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What's it really like? Transfer time: Approx 50 minutes Location: Albena has become a gold mine for locals who've come in their droves to earn their share of the tourism boom. Hence, the resort is bursting with market traders and other seedier entrepreneurs looking to make money. Although set on a very pretty and green patch of coastline it isn't enhanced by the hotels which stretch around the bay. Unimaginative design and cheap building materials were used on a lot of the older establishments and some are in urgent need of refurbishment. Albena, as with other Bulgarian resorts has a less salubrious side with prostitution becoming a problem, therefore police checkpoints have been set up on the main routes to keep out undesirables. Unfortunately some slip through the net and many hotels turn a blind eye to it. The long promenade is pedestrianised and is the focus of the evening activities. Beaches: 3 km of beautiful soft sand backed by the promenade in the resort and dunes on the outskirts of town The beach is generally clean and gently shelving with ice cream stalls and snack bars close by A good range of watersports available. Days out: Beware of the common tourist traps from some street traders who sell bootleg CDs and DVDs. If it looks 'dodgy' then it probably is!. The genuine bargains are to be found in the main shopping area in the town centre or in the nearby city of Varna which offers a much larger selection of stores. Varna needs at least a couple of days to take in the sights of the beautiful monastery preserved in the rock face, the roman fortress and the cathedral. The dolphinarium at Varna is only a stone's throw away. Nights out: Nightlife can get lively but it's mainly aimed at families with a fair selection of bars. Varna boasts a rarity in the shape of a theatre which puts on concerts and shows. In the restaurants many local dishes are on the menu along with pizzas and other stomach-fillers. The larger hotels offer a wider choice although quality fresh food is rare in Varna and you'll often find only frozen or canned vegetables available. Bucket and Spade Brigade: A child-friendly beach with life guards on duty through the peak summer months. Apart from a modest funfair there's else for children away from the hotel entertainment and do seek local advice on how to avoid the seedier places in Albena. |
