Location, Relief And Resources

The Municipality of Kavarna is located in the northern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, 64 km away from the city of Varna and 49 km away from the town of Dobrich. To the north the Municipality borders on the Municipality of Shabla, to the northwest on the Municipality of General Toshevo, and to the west on the Municipality of Balchik. The total area occupied by the Municipality of Kavarna is 480865 decares, which is approximately 0.43% of the territory of Bulgaria. The Municipality consists of the town of Kavarna and another 21 smaller settlements. Kavarna serves as an administrative center of the Municipality.
The relief in this part of Bulgaria varies from plain to rolling. A great part of the Municipal territory (over 75%) is taken by productive arable land.

The picturesque Kavarna Coast has a total length of 42 km. The total surface area of the Kavarna beaches is equal to 74 000 sq.m.
The underground water is one of the riches of the region. The mineral water springs are an exceptionally precious natural resource in possession of the Municipality.
In general the area of the Municipality of Kavarna offers magnificent nature and excellent opportunities for tourism.

Infrastructure

The stream of travelers and tourists making their way to the Municipality of Kavarna, is services by the Varna International Airport, which is just 40 minutes away by car, along the Е87 – Varna – Konstantza – Russia road. The new airport of Balchik, which is still in the process of being constructed (as it lays on the grounds of a former military airport) is located approximately 8 km away from the Municipality. Those arriving by sea have at their disposal the small marina of Balchik. The proximity of the Municipality of Kavarna to cities such as Bucharest (3 million residents), Konstantza (750 000 residents), Varna (450 000 residents), etc., conditions the importance of the Municipality of Kavarna as a region of modern infrastructure and well developed economy.

Economy

The Municipality of Kavarna offers a fishing base, a small marina, vast sandy beaches and a great number of luxurious resort complexes. The Municipality possesses some unique natural potential, which predetermines its social and economic welfare and the perspectives for any future growth and development.
Farming, tourism, light industry and food processing industry are top priority branches for the economy of the Municipality of Kavarna.
Izvor JSC, a mineral water bottling company, Kamash JSC, a producer of excavating and loading equipment, the sewing and knitwear factories, the many wood processing companies, Kalatserka – a furniture production company, etc., all add to the economic strength of Kavarna.
The Municipality has the potential to develop stock-breeding and agriculture in conformity with nature. Vine and fruit-growing are slowly reviving branches of the Kavarna economy. The industrial cultivation of mussels and the use of wind-powered electric stations are a special “patent” of the Kavarna industry.

The Town of Kavarna – A District Center

The Municipality of Kavarna offers a unique combination of opportunities for April to October summer recreation by the sea, amidst picturesque nature, in immediate proximity to the natural phenomena Kaliakra and Yailata and the curative center Touzlata. The fans of golf will find here three modern golf courses, 2 of which are located near the town of Balchik, and the third one next to Kavarna. Those who are interested in the historical and cultural heritage of Bulgaria may visit the Palace and the Botanical garden in Balchik, also the Architectural complex of Balchik, the museum at Cape Kaliakra, the Ethnographic museum in Kavarna and the numerous cultural and historical landmarks of Varna – the sea capital of Bulgaria. The latter include the city's Historical, Archaeological, Naval and Ethnographic museums, the “Holy Assumption” Cathedral, the Roman thermal baths, the Aladja Monastery, etc.
The Kavarna region also offers magnificent opportunities for the development of:

• Recreational sea tourism – beach activities, parachute dives, water skiing, jet rides, scuba diving, etc.
• Historical tourism – ancient settlements, archaeological landmarks and old churches
• Specialized tourism (alternative tourism): SPA, Eco-, Ornithological tourism, etc.
• Concert (festival) tourism
• Countryside tourism
• Hunting and fishing tourism

Landmarks

Cape Kaliakra

Kaliakra is one of the Nation’s 100 tourist sites of interest. The cape is to be found just 12 km east of the town of Kavarna. This is a unique place, one of the most beautiful spots on the northern Black Sea Coast. Translated, the word “Kaliakra” means “beautiful cape”. Encompassed by 70 m tall vertical crimson cliffs, cape Kaliakra juts out into the sea, thus forming a large horseshoe-shaped bay, which is protected from the strong northern and eastern winds.
A settlement sprang here in the IV century BC. It was named Tirizis, after the local Thracian tribe Tirizi.
According to Starbon, an ancient Greek historian and geographer, Lizimach, a deputy of Alexander the Macedonian, located his army here during the war with the Black Sea coastal town-colonies. Also here he is believed to have hidden a treasure of 40 ships of gold. During the Roman times the settlement expanded and its name was changed to Akros Castellum – fortified cape. A water-main, a public bath, fortress walls and numerous public buildings were constructed here during that time. A legend about the cape, which dates back to the days of Turkish Yoke, tells of 40 girls who preferred to jump into the sea abyss rather than being dishonored by their enslavers.

