Aladzha Monastery
Varna, Bulgaria
Medieval hermit cells cut into a limestone cliff in the forest above Golden Sands, with steps and ladders up to the chapel.
Aladzha Monastery is a medieval rock monastery in the forest near Golden Sands, close to Varna on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, about 17 km north of central Varna and 3 km west of the resort. It was dedicated to the Holy Trinity. The caves lie on several levels in a vertical limestone cliff, whose height Wikipedia gives as 25 m and Visit Varna as almost 40 m.
According to Wikipedia, a hesychast monastic community existed here from the 12th century and may have lasted until the early 18th century; Visit Varna mentions hermit monks in the 13th and 14th centuries. About 600 to 700 m to the west are early Christian catacombs from the 5th and 6th centuries. You can reach the site by car; bus line 29 runs only twice a day (morning and evening), while lines 109 and 409 stop at Chaika. Check timetables in advance.
- Nearest town
- Varna, Bulgaria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 43.2785, 28.0113
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Къмпинг ЛагунаCampsite5 km from Aladzha Monastery
- Camping CaribbeanMotorhome stopover11 km from Aladzha MonasteryMotorhomes
- EcoclubCampsite18 km from Aladzha MonasteryTentsCaravansShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Място за пикникCampsite22 km from Aladzha MonasteryFree
- Св. ГеоргиCampsite24 km from Aladzha Monastery
- saint george camp site 1Campsite24 km from Aladzha Monastery
All campsites in Bulgaria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Aladzha Monastery?
Aladzha Monastery is in Varna, Bulgaria, at GPS 43.2785, 28.0113. It is about 19 km from Balchik.
Can you camp near Aladzha Monastery?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Caravan parking, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 17 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Aladzha Monastery?
Aladzha Monastery is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast: Kaliakra to Sozopol.
What is there to see near Aladzha Monastery?
Places worth a stop nearby: Balchik Palace (19 km), Cape Kaliakra (38 km), Madara Rider (72 km) and Nessebar Old Town (72 km).
When is the best time to visit Aladzha Monastery?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in April, July–August and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)