Planning a Trip

Getting There -- From late April to October you can reach Varna by plane, either flying from Sofia or even direct to Varna airport (24-hr. flight information tel. 052 573 323; www.varna-airport.bg) or to Bourgas airport (www.Bourgas-airport.com). Most travelers, however, arrive by road, traveling from Sofia via Veliko Tarnovo or heading directly east to Bourgas and then turning north to Varna or south to Sozopol. Bank on spending around 5 hours in a car, 6 if you're traveling by bus (24lev/$19/£12). Buses arrive at the Central Bus Station (tel. 052/448 349) on 158 Vladislav Varnenchik Blvd. For trains add at another 2 hours (tel. 052/630 414; www.bdz.bg).

Getting Around -- The easiest way to get around the main attractions in Varna, located within the compact area of its Sea Gardens and Maria Luiza and Suborni streets, is on foot. If you need a cab to explore farther afield, call Lacia at tel. 052/500-000, or Maxa at tel. 052/303 030 or 0888 308 050. If you have flown in, you can rent a car from one of the many reputable car-rental companies in town (www.avis.bg, www.hertz.bg, www.toprentacar.bg). If you wish to catch a bus to or from Nessebar (1 1/2-2 hr. ride south), purchase your ticket from ETAP (at most of the larger hotels) then head to 7 Dobrovoltsi St. (tel. 052/448-349).

Visitor Information -- The Regional Tourism Information Centre is located at 36 Tsar Osvoboditel Sq. (tel. 052/602907; www.tourexpo.bg; Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-1pm).