Things to do in Balchik
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Ethnographical Complex
The Ethnographical Complex, also known as the Bulgarian National Revival Compound, houses dry displays on publishing, literature and education, along with a restored 19th-century schoolroom and a church, originally built in 1866. From the bus station, walk north on ul Cherno More for 20 minutes and look out for the clock tower in the grounds. If you’re near the port, take a taxi (about 2.50 lv) because it’s a very steep walk.
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Summer Palace of Queen Marie
Undoubtedly the prize attraction of Balchik is this lovely palace. It was built in 1924–26 by King Ferdinand of Romania for his English wife, Queen Marie – a granddaughter of Queen Victoria – as a place of solitude and contemplation (Balchik was then part of Romania). Marie, a follower of the Bahá’í faith, called it ‘The Quiet Nest’ and allegedly entertained her much younger Turkish lover here.
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Ethnographic Museum
Opposite the Historical Museum is the Ethnographic Museum. In a beautiful old stone house built in 1860, it features a collection of local costumes and displays relating to traditional trades and crafts such as fishing, barrel-making and woodcarving. It’s not always open; contact staff at the Historical Museum if it’s locked during working hours.
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City Historical Museum
The three rooms of the City Historical Museum contain a small but diverse collection, including a nude marble torso of Dionysus, a headless statue of Pan, Byzantine coins and medieval pottery. The last room has a display of photographs of the town in the early 1900s, and of the front line in the Balkan War.
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Dvata Petela
The ‘Two Cockerels’ is one of the cheaper places on the seafront promenade, with seating on a wooden pier perched over the rocks. Pizzas, pork chops, chicken kebabs and various fish dishes are served.
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Old Boat
With an attractive waterfront setting overlooking the harbour, this is as good a place as any for fresh fish. The grilled mackerel, shark fillet and bluefish are all good, and it also serves salads and grills.
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El Marinero
The excellent restaurant of the Hotel Mistral is the place to go for some classier cuisine. Fried turbot, smoked salmon, caviar and pepper steaks are among the offerings, and it does particularly good salads.
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Jay Jays
The restaurant of the British-run hotel serves up familiar fare for hungry tourists such as bacon and eggs, burgers and, on Friday nights, fish and chips with mushy peas.
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Summer Palace of Queen Marie
Undoubtedly the prize attraction of Balchik is this lovely palace. It was built in 1924–26 by King Ferdinand of Romania for his English wife, Queen Marie – a granddaughter of Queen Victoria – as a place of solitude and contemplation (Balchik was then part of Romania). Marie, a follower of the Bahá’í faith, called it ‘The Quiet Nest’ and allegedly entertained her much younger Turkish lover here.
reviewed
