the Balchik Palace museum complex.
Pobiti Kamani (Stone Desert)
Unusual natural stone formations created by ancient sea processes, a striking landscape north of Varna.
Neighborhoods
Discover the resort towns and coastal communities that shape Bulgaria’s Black Sea coastline.
Golden Sands
The main resort area with wide beaches, hotels and a lively promenade.
Albena
A family-friendly resort further along the coast with calm seas and spacious beaches.
Saints Constantine and Elena
A popular resort village with parks, beaches and seaside villas near Varna.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy the natural beauty and coastal ambiance without an entry fee.
Golden Sands Beach stroll at sunset
Relax on the long sandy shore as the sun dips toward the horizon.
Varna Sea Garden walk
A scenic waterfront park with trees, sculptures and sea views along the promenade.
Promenade wander along the coast
Free coastal walk with views of ferries, beaches and fishing boats.
Gastronomy
Savor traditional Bulgarian flavors and fresh seafood by the sea.
Shopska salad
Classic Bulgarian salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and white cheese.
Tarator
Refreshing yogurt and cucumber soup, a staple in Bulgarian summers.
Banitsa
Flaky pastry with cheese, a popular snack and breakfast choice.
Nightlife
Lively beach-front bars and clubs form the evening atmosphere in the resort belt.
Coming Soon!
We're currently working on adding nightlife recommendations for Golden Sands. Check back soon for curated suggestions in this category.
Entertainment
Water parks, theatres and live performances offer family-friendly fun.
Aquapolis Varna
A large water park with slides, pools and family-friendly attractions in the Golden Sands area.
Varna Opera House
Historic venue offering opera, ballet and concerts during the season.
Varna Summer Theatre
Open-air performances by the seaside during warm evenings.
Sports
Active seaside options for water and land adventures.
Windsurfing at Golden Sands
Catch some wind and ride the waves with nearby rental stations.
Beach volleyball on Golden Sands Beach
Sun-kissed courts on the soft sand for a casual or competitive game.
Coastal hiking and cycling
Scenic trails along the coast with sea views and hillside sections.
Off the Track
Venture beyond the obvious with day trips and lesser-known sights.
Day trip to Kaliakra Cape
Visit the dramatic cliffside cape with ruins and panoramic sea views.
Visit Pobiti Kamani
Explore the unusual Stone Desert formations and surrounding nature.
Balchik Palace & Botanical Garden visit
Explore the coastal palace complex and its verdant garden world.