Yailata resort

Location

Yailata is a national archaeological reserve located 2 km south of Kamen Bryag village, 18 km east of Kavarna town, around 80 km northeast of Varna city and approximately 525 km northeast of Sofia city.

Reserve

It is a seaside terrace with an area of ​​around 3000 acres, separated from the sea by 50 to 60 m high cliffs. The reserve begins north of Kamen Bryag village, reaches south to Rusalka resort and includes 500 m wide strip of land along the shore.

The name 'Yaila' is Turkish and means 'high pasture'.
Both terraces of the reserve (The Large and The Small Yaila) are separated by a small bay. Locals called it Ashalaka, which in Turkish means 'the place at the bottom'. Depths of the bay almost reach the foot of the Dobrudzha plateau, and in the past has been a port.

On the territory of the archaeological complex are numerous monuments belonging to different historical periods, from the VI century BC to the mid XI century AD.

caves

A large number of caves are located in the reserve. They are carved by hand, single or grouped into complexes. Only in the Big Yaila they are 101, but inaccessible. For several years speleologists, surveyors and technicians performed their full documentation. The caves are located at several levels in the vertical slopes, limiting the area toward the Dobrudzha plateau and the sea. They were used over thousands of years as dwellings and some of them as tombs or churches. During the Early Byzantine period - V - VI century they served as monastic cloister, i.e. it was one of the so called rock monasteries in Dobrudzha.

Rock Necropolises

Over 120 burial discovered three facilities in the necropolis of III - V century in reserve. They are carved into the rocky plateau or plain precipitous slopes. In southern terrace Yaylenskata explored several tombs called. Caving type which is composed of small halls in which to enter into a rectangular burial chamber.
More systematically studied Necropolis № 1, which is located on the crown of a towering 50-60 meters above sea rocky shore.

With few exceptions, almost all tombs were robbed in antiquity or modern times. Find the grave inventory - clay bowls, pots, bowls, bronze and iron buckles, glass beads, coins and other dating them in chronological limits of II - V century. The tombs were family, have worked a long time in some of them are open 15 skeletons.

Fortress

In the northern part of the plane terrace etc. Much Yaila can see the remains of early Byzantine fortress built during the reign of Emperor Anastasius - V-VI century, with a total area of 2.5 acres. Are preserved traces of five towers, three stairs and a gate tower, destroyed in the VI century.

Nature

Yailata not only kept interesting and important cultural and historical monuments, but also a unique natural phenomenon. Varied flora and fauna.
Here goes Via Pontica - one of the main migration routes for migratory birds. Twice a year at this point can be observed migration of the 174 species of birds, 50 species of which nest in the cliffs of the reserve. Yailata Caves caves are inhabited by pigeons and bats. Shag, lapwing and Roller also considered "high pasture" for their home. There are also rare in Europe and the polecat Newtonian hamster. In the past, the lower caves were inhabited by monk seals.
The total number of animals registered in Yailata over 270. There are also 19 species of rare and endangered plants.
Yailata is especially beautiful in spring and autumn. Blooming irises, peonies and cornflowers.

If you like archeology, nature lovers and keen ornithologist or just have access to the sea near Yailata, necessarily visit the reserve. Definitely something to see there.

Transport

The reserve is easily accessible from Varna on the road E87 in the direction of Kavarna. In Kavarna is taken by road to 901 Kamen Beach. At the outset of the village has the right and exit sign Yailata. At the entrance of the reserve's parking lot. Distance from the village there can be traveled on foot.

Accommodation

Kamen Beach Village offers apartments and hotel rooms. Again there can eat delicious local dishes.

Sources: http://kavarnamuseum.org; http://kamenbryag.info; http://forvacation.blogspot.com;
Photos: Mirela, Internet.