Varna Port is located in the Northeastern part of Bulgaria and is the only cruise destination in the country. Also known as the "Pearl of the Black Sea Coast", Varna Port of Call is best known for its stunning beach resorts, art galleries and archaic edifices that bring out its rich cultural inheritance. Varna has been tagged as the country's Seaside Capital and is indeed one of the ports you must not miss when planning on a holiday cruise. As Bulgaria's' second largest city, Varna is the home of approximately 350,000 people, mostly of European heritage. Varna Cruise Port was built during the 1970's and is located very near the metro; just a walk away from the train station and its alluring sandy beaches. The Varna Cruise Terminal is made up of 3 floors and filled with restaurants, offices and duty free shops. A Yacht Club is also available which is a regular host and organizer of many local regattas. The port is actually divided into two main areas, namely the Varna East and the Varna West. The port can handle up to 18 million tons of cargo each year.
Shopping
The city has 4 major shopping centers with a lot of local and international brands from which to choose. Central Plaza is known as the city's fashion center and the home of famous local designers as well. The Blaga Blagoeva is best for women's clothing, evening dresses and knit wears. The Knyaz Boris lies along a pedestrian sideway that is home to a lot of small boutiques and some international shops. Discover the roots and history of Bulgaria through the novels and books available at the Penguin Bookshop.
Things to See
The Assumption Virgin Cathedral is one of the major landmarks of the country. Built in the 18th century, it is the main icon in the country's independence from the Ottoman rule. This church is indeed symbolic in the history of Bulgaria. The Dolphinarium is also something that you won't want to miss. It features a 45-minute show with amazing penguins performing a variety of tricks. Varna's Archaelogical Museum is one of the best in the country. It has a total of 100,000 collections and artifacts that are being showcased in its 39 rooms. For art lovers, Artin will surely satisfy your artistic mind. Artin is a private gallery which hosts the latest exhibits of Varna's local artist.
Restaurants & Bars
Guan Don is a good place to dine especially when you are craving for something Chinese. Satisfy your Asian palate as you chill and eat your heart out at this gorgeous 3-story restaurant. If you want to have a taste of Bulgaria, you may come and visit Darzalas. Named after the god of abundance of the earth, Odessos, the café offers authentic Bulgarian and international meals all throughout the year. They have a great collection of classic Bulgarian wines from which to choose. Alba is popular among the locals and offers good food at cheaper prices. They have nice steaks, pizzas, grilled meats and other fish dishes.