Varvara is a traditional Bulgarian fishing village, located 3 km to the north of Ahtopol and 5 km to the south of Tzarevo. The absence of noisy beaches and the cool shades of the vine-arbours in the typical Bulgarian houses make the village a favourite place for rest for everyone who seeks calm and seclusion, especially artists.

Varvara is an old fishing village that has been rapidly turning into a tourist destination for the last 10 years. In mid 19-th century the place was completely deserted. The only edifice here was a small chapel named after Saint Varvara, where worshippers from the neighbouring villages of Tzarevo, Ahtopol, Kosti and Brodilovo came to pray.

Prior to the arrival of new settlers in 1913, coming from the large village of Yatrus in Eastern Thrace, Varvara is mentioned in the map of Christian Ludvig Thomas of 1788 with the name of Vardarah. The same name and location are used in the map of Max Szimek (1748-1798). The nearby peak of Papiya bears traces of a fortress that existed there in the late antique period and the Middle Ages.

In early 20-th century the local population’s occupation was largely charcoal and agriculture. The 1926 census registers 72 houses and 239 inhabitants, 174 of whom were fugitives from Eastern Thrace. Today’s population numbers 270.

The cliffs between Varvara and Ahtopol envoke admiration with its beautiful sights, especially in calm weather in the early morning light. Like many other villages of Strandzha, Varvara is known for the feasts of fire-walking, which are held once a year in the fields along the road to Ahtopol.

With its cliffs and clear sea water Varvara is favourite with divers; the lovers of sandy beaches may take a short walk to neighbouring Ahtopol.

Just 3 km to the south are the numerous restaurants of Ahtopol, and yet Varvara is an excellent choice for those, who enjoy cooking their own meal – a fresh fish catch may be bought from almost any house in the village, and the local people will offer an amazing assortment of fresh fruit and vegetables.

The village is one of the stops of the regular bus line connecting Bourgas to Sinemorets, and stopping on the way in Sozopol, Kiten, Tzarevo, Ahtopol. The nearest airport is about 75 km to the north, in Bourgas, and 90 km to the south (Korlu, Turkey). A new airstrip for light aircraft is being built in Primorsko, some 40 km to the north.

Source: varvara-bg.net