The mysterious, magical, amazingly beautiful Crimea has many faces, it is not for nothing that it is called the "world in miniature", because there is everything here: steppe and mountains, green valleys and medicinal lakes, protected forests and beautiful parks, beautiful palaces, noble estates and amazing natural monuments, mysterious caves and cultural monuments of long-disappeared peoples, the sea with its beaches and underwater caves.
Look at the map of Crimea: the interior of the peninsula is occupied by a steppe, mountain ranges are concentrated in its southern part, and all this is surrounded by the sea on all sides. Many of the most beautiful places in Crimea are located on the coast, but there are also many that lie away from tourist trails and cannot be reached by transport.
This wild peninsula, one of the most beautiful places in Crimea, is located in its westernmost point and, probably, will remain the place with which a person will never do anything. It just can't. The steep cliffs are too formidable, its underwater caves are too deep.
The sea here is so clear that standing high on the cliff, you can see the stones at the bottom. But the most amazing sight will open from the sea: huge through grottoes cut through the rocks, caves hide behind high arches, and the rocks are twisted into the most inconceivable figures. From time to time, the tireless surf and wind bring down a part of the rocky coast, and then in this beautiful place of Crimea a new cliff of a fantastic view appears.
Atlesh, the reserved zone of Tarkhankut is made up of white limestone rocks, over the processing of which the ingenious sculptor, nature, has been working for centuries. He fantastically cut the coastline, giving the rocks of this beautiful place in Crimea amazing shapes:
- Turtle - A large rock jutting out into the sea, it really looks like a giant turtle looking out to sea.
- The Chalice of Love is a rock in the form of a round pool. Its depth is 6 meters, and you can only get to it through an underwater tunnel.
- A 150-meter, completely unexplored cave, which can only be entered in one way: swim under a rock hanging over the sea.
Ak-Kaya (White Rock)
A huge white cliff is located in the Belogorsk region of Crimea, in the valley of the Biyuk Kara-Su river. The huge stone plateau ends with a sheer wall 150 meters high. The rock, hanging over the valley, is especially beautiful in the rays of the setting sun. Once it was the seabed, and its layers are a kind of chronicle of the past 70 million years. A careful glance will surely notice petrified shellfish, sea urchins, crabs, and in the youngest layers that are on the surface of the plateau, there are shark teeth, whale and seal bones.
Koyashskoe lake
It is amazingly beautiful and the most salt Lake in the Crimea lies in the south of the Kerch Peninsula. In summer, algae living in the lake color its water pink, and the higher the temperature, the more intense the color becomes. The shores of this beautiful place in Crimea are covered with crystals of salt, smelling of violets, and on the water surface there are bizarre salt icebergs. Only a narrow strip of sandy beach separates the pink from the Black Sea.
Balaklava Bay
There is no other such beautiful place in Crimea, like this bay, to be found. It is sandwiched between two mountains and juts out into the land to a depth of 1.5 kilometers. The entrance to it is not only very narrow, but also invisible from the side of the sea. The unique shape of the bay in the form of the English letter S makes it the quietest harbor even during a severe storm at sea. You can admire this beautiful place in Crimea from the top of the mountain to east coast, where the ruins of the ancient Genoese fortress Cembalo have been preserved.
New World
This is the name of a small village near Sudak. When the car passes the last turn, an unusually beautiful place opens up before your eyes, defiantly beautiful even for the Crimea itself. Eagle and Falcon mountains protect New World from the winds, and the air is saturated with phytoncides of pines and junipers. Three bays of this beautiful place in Crimea - Green, Blue and Blue - fascinate with the purity and transparency of their waters, and mountain paths and grottoes give a unique charm.
Demerdzhi
Among the most beautiful places in Crimea is the amazing mountain range, which was once the seabed. When the stone ridge rose from the sea, the sun and wind created bizarre stone sculptures out of it. In the setting rays of the sun, it seems that the figures really look like running people. Hence the name of the valley with stone sculptures -. Of course, there are many legends explaining the appearance of stone idols in this beautiful place of Crimea, and who knows, suddenly something of what was described in them actually happened.
