Bolata Cove

Bolata is a short canyon of red limestone that comes down to the sea just north of Cape Kaliakra, ending in a small sheltered bay with one of the few sand beaches on this stretch of coast, which is otherwise cliff. The walls on either side are steep and reddish, the water is calm because the bay faces away from the prevailing wind, and a stream runs down the canyon floor. The surrounding area is part of the Kaliakra reserve, with cormorants and gulls on the cliffs and shrubland behind. Fishing boats are drawn up on the sand. It is small and it fills quickly in summer, but out of season it is one of the quieter places on the northern coast.

What you actually see

• A red canyon meeting the sea - the walls closing the small bay.
• A rare sand beach - most of this coast is cliff.
• Sheltered calm water - the bay facing away from the prevailing wind.
• Nesting cormorants and gulls - the birds on the surrounding cliffs.

When to go

May to September for swimming; the canyon and the reserve are worth walking in spring and autumn. Half a day. July and August fill the small beach completely. Mornings are quieter.

Honest expectations

The beach is very small and crowded in season. Facilities are minimal. Parking is limited and fills. The water is cold until midsummer. Litter after busy weekends is a problem.

Nearby

Cape Kaliakra is south; Yailata and Tyulenovo lie north.