National Archaeological Reserve “Yailata”

Yailata is a unique place, which is located 2 km south of Kamen bryag. It combines both archaeological finds and marvelous nature. This is a seaside terrace, separated from the Dobrudja Plateau with 50-60-meter high cliffs. Here you will find a cave town that consists of 101 cave dwellings from the V century BC. During excavation work, the researchers discovered here a number of stone tools and instruments. An ancient sanctuary, altars, wineries, four necropolises and an early Byzantine fortress from the V-VI century AD were also uncovered at the site. During the Middle ages the caves were used as a monastery complex. The walls of some of the caves still keep legible proto-Bulgarian signs – runes, crosses and stone icons. The Via Pontica migratory passage crosses this area. More than 178 species of nesting migratory birds can be seen here.

Kamen Bryag

An authentic craggy coast of wild, well preserved beauty. Kamen bryag offers a combination of sea, splendid view and crystal clear fresh air. The day at Kamen bryag may be short, especially if you are deep into fishing, scuba diving or bird watching, or if you are simply interested in archaeology or bioenergy-based phenomena. In the seclusion provided by the steep rocky coast you may indulge in sunbathing or take challenges such as climbing and paragliding.

The “Russalka” Holiday Village

The “Russalka” Holiday Village is located just 20 km east of the town of Kavarna, in the unique nature reserve “Bird's Bay“. The picturesque craggy coast, the small secluded sandy beaches, the century-old oak forests and the amazing variety of plant species here attract millions of birds, and transform the Bird's Bay into an oasis of the unspoiled nature. The more than 8000 year-old ancient archaeological monuments, make the seacoast of Russalka a unique archaeological reserve. The vicinity of the holiday village offers many ancient and medieval fortresses, tombs, caves and altars.

Chirakman

The impressive Cape Chirakman is one of the symbols of Kavarna. The silhouette of the ancient and medieval predecessor of the present town still rises by the port. The plateau, which is surrounded by 100-m high vertical cliffs, has served as a strategic keeper and a wharf for centuries. After the disastrous earthquake in the I century, which split the cape in two and sent a part of the ancient state to the bottom of the sea, the mighty Thracian-Greek colony of Bizone came to life again, settling behind the fortress wall, which held back the numerous Barbarian invasions for centuries. Today this fortress and its basilica have been completely restored and attracts the interest of the tourists visiting the area.

Bolata And Taukliman (Bird's Bay)

North of Kaliakra there are two damp zones – Bolata and Taukliman (Bird's Bay). An assortment of water birds nest here – loons, little grebes, ducks. More than 150 bird species come here in spring to rest and feed. The surrounding rocks and cliffs provide shelter to the owl and buzzard, as well as to a variety of reptiles that are threatened by extinction and included in the Bulgarian Red Book of endangered species.

Touzlata

Touzlata is a place within the Kavarna region, which offers a well developed SPA center. The hot mineral water, in combination with the curative lye, form an excellent prerequisite for treatment and relaxation.

Bulgarevo And Dalboka

The village of Bulgarevo, famous for its vines, orchards, sweet melons and water melons, has something new to offer – in the Dalboka place there is a fully functioning mussel farm. This farm will provide the visitors here with two restaurants with more than 100 seats. Here you will have an opportunity to taste from a variety of seafood delicacies, served amidst the romance and peace of the beautiful bay. Also here you will be able to see the traces of an ancient city, lost long ago – as believed by the researchers – the famous city of Tinum. On the very seacoast you will be able to see the ruins of an early settlement, and also a group of Thracian tumuli.

Ikantalaka – The “White Lagoon” Complex

The picturesque place of Ikantalaka has been “predestined” as a preferred tourist destination. During the past few years the resort has been literally growing: the bungalow bivouac has been transformed into a holiday village (The “White Lagoon” Complex). Some of the most attractive golf courses in this part of the world, are located in the vicinity.