The resort complex of St. St. Constantine and Helena holds the prestigious title of being the very first and oldest marine resort along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Situated just 8 km northeast of downtown Varna, it is officially classified as a destination of national significance and stands as the fourth-largest beach resort in the country. The complex is nestled within a unique microclimate bounded by Cape St. George and Cape Kavaklar, where the breeze of ancient coastal woodlands blends with the blue horizon and thermal mineral springs. Natural Resources, Balneology, and SPA - A Natural Wellness Hub: The resort is globally renowned for its exceptional natural assets—a combination of fresh iodine-rich sea air, lush century-old parks, and abundant hot mineral springs with proven healing and therapeutic properties. - Medical and SPA Destination: Elite Medical, SPA, and Wellness centers operate throughout the complex. They attract year-round international travelers seeking professional rehabilitation, balneotherapy, and premium healthcare treatments to boost energy and longevity. - Cultural Crossroad: Its exceptional location next to Varna, the University Botanical Garden (Ecopark Varna), and the scenic Manastirski Rid area makes the resort a prime base for historical and cultural sightseeing across the region. Spirituality, Mysticism, and the Miraculous Monastery - The Shipwreck Legend: Local lore tells of a violent storm during which local monks rescued a half-dead passenger from a large vessel shattered against the rocks. The survivor was a messenger from Constantinople carrying a heavy bundle wrapped around a miraculous icon of St. Constantine and St. Helena. Grateful for his salvation, he gifted the icon to the monks, requesting a holy shrine to be built on that exact spot. - St. St. Constantine and Helena Monastery: Erected in the 18th century, the monastery grew into the spiritual anchor of the region. Integrated into its altar are the revered miraculous icon and a holy spring (ayazmo) containing healing water that wells up from deep beneath the church. - The 1713 Historical Evidence: Historical research published in 1935 by Archimandrite Innokentiy confirms the authenticity of the legend. Following a restoration of the Byzantine-style icon, a Greek inscription was uncovered beneath the Holy Cross, dating the artifact back to Constantinople in 1713, from where it was smuggled during a period of Christian persecution. Subterranean Marvels and Diving Attractions - The Government Tu-154 Airplane: Submerged in the coastal waters of the resort lies a world-class diving attraction—the 50-meter-long Tupolev Tu-154 jet airliner, which served the Bulgarian government and heads of state for 20 years. - Logistics for Divers: The artificial reef rests 700 meters away from the resort’s yacht marina. The aircraft sits at a depth of 22 meters below the sea surface, and exploration access is completely open to all certified scuba divers. Underwater Navigation Coordinates: - 43°13´404 N - 28°01´464 Е
Varna
5.0 km away
Varna
5.2 km away
Varna
6.4 km away
Varna
8.1 km away
Sts. Constantine and Helena is located in Varna, Bulgaria.
Sts. Constantine and Helena is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Sts. Constantine and Helena can be visited year-round, but late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant weather and fewer tourists. Summer is the busiest season; winter is the quietest, with shorter daylight and possible cold weather.
Bulgarian settlements typically reward unhurried walking — historic centres, churches and monasteries, local markets, and family-run restaurants serving regional dishes. Larger towns often have museums and seasonal cultural events. The local tourist information centre is a good first stop for current opening hours and what's on.
