Balchik today is one of the most popular resorts in Bulgaria. It is essentially a small town located in the northeast of the country with a population of only 12,000 people. Despite its compact size, Balchik is home to the main botanical garden of the Balkans, the third-largest port in the country, numerous beaches, and several youth discos.
History of Balchik
In the 6th century, a small settlement named Kruni was founded around natural karst springs. Most of the houses in the settlement had the characteristic white color of limestone. In the 14th century, the scattered villages became part of the Dobruja Principality, and the new regional center was renamed Balchik in honor of its leader, Balik. Throughout its history, the city has been part of the Ottoman Empire, Romania, and Bulgaria.
Cultural and Natural Monuments of Balchik
The Palace of the "Quiet Nest"
The main cultural landmark of the city is the summer residence of the Romanian Queen Maria, known as the "Quiet Nest" palace. Despite its modest exterior and simple interior design, it is an elegant castle that will appeal to tourists who appreciate architectural refinement without excesses.
Interestingly, the queen was a Christian, but one of the palace towers resembles a typical Islamic minaret. According to legend, Maria was in love with a Turkish ruler and dedicated the construction to her unrequited love.
Visiting the castle costs 10 BGN for adults and 5 BGN for children over seven years old.
Botanical Garden
The most famous botanical garden in the Balkans is located in Balchik. The idea of its creation belongs to the same Romanian Queen Maria. Considering its close proximity to her summer residence, the Balchik Botanical Garden is designed as a park surrounding the castle.
The man-made park features an unusual combination of flora, including both typical Balkan species and exotic plants. Additionally, there is a small winery in the garden with a tasting room. For an additional fee (25 BGN), visitors can try various local wines or preserves made from rose petals, feijoa, and other unique ingredients.
The entrance to the botanical garden costs around 10 BGN for adults, while children's tickets are half the price.
Other Architectural Monuments
For those who are interested in the history of a new city, it is worth visiting the museums in Balchik:
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The Historical and Ethnographic Museums, located in the main square of the city;
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The Museum of Miniature City "Architectural Complex of the Revival Period";
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The Art Museum-Gallery, featuring exhibitions of Bulgarian artists.
The small town of Balchik boasts a dozen historic churches. The most famous ones include:
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The Church of St. George, dating back to the 19th century and known for its artistic value;
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The Church of Sts. Constantine and Helena, also built in the 19th century;
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The Cathedral of St. Paraskeva, constructed in the challenging 1930s;
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The Church of St. Nicholas, which has undergone four complete destructions and reconstructions over its two-hundred-year history;
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The Temple of Cybele, a pagan cult site dating back to the 3rd century BCE, dedicated to the Phrygian goddess of fertility.
Other Useful Information for Tourists
Accommodation
You can find apartments in Balchik to suit every taste. However, the resort is considered a budget option, and most hotels in the area have 3 or 4 stars.
For one night's accommodation and two days for two adults in Balchik, you can expect to pay around 70 USD. The local hotels are suitable not only for couples but also for families with children. There is a wide selection of apartments with their own kitchens where you can prepare your own meals.
Transportation
You can get to Balchik by taxi, bus, or transfer from Sofia, where one of the country's two major airports is located. The road trip to the capital takes about 500 km, and the corresponding transfer costs around 60 BGN.
The distance from Balchik to Varna is 50 km. The resort town of Albena is even closer (20 km). You can reach these destinations by boat or bus. In both cases, the ticket will cost between 12 BGN (Albena) and 25 BGN (Varna).
It is almost impossible to reach other cities (such as Nessebar) from Balchik without transfers.
Balchik is a wonderful small resort town that will particularly appeal to those who appreciate picturesque places. However, it has everything to satisfy lovers of comfortable summer vacations. Therefore, Balchik should definitely be on your must-visit list if you are considering a trip to Bulgaria!
