Coral Beach (Plazh Koral)

Coral Beach (Plazh Koral) is one of the last remaining wild and unspoiled beaches on the Bulgarian Southern Black Sea coast, located between the town of Kiten and the village of Lozenets, approximately 2–3 km north of Lozenets and 3 km south of Kiten, in Tsarevo Municipality, Burgas Region. With a shoreline of 844 metres and a total area of 172,713 sq m — the largest total beach area in the entire Tsarevo Municipality — it is the undisputed champion of the Lozenets area for dune coverage and natural habitat. Of its total area, 123,513 sq m consist of protected sand dunes, while the active sandy beach strip reaches a maximum width of 64 metres. Since 15 March 2016 Coral Beach has been classified as a beach for nature-based tourism, which means it cannot be leased or granted under concession — a status that effectively ensures it will remain in its current natural state. It forms part of the Natura 2000 protected zone network and is home to five natural habitats with a total area of approximately 200 decares, four of which are listed in Volume 3 of the Red Book of Bulgaria. Rare and protected plant species found here include the snowflake (Leucojum aestivum — blátno kokiche), osyris, and butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus). The beach is backed by dense forest, behind which lie private wooded lands, and the dune system ranges from embryonic dunes through small sectors of mobile white dunes to fixed grey dunes — a progression of rare geomorphological and ecological value. The beach is broad, long, and covered with fine golden sand, with crystal-clear, shallow water free of underwater holes or currents, making it suitable for children and non-swimmers. It is a favourite destination for kitesurfers and windsurfers when the wind conditions are right, and a water and extreme sports school operates on site. The beach also has a small camping area — Camping Koral — with bungalows and space for tents and caravans, and several small eating and drinking establishments serving fresh fish and cold drinks. The beach is not patrolled by lifeguards, and visitors should bear this in mind. Access is from the main Kiten–Lozenets road (turn left from the Burgas–Tsarevo direction shortly after passing Kiten); the approach road is asphalted but in poor condition. Parking is available under the trees before the beach.