Varna
Black sea beaches & aincent Roman ruins
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On Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, Varna stands as a prominent resort town steeped in ancient history.
Today, the city balances archaeological remnants with a lively beach scene throughout the summer months.
Worth up to a week's stay if already in Bulgaria or the Balkans, but wouldn't prioritize visiting specifically.
Worth up to a week's stay if already in Bulgaria or the Balkans, but wouldn't prioritize visiting specifically.
Worth up to a week's stay if already in Bulgaria or the Balkans, but wouldn't prioritize visiting specifically.
Worth up to a week's stay if already in Bulgaria or the Balkans, but wouldn't prioritize visiting specifically.
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Summary
Having spent a bitterly cold, March in Sofia inundated with snow, I wanted to explore another city in the country with the hopes of some warmer weather to be found.
Accommodation
If visiting outside of the peak summer months, you should have no problem getting a good quality apartment at a great price. Even during peak summer months, prices remain competitive.
Places to work
Varna has a surprisingly good number of coworking spaces to opt from and a range of coffee shops in the cenre suitable to work from.
Value
Eating out is good value, with a good number of options for casual and more formal dining across the city center.
Working hours
Bulgaria operates on Eastern European Time (EET), pushing it an hour ahead of Western Europe throughout the year.
🇪🇺 Consider working European hours from Asia?
Where to stay
Varna Center
Where to work
Innovator
Situated just a few moments from the main train station, Innovator provides a reliable base to work from within the city. Wifi was reliable, a week pass was good value and there were a number of good spots for coffee within a short walk.
The city centre is within a 10 minute walk making it easily accessible from wherever you might be staying.
The only downside being that there wasn't many places to take private calls from making it a bit noisier than you would ideally want.
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Remote work visa
If staying for a prolonged period, you may want to consider a dedicated visa for this destination.
This country is actively working on a visa support for remote workers.
Check your government website for details of how to obtain a tourist visa.
Citizen Remote is a great source of up to date knowledge for everything to do with remote work visas.
Safety
Off-work
Rappongi Beach
Known for its vibrant atmosphere, beach clubs, and entertainment options, it is one of the more lively beach areas in the area. Easily accessible within a 20 minute walk from the centre of town.
Visit the Archaeological Museum
Showcasing ancient artefacts from various historical periods, the museum provides a comprehensive overview of the region's rich archaeological heritage.
Duration & season
During my stay in early April, the weather mild but not yet comfortable enough to be on the beach. You'd be best off waiting until June for the best summer days where the city truly comes alive.
One week was sufficient for me in the city, with little reason to stay longer. It wouldn't be a location that I would prioritise returning to for work, but I would definitely consider it for a summer vacation.
Food & drink
People
There was little by means of a remote working culture in the city, with the coworking space mainly made up of local residents.
During the summer months you're likely to see a wider array of holiday makers arrive in the town but is by no means a hub for remote work.
Exercise
Beach Loop
Verdict
Positives
- Great beaches immediately next to the city.If you're looking to have immediate access to the beach, this a great option.
- Good value food and drink options.Eating out is reasonable priced in the city with a good if not unremarkable selection of local and international foods.
- It has a well connected airport.Especially during peak season, it had good connections to the rest of Europe.
- Outside of the Schengen Zone.If for whatever reason you have reached your limit of time available within the Schengen group of countries, Bulgaria is an alternative.
Negatives
- Outside of peak season, it's not particularly exciting.Like most resort towns, outside of the core summer months there isn't a lot going on.
Tips
- If planning on taking the train from Sofia, plan ahead.Night trains with sleeping births do fill up prior to the departure date, book ahead where possible.
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