Unique Black Sea Destinations!
The famous Black Sea and its deep, dark secrets lying peacefully on the seabed!
The Black Sea is an inland sea, strategically located from 'political reasons' point of view and almost owned by all the countries surrounding it, largely by Turkey and Russia militarily. But why care about politics when we have such a beauty to experience and admire.
The Black Sea is anoxic, meaning there is only a small amount of dissolved oxygen in the water below a depth of 500 feet. This anoxic layer is responsible for the preservation of ancient shipwrecks which have been found in ample numbers on the seabed of the Black Sea. I have heard that the sea holds within itself many stories of the past, wrecks from the bygone era, and even some wrecks that many archaeologists think are connected to Noah’s ark. Of course it is debatable and the debate is still on, I guess. But deep inside the Black sea by the coast of Bulgaria lies an undersea museum, almost!
Yes, the sea is swimmable. :)
The largest Black Sea cities/towns are Varna, Sozopol and Burgas. But if you want to experience a less touristy and more meaningful Black Sea vacation, shun the most popular names and instead go for these places.
Balchik
Balchik, a charming and calm coastal town in northeastern Bulgaria, is a hidden gem along the Black Sea very close to Romanian border. Known for its picturesque landscapes and serene atmosphere, Balchik boasts a rich history and cultural heritage.
The town is home to the stunning Balchik Palace and its adjoining botanical gardens, which were once a favourite retreat of Queen Marie of Romania. The white cliffs and turquoise waters create a breathtaking backdrop, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and exploration. Whether you're strolling through the cobbled streets, enjoying fresh seafood by the harbour, or visiting the historic landmarks, Balchik offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical allure.
We loved the overall vibes of this beautiful town. It’s a small town and can be explored easily on foot.
The best things to do in Balchik are:
🔹 Check out Balchik palace
🔸 Experience the beautiful Palace Garden
🔹 Take a stroll by the sea
🔸 Eat in one of the many traditional tavernas
🔹 Visit Cape Kaliakra
Balchik Palace
Oh, what a beauty! Balchik Palace, nestled on the picturesque Black Sea coast of Bulgaria, is a captivating blend of architectural beauty and serene natural surroundings. Originally built in the early 20th century as a summer residence for Queen Marie of Romania, the palace is renowned for its eclectic design, combining Gothic, Islamic, and Mediterranean influences.
The palace complex is surrounded by expansive botanical gardens, featuring an impressive collection of exotic plants and flowers, winding pathways, and tranquil water features. Overlooking the azure waters of the Black Sea, Balchik Palace offers visitors a tranquil retreat steeped in history and charm, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Bulgaria. It took us 3 hours to explore the entire palace premises, keep a little more for relaxing and wine tasting activities.
The botanical garden is a place where you can easily get lost for a couple of hours. Every turn will leave you gazing for a few minutes. Consider wearing comfortable shoes as the walk will involve lot of uphill climbs and stairs. But the hard work is totally worth it.
The palace interiors are simple but exudes an elegant charm. The view from the palace balcony was mesmerising enough to want to stay there forever. The good news is that you can also spend a few nights in the palace complex. The different cottages, once used the members of the royal family are now available for tourists.
My favourite corners of the palace complex were the waterfall and the temple of water.
Cape Kaliakra
You can visit Cape Kaliakra which is some 30 minutes’ drive from Balchik, though we missed it during our last visit. It is a stunning natural wonder and historical site that captivates visitors with its dramatic beauty and rich heritage.
Jutting out into the Black Sea, this rocky promontory offers breathtaking views of the azure waters and rugged coastline. Cape Kaliakra is also a nature reserve, home to rare seabirds and marine life, making it a perfect spot for both history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you're exploring the historic ruins or simply soaking in the panoramic views, Cape Kaliakra promises an unforgettable experience.
The cape is also steeped in history, featuring the remnants of ancient fortresses and the ruins of medieval walls, telling tales of its strategic importance through the centuries. The Kaliakra Fortress is a captivating historic site perched on a breathtaking cliff overlooking the Black Sea. This ancient fortress, with origins dating back to the Thracians, was later fortified by the Romans, Byzantines, and Bulgarians, making it a treasure trove of architectural and historical layers. Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins of walls, towers, and gates, all while enjoying panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding landscape
Moving on to our next destination, as we drive southwards we reach a tiny little town by the Black Sea coast, Byala.
Byala
I am sharing with you our secret beach destination, the most serene of the three options. This place is only for those who seek a peaceful and less crowded beach experience. A cute beach shack is all you have to quench your thirst. And sun beds for some sun time, and sea and sand for summer fun.
Nestled along the Black Sea, Byala is known for its pristine sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and picturesque cliffs. The town is also home to the ancient remains of a Roman fortress, providing a glimpse into its historical significance. Byala's vineyards and local wineries produce some of the finest Bulgarian wines, adding a delightful culinary aspect to the visit. With its tranquil ambiance, historical sites, and beautiful landscapes, Byala is an ideal destination for a peaceful and enriching getaway.
When in Byala, do nothing other than playing with sun, sand and sea and spending some ‘dolce far niente’ moment on the beach.
Check the complete itinerary with stay and food options here:
Cape Emine
When in Byala, try to visit Cape Emine. Located on the northern tip of Bulgaria's Black Sea coast, is a stunning and secluded promontory offering breathtaking views and a serene escape from the bustle of modern life. Known for its rugged cliffs and pristine natural beauty, Cape Emine is steeped in history and mythology, often linked to ancient Thracian and Roman civilisations.
It was just a pleasant, beautiful day for driving to the end of the Balkan Mountains and gaze at the vastness of the sea and the ruggedness of the mountains as it gradually ended or maybe began its journey to or from the Black Sea. This place is supposedly always too windy, but we got lucky.
Reaching the place involves an off-road driving for 10 kms, with just gravel roads. This part of the Balkan Mountains falls under protected area. The coastal village of Emona just little walk away from Cape Emine is equally gorgeous. There are some stay options there as well for a relaxed weekend.The tip of Cape Emine has restricted access but the drive, an off road one, was totally worth it. Village Emona looked as beautiful as rest of the landscape.
Nesebar/Nessebar
What’s the formula of magic? Can it be a combination of the Black Sea and an ancient city?
Nesebar is one such place on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria. A rich city-museum defined by more than three millennia of ever-changing history, Nesebar has a charming old town at the pointed tip of the city, a small peninsula, with layers of civilisation buried underneath. What’s visible to the eyes is no less classic, in combination with ruins dating back from 5th to 11th century, Byzantine era fortifications & baths etc.
This town will be slightly more touristy than the rest but much lesser than the more popular cities of Burgas, Sozopol and Varna.
We are talking about a tiny piece of land connected to the mainland Bulgaria by a narrow strip, a land of Thracians taken over by Greeks, then Romans, then Bulgarians then Ottoman empire then finally becoming a part of free Bulgaria. And all of them left behind a piece of themselves in this tiny piece of land. And this ancient heritage town shows a glimpse of its past here and there even now. It’s beautiful & magical!
The old town is a UNESCO world heritage site. Walking through the cobblestoned paths of Nesebar and gazing at these beautiful old houses is an experience of its kind. Nesebar had 42 churches once upon a time! Now some ruins are still visible.
Just walk around and explore the old town. Buy traditional handicrafts from the shops at the ground floor of the 19th century houses. And choose a restaurant out of the many, sit back and relax with a cooler and some delicious Bulgarian food.
Check the complete itinerary with stay and food options here:
To Conclude
This will be an open story; I will keep adding details of more niche Black Sea destinations as I discover more of them. So, stay tuned.
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