The Mediterranean monk seal, which gave the village its name, was declared extinct in this region in the 1980s.
The cliffs feature a natural stone arch known as the 'Tyulenovo Arch', formed by centuries of wave erosion.
The area is home to an abandoned, unfinished Soviet-era hotel structure perched near the edge of the cliffs.
The water depth at the base of the cliffs is significant, making it a training site for technical scuba diving.
Tyulenovo is one of the few places in Bulgaria where the sun sets over the sea in certain parts of the year due to the unique orientation of the coastline.
The seabed off the coast contains remnants of prehistoric and ancient shipwrecks embedded in the limestone reefs.
Tyulenovo Cliffs are a prominent rock formation located on the northern Bulgarian Black Sea coast near the village of Shabla. The coastline is defined by vertical limestone cliffs reaching heights of up to 30 meters that drop directly into the sea. The site is characterized by natural arches, hidden caves, and deep water inlets carved by marine erosion. The name Tyulenovo derives from the presence of Mediterranean monk seals that historically inhabited the caves until the mid-20th century. The area lacks sandy beaches, focusing instead on rugged terrain and deep-water swimming access. It is a popular destination for rock climbing, cliff jumping, and scuba diving due to the clear water and underwater rock labyrinths. The geological structure consists of Sarmatian limestone, which has been sculpted by persistent northerly winds and waves. There is no major tourist infrastructure directly on the cliff edge, maintaining its undeveloped and wild character. It serves as a significant spot for birdwatching, particularly for migrating species passing along the Via Pontica route.
The natural stone arch at the edge of the main cliff area.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe hiking shoes as the limestone is uneven, sharp, and slippery near the water.
Carry your own water and supplies, as there are no amenities directly on the cliff edge.
Avoid swimming if the sea is rough, as there are no lifeguards and the currents near the cliffs can be strong.
Attempting to climb or jump from high cliff sections without proper experience or safety gear.
Practice 'leave no trace' principles; do not discard waste on the cliffs and respect the local ecosystem.
