Bolata

Bolata is a locality situated on the cove of the same name, and is part of the Kaliakra reserve.

The locality is a wet area with a large importance for several rare plant and animal species. The sandy beach was naturally formed and is unique for the rocky coastal area of Kaliakra. A small rivulet forms a narrow ravine and flows into a marsh overgrown with a large reed massif. The lime rocks in the locality are red in color owing to the iron oxides in the clay which fills the crevices. The cove is also part of the Kaliakra Complex protected area under the NATURA 2000 ecological system of protected areas in the EU. 

Flora and fauna

Out of herbal plants, the following grow in the area: common ginger, bulb meadow grass, common reed, wheat plants, etc. The bush type plants characteristic here are: cornel, euonymus, Christ's thorn, bush type jasmine, etc.
Several types of amphibians and reptiles dwell in the area, like the protected types of Syrian spadefoot, brown toad, spur-thighed tortoise.
Over the lake passes Via Pontica — one of the large air "thoroughgfares" of migratory birds from all over Europe. That is why a lot of nesting or passing water loving birds can be observed in the cove: small bittern, small crested grebe, kingfisher, large cormorant, river tern, goldeneye and other types of ducks and geese.
The crevices and niches are important dwelling places for bats and for the steppe mammals characteristic of the area: white-toothed shrew, small white-toothed shrew, common gray vole, etc. In the water area abutting the cove common dolphins can be observed as well.

Culture and tourism

In the Bolata caves, remains have been uncovered of an ancient settlement, which testifies there were inhabitants there as early as in 400 B.C. The Maltese cross discovered is a testimony of the trade conducted during the Second Bulgarian Kingdom with Venice and Genoa. Other artifacts discovered comprise stone circles, sacrificing stones, cave dwellings in the rocks. The Bolata beach is a household name with divers as well. The steep path to the north leads to the top of the rocky wall, and from the top a view of the whole ravine unfolds. The Bolata cove belongs to the “Most Beautiful Gulfs in the World” Club.