Taraktash trail
You can walk along this path from Yalta to Ai-Petri and in reverse direction... Of course, going downhill is easier. The views that open to your eyes during the descent are beautiful, but one of the most beautiful places in Crimea - the Taraktash tract itself and its main attraction - an arched rock several tens of meters high, will cause crazy delight. It is striking that with thin walls and quite high altitude a lonely rock does not collapse. The trail will lead you through a hollow, then through a narrow passage between the rocks will lead you out. This passage is called the Taraktash Gate, it is scary to walk along it, but the delight of this beautiful place in Crimea makes you forget about fear.
If you are lucky enough to be near the rock at noon, when the sun is high, you can see how the rock shimmers in all shades of yellow and brown. The height is breathtaking, but the beauty is such that you don't notice anything besides it. Continuing the descent, you find yourself at another fantastically beautiful place in the Crimea - "flying water".
Uchan-Su
Uchan-Su - "flying" or "hanging water" in the old days was called this two-stage stream of water falling from Ai-Petri. In all its power, it appears only in the spring, when the snow is melting. In winter, the water freezes, and its frozen jets become like organ pipes, and this sight is almost more beautiful than the April one.
Nature is capable of creating monuments of amazing beauty. But the creations of human hands are sometimes no less beautiful. Talented architects made history beautiful Crimea beautiful palaces and magnificent parks.
Karaite kenases in Evpatoria
Among the beautiful places of Crimea is the snow-white temple complex of the Crimean Karaites, consisting of two hall two-story buildings with lancet and semicircular windows. In the courtyard of this beautiful place in Crimea, you can see arched galleries and a fountain. The building is not only an architectural monument, but also a historical value.
swallow's Nest
In the village of Gaspra, which lies on the beautiful southern coast of Crimea, on the very edge of the Aurora cliff, there is a tiny building made of white stone. Crenellated walls, tall pointed windows and a round tower with spiers make it look like a medieval knight's castle. Once upon a time it was Vacation home with fireplaces and thick ceiling beams, but what is there now does not matter. , like an elegant toy, as if it soars between sea and sky, drawing the eyes of every guest to this amazingly beautiful place in Crimea.
Livadia Palace
It is known as the summer residence of the last Russian emperor and the venue of the Yalta conference. But it is not so much historical facts that make it attractive, but the beauty of the palace and the park that was smashed around.
The snow-white building in the Renaissance style with four courtyards, luxurious chambers and a unique interior has perfectly fit into the landscape of the Crimean coast and has become one of the most beautiful places in Crimea. The park, laid out on 40 hectares of land, has been equipped and has survived to this day: winding paths bend around beautiful flowers and rare trees, green lawns are decorated with sculptures and fountains, shady alleys lead to the sea, and an endless sea opens from observation platforms to the very horizon.
Palace in Massandra
Emperor Alexander III is considered one of the most amazing and beautiful places in Crimea. The palace is small, but incredibly beautiful and graceful. The architect, decorating the facades with balconies, ornaments and sculptures, gave it the appearance of a fabulous, just gingerbread castle. On the spacious terraces and in the park, sculptures of satyrs and chimeras were installed in the fashion of that time. The building was erected right in the forest, and it formed the basis of a beautiful park. Paths and flower beds were laid on the territory of the park, junipers and conifers were additionally planted along the alleys, exotic plants were brought from abroad.
Foros Church
Between Sevastopol and Yalta, between the sea and the ridge of mountains rises the Red Rock, and at its very edge, like a fragile toy in the palm of a giant, stands the Church of the Resurrection of Christ. It can be clearly seen from the road, and everyone who passes by involuntarily turns his head to see this beautiful place of Crimea once again. The legend tells about miraculous salvation the daughter of a wealthy merchant on the edge of this cliff. There was salvation, but it was about Emperor Alexander III. built in the Byzantine style, has gone through four restorations, and services are still held there.
