Varna is a large city located along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, surrounded by about 20 kilometers of sandy beaches. There are many hotels near the different beaches to choose from, making choosing a good place to stay challenging if you don’t know the area well.
To help you with that, I show and describe Varna’s best beaches below, after which I list some of the best hotels on those beaches based on value for money, location, and overall quality.
The Best Locations to Stay In
Ideally, your accommodation would be somewhere close to the city’s attractions, and easily accessible by public transport.
With that in mind, I’ve shortlisted three beaches that are close to Varna’s city center, to help you focus your search on finding a strategically located place that fits your needs. There are several other beaches about 7+ km away from Varna, which you can check out here.
Varna Beach
Located directly in front of Varna’s city center, is Varna Beach, which is 900 meters long. The beach has beautiful fine sand, and is lined with a promenade with plenty of cafés, restaurants and bars.
With plenty of sunbeds, it’s great for beach bumming, and the shallow, calm waters also make it a good place for kids. If the water conditions aren’t great for swimming, you’ll also find other attractions like a water park and swimming pool where you can spend your time.
Asparuhovo Beach
Asparuhovo Beach is located in the outskirts, on the southern side of Varna. It’s quieter than Varna Beach and is visited mostly by the locals, although there are a few restaurants there which get lively in the summer. It’s a good spot for windsurfing, and you can find Varna’s only windsurfing school here.
Rappongi Beach
Along the seafront of Primorski Park, also commonly known as Varna’s “Sea Garden”, is Rappongi Beach. You can lounge on sunbeds, go for a unique wakeboarding experience in a calm bay, and party away at the stylish, popular Rappongi beach club.
The Best Luxury Hotels
These 4 hotels are great options to consider when you’re looking for a luxury experience. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~70 EUR (~$77) or ~86 EUR (~$95).
Graffit Gallery Design Hotel
Graffit Gallery is a stylish hotel, just a 10-minute walk away from Varna Beach. Rooms are spread across four floors, which have different décor styles. For example, the Chester Floor is decorated in classic Chesterfield furniture, while the Other Floor is decked out in minimalist, monochrome colours.
The hotel also has a rooftop pool, gym, as well as two in-house restaurants. The Graffiti Café in particular is a past winner of the Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, so you’re sure to get some great shots for Instagram there 🙂
Grand Hotel London
Grand Hotel London is a luxury boutique hotel centrally located in Varna’s city center, but also just a short walk away from Varna Beach. The historic hotel has been operating in Varna for 100 years, and preserves its charm with rooms tastefully decorated in a traditional style.
The hotel also has an in-house restaurant, a café where you can enjoy tea or cocktails, and also a spa where you can wind down with a jacuzzi, sauna, or a good massage.
Panorama Hotel
Panorama Hotel is a good choice if you want to be as close to the beach as possible. It’s right by the seaside on Varna Beach, so the lobby, restaurants, and many rooms offer beautiful views of the sea and nearby harbor.
The hotel has several room types ranging from single rooms to apartments with sea-views. The apartments can sleep up to 3 adults or 2 adults + 2 children, so it’s worth considering if you’re traveling as a family.
Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel
Rosslyn Dimyat Hotel is located next to the Sea Garden, where you can take a short stroll through the park to reach Rappongi Beach.
The hotel has stylish, modern and very spacious rooms and suites to choose from, most of which have good views of the ocean. There’s also a gym and spa center, where you can choose from a variety of treatments, or just take a dip in the indoor swimming pool.
The Best Mid-Range Hotels
These 4 accommodations have an excellent balance between value for money and modern comforts. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~47 EUR (~$53) and ~60 EUR (~$66).
Hotel Acropolis
Hotel Acropolis is a good mid-range option less than 5 minutes away from Varna Beach. Besides the beach, it’s also very close to several restaurants and the Roman Baths of Odessos, one of Varna’s popular attractions.
