Leaving – which is famous for its medicinal bath, we reach Albena which during the socialist era was the Bulgarian capital of sports and a popular resort. While hotels like Sunny Beach or Golden Sand became the targets of modern western investors, Albana preserves its hotels built in the 1960s which were thought to be modern at that time. The town is filled with the charm of socialist realism which may make it attractive in these times of retrofashion. Crowds of people travel to China to see what can’t be seen anywhere else, that is to see the decadent stronghold of socialism. Bulgaria can also give such a feeling if not everywhere in the country.
Seeing the quick improvement of Varna or Obzor and Plumeria, there’s no doubt that in a decade, uniform hotels of well known hotel chains will cover the coasts of Albena. But today only such strange concrete buildings can be found here as we could find 30 or 40 years ago, from Sochi to --. Parks with trees native to the area, wide pedestrian zones and colorful flowerbed beautify the surroundings. Along the promenades, there are restaurants, shops and pavilions. There’s no lack of sports and entertainment facilities today either, must more people wanting to partake.
In the last 15 years, fewer tourists from eastern and central Europe but more tourists from western and northern Europe have frequented the Bulgarian beach. Albena got a facelift in 1969 when it received all the facilities that a well equipped beach should have. Already back then, boat or yacht trips were popular as well as water skiing. But the development of technology created new water sports equipment and facilities making surfing, kiting and jet skiing possible. Today, it’s not only possible to rent such equipment but there are also courses for beginners. We can see the sights from parachute towed by a motorboat, but there are not only water sports. Conabaza Riding Club is the biggest riding hall in the area but vacationers can also play tennis, squash and volleyball as well as trying their hand at archery or minigolf. Those who like spending their holiday less actively can also do a lot of things besides just lying on the beach. In bigger hotels, they can choose from Telasa therapy, physimedicinal baths, aromatherapy, Turkish bath and massage and of course, there are swimming pools with fresh water and slides.