Description

Golden Sands is among the biggest tourist resorts along the northern Bulgarian coast. The resort is not only known for its beautiful 2 mile long beach, but also for its hot water mineral springs that are known to contain healing properties. The resort is about 18 km north of the town of Varna, and is right beside the forests of the Zlatni Piasaci National Park. Golden Sands offers so many choices of entertainment, sporting activities, and clean water for swimming that it has become among the most ideal spot for a family vacation. There are also ample numbers of luxury hotels, villas, restaurants, bars and spa, to make it among the most desirable vacation destinations among the affluent too.

Shopping

Golden Sands has an outdoor bazaar that contains numerous shops offering goods that cater primarily to the tourists only. For the more serious shoppers, it is advised to head to the nearest town of Varna, which offers enough variety of shopping options to keep the most disinterested shopper occupied.

Restaurants

The resort has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and other eat-outs that not only serve traditional Bulgarian dishes but European and other exotic international cuisine as well. Bulgarian wine and brandies are sold almost in all the restaurants. The beaches are also lined with numerous food stalls offering food at very reasonable prices.

Night Life

Almost all the hotels in the resort have bars and discos that generate action throughout the night. Apart from these there are other beach bars and clubs which are open till early in the morning. There is also a casino to keep those with a gambling spirit occupied and the resort also hosts a variety of cultural and entertainment shows.

Activities

Both Adults and children can be kept completely occupied with the number of activities that are on offer in the resort. The sporting facilities that are available include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, waterslides, tennis, volleyball, bowling, mini-golf, horse riding and cycling. There are also many fitness centers. The water sports options include yachting, jet skis, waterskiing and scuba diving. The adventurously inclined can opt for hang gliding and parasailing.

Communications

To make calls to Bulgaria the country dialing code is +359, followed by the relevant city code. To make calls out of Bulgaria, there is a direct dialing service to 58 countries. Calls to countries that cannot be accessed by direct dialing must be placed through an operator at 0123. Betcom or Bulgarian Telecommunication Company phone booths require a special card available from kiosks. Bulgaria is one of the few countries in Europe that has no peak or off-peak call times. There are two mobile GSM operators, and several Internet Service Providers. Internet cafes are found in plenty in the big cities.

Contacts

Bulgarian Tourist Authority, Sofia: + 359 (0)2 987 9778 or www.bulgariatravel.org
Bulgarian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 387 0174
Bulgarian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7584 9400
Bulgarian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 3215
Bulgarian Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6286 9711
Bulgarian Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: + 27 (0)12 342 3720
Bulgarian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 660 3293
United States Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 937 5100
British Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 933 9222
Canadian Consulate, Sofia: +359 (0)2 969 9710
Australian Consulate, Sofia: +359 (0)2 946 1334
South African Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 981 6682
Irish Embassy, Sofia: +359 (0)2 985 3425
Emergencies: 166 (police); 150 (medical)

Currency

BGN

Attractions

The Alaja Rock Monastery, which is situated right next to the resort, is a 12th century monastery that also houses a museum. A visit to the nearby town of Varna,can offer a lot more attractions like the Cathedral of the Assumption, which is a must-see 19th century church and the Nezavisimost Square.

Language

Bulgarian

Language Description

Bulgarian is the official language of the country. But people in most of the tourist areas speak English, French and German as well.

Tipping

10% of the bill amount is generally expected in restaurants. While paying porters and taxi drivers, it is better to round up the bill. Tips are not required for non- metered taxis.