Vorontsov Palace
Among the most beautiful places in Crimea is the beautiful palace in Alupka, which was created by order of Count Vorontsov, who was then Governor-General of the Novorossiysk Territory. The count wanted the palace to combine English austerity and the luxury of Indian palaces. Such luxury was suitable for these beautiful places of Crimea: the sea was visible from the windows of the palace, on the other side the Ai-Petri massif hung over the palace, and numerous springs would help to grow beautiful garden... And this is how it turned out: the ponderous English style is diluted with elements of luxurious oriental style, and the battlements of the watchtowers coexist with openwork decorations and arches.
The palace park deserves a special place among all the beautiful places of Crimea. Both parts of it - the Upper Park and the Lower - are amazingly beautiful. In Upper there are three glades (Kashtanovaya, Solnechnaya and Kontrastnaya), and each one has separate types of trees. There is also the Swan Lake, where these beautiful birds live, and Zerkalnoye Lake, there is even a waterfall. The lower park is decorated in Italian style, and there are many unique plants growing there. Anyone who has been there claims that there is always a festive mood in this beautiful place of Crimea.
Yusupov Palace
The magnificent Yusupov Palace is located in one of the most beautiful places in Crimea - in Koreiz, on a steep rocky seashore. It was erected in the style of the Italian Renaissance, and its interior is simply luxurious: Viennese sofas and chairs, skillfully made by Austrian furniture craftsmen, porcelain and bronze figurines. But the palace park is even more beautiful! It is decorated with trees from 100 to 500 years old, and a total of 7.5 thousand species of plants grow. The entire territory of this beautiful place in Crimea is decorated with fountains and small pools with figures of goddesses, naiads and mermaids. All entrances to the park, all niches are "guarded" by marble lions.
Nikitsky Botanical Garden
The garden was laid more than two hundred years ago. Its director, Christian Steven, decided to create a nursery for plants that never grew in Crimea, in order to acclimatize them to the Crimean land. And he did it very well. But the main goal was to collect on the territory of this beautiful place of Crimea all the plants that could benefit not only Crimea, but all of Russia. Three years later, the collection of the botanical garden contained 50 varieties of pear trees and almost a hundred varieties of apple trees. Gradually, the collection grew with Italian and French grape varieties, magnolias, palms, plane trees. Plants, unique for this beautiful place of Crimea, have appeared: Californian sequoia, Caucasian fir, cedar, eastern pine, strawberry tree, bamboo, and it is difficult to even count the types of flowers. Today the collection consists of 30 thousand plants from all over the world. And in whatever month you visit this garden, you will always see flowering plants: in the spring it is the Tulip Parade, in the summer it is the Ball of Roses, in the fall it is the Ball of Chrysanthemums. The Botanical Garden, a wonderful creation of human hands, is still considered one of the most beautiful places in Crimea.
There is one gross mistake that every second tourist who has a rest in Crimea makes, turning his vacation into a seal, when upon returning home from the memories there is only banana rides and a buffet at the hotel. There is nothing wrong with that, but from my own experience I can say that a couple of days are enough to relax on the beach. Then he begins to pull for walks, and the burnt skin requires rest from sunbathing.
So, in order to stock up on vivid impressions of the vacation for years to come, every tourist and traveler needs to know what to see in Crimea. I have compiled a cheat sheet for you from the TOP - 20 most popular places for tourists on the peninsula. If you can't wait to get this free bonus, read the article further!
