According to the notes of the Greek geographer Strabo, the antic Greeks knew the road to Pontos Euxinos and was attracted by the supposed treasures in the land of the Thracians. During the Greek colonization that started in 7th century B.C., those from Ionia and Millet were the most active participants. Many new towns were established for a short period of time - Tomis, Dionisopolis, Odessos, Apollonia, Messambria... The name Odessos – the ancient name of Varna was first mentioned by Strabo, and the poet Skimno wrote that the city was founded from the Milletian Greeks in 572 B.C. - at the time when Astiag ruled in Midis. As one of the major colonies along the coast, it was based in the old part of Varna. The city quickly grew into a trade center due to its location, and in political aspect into a typical polis.

For long years Rome had been trying to conquer the areas south of the Danube River. In 29 B.C. a "reason" was found and the leader of Macedonia Marcus Licinius Crassus conquered an enormous part of Moesia and Skytia Minor. A year later Odessos was also under Roman authority. In the beginning it was attached to the province of Macedonia, and later, in 15 B.C. it is included in the borders of the new province of Moesia. The Roman politics towards Odessos was one of privileges, sole administrative responsibility and trade freedom. In the next quiet years from 2nd till mid 3rd century the city improved its infrastructure and constructed more solid fortress walls.

Successor to ancient civilizations, survivor of the transformations of time, the present-day city of Varna is one of the most attractive Bulgarian towns, the Pearl of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast - as it is called for good reasons.

The Bulgarian Black Sea coast was inhabited centuries ago - the earliest records date from 5th century BC. Nowadays it is a magnet for hundreds of thousands of Bulgarians and foreign visitors every year. The welcoming climate from late May to late September with average sea temperatures of 25C, the beaches with fine golden sands and the modern resorts not surprisingly attract more and more tourists. The Black Sea coast is also one of the best spa areas in the country where the combination of sea climate, mineral baths, hot springs, and curative mud adds to the possibilities of holiday enjoyment.

Varna is the third largest city in the country and a major centre in one of the most advanced economic districts. It is located in north-east Bulgaria, on the Black Sea coast, on the coats of the Varna bay. It is the biggest city on the whole Bulgarian Black Sea coastline and the multitude of its harbours and industrial plants make it a bustling industrial centre. The capital Sofia is at some 500 km from Varna. Other major towns in the region are: Shoumen (80 km), Dobritch (50 km), Rousse (200 km). The mild climate enables a year-round operation of the port.

Varna is popular with its unique Black Sea Museum, Museum of Medicine, Archeological Museum, Sea Garden, Dolphinarium, Planetarium.

Owing to the well developed sea tourism and the numerous summer resorts in vicinity, Varna is called the Sea Capital of Bulgaria.