Baltjik in Bulgaria - botanical garden, palace and wine

Writer: Helena Bergström

Baltjik is a Bulgarian town on the Black Sea that offers a stunning botanical garden, a beautiful summer palace and exciting wine tasting opportunities.

Baltjik in Bulgaria

Baltjik is an ancient city that was originally a Thracian settlement and became a Greek colony in the 6th century BC. The city later became part of the Ottoman Empire and in the early 20th century it belonged to Romania. It was during the Romanian era that the Summer Palace was built. Today, the city is known for its beautiful botanical garden, among other things.

Baltjik is located on the Black Sea in eastern Bulgaria, about four miles north of Varna.

Visiting Baltjik in Bulgaria

We arrived in Baltjik by car, and went straight to the botanical garden. On the way down to the garden there are plenty of restaurants and shops selling summer clothes, jewellery and toys. For us it was an ice cream!

Botanical garden

We then arrived at the entrance to the botanical garden where we were greeted by flowers and ... a sign telling us about the Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus.

We walked into the botanical garden, which is both impressively large and stunningly beautiful. Established in 1955, the garden is a blooming paradise filled with plantings, waterfalls and pavilions.

Since the garden is located along the Black Sea coast, there are great views of the water almost everywhere.

The garden has one of Europe's largest cactus farms, with cacti both outdoors and in greenhouses.

There are also lots of roses, which smelled amazing.

Lunch in Baltjik - at Corona restaurant

After wandering around the botanical garden for a while, it was time for lunch, which we took at a restaurant with the interesting name "Corona". The lunch started (as usual in Bulgaria I must say!) with a good salad, and then there was some fried seafood. After lunch it was time to check out the Summer Palace.

Queen Mary's Summer Palace

In 1924, Queen Maria of Romania built a summer palace in Baltjik. At the time, the town was part of Romania, and Maria wanted a villa where she could spend her summers with her children.

She named the palace 'Tihoto Gnezdo' (The Quiet Nest). The villa is surrounded by verandas and is equipped with a high tower that almost looks like a minaret of a mosque.

Some of the original décor has been preserved, including artefacts and furniture. In addition, some art was exhibited in the villa.

Wine tasting at the Queen's Winery House

Then it was time to taste wine at Queen's Winery House. What an experience! Anna, who runs the place, welcomed us in and told us about her journey. About how she started with no assets and how she eventually managed to buy land to grow wine - which was then judged by experts as impossible to grow on. But of course Anna didn't give up!

The Queen's Winery House is located in the centre of the botanical garden, right next to the palace. Here you are welcome both to taste and to buy. The wines are very interesting and often different. Anna is not afraid to try and experiment! For example, you will find wines with aronia, watermelon or almond flavours.

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

In addition to the garden and the palace, Balchik will also have a historical museum and an ethnographic museum. Here you will find more places to visit around the Black Sea.

• Varna
• Nesebar
• Cape Kaliakra
• Aladzha Monastery

FAQ – frequently asked questions about Balchik

Where is Balchik located?

Balchik is located on the Black Sea coast in northeastern Bulgaria, about 40 kilometers north of Varna. The charming seaside town is known for its white limestone cliffs, marina and pleasant climate.

What is Balchik famous for?

Balchik is best known for Queen Marie's Palace and the beautiful botanical garden. The town also has a pleasant promenade, small restaurants and a quieter atmosphere than the larger seaside resorts along the coast.

How to get to Balchik?

The nearest airport is in Varna, from where it takes about 45 minutes by car, taxi or bus to Balchik.

What is there to do in Balchik?

Visit the Palace of Queen Marie and the Botanical Garden, stroll along the promenade, enjoy the view of the Black Sea or sit down at one of the city's fish restaurants. Balchik is also a good starting point for excursions along the coast.

Is Balchik a good destination for swimming?

Yes, although Balchik is mainly known for its history and gardens, there are smaller beaches in the city. For larger sandy beaches, resorts such as Albena and Golden Sands are conveniently located.

Is Balchik child-friendly?

Yes, Balchik is well suited for families with children looking for a quieter holiday. The promenade is easy to walk along and the botanical garden is usually appreciated by both young and old.

When is the best time to visit Balchik?

The best time is between May and September. The weather is warm and sunny then, while the gardens are at their most beautiful in spring and early summer.

What should not be missed in Balchik?

The absolute must is the Queen Marie Palace with the Botanical Garden, which is considered one of Bulgaria's top attractions. Don't miss the cozy harbor and the promenade.

Can you combine Balchik with other destinations in Bulgaria?

Yes, Balchik is often combined with Varna, Albena, Golden Sands and the scenic Kaliakraudden. Thanks to the short distances, the area is ideal for day trips.