Trip to Kaliakra

As the long summer weekends drag on, I decided to take a short trip to Kaliakra, a spit of land stretching southwards into the Black Sea in Bulgaria.  It was about 10 kms this side of Kavarna. The plan was to go on the Saturday and visit Kaliakra and then stay at an 'economy' hotel at Tyulenovo, a bit more north of Kaliakra.

Kaliakra

As it was the first day of the holidays (or seemed it) the motorway was heaving to Constanta and then further south to Mangalia.  Driving in such crowded situations is somewhat stressful - and don't start me on about Romanian pedestrian crossings!!

I was surprised about Mangalia, mostly due to the huge Daewoo shipyard there - good to see someone in Europe still building ships.

My kinda apartment block!

On through Vama Veche, past the border.  The crossing is relatively easy - passport and car registration if you're EU.  Then you need to buy the vignette.  A week (minimum) is 10 Leva so not likely to break the bank.

Kaliakra was impressive.  A former fort (it was clear why) now with some Bulgarian military base on it.  There were remnants of a Roman fortress and from others in between.  It was hot...with no shade, it was heavy going.  The area is really scenic - very nice, though the many wind turbines detract from the beauty a bit.  Still, the fort will outlast them.

I went to Kavarna, well known as site of Bulgaria's annual rock festival.  But not when I was there.  It seemed to be a bit non descript though the idea of living in a block with a mural of Billy Idol on the end did appeal to me.

All I did was do to a shop and stock up on Bulgarian wine...so not a wasted trip at all!

Local road and helpful road sign

Then I went back north to Tyulenovo.  Following the signs and my trusty GPS I headed off the main road.  Then I found the worst road in NE Bulgaria.  I already know most of the bad ones in NW Bulgarian so soon I may get the full set.  The Orbita hotel was basic - but in a fine cove with a good restaurant.


 I checked in and headed off for an afternoon Kaminitsa (or two).  Then a walk along the rugged coast followed by the inevitable nap.  Dinner in THE restaurant was a bit tough - full, so I didn't get my cheesy chips until about 10.30 pm.  I made do with a glass or two of wine to pass the time.

Best view on the coast

Hotel was about 17 GBP/night.  Handy for the beach (50 m) and clean. Good price for a well positioned hotel and clean bed.

Next morning, after discovering that the breakfast wasn't available on a Sunday (??), I went to Shabla to visit the lighthouse.  I also found a beach and went for a dip - warm and enjoyable.  Eventually, I headed back through the chaos of Mangalia and nearby resorts to Cernavoda.

A short, but good, trip.  Well worth a visit.

Shabla beach