Albena
Albena
Location:
The resort of Albena is situated 32 km north of Varna and just 12km south-west of Balchik on a long sand stretch in the open northern part of Varna Bay. The resort's errection was started in 1968, which makes it one of the most modern holiday cities along the Bulgarian coast. The complex lies beneath a relatively high hill and is given particular charm by the near-by forest of Baltata, a part of which is declared a protected area. The latter is also called Batova Gora (Batova Forecast) after the Batova river, in the valley of which it grows. The resort's architecture resembles one of Walter Gropius' urban models as most of the hotels have a terraced structure aimed at providing as much sun as possible in summer days. To the north the coast is steep, featuring yellow sandstone and limestone typical of the area. It is in fact this stone slope that was the main source of construction material for the resort.
History: According to some legends, Ovidius came here on his way to the country of his exile - Tomi (present Kyustendzha in Romania). The resort was given its present-day name by Albena, a female protagonist of the great Bulgarian writer Yordan Yovkov, gifted with extraordinary beauty.
Places of Interest: Besides the nearby village of Obrochishte with its well-preserved fortress dating back to Ottoman times, the village of Kranevo with remains of the ancient fortress used in Roman times and the Middle Ages is also located close to the Albena resort. Beside the fortress, Kranevo is also attractive for its mineral springs. The coast between Albena and Kranevo is high and extremely picturesque with steep rocky formations. Kranevo can be a good accomodation alternative to Albena with its prices being far lower and its great capacity of private lodgings. At the same time, its proximity to Albena makes it easy for holidaymakers to bask in the sun at Albena's beautiful white-sand beaches during the day. Besides Kranevo, there are also three big camping sites located on the way between Kranevo and Albena and offering accommodation to tourists in bungalows and tents.
Infrastructure: The resort has modern sport facilities that apart from summer holidaymakers, are used by local and foreign sportsmen around the year. The complex is rich in tennis courts, swimming pools, children playgrounds, golf courses, etc. Places where tourists can rent bikes, cars, cutters, sail-boats, yachts, waterwheels an jets, or take a horse ride also abound.
The resort boasts with its well-organised spa and medical centres, staffed with highly qualified personnel. The mineral water springs in the resorts are hypothermic with temperature of around 300 C and low level of mineralisation (calcium, magnesium and sulfur compounds being its main elements).
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