So much more than a beach resort, Varna is Bulgaria's third biggest city and capital of the northern Black Sea coast. In addition to its long stretch of beach, lined by the attractive and relaxing Seaside Park, its historical remains are major attractions in their own right, encompassing the ancient, medieval and renaissance past. These include Roman thermae, and the second largest church in the country, the glorious Church of the Assumption. Varna's appeal lies also very much in the present, with something of a reputation nationwide as a shopper's heaven, and its boutiques and jewellery stores are buzzing year-round.

Popular with European package tourists during high season (July-August), Varna is also a magnet for Bulgarian visitors later in the summer. As a cultural city with great shopping, as well as its beach, it attracts a cross-section of people of all ages and many use it as a base to explore the Black Sea coast.

Varna's beach is white soft sand, gently sloping for good swimming. The city's beaches are more for gentle relaxation and sunbathing, rather than exuberant sports, although there may be some surfing when the wind is up, especially towards the southern end. A volleyball net is usually in place for informal games, around halfway up the beach, and a waterslide is popular with children.