Irakli Beach Cove
Иракли · Irakli · Erakli
42°44.3'N 27°52.2'E
Depth
3–7m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
95m
Holding
Fair
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
95m
95m for fair holding on sand in 3–7m. Nature reserve — anchor in sand, do not drag across rocky patches near shore. This is a calm-conditions anchorage only. In any NE or N wind, this beach becomes untenable.
About This Anchorage
Irakli Beach is one of the genuine natural treasures of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast — a long, pristine beach backed by forested hills, completely undeveloped, protected by conservation status from the resort development that has consumed most of Bulgaria's coastline. Environmental campaigners have fought successfully for decades to prevent construction here, and the result is a beach that looks as wild Bulgaria's coast must have appeared before mass tourism. The water clarity is exceptional compared to busier resort areas. There are no facilities, no cafés, no sunlounger hire — just sand, sea, and forest. For sailors approaching from offshore, Irakli offers a rare opportunity to swim from the boat in pristine Black Sea water. The approach from seaward is straightforward in calm conditions, and the sandy bottom gives reasonable holding for a day stop.
Protected From
W · SW
Exposed To
E · NE · N · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Nature reserve — no fires, no camping, no motorised beach vehicles. Respect the protected status of the beach and forest.
Hazards
- !Broadly exposed — calm conditions only; depart at first wind increase
- !Sandy bottom with fair holding only — do not leave unattended
- !No facilities — completely self-sufficient
- !Rocky patches near shoreline — anchor in open sand, away from rocks
Skipper's Tips
- →One of the last pristine wild beaches on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast
- →Visit on a calm summer morning — the water clarity is exceptional
- →Snorkelling near the rocky headlands at each end of the beach is excellent
- →Day anchorage only — the beach is too exposed for overnight anchoring
- →A genuinely special place — worth planning your passage to include it
Facilities
No facilities whatsoever. This is a wilderness beach. Stock up at Obzor (8nm) or Sveti Vlas (15nm) before visiting.
Nearest provisions: Obzor (8nm)
Best Months & Season
Jul, Aug
July–August. Calm conditions essential. Day anchorage. One of the most beautiful stops on the Bulgarian coast.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 95m
Black Sea NE winds and thunderstorms can develop quickly on the central Bulgarian coast. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously while you sleep anchored off the coast.
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