Irakli protected area, Sunny beach

The protected area Irakli is located 7 kilometers north of the village of Emona, 9 kilometers of the town of Obzor and 30 kilometers of Nesebar. The total area of the preserved site is 42.3 hectares.

The post of National movement “Green Patrols” is situated at one end of the bay. The protected area extends from the post to cape Emine. The beach line is over 3 kilometers long; it is very clean, free of stones and is located in close proximity to a protected area.

Irakli was declared a protected area by Order No. RD 110 of the 6 May 1994 in order to protect typical coastal habitats of rare and endangered plant species (sand lily, spurge, sea woundwort, Tatar spurge and Sea holly) and birds. Some of the plants are listed in the Red Book of Bulgaria (a list of endangered or threatened species in the country) and are protected by the Biodiversity Act.

The area is relatively remote from the large resorts and is mainly visited by young people, who ignore the lack of facilities at the expense of interaction with the wildlife. The tents of many people, who prefer alternative forms of vacation, can be seen in the region from June to September. One of the traditional events in the region is the celebration of July Morning, which is expressed by welcoming the sunrise on the morning of 1 July at the beach.

The protected area of Irakli is guarded by employees of the State Hunting Directorate of Nessebar of the Regional forestry Directorate of Burgas.