Presentation of the town of Balchik

One of the destinations which you should definitely visit if you are staying in Varna or elsewhere on the Northern Black Sea coastline of Bulgaria is the town of Balchik.
If you rent a car from a rent-a car company from Varna, you can easily and quickly reach this relatively small, but yet unique town.  It is situated at about 40km from the city of Varna and only 20km away from the Bulgarian capital of rock music - Kavarna.

Balchik was established before more than 26 centuries by Greek colonisers, and was then named Dionisopolis.  Later, the town became an important administrative center and port for the Roman Empire. Centuries after that, the own as well as the rest of Bulgaria fall under the Ottoman rule.  In the beginning of the 20th century, Balchik and the entire South Dobrudja area are annexed to Romania.  They are returned to Bulgaria in 1940.

With such a long and interesting history, there is no doubt that Balchik is one of the top destination choices for Bulgarian and foreign tourisits.

The town of Balchik is located in close proximity to one of the most famous Black Sea resorts - Albena.

One of the most unique tourist attractions of this Black sea town is the “Balchik Palace” which is an architectural and park complex.  It has a number of villas which were originally built as a summer residence for the Romanian Queen Maria Edinburg while Balchik was annexed to Romania.

This natural and architectural complex is where one of the most unique botanical gardens on the Balkans is located.  The garden contains the biggest collection of cactuses and other amazing plants, trees and flowers.

You can book a room and reserve a dinner in the royal villas, so that you sleep and dine like a real royal. The complex has had some unique guests, including the world famous director Francis Ford Coppolla, who has visited several times, and has even shot a film there.

Apart from this royal residence, when you come to Balchik with your rented car, you can visit the beautiful church built during the National Revival of Bulgaria, along with a school attached to it. You can enjoy the beautiful National Revival architecture of several remaining houses and buildings built during that period.

Another unique sightseeing destination is the Kibela temple, which was discovered by accident during some construction work, is recognised as an international archaeological treasure.  Along with the ancient temple ruins, you can see a number of other very interesting archaeological finds in the temple and throughout Balchik.
If you enjoy art and culture, you can plan a visit to Balchik, in the time periods when some quite well known national and international concert and film festivals take place.  Throughout the year a variety of art, photograph and architectural forums take place in Balchik and the area.
The town has a big art gallery, a history museum and a National Revival and ethnographic complex worth visiting.