After soaking up the sun and enjoying the vibrant things to do in Golden Sands, from its lively beaches and bustling promenade to the thrilling aqua park and scenic nature trails, day trips from Golden Sands present an opportunity to discover more of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast and its hinterland. These excursions lead you to ancient historical sites, serene botanical gardens, and quaint coastal towns, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Beyond the lively resort of Golden Sands, the diverse array of things to do in Bulgaria beckons, from exploring the Aladzha Monastery, carved into a cliff just nearby, to venturing into Varna for its archaeological museum and Roman baths. Each destination provides a new perspective on Bulgaria’s layered history and the stunning landscapes that define the Black Sea coast.
Choosing where to stay in Golden Sands is vital for those aiming to seamlessly combine relaxation at the resort with explorations of the surrounding attractions. The ideal accommodation balances proximity to the beach and entertainment options with easy access to day trip destinations, ensuring a holiday filled with both leisure and adventure against the backdrop of Bulgaria’s coastal charm.
Discover Best Day Trips from Golden Sands, Bulgaria
1. Varna, Bulgaria
Varna, a major port city on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, is known for its maritime history, the Sea Garden, and the Varna Archaeological Museum which houses ancient gold treasures. The city combines cultural sites with a lively beach atmosphere.
Distance: Approximately 17 km
Travel Time: About 20-30 minutes by car or bus
Transportation: Bus (Busbud), Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Maritime history, Sea Garden, Varna Archaeological Museum
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Varna Archaeological Museum: €10
- Roman Baths: €5
- Dolphinarium: €20
Budget: Approximately €25-€50 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Varna Sea Garden, Varna Cathedral
Travel Tip: Don’t miss the Roman Baths and the Dolphinarium, a favorite among families.
2. Balchik, Bulgaria
Balchik, a picturesque coastal town, is famous for its Botanical Gardens and the Balchik Palace, once a summer residence for Romanian royalty. Its waterfront promenade is lined with restaurants and bars, making it perfect for a leisurely day out.
Distance: Approximately 35 km
Travel Time: About 40 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Balchik Palace, Botanical Gardens, waterfront promenade
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Balchik Palace: €6
- Botanical Gardens: €5
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Balchik Palace Gardens, Black Sea Coastline
Travel Tip: Visit the Botanical Garden, which has one of the largest cactus collections in Europe.
3. Aladzha Monastery, Bulgaria
Aladzha Monastery, a medieval Orthodox Christian cave monastery complex, is embedded within a cliff about 14 kilometers from Varna. The site offers a glimpse into the life of hermit monks with its church, living quarters, and chapel.
Distance: Approximately 14 km
Travel Time: About 15-20 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Medieval Orthodox Christian cave monastery, historical frescoes
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Monastery Entrance: €4
- Museum Entrance: €3
Budget: Approximately €15-€25 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Monastery Rock Formations, Forested Surroundings
Travel Tip: Check out the museum’s light show in the evening, which brings the history of the monastery to life.
4. Kaliakra Cape, Bulgaria
Cape Kaliakra, a long and narrow headland in the Southern Dobruja region of the northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, is known for its dramatic cliffs, rich history, and the medieval fortress on the site. The area is also a nature reserve, home to dolphins and rare bird species.
Distance: Approximately 60 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Dramatic cliffs, medieval fortress, nature reserve
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Fortress Entrance: €3
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Cape Kaliakra Cliffs, Black Sea Views
Travel Tip: Bring binoculars for bird watching and dolphin spotting, especially if you’re visiting during migration seasons.
5. Pobiti Kamani, Bulgaria
Pobiti Kamani, also known as the Stone Forest, is a natural phenomenon comprising a series of stone pillars, some up to 10 meters high. This desert-like formation is unique to the region and is surrounded by legends and myths.
Distance: Approximately 40 km
Travel Time: About 45 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Stone Forest natural phenomenon, ancient stone pillars
Best Time to Visit: Spring to Autumn
Entrance Fees:
- Site Entrance: €3
Budget: Approximately €15-€30 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Stone Pillars, Desert-like Landscape
Travel Tip: Visit during the cooler hours of the day as the area can get quite hot and there’s little shade.
