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If you are looking for a weekend getaway in Veliki Preslav, you have come to the right place. In two days you can explore the ruins of a medieval capital, walk nature trails, and return each evening to a cosy courtyard with a barbecue – all within a radius of just a few kilometres. Veliki Preslav is compact, easy to explore on foot, and surprisingly rich in things to do and see.
As a base for the night, CostaDone Guesthouse is a short walk from the city park and within easy walking distance of the main attractions. The large dining room and spacious courtyard with barbecue make it a convenient choice for families with children and larger groups of friends alike. In the pages below you will find a concrete step-by-step plan for 48 hours, packed with practical advice.
Why Veliki Preslav Is the Perfect Weekend Destination
Veliki Preslav is no ordinary provincial town — it was the second capital of the First Bulgarian Empire and the stage on which historians today play out what they call the „Golden Age“ of medieval Bulgaria. The scholar and writer John the Exarch lived and worked here; Old Bulgarian literature and art flourished here; and beneath the current streets and parks, thousands of unexcavated artefacts still lie undisturbed.
The practical advantage for a weekend traveller is that everything is close. The Archaeological Museum, the Palace Complex, the Round (Golden) Church, and the city park are all within no more than 2–3 kilometres of one another. You do not need a car to hop from one site to the next — a pair of comfortable shoes and a good mood are enough. For nature lovers, the Preslav Mountain, the Ticha Reservoir, and the caves in the surrounding area are just 20–40 minutes by car from the centre. You will find more ideas in our Regional Travel Guide.
Day 1 – History and Archaeology: Getting to Know the Ancient Capital
Morning – The Archaeological Museum and First Impressions
Start the day at the Archaeological Museum of Veliki Preslav — the natural starting point for any historically minded visit. The museum houses an impressive permanent collection tracing life in medieval Preslav, from the unique Preslav Ceramics (multicoloured tiles and iconostases unlike anything found elsewhere) to the magnificent Preslav Treasure of golden jewellery.
Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for the museum so you have enough time to explore each hall at a relaxed pace. Opening hours are typically from 9:00 to 17:00–18:00, but check current information in advance — times may vary depending on the season and public holidays.
Practical tip: The museum is suitable even for younger children — the experience of asking „what did these objects look like a thousand years ago?“ works wonderfully with a little storytelling.
Midday – The Palace Complex and Fortress Walls
After the museum it is time for the Veliki Preslav Archaeological Reserve itself — the Palace Complex with its fortress walls, the palace basilica, and the many ruins of residential and administrative buildings. Walking among the ruins is a very different experience from browsing museum cases — here you are literally stepping through layers of history.
The fortress walls on the northern and western sides are well preserved and give a clear sense of the scale of the medieval city. The view from the higher parts of the complex across the valley around Veliki Preslav is well worth a pause.
For lunch, head to one of the eateries in the town centre — in small towns like Veliki Preslav, restaurants serving home-cooked Bulgarian food are a genuine pleasure.
Afternoon – The Round (Golden) Church and Views of the Region
The Round (Golden) Church is perhaps the most photogenic landmark on the entire Veliki Preslav weekend itinerary. Its circular form is a rarity in medieval Bulgarian architecture — built on the model of a Byzantine rotunda, it served as the palace church of the medieval rulers.
Even if the ruins leave you wondering what everything once looked like, the information boards help considerably. If you have a camera, aim for the afternoon light — around 16:00–17:00 the light turns warm and the site looks particularly striking.
- Tickets: Usually purchased on site; check current prices in advance.
- Recommended visit: 45–60 minutes.
- Photography: The views across the ruins and the perimeter of the reserve from this point are excellent.
In the evening, head back to CostaDone — the perfect moment for a stroll in the park next to the guesthouse, a light dinner, and planning the following day.
Day 2 – Nature, Eco-Trails, and Relaxation
A Walk in the Park and Morning Coffee
The second day can begin very slowly. The city park next to CostaDone is ideal for an early morning walk before breakfast — paths, green lawns, and quiet. If you are travelling with children, the park offers open space to run and play without needing a car. If you are a jogger, it is a perfect morning detour.
Take your coffee and sit for a while in the CostaDone courtyard — the large open space with the barbecue area is a pleasant spot even in the morning.
Eco-Trails and Natural Attractions Around Veliki Preslav
The area offers several natural destinations easily reached by car in under an hour:
- The Biserka and Studena Caves – these two karst caves draw curious visitors with beautiful underground formations. Suitable for children who enjoy a little adventure. It is advisable to bring a torch and sturdy footwear with a good sole.
- The Ticha Reservoir – one of the larger reservoirs in Shumen Province, set in beautiful natural surroundings. Ideal for a picnic by the water or a short walk along the shoreline paths.
- Preslav Mountain – if the group is feeling more active, a short hike through the wooded slopes gives a fine sense of the local landscape.