Crimea what to see necessarily TOP - 20 best places
All tourists are different and everyone's requests for recreation are also different, so I divided interesting places in Crimea into thematic blocks. If you are more attracted by the movement and you want to catch the adrenaline, then you will surely be bored on sightseeing tours, even if they are top-notch and all the guides will recommend them to you as a must-see. Listen to yourself and your desires, and choose a vacation to your liking. For example, I can say for myself that diving 200 meters into the caves seemed to me much more interesting than looking at the luxurious interior of the Crimean palaces.
sights
1. Mount Ai Petri
One should climb Mount Ai Petri for three reasons. The first reason is because of the observation deck from which truly opens beautiful view to Yalta and the Black Sea coast. If you go to the top as part of excursion groups, the bus will take you straight to the observation deck, a well-paved track leads to it, along which you can also drive by car on your own.
Also on Ai Petri there is an opportunity to climb a hiker, having bought a ticket for the cable car from Alupka. This is the second reason why hundreds of holidaymakers flock here every day. From the booth you can see the famous battlements, which were shown to the whole world by the Soviet director Gaidai in the film about Shurik's adventures.
And the last reason is the caves, which are located on the plateau of the same name. We were on an excursion to Ai Petri in August, and the weather at the summit did not differ much from the whole temperature in Crimea. Even in light summer clothes, we did not freeze. So I think it's superfluous to take warm clothes with you at the height of the season, unless you are going to go down to the caves, where the degree will be lower.
2. Swallow's nest
The swallow's nest has become popular among tourists only due to its unusual location. Indeed, this miniature castle in the Gothic style, inexplicably hovers over a cliff on a 40-meter cliff. In fact, this object has no historical value, no celebrities have lived in it, and it does not even have an interesting background. But it was precisely for his bizarre image that he was painted in pictures, and returning from the Crimea without a photograph against the background of the Swallow's Nest would be considered bad form.
3. Palaces
At all times, the Crimea was a tasty morsel, because of its beautiful natural landscape and mild climate, many rich important people chose the peninsula as a place for the construction of luxurious palaces and royal chambers. Today, no one lives in the palaces; they are used as museums for tourist excursions. In fact, there are a lot of palaces in Crimea and you are unlikely to have time to cover everything during your vacation, and you should not do this if your goal is not to write a dissertation on medieval architecture) I will tell you about the largest palaces that are most recommended for visiting, based on reviews from tourists.
Livadia Palace
Beautiful name he received his palace from the Greek word "livadia" - a lawn, impressed by the beautiful local area, Emperor Nicholas II erected this snow-white palace in the overseas Italian style here. Now in the palace there are halls equipped as museums, where you can see the rooms where the Romanov family led their tsarist existence - the dining room, the emperor's study, children's bedrooms. It is located in the suburbs of Yalta, just three kilometers from the city. In addition to the Livadia Palace itself, there is a park with mosaic paths, beautiful courtyards immersed in greenery and marble benches.
You can get to the palace as part of an excursion or on your own from Yalta to shuttle bus 5, 11, 27 or 32 and get off at the stop “Sanatorium Dyulber”.
Massandra Palace
If the previous palace evokes thoughts of Italy, Massandrovsky resembles medieval french castles the time of Louis XIII, it is not for nothing that it is called the little Versailles in the Crimea. Now tourists come here to see the museum with the emperor's chambers and items of the royal household, and enjoy leisurely walks through the forest, because the location of the palace is favorable for this.
Yalta mountain-forest nature reserve is located near the Massandra Palace. Needless to say, walks around pine forest in combination with the mountain air have a beneficial effect on well-being, and green lawns with broken flower beds with fragrant flowers will make this day the most pleasant and memorable.
A hiker can independently get to the Massandra Palace as part of an excursion or independently from Yalta by shuttle bus 29 and get off at the Verkhniy Massandrovsky Park stop. Then you have to walk a little along the road.
Vorontsov Palace
Vorontsov Palace in Crimea - this is the most beautiful and majestic building in Crimea, it is connected luxury style romanticism from English architecture and oriental flavor, in honor of the Muslim founders of the city of Alupka. Walking through the territory of the castle, you can feel like a hero of a fairy tale - battlements, turrets, high stone walls. And this pearl of the Vorontsov palace - the southern facade, it seems that the doors are about to open and the beautiful eastern princess Budur will run out onto the balcony, surrounded by her retinue.
