Balchik backs 12.4 km Albena–Palace cycle route with Năvodari
Balchik council backs a €5.96m Interreg project with Năvodari for 12.4 km of cycle paths from Albena to the Palace. It is planned, not built yet.
Balchik is planning a 12.4 km cycle route linking the resort of Albena with the Palace in Balchik. According to BTA, the Balchik Municipal Council approved co-financing and a partnership with the Romanian town of Năvodari in October 2026 for a €5.96 million cross-border project under Interreg VI-A Romania–Bulgaria. Nothing has been built yet, and no start date has been announced.
What exactly is planned?
The project, “Bicycle tourism for sustainable economic growth in the Black Sea region, Balchik–Năvodari”, would renovate or upgrade 12,429 m of cycle paths in two sections, BTA reports:
| Section | Length |
|---|---|
| I-9 roundabout at Albena – Obrochishte (431 m through the Balta reserve) | 3,594 m |
| Along the municipal road Albena – Balchik | 8,835 m |
The route would connect the Palace and Botanical Garden, the Balta reserve near Albena and the Thracian sanctuary “Ak Yazula Baba – St Athanasius” in Obrochishte.
What will cyclists get along the way?
BTA lists four rest zones, two near Obrochishte and two near Balchik, one of them at the entrance to the Palace. Each would have a canopy, benches, bike racks, repair equipment and solar panels for charging e-bikes. A digital route with a video and audio guide in three languages is also planned, along with tour packages prepared with local tourism businesses.
How is the €6 million split?
According to BTA, the total budget is €5,959,088.20: €2,532,095.62 for Balchik and €3,426,992.58 for Năvodari. The ERDF covers 80%, the state budget 18% and the partners 2%. In July 2026, Economic.bg reported that the project, listed as BLACK SEA CYCLING, was one of 11 full applications being evaluated for a €56.2 million budget, so funding depended on that ranking.
Is there another Balchik project with Romania?
Yes. BTA reported on 16 October 2026 that an abandoned forest area in the Balik quarter will become a park with walking alleys, a 450-metre cycling track and a rope park, in a project with Constanța. The council approved a €50,000 interest-free bridge loan for it; the grant contract is dated 24 September 2026. Separately, Darik Business Review describes a park on a cleared polluted site, with Medgidia as partner.
What it means for Varna
For now, nothing changes: the route is not built, so getting from Varna to Albena or Balchik still means a bus, car or taxi. In the long run, the project aims to give the north coast a reason to visit outside the beach season. Recent NSI figures for Varna region show how much the area still depends on summer. Planning a trip now? See how to get from Varna to Albena and our guide to the Balchik Palace and Botanical Garden.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I cycle from Albena to Balchik on the new route now?
Not on the new route. As of October 2026 it is a project; no construction start or opening date has been announced.
How long will the Albena–Balchik cycle route be?
The project covers 12,429 m (about 12.4 km) of renovated or upgraded cycle paths in two sections.
Will there be e-bike charging along the route?
Yes, the plan includes four rest zones with solar panels for charging e-bikes, one at the entrance to the Palace in Balchik.
Who pays for the project?
According to BTA, 80% comes from the European Regional Development Fund, 18% from the Bulgarian state budget and 2% from the two municipalities.