There is no need to do everything in a single day — choose one or two of these spots based on what the group most enjoys. For detailed routes and a map, see the Regional Travel Guide.
Tip: Bring water, wear a hat in warm weather, and take a light jacket for the caves, as the temperature inside is noticeably lower than outside.
Afternoon Relaxation and Barbecue at CostaDone
The afternoon is for slowing down. Return to CostaDone Guesthouse, step into the courtyard, and let the group decide how to spend the last few hours of the weekend. The courtyard barbecue is made for exactly this kind of moment — pick up supplies from a local market or shop, light the fire, and let the day’s historic wanderings find their perfect ending in good company.
The large dining room, which seats more than 20 guests, is ready and waiting — if you are a bigger group (a family reunion, a birthday, a group of friends), dinner can turn into a proper occasion. There is no need to go anywhere else — you have everything in one place.
How to Get to Veliki Preslav and Practical Tips
Veliki Preslav is located in Shumen Province and is easily accessible by car:
- From Shumen: approximately 20 km — about 25 minutes.
- From Varna: approximately 120–130 km — about 1.5 hours.
- From Sofia: approximately 380–400 km — about 4 hours, convenient for a Friday evening drive.
The town is not large and parking is straightforward. If you are travelling by public transport, check the current bus timetables from Shumen in advance.
Practical tips:
- Best time to visit: Spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October) — pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
- Museum and reserve opening hours: Typically 9:00 to 17:00–18:00 during the season; check current opening times in advance, as they may change.
- What to bring: Comfortable shoes (the ground around the ruins is uneven), water, sun protection, and a light jacket for the caves.
- For children: The museum, the park, and the caves are an excellent combination — varied enough to keep younger visitors engaged throughout.
Why Choose CostaDone for Your Weekend
CostaDone Guesthouse is more than just a place to sleep. Housed in a historic building from 1910 close to the city park, it combines the authentic atmosphere of old Preslav architecture with the comfort you need after a long day of sightseeing.
Why CostaDone works for a weekend itinerary:
- Location next to the park – the courtyard is literally metres from the green park paths.
- Large courtyard with barbecue – perfect for an evening gathering after a day of historic exploration.
- Dining room for 20+ guests – a rare find for family reunions and groups of friends.
- Walking distance from the reserve – no car needed to reach the main attractions.
But above all else, CostaDone offers that feeling of warmth and ease that makes the difference between „we slept somewhere“ and „that was genuinely wonderful.“ The long table in the dining room fills up, the children find space in the courtyard, and by the end of the evening the conversation carries on quietly and contentedly. If you are looking for a place where a large group can feel truly at home — you have found it. Browse the rooms and the gallery of the guesthouse.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Weekend in Veliki Preslav
Is Veliki Preslav a good destination for a family weekend with children?
Yes — the town offers a varied programme for families: a museum full of fascinating artefacts, walks among ancient ruins, caves, and a park. CostaDone is particularly well-suited for families, as the courtyard gives children plenty of room to move around freely.
How much time should I set aside for the archaeological reserve?
For the museum and the Palace Complex together, plan around half a day (3–4 hours). The Round (Golden) Church adds roughly another hour on top of that. If you want to explore everything at a relaxed pace, a full day is well spent.
What should I bring for the eco-trails and caves?
Sturdy footwear with a good sole, water, a light source (a torch for the caves), and a light jacket — the temperature inside the caves is noticeably lower than outside. For a sunny day, add sun protection and a hat.
Are there enough places to eat in the area?
Veliki Preslav has restaurants serving home-cooked Bulgarian food in the town centre. For larger groups, a barbecue evening in the CostaDone courtyard is a practical and enjoyable alternative — especially after a long day outdoors.
How much does it cost to visit the attractions?
The museum and the reserve both charge modest entrance fees. Specific prices are updated periodically, so check the museum’s official channels or contact them directly before your visit.
When is the best time for a weekend in Veliki Preslav?
Spring and early autumn are ideal — temperatures are pleasant, the landscape is either in full bloom or wrapped in warm autumn colours, and visitor numbers are lower than at the height of summer.
Where should I stay in Veliki Preslav?
CostaDone Guesthouse is an excellent choice — a central location next to the park, a spacious courtyard with a barbecue, and a large dining room. It is equally well suited to couples, families, and larger groups. See the rooms and prices or contact us about available dates.
Conclusion
A 48-hour weekend in Veliki Preslav can pack in far more than you might expect: medieval history on a world-class scale, quiet nature trails, dinner under an open sky, and a night in a historic home. The itinerary is designed so that you never feel rushed — the morning is for the museum and the ruins, the afternoon for the Round (Golden) Church, and the second day is for nature and a peaceful wind-down in the CostaDone courtyard.
If you are looking for a weekend destination where history, nature, and a warm place to stay all come together in one — Veliki Preslav and CostaDone are ready to welcome you. Pick a date, book your room, and let the itinerary unfold.