Yaylata

Yaylata is an archaeological reserve along the Black Sea coast with rocky terrain containing cave dwellings carved directly into limestone cliffs alongside remnants of ancient fortifications. The site spans a significant area and includes burial grounds and structures from different historical periods.

The fortress here dates to the 5th century, reflecting Byzantine presence in the region, while burial grounds show occupation during the 3rd and 4th centuries. These layers reveal how the location served as a lived settlement across multiple periods.

The carved caves show how residents built homes directly into the rock, creating spaces for living, worship, and burial in one integrated system. This building method reveals how people adapted to the coastal landscape and organized their daily lives within the stone.

The best conditions for exploration come during dry periods since the rocky ground can become slippery when wet. The area is accessible from the coastal road near Kavarna and has facilities for visitors, though walking paths lead into natural terrain.

The site sits on the Via Pontica bird migration route and attracts hundreds of bird species depending on the season, making it a place where nature and history intersect. Visitors can watch migrating birds resting during their journey between continents.