Golden Sands Nature Park

Golden Sands Nature Park is the smallest of Bulgaria’s 11 nature parks, covering 13.2 sq km. It lies 17 km northeast of Varna, stretching 9.2 km along the coastline with an average width of 1.2 km. The park surrounds the Golden Sands resort and reaches from Kranevo village in the north to forest and agricultural lands in the south. Its highest point is Chiplak Tepe (269 m), with an average altitude of 110 m.

The idea of creating the park dates back to 1915, and it was officially declared on February 3, 1943, making it the second national park in Bulgaria after Vitosha. Initially, it covered 2.4 sq km of the Khachuka State Forest.

The park was established to protect valuable plant and animal species and typical coastal landscapes. In 1956, construction of the Golden Sands resort began within the park, which also gave the resort its name.

Today, the park is part of the Natura 2000 network, protecting natural habitats and wildlife.

Aladzha Monastery

Aladzha Monastery is situated in a beautiful area 14 km north of Varna near Golden Sands Resort in the centre of Golden Sands Nature Park. There are no reliable historical records as to when the monastery was established but there is an evidence that it already existed in the 10th – 12th centuries. Aladzha Monastery is one of the few cave monasteries in Bulgaria where the different premises and their functions are clearly distinguishable. The monastery premises are carved and arranged on two levels in a limestone rock that is almost 40 m high. The monastery church, the monastery cells, the refectory, the kitchen, the small cemetery church, the crypt (ossuary) and the farm premises are all situated on the first level. The second level is a natural rock recess in the eastern part of which lies the monastery chapel.

The Catacombs (Aladzha Monastery)

A group of caves known as the Catacombs is located about 600 – 700 m to the west of the monastery. The archaeological findings such as pottery, coins, graffiti, etc. discovered there provide evidence that the Catacombs were populated with people during the early-Christian Age (5th – 6th centuries). After the Ottomans conquered Bulgaria at the end of the 14th century Aladzha Monastery gradually fell into decline and was most likely completely abandoned around the 15th – 16th century. The Christian name of the monastery is unknown. The word aladzha comes from Persian-Arabic and means motley, variegated. K. Shkorpil, the first person who made a research in the monastery recorded a legend according to which St. Spas (derived from the Bulgarian Hristos Spasitel - Christ the Saviour) was patron saint of the cloister. Nowadays Aladzha Monastery is a popular tourist attraction visited by thousands of tourists.

Attraction Park "Aquapolis"

„Aquapolis“ attraction park - the most beautiful water park in Eastern Europe and is the first in Bulgaria built in an unique Mauritanian-Mediterranean style. It is located in the northwestern part of the resort Golden Sands on the main road from Riviera resort to Albena resort. The water park is located in the forest with an unique view of the sea and the entire resort complex. Built on an area of 40,000 sq. m. it combines natural park environment with a number of artificially created elements - swimming pools, water slides, jacuzzis, fountains and waterfalls, antique towers and ruins.

The Aquapolis can be visited by 3000 visitors. The conceptual project and design belongs to the Spanish company "Action Park Multiform Group" - Valencia which is a contractor and provider of the main facilities. At the entrance of the park there is a rock climbing platform with seven possible routes as the project of the world climbing champion Pedro Pons from Spain. By the rock there are an amphitheater, a waterfall, an artificial lake and an „Alcazar“panorama snack bar. A parking lot for 100 cars and 10 buses is equipped with a special section for direct movement of disabled people to the entrance of the Aquapolis.

Additional attractions:

shooting range for children and adults;
child climbing scale - 3m.

Throughout the whole season Aquapolis hosts parties, animation for children, competitions, promotions, raffles with prizes, games. To organize your corporate party or family party, cocktail or just a friendly meeting, Aquapolis would satisfy and meet your highest requirements. The so-called "Extreme Zone" with various breathtaking slides is created for fans of adrenaline rising experiences.