Balchik - Land of Seven Civilizations

Situated is the northern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast Balchik is one of the most magnificent coastal towns. For a long time it has been known as the White Town for the mainly white colour of its lime rocks and as well as the whitewashed houses. Many of the former royal villas are now reorganized inside and used to accommodate tourists. The pearl in the crown is the summer palace of Queen Maria of Romania. Its premises contain exhibition halls, souvenir shops and cafes, which combine with the garden to make an agreeable venue for both, instruction and recreation.

You can fully release your mind strolling in Balchik Botanical Garden. There are over 2000 plant species from all over the world. For some visitors the strongest impact will be had from the collection, second biggest in Europe after that in Monaco, of large cactuses and esculent plants, which reach a height of up to 3-4 meters. Another fascinating view are the colorful combinations of annual and biennial flowers and herbs crisscrossed by tiny furrows with cool waters tricking through them.

Imagine wandering along a place that keeps the senses of rich spiritual and cultural background. Archaeological finds on the site of the contemporary town of Balchik give ample testimony of human habitation as early as the stone-age and the dawn of the bronze-age. In the 3th century BC, when a statue of Dionysos was miraculously washed ashore by the sea the name of the settlement was changed to Dionysopolis. Many relicts are remained from that period showing the strong influence of the Attic artistic school.

The region is also famous for its nature reserves: Kaliakra, Baltata and Yaylata.