St. Constantine & Helena — where sea tourism began
Bulgaria's oldest organised sea resort — mineral springs, quiet coves and forest down to the beach, just 6 kilometres from Varna.
Where sea tourism began
The resort of St. Constantine & Helena is Bulgaria's oldest organised sea resort. As early as 1908 the country's first seaside casino opened here, and decades later the place became the favourite summer destination of the Bulgarian intelligentsia.
The resort lies just 6 kilometres north of Varna and 8 kilometres south of Golden Sands. Quiet green streets, park greenery and small coves give it an atmosphere quite different from the big resort complexes.
A sea that heals from below
The resort's uniqueness comes from its mineral water. In 1957, while drilling for drinking water, a hot mineral spring with a temperature of about 42°C, rich in hydrogen sulphide and mineral salts, was discovered here.
Today the mineral water feeds the hotel spas and outdoor pools. The combination of sea air, mineral water and pine vegetation makes the resort a magnet for people seeking prevention and recovery.
42°C water
A hot mineral spring discovered during drilling in 1957.
Pine forests
Park greenery that reaches right down to the beach.
Spa tradition
Mineral water in hotel pools and spa centres.
The saints who gave the name
The resort is named after the medieval monastery 'St. Constantine & Helena', raised as early as the 14th century. The monastery was active for centuries, and its buildings were renovated several times during the 15th–16th centuries.
Although the resort infrastructure has swallowed most of the territory, the monastic complex with its church still exists today, and the saints' name keeps the story of this sacred place alive.
A cove for every taste
The resort's beachfront is broken up by rocky headlands that form several separate coves — from the lively central beach to quiet beaches at the edge of the resort. The sand is fine and the water is among the cleanest in the region.
To the south the resort borders the marina area, and a seaside promenade links all the coves and leads to a summer stage with restaurants and bars.
Coves
An indented beachfront with quiet corners between the rocks.
Yacht marina
A small marina in the southern part of the resort.
Clean water
One of the cleanest beaches on the North Black Sea Coast.
| Location | 6 km north of Varna, 8 km from Golden Sands |
|---|---|
| Getting there | By bus No. 9 from Varna, by car along the E87 road |
| Type of resort | Spa and wellness, family holiday |
| Nearby | Varna, Golden Sands, Aladzha Monastery |
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