Occupying the Urdoviza Peninsula, Kiten is a small seaside resort town on Bulgaria’s Black Sea Coast. It was founded in the 1930s by Bulgarian refugees from Turkey and flourished as a getaway destination in the 1960s. Today, it attracts tourists from Bulgaria and beyond thanks to its sandy beaches and proximity to Strandzha Nature Park.
Things to do in Kiten
Kiten’s biggest allure is its sandy beaches, which overlook the refreshing waters of the Black Sea. You can kick back beneath a beach umbrella on Atliman Beach or take advantage of the inflatable play equipment in its shallow waters. Kiten South Beach fronts the Gulf of Urdoviza and is more exposed to waves, meaning it’s often not as crowded as its northern neighbour.
For a quieter beach experience, head south to Coral Beach, a wild stretch of sand that is popular with kite surfers when the wind conditions are favourable. Alternatively, you can snorkel off the sands of Mechata Dupka Beach, a small cove backed by a restaurant serving traditional Bulgarian fare.
Hugging Bulgaria’s border with Turkey is Strandzha Nature Park, which extends from the beaches of the Black Sea to the inland forests. It is the largest protected area in the country and encompasses significant cultural heritage sites that include rock sanctuaries and traditional wooden houses. In addition to being home to grey wolves, golden jackals and deer, the park is located on one of Europe’s largest migratory bird routes, the Via Pontica.
Getting around Kiten
Kiten is around a one-hour drive from Burgas and Burgas Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular buses connect to Kiten and the town is small enough to explore on foot. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to the surrounding beaches and Strandzha Nature Park.