Stone arch with the legendary monk seal

The stone arch with the legendary monk seal is a small point of interest in the Golden Sands resort area on Bulgaria's northern coast. It's a picturesque stop rather than a major sight — the kind of spot you come across on a walk along the seafront or through the nearby nature park.

The name refers to the Mediterranean monk seal, an extremely rare marine mammal that was once found along Bulgaria's Black Sea coast too, but has effectively disappeared from the area today. The exact details of the local legend need verifying, so we treat them with caution; as a visual feature, the stone arch and its natural setting are the main draw.

It's easily reached on a walk from the resort, and best enjoyed in good weather during the warm season. Around it lie the Golden Sands beach and the trails of the Zlatni Pyasatsi nature park, ideal for a short outing into nature.