6. Constanta, Romania
Constanta, across the border in Romania, offers a mix of historical landmarks, archaeological treasures, and beach resorts. Key attractions include the Constanta Casino, the Archaeology Park, and the Museum of National History and Archeology.
Distance: Approximately 145 km
Travel Time: About 2.5 hours by car, including border crossing
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Constanta Casino, Archaeology Park, Museum of National History and Archeology
Best Time to Visit: Summer
Entrance Fees:
- Museum Entrance: €5
- Casino Exterior Viewing: Free
Budget: Approximately €30-€60 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Black Sea Coastline, Constanta Old Town
Travel Tip: Remember to carry your passport for the border crossing, and try the seafood in Constanta, as it’s known for its quality.
7. The Madara Rider, Bulgaria
The Madara Rider, an early medieval large rock relief carved on the Madara Plateau east of Shumen in northeastern Bulgaria, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historical artifact dates back to the 8th century and depicts a knight triumphing over a lion.
Distance: Approximately 75 km
Travel Time: About 1.5 hours by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: UNESCO World Heritage site, ancient rock relief
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Site Entrance: €4
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Madara Plateau, Rock Relief
Travel Tip: Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Shumen Monument for a full day of historical exploration.
8. Shumen, Bulgaria
Shumen, a city rich in history, is known for the Shumen Fortress and the Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria. The city offers a blend of Ottoman, communist, and modern-day Bulgarian cultures.
Distance: Approximately 80 km
Travel Time: About 1 hour and 20 minutes by car
Transportation: Car (GetRentacar.com)
Main Attractions: Shumen Fortress, Monument to 1300 Years of Bulgaria, Tombul Mosque
Best Time to Visit: Year-round
Entrance Fees:
- Fortress Entrance: €4
- Monument Entrance: €2
Budget: Approximately €20-€40 (including transportation, entrance fees, and food)
Scenic Spots: Shumen Monument Views, Fortress Ruins
Travel Tip: Climb to the top of the Shumen Monument for panoramic views of the surrounding area, and visit the Tombul Mosque, one of the largest in Bulgaria.
Plan Your Perfect Day Trip with Our Trusted Travel Partners
🚗 Find the Best Car Rental Deals with Rentalcars.com and GetRentacar.com
🏨 Discover the Best Accommodations with Booking.com
🌟 Discover Amazing Experiences with GetYourGuide.com and Tiqets.com
📶 Stay Connected with Airalo.com
FAQ About Best Day Trips from Golden Sands, Bulgaria
What are the best day trips from Golden Sands?
From Golden Sands, popular day trips include visits to the historic city of Varna, Balchik Palace and its botanical gardens, the Aladzha Monastery, and trips to nearby beaches like Kabakum and Riviera.
Is a visit to the Aladzha Monastery recommended?
Yes, Aladzha Monastery is a must-visit. This medieval Orthodox Christian cave monastery, nestled in a forested area, offers a unique historical experience and fascinating frescoes.
Can I explore the city of Varna from Golden Sands?
Absolutely! Varna is just a short drive from Golden Sands and is known for its archaeological museum, the Sea Garden, and the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin. It’s a perfect blend of beach and city life.
Are there boat tours available from Golden Sands?
Yes, various boat tours are available, offering scenic views of the Black Sea coast. These tours often include swimming, sunbathing, and sometimes fishing.
What natural attractions can I visit near Golden Sands?
The region around Golden Sands is known for its natural beauty. You can visit Pobiti Kamani (The Stone Forest), the natural phenomenon near Varna, or explore the beautiful Kamchia Biosphere Reserve.
Is a trip to Balchik Palace and its botanical garden worth it?
Definitely! Balchik Palace, along with its stunning botanical garden, is one of the area’s highlights. The garden is known for its diverse plant species and the palace for its architectural beauty.
Can I go wine tasting in the region near Golden Sands?
Yes, there are vineyards near Golden Sands where you can enjoy wine tasting. These tours offer a chance to taste Bulgarian wines and learn about the local winemaking traditions.
Are there any cultural or historical tours in the Golden Sands area?
Golden Sands and its surroundings are rich in history. You can take cultural tours to explore ancient Roman ruins, historical museums in Varna, and traditional Bulgarian villages nearby.
Sources:
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended, at no extra cost to you.
