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Aladzha Monastery is about 17 km north of central Varna, around 25 minutes by car, and only a few kilometres above Golden Sands, about 10 minutes. The visit itself takes about an hour, or two with the nearby catacombs and a forest walk, so it fits well into a half-day with a driver by the hour.
What Aladzha is
Aladzha is a rock monastery: cells, a chapel and service rooms cut into a limestone cliff about 40 m high, on two levels linked by stairs. Hermits lived here in the Middle Ages, and traces of wall paintings remain in the chapel. About half a kilometre away, a further group of caves known as the Catacombs was also used by monks. Today it is managed as a museum site, with a small exhibition at the entrance.
| Starting point | Distance, about | Time by car, about |
|---|---|---|
| Varna centre | 17 km | 25 min |
| Golden Sands | 3 to 4 km | 10 min |
| St Constantine and Helena | 10 km | 15 min |
| Albena | 25 km | 30 min |
Use the booking form above to send your route and date. Varna and Golden Sands are pre-filled; if you are staying elsewhere on the coast, change the pick-up point.
Getting there without a car
Some local buses run from Varna towards Golden Sands, and from the resort you can walk up through the forest on marked paths, which takes about an hour uphill. That is pleasant in mild weather but hard work in summer heat. Taxis and transfers are the other options. A driver is useful if you want to combine Aladzha with Varna’s sights or another stop in a few hours.
A half-day plan
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Pick-up in Varna or Golden Sands |
| 09:30 to 10:30 | Aladzha Monastery: both levels and the chapel |
| 10:30 to 11:15 | Walk to the Catacombs and back on the forest path |
| 11:30 to 12:30 | Short trail in the Golden Sands Nature Park |
| 13:00 | Drop-off in Varna, or continue to the Archaeological Museum to see the Varna gold |
The stairs between the two levels are steep and narrow. Wear flat shoes and take care with small children.
Opening hours and tickets
The site is managed by the Varna Regional Museum of History. Hours change with the season and the site may close on some days in winter. Check the museum’s current information before you go, and bring some cash for the ticket.
Who it suits
Aladzha is a good choice for a morning away from the beach, especially for families and anyone interested in medieval history. It is short, cool under the trees and close to the resorts, so it does not eat into the day. It is less suitable for visitors with limited mobility, because the upper level is reached only by steep steps cut into the rock and the paths around the site are uneven.
If you are in Golden Sands for a week, it also makes a good rainy-day or overcast-day outing, when the beach is not appealing.
Golden Sands Nature Park
The monastery lies inside one of Bulgaria’s oldest nature parks, a forest of oak, lime and hornbeam just behind the resort. Marked trails lead through the woods, and in summer the shade makes a welcome break from the beach.
Combine it with
- Balchik and Kaliakra: a full day north along the coast. See Balchik and Cape Kaliakra.
- Madara Rider: a medieval cliff relief inland, about an hour from Varna. See the Madara Rider day trip.
- Cruise passengers: Aladzha fits a short shore day; our shore excursion guide explains how to plan around the ship.
- Varna: the Archaeological Museum and the Roman baths, about 25 minutes back into the city.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Aladzha Monastery from Varna?
About 17 km, roughly 25 minutes by car.
Can I walk to Aladzha from Golden Sands?
Yes. Marked forest paths lead up from the resort; the walk takes about an hour uphill.
How long does a visit to Aladzha take?
About an hour for the monastery, or two with the Catacombs and a short forest walk.
Who manages Aladzha Monastery?
It is a museum site run by the Varna Regional Museum of History, which publishes current hours.