Pack your swimsuit and enjoy a sun-drenched Black Sea getaway in Balchik. The seaside resort is a stone’s throw from Varna and popular with urban sunseekers. Relax on the golden-sand beaches, café hop in the pedestrian-friendly town centre and stroll around the flower-filled botanical gardens.
Things to do in Balchik
Sun loungers and parasols dot the honey-coloured beaches around Balchik. The shallow water is a beautiful shade of blue. Relax in the Balkan sunshine and purchase snacks and drinks from thatch-roof beach bars, then head up the coast to find secluded beaches set beneath rugged limestone cliffs.
Get lost in a sea of tulips and roses in the Summer Palace of Queen Marie & Botanical Gardens. The terrace gardens were laid out in the 1920s and feature hundreds of different species of flora, including an impressive collection of succulents and cacti. Stroll down to the picturesque watermill, hunt for the secret waterfall and try sweet fig wine at the small on-site winery. The palace itself is a unique blend of Gothic and Islamic architecture.
Admire works by famous Bulgarian painters at the Balchik Art Gallery. It was founded in the 1930s and showcases work by masters like Vladimir Dimitrov, who is famous for his unique style and use of vivid colours. You’ll notice many of the paintings draw inspiration from the picturesque coastal landscapes.
Order lunch at a waterfront bistro and watch sailboats cruise by. Indulge in freshly-caught seafood from the Black Sea and try Bulgarian dishes like crispy deep-fried sprats, mussels cooked in white wine and “ribena chorba” fish soup. Pair your meal with a glass of Bulgarian wine. Small cafes spill onto the streets of the atmospheric old town, serving coffee with a spoon of locally-made honey, a Balchik specialty.
Getting around Balchik
Balchik is compact and easy to get around on foot. The resort is a 45-minute drive from Varna and six hours from Sofia. Varna Airport is a 45-minute drive away.