Balchik originated as a Thracian settlement that was later taken over by the Greeks and given the name Krounoi. Over time, the settlement developed into a Byzantine Greek fortress. Its current name is derived from the boyar Balik and was adopted during Ottoman rule in the area (from the 14th century).

After Bulgaria gained independence, Balchik developed as the centre of an agricultural area and a grain exporting port, as well as a tourist destination with the seaside resort of Albena. In 1913, the town was renamed Balcic and became part of the Kingdom of Romania. The palace in Balcic was the favourite summer residence of Romanian Queen Maria and her immediate family. Under the 1940 Treaty, the town was returned to Bulgaria.

In the autumn of 1939, thousands of Polish airmen arrived in Balchik. What was used as its advantage was the fact that this tourist town was empty at this time of year and therefore offered suitable facilities to accommodate such a large group. Polish refugees who after being evacuated from Poland were staying in the area of Tulcea where malaria was rampant, settled in numerous guest houses and hotels, which was welcomed by their owners.

Balchik became a Polish colony over which the local authorities did not exercise much control. This was not only with the acquiescence of the Romanian central authorities, who did not have the resources to exercise such control but also with the tacit approval of the governor and the governorate police chief. As a result, the Poles set to work organising the place of their temporary stay. They organised a medical clinic and set up a Polish policing service. These activities were welcomed by the permanent residents who often turned directly to the Poles for help with their more difficult matters.

The stay of the Poles in Balchik was short, related to carrying out the formalities of departure to France. Complicated records had to be kept – the true details of the refugees were presented to the Polish authorities residing in Bucharest, while those containing false names – were handed over to the Romanian authorities. The Romanian authorities granted refugees exit visas, the so-called "Vazut Plecary", which allowed Poles to embark on ships departing for Yugoslavia or the Middle East. They then made their way through the Bosporus and Dardanelles to the Mediterranean, arriving in Marseille.

As airmen had priority for evacuation, the last Poles left Balchik in November 1939.