Cape Kaliakra

Cape Kaliakra is a narrow headland on Bulgaria's Black Sea coast in Dobruja, about 12 km east of Kavarna (Lonely Planet: 13 km south-east). Sources differ on the distance from Varna: Wikipedia says about 60 km north-east, Visit Varna about 80 km north. The cape extends roughly 2 km into the sea, and the cliffs rise up to 70 m.

The site has been settled since the 4th century BC; the Romans expanded the Thracian fortress, in the 5th and 6th centuries it was a fortified base, and in the second half of the 14th century it was the capital of the Karvuna principality (despotate) under Balik and Dobrotitsa. It fell to the Ottomans in 1393-94. Remains of walls, the water supply, baths and the prince's residence are partly preserved. The area has been a nature and archaeological reserve since 1960; you can watch dolphins and cormorants there, and it lies on the Via Pontica bird migration route. The easiest way to get there is by car; without one, Lonely Planet says a bus runs from Kavarna to Bălgarevo, followed by a walk of about 4 km. An archaeological museum is housed in a cave, and a small visitor centre in Bălgarevo has English-language exhibits. August to October is the best time for migratory birds. Check timetables in advance.