At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, the seashore in Varna was a place for romantic walks only. The fresh breeze, the silence, and the whisper of the waves attracted the lovers of nature, tranquility and solitude. According to the fashion of that time, during the day the ladies used to wear a hat and an umbrella, and the dresses were long-sleeved.
The first sea resort in Bulgaria was Varna, but initially the swimming in the sea and the sunbathing were not among the priorities of visitors. It was believed that only the fresh air with its positive influence was important for the well-being - it healed heart disease, asthma, anemia, and others.
The interest in sea water in our country was mainly thanks to Dr. Anastasia Golovina, who in 1897 published the article "Use of hydrotherapy. Sea and river baths, rubdown, etc.” in the magazine "Medical Collection". Later she donated funds for the establishment of a beach for poor and sick children in Varna.
As time went on, the interest in "sea baths" began to grow. More and more doctors recommended sunbathing to their patients, or at least rubbing the body with sea water. Progressive citizens of Varna built separate „women's" and "men's" baths on the beach. Inwards at the sea, on rails driven into the seabed a platform was built and rigid wooden cabins were hammered together on it. Bathing took place only in the pool, surrounded by rails. A guard used to patrol at the start of the path leading to the women's bath. Dressed in uniform and armed with a rifle, he would not allow men to look at or approach the place designated for women.
Varna made its first steps as a resort only in 1909, when the first organized holidaymakers arrived - a delegation of 200 French visitors that was welcomed with honours in the city. They undertook this trip not only because of the fresh breeze, but also because of the unique view of Dikilitash ("Petrified Forest") and karst springs in Devnya.
