Balchik is a city in the north-east of Bulgaria, the administrative center of the Balchik community of the Dobrich region. It is located on the Black Sea coast, 7 km north of Albena, 47 km (along E87) from Varna and 70 km from the border with Romania. The third most important port in Bulgaria after Varna and Burgas. It accepts medium-sized passenger and cargo ships and is one of the oldest cities on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
The city is located on escarpments against the background of picturesque white coastal rocks. Balchik is known for its archaeological monuments from antiquity and the high quality of local grape varieties grown here. The exceptionally beautiful view of the city from the sea made the once great Ovid exclaim: "I salute you, O white stone city, with your unique beauty!".
The main attraction of the city is the famous botanical garden, known for its collection of cacti and aloes, numbering more than 250 species. Balchik is lush greenery and amphitheatrically arranged houses, white rocks and blue sea.
Queen Maria of Edinburgh (wife of the Romanian King Ferdinand I) in 1921 ordered a huge park to be laid out in Balchike and the construction of a summer residence, which she called "Tenha Yuvah" - "Lonely Nest" in Turkish. Now it is known under the name "Quiet Nest" Palace.
Palace park - imitation of the Cretan labyrinth; the local chapel, which Mary called "Stella Varis" - "Star of the seas", in this connection was completely copied from one of the churches of the XV century from the island of Crete. The Garden of Allah is considered the most beautiful garden. The following places can be especially noted: Silver well; alleys lined with millstones; clay jugs brought from Morocco.
The design of the park was developed by the Swiss gardener Jules Zhana. The territory of the park is 65 square meters. Now the park has about 200 different species of trees, a large number of flowers, more than 250 species of cacti (more than 1000 square meters), the collection of which is the second largest after the collection in Monaco. There are more than 3,000 rare and exotic plants in the park.
15 km from the city is the village of Obrochishche, famous for its Ottoman fort. The Dervish Monastery, which was built in the 16th century, is also located here. It is believed that St. Athanasius is buried here. Balchik has a lot of entertainment - yacht club (60 yachts), golf club (20 holes), night clubs, bars, discos.
The coastal strip of the resort is one of the most valuable mineralogical zones in Bulgaria. Mineral springs are almost as much a symbol of the country as the rose. A wonderful combination of sea climate and mineral baths, dozens of hydrothermal springs and estuarine healing mud enriches the range of health opportunities. Tourists and especially connoisseurs of historical heritage and culture prefer Balchik because of its original architecture and unique topography.
Hotels are lined up along the coast, among which you can choose the one suitable for the price and level of service, on each beach there are cafes and restaurants where you can not only drink a cocktail, but also have dinner. Most restaurants offer European and local cuisine, and you can also try Russian and Ukrainian cuisine.