If you’re looking at a longer stay, consider the Studio with Balcony unit. It comes with a washing machine and small kitchenette, so you have the option of preparing simple meals.
Hi Boutique Hotel
Hi Boutique Hotel is centrally located in Varna city center, just a few steps away from the main pedestrian street. Varna Beach is still close by though, less than 10 minutes walk away.
Rooms in the hotel are spacious, and decorated in a traditional style. The hotel was once a family home, so you’ll also see interesting collectibles used as décor pieces throughout.
Varna South Bay Luxury Apartments
If you’re considering a relaxing stay in the quieter Asparuhovo Beach, Varna South Bay Luxury Apartments is worth considering, as it’s located less than 5 minutes away from the beach.
The self-contained apartments are minimalist and modern, have fully equipped kitchens, and some also come with balconies. You’ll get good value for money if you’re traveling in a group, as the apartments can sleep up to 5.
Horizont Complex
Horizont Complex is located inside Varna’s beautiful Sea Garden, just a short walk through nature to Rappongi Beach. The rooms are relatively newly refurbished in traditional décor, set around a peaceful courtyard.
If nightlife is on your itinerary, this is a convenient base as there is a popular nightclub, Club Horizont, located in the same complex. There are also two in-house restaurants serving Mediterranean cuisine, so you can head there for dinner before you join the party at night.
The Best Budget Hotels
These 4 places are easy on your wallet, while still providing good comfort and cleanliness. Starting rates for their rooms fall in between ~31 EUR (~34) and ~45 EUR (~$50).
JUST rooms & wine
JUST rooms & wine is an affordable boutique hotel, centrally located near the main pedestrian area of Varna city center. It’s also just around 10 minutes’ walk away from Varna Beach.
The décor is modern and quirky, with fun animal portraits to be found throughout. There’s also a good wine bar downstairs, where you can find a selection of local Bulgarian wines.
Ventura Boutique Hotel
Ventura Boutique Hotel is located in Asparuhovo, a 10-minute walk away from the beach. Converted from a building abandoned around 30 years ago, it has spacious and elegantly decorated rooms and suites for you to choose from.
The hotel restaurant interestingly has its own micro-brewery, producing Gallagher live beer. If you’re curious for a taste, you can buy the beer from the hotel lobby!
Hotel Duchess
Another accommodation located in the Sea Garden is Hotel Duchess, a residence converted into a small hotel. From here, it’s an easy walk to Rappongi Beach, and also several restaurants nearby.
Rooms here are basic but well-maintained, and some of them have views facing the sea. There’s also a small bar on the ground floor, where you can grab a drink.
Art Deco Hotel Odessos
If you’re looking for a budget accommodation with easy access to the beach, Hotel Odessos fits the bill. In less than 5 minutes, you can walk to either Varna Beach or the Sea Garden.
The hotel has basic but clean rooms in an art-deco style for a comfortable stay. You can also enjoy a leisurely meal at the hotel’s café, where you can sit outside in good weather, and watch the crowds passing by.
Conclusion
Varna has a good variety of hotels at different price points that’ll put you within easy walking distance to its beautiful beaches, which are one of the city’s main attractions.
Here’s a quick summary of the best beaches to stay at:
- Varna Beach, if you’re looking for a lively location close to transport, attractions, as well as restaurants and bars.
- Asparuhovo Beach, if you prefer a quieter, relaxing stay which is still close to the city.
- Rappongi Beach, if you want to appreciate Varna’s Sea Garden while getting to the beach.
From the hotels listed above, the best luxury accommodation is Graffit Gallery Design Hotel, where you can pick from a variety of super stylish rooms. A good mid-range option is Hotel Acropolis, which is just a few steps away from Varna Beach. And if you’re on a budget, check out JUST rooms & wine for an affordable stay and bar in a central location.
Hope this helps you find the perfect place to stay in Varna. Happy beach bumming! 🙂