Tourist Information for the pretty sea-side town of Balchik

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Balchik is a pretty town that nestles at the foot of white chalk hills. Cobblestone streets, twisting up the side of the hill, provide views across the rooftops and down to the sea below. The bright red roof-top tiles stand out colourfully against the whiteness of the cliffs. Although there is virtually no beach at Balchik, it is very popular with British buyers because of the attractiveness of the town, plus its proximity to seaside resorts and international golf courses.

Greek merchants who settled in Balchik in the 6th Century BC referred to the place as Kruni (the Town of 100 Springs) although it was subsequently renamed in honour of a local leader called Balik.

There is a good selection of restaurants, bars and shops in Balchik, and it is a pleasure to stroll along the cobblestone streets and spend some time just window shopping. If you can't find exactly what you want in the local shops, then it is only a short drive to Varna, with it's huge and bustling shopping centre.

Whilst in Balchik, you really must pay a visit to the spectacular Summer Palace. The palace was built for Romania's Queen Maria. The British-born queen spent the formative years of her life in Egypt. Maria's belief in the Bahai faith had a definite influence on the design of this magnificent palace. The romantic gardens are cleverly designed to give distinct areas, each with their own ambience. Guest villas, carefully positioned around the gardens, ensure privacy for the Queen's guests.

Maria's cultural and religious affiliations can be seen in the gardens. You will find huge Thracian pots, Roman baths, beautiful Byzantine pillars and, of course, the Bridge of Sighs. Of the 190 decares of gardens, just over 25% is dominated by cultural monuments and artifacts. The remaining 75% comprises stunning botanical gardens, which were designed initially by a former gardener of Emperor Nicholas II.

Other attractions in Balchik are the Art Gallery, the Historical Museum and the Ethnographic Museum.

Balchik and the surrounding area are the focus of an increasing amount of interest from foreign investors. The construction of three top-level golf courses (two at Balchik and one at nearby Kavarna), is already driving the real estate prices upwards. Properties that are within a short drive of the golf courses should prove to be a particularly good investment.