The Bulgarian city of Varna took second place in the European Union for the affordability of wellness tourism

Against the backdrop of the growing popularity of wellness travel around the world, Bulgaria is confidently strengthening its position on the tourist map. The city of Varna stands out in particular: according to the authoritative BookRetreats.com ranking for 2025, it took second place in the European Union for the affordability of wellness tourism and made it into the world’s top 15 best destinations. Varna is a gem of European wellness tourism, a city where you can combine  wellness treatments and a beach holiday at an affordable price.

Varna – Bulgaria’s seaside capital of health

Located on the Black Sea coast, Varna combines a well-developed urban infrastructure, a maritime climate, mineral springs and picturesque nature. This makes it an ideal location for those seeking harmony of body and spirit without stepping outside the bounds of a reasonable budget.

The average cost of a wellness holiday in Varna is around 408 euros, which makes the city one of the most affordable wellness destinations in Europe. This amount includes:

• Accommodation at retreats (multi-day packages): from €338
• Healthy meals: approximately €6.40 per day
• Massage session: about €51
• Yoga class: €9
• Additional fees: about €3.30

By comparison, in other popular European countries such as Greece or Portugal, a similar holiday will cost on average 540–600 euros.

In 2025, the most affordable destination for wellness tourism in the European Union was the Spanish city of Granada. This picturesque city in southern Spain took 6th place in the global ranking of affordability for wellness trips and 1st place among European countries.

The average cost of five key categories of wellness services — including accommodation, meals, massages, yoga classes and related fees — here amounts to only 335 euros. This makes Granada an attractive choice for those who want to restore their strength in a comfortable environment without overpaying. Its rich cultural heritage, mild climate, thermal springs and large number of yoga retreats make this region a real find for fans of a healthy lifestyle and mindful tourism.

Why wellness tourism in Varna is the trend of recent years

• Mineral springs and spa complexes

Varna and its surroundings are famous for their mineral waters. Many hotels and clinics use them in treatment and recovery programmes. The **Saint Constantine and Helena** resort area is especially popular, home to dozens of thermal pools and wellness centres.

• Yoga and meditation by the sea 

Local yoga studios and international organisers offer themed retreats — from detox to stress-management programmes. They are held both in secluded eco-hotels and in modern studios right on the seashore.

• Low prices and high quality  

Varna offers a unique price-to-quality ratio. A massage in Varna will cost almost half as much as in Scandinavia, and yoga classes are cheaper even than in some North African countries.

• Short wellness trips 

If there is no opportunity to get away for a long time, weekend retreat programmes here cost on average 236 euros, which is 150–200 euros cheaper than in major European cities. This makes Varna a convenient option for an “escape” from everyday life.

Varna in the global context of wellness tourism

Although the countries of Asia and Africa continue to hold the lead in terms of the affordability of wellness tourism (in particular, Rishikesh and Goa in India), European destinations such as Varna are rapidly catching up in popularity, offering a balanced approach: a European level of comfort, affordable prices and a high standard of medical and spa services.

For example, a short holiday in Rishikesh costs only 131 euros, but it will require a long flight and adaptation to an unfamiliar climate and culture. Varna, by contrast, provides convenience, safety and a familiar European environment, which makes it especially attractive for tourists from the EU.

Who is a holiday in Varna suitable for?

• Holidaymakers looking for a reset and recovery;
• Tourists who care about a healthy lifestyle;
• Families wishing to combine a beach holiday with wellness treatments;
• Older people for whom medical services and thermal treatments are important;
• People tired of stress and routine busyness.

Varna is not just a seaside resort, but a new name on the map of global wellness tourism. Modern spa centres, mineral springs, detox programmes, a relaxing atmosphere and reasonable prices make the city a real find for those who strive for physical and spiritual balance.

If you want to combine care for your health, a seaside holiday and a pleasant price — Varna will be an excellent choice!

If you are looking for a place to have a rest that benefits your health and at the same time want to invest your money profitably, it is worth considering buying property in Varna today. We will select for you the most up-to-date and highly liquid offers in Bulgaria’s seaside capital!