You won’t believe what’s happening! Varna, Bulgaria’s sunny coastal gem, is losing its people to Plovdiv—and the reasons will leave you speechless. Why are locals fleeing beaches for ancient hills? Here are 7 terrifying truths behind the mass exodus!
Once known as Bulgaria’s “maritime capital,” the city thrived on tourism and shipping. But now? Hotels are closing, cruise ships are rerouting, and unemployment lines are growing.
“I worked in hospitality for 15 years, but my hotel shut down last summer,” says Ivan, a 42-year-old father of two. “No one’s hiring here anymore.”
Take a deep breath in Varna? Think again. The air is thick with smog from outdated factories and plastic-burning plants. Parents are terrified. “My son has asthma, and we can’t even open the windows,” says Elena, a teacher. “The playgrounds are coated in grime.”
Plovdiv, on the other hand, is investing in green spaces and eco-friendly policies. The city’s parks are pristine, and strict pollution controls keep the air fresh.
Varna’s streets are no longer safe. Burglaries, pickpocketing, and even violent crimes are surging.
“I got mugged near the beach last year,” recalls Dimitar, 38. “The police didn’t even bother to investigate.” Locals say corruption lets criminals run wild.