Balchik

General Info: Balchik is a seaside resort, situated terrace-like on a small bay on the Black Sea, 31 km North of Varna, 37 km south-east of Dobrich and 500 km East from Sofia. Third in significance Bulgarian port after Varna and Bourgas, used for medium-size passenger and trade vessels.



Landmarks: Balchik is famous for the palace, built by Queen Maria. The palace complex has an unique botanical garden and is the biggest and most diverse on the Balkans Peninsula. The Palace Complex consists of a central palace buildinfgwith a high tower, numerous villas, a terrace park, green lanes and paths and beautiful stone summer-houses, propped on marvellous columns facing the sea.

The picturesque park is arranged in 1924-1936 on the project of the French garden designer Jules Janine. It comprises more than 200 tree species, numerous flowers, boasting of a unique collection of cactus plants (more than 250 species).
There are more than 3000 rare and exotic species of plants in the botanic garden. It is part of the teaching facilities of Sofia University. The whole complex was called Tenha Vuva (Quiet Nest).

Sightseeing: The Art Gallery of the town is very interesting. The local museum is housed there as well. The coastal alley, 4 km long, is a nice place to stroll, so are the harbour and the small streets around. There is a small ethnographic museum and a beautiful old church called St. Nikola Church (1866). The Revival complex with the old school in the town is quite well preserved.
Apart from the big restaurants in the palace, in the hotels and downtown, there are a number of small private restau rants, coastal stalls offering seafood, pizzas, spaghetti and other kinds of European cuisine. The grocer's shops are a good opportunity for practical tourists who cook for themselves.

Vicinities: Touzlata Area is located 4 km east of the town and is well known for its curing mud. A spa-centre was built t here beside the two lakes, formed by old landslides. The lake bottom is covered with black hydrogen sulphide peloid It receives patients suffering from joint disorders. A large recreational complex, a lot of villas, bungalows and a camping site are built here. There is a mineral spring with water temperature of 31 °C.
Near Balchik are the two big camping sites - Sandrino Camping and Belia Bryag Camping. They offer various opportunities for rest and water sports, clubs, bars, numerous bungalows for tourists having no camping equipment, small restaurants and stalls for sea and continental food.

How to reach Balchik: There is regular bus transport from/ to Sofia, Dob rich, Varna and Albena. Apart from buses, there are numerous taxis and private mini-buses, boats and water transport to other beach resorts on the Black Sea.

Photos from Balchik