Is St. Constantine and Helena a Good Place to Stay in Varna?

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Choosing the right base for your holiday in Varna can feel like a bit of a gamble. You’ve likely come across St. Constantine and Helena (our favourite area!) and wondered whether it lives up to the hype or if it's just a bit outdated.

Having explored the area, we quickly realised that this resort isn't the perfect fit for everyone. It all comes down to what you want from your trip, so it's worth comparing Varna's resort areas before you commit. Before you lock in your booking, here is our honest take on what staying in St. Constantine and Helena is really like, the major pros and cons, and whether it’s truly worth your time.

Views of the Black Sea, swimming pool and beach from Presidential Suite at Villa Chinka by Astor Garden, Varna, Bulgaria

Views of the Black Sea, swimming pool and beach from the Presidential Suite at Villa Chinka by Astor Garden, Varna

In a hurry? These are the top 3 hotels in St. Constantine and Helena

What is St. Constantine and Helena actually like?

If you are expecting neon lights, pounding beach bars, and massive crowds, you are going to be in for a major surprise (or a major treat, depending on what you like). While there are plenty of things to do in Varna, St. Constantine and Helena is aimed at those seeking a more relaxed getaway. It feels much less like a commercialised tourist strip and more like an upscale residential neighbourhood, complete with quiet parks, local shops, and a few hidden beaches.

We visited for 5 days, and in our itinerary, we loved taking morning and evening strolls along the coast. It felt incredibly peaceful; the views were beautiful, and there’s a really nice path that takes you right by the seaside, through quiet residential neighbourhoods, and ends right at the beach.

The real beauty of this area is its heavy focus on natural mineral springs, meaning almost every hotel you come across has its own dedicated spa facility (some better than others). In fact, Varna’s biggest and most famous thermal spa complex is located in this area. There’s even one specific hotel that grants you free daily access to it, but I’ll break down exactly which one that is later in this guide.

The biggest pros of staying here

If you’re leaning toward booking a stay, there’s a lot to look forward to.

  • Relaxation: The overall vibe here is incredibly peaceful. Don’t get me wrong, certain beaches can get crowded during peak season, but because St. Constantine and Helena has so many different beaches for how small the area is, you can almost always find a quiet spot to lay down your towel.

  • Beaches at your doorstep: You won’t have to trek far to get your feet sandy, especially with the three hotels we are recommending.

  • Mineral springs: The entire area sits on natural, thermal mineral springs. The water is famous for its healing properties, and you can experience it firsthand in thermal houses or right inside your hotel.

  • Sophisticated and upscale hotels: The modern, clean architectural styles complement one another, which instantly gives the whole area a much more premium, high-end feel.

  • Proximity to other areas: St. Constantine and Helena is far enough to remain completely quiet, but close enough to the city centre for those days you want to explore. However, for maximum flexibility, we highly recommend renting a car. From our experience, booking through QEEQ is the best and easiest option. We always find they offer the most competitive rates with zero hidden fees.

GET THE BEST CAR RENTAL DEALS!

Varna is a small municipality, but renting a car is the easiest way to explore it.

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Why it might not be for you

As much as we love the relaxed vibe, this resort definitely isn’t going to suit everyone.

  • The nightlife is minimal: While there are a few beach bars, for a lively nightlife scene, you’ll have to constantly commute into Varna city centre or head up to Golden Sands. Although these areas are a short drive by car.

  • Higher price tag: Because of the premium focus on wellness, top-tier spas, and sophisticated accommodation and dining here generally cost more than what you'd pay in central Varna. That said, prices for 5-star hotels in Varna are much more affordable compared to other European destinations.

How to get around Varna from St Constantine and Helena?

One of the best things about staying in St. Constantine and Helena is that central Varna is only about 8 to 10 km down the road, making day trips or dinner runs incredibly straightforward.

If you are planning things to do in Varna, you’ll need to know how to get around, and here are the best three ways:

  • Car rental: Bear in mind that some hotels have free parking included and others have a daily fee. Remember to check QEEQ for the best car rental deals.

  • Taxi: In Varna, you can use local taxi-hailing apps like Hippo Taxi, Moby, and Triumf Taxi.

  • Bus: Bus lines 9, 31A, and 409 run constantly between St Constantine and Helena and central Varna. You can buy tickets in person or through the app if you want to avoid using machines or handling money.

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Max

Hey! I’m Max, the “researcher” half of Carma Adventures. I’m half Spanish, half Scottish, which probably explains why I love cold weather and apparently have no sense of danger.

Give me anything adventurous or adrenaline-packed and I’m in. My favourite country so far? Montenegro: mountains, coast, and endless adventures… what’s not to love?

I love hunting down weird, wonderful, and totally unique places, experiences, foods, and stays to check out. That’s my thing.

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