It is in the Vorontsov Palace that famous sculptures lions of the great Italian master Giovanni Bonnani, they decorate the stairs leading to the South facade, and miniatures are sold here as souvenirs. Another attraction of this place is the garden, founded by the famous gardener Kebach, where plants from all over the world grow.
The Vorontsov Palace is located at the foot of Mount Ai Petri and is one of the most popular and visited places among vacationers. To get from Yalta to the palace complex, you can sit from the bus station on buses 27 or 32 and get off at the stop "Alupkinsky Palace".
Leisure
If you cannot rest for a long time without physical exertion and love to spend your time on hikes, then there are places in Crimea that are perfect for this.
4. Marble cave
It is not necessary to have professional skills in speleo - tourism to dive into the most mysterious cave in Crimea. I'll tell you honestly, we also doubted at first, because we had Small child, my daughter at that time was only three years old. But she walked with great interest the entire route in the Marble Cave from start to finish, and now she can boast that she saw huge icicles that grow straight from the ground)
Everything in the Marble Cave is equipped for comfortable and safe movement through the underground halls, there are paths, steps and railings. Each route is built in such a way that you do not even need the help of a guide, it is quite possible to see the decoration of the Marble Cave on your own, the transition from one level to another is not at all difficult, and as I said above, even a small child can pass it.
I left a review of our visit to two large caves in Crimea.
5. Cave Emine Bair Khosar
Usually, a visit to the Emine Bair Khosar cave goes in conjunction with the Marble Cave, because they are both located on the Chatyr Dag plateau, and they are separated by a distance of only two kilometers. The cave got its beautiful name thanks to the Tatar dictum - "a well on the side of a mountain", but the guides prefer to call it the Mammoth Cave in honor of the mammoth that fell into its bowels, whose remains are now the main attraction of this place.
Other visitors to the cave that often visited were cave bears, saber-toothed tigers and woolly rhinoceros, their bones resting next to the remains of a mammoth. But traces of our ancestors' stay here were not found, apparently the ancient man was careful and did not burn with the desire to meet these predators here.
6. Tarkhankut
Is there diving in Crimea, and if so, what can you see there? - such a question we asked ourselves approximately while looking for scuba diving in the Crimea. In order to understand what sights await you in the depths of the Black Sea, you yourself need to go to the western coast of Crimea, there is Cape Tarkhankut - perfect place for diving on the peninsula. This is where travelers who are passionate about active rest in the wild, smash tent camps to enjoy the unusual landscape of rocky shores and calm clear sea.
In addition to diving on Tarkhankut, you can see sights - the Crocodile rock, swim in the Cup of Love, swim through the pirate arch in the rock.
You can see a review of how our trip to Cape Tarkhankut took place.
Historical excursions
If you want to know Crimean peninsula closer, then you certainly need to get acquainted with its history, because of its soft natural conditions at all times he remained a tasty morsel for the conquerors. Greeks, Scythians, Italians, Romans and many other peoples lived in Crimea at different time periods, each of which left its architectural and historical mark on the Crimean land.
7. Assumption cave monastery
Due to its unusual location, the Assumption Cave Monastery every year attracts hundreds of tourists from all over the world to its chambers. It is literally carved into a sheer rock, and from the side it seems that it soars in an amazing way over the Gorge of Mary. The reasons for the construction of the monastery in such unusual place several, but the main one is that once on the site of the Assumption Monastery an icon of the Virgin was found, which, after being extracted, as if by magic, returned back to the caves.
The monastery survived many turbulent days, when wars raged outside its walls and bloody battles were raging, miraculously managed to avoid the pogrom of the Turkish invaders. Today, on the territory of the monastery, there are cemeteries where soldiers from different historical eras are buried, from the Crimean War and the Great Patriotic War. Another attraction of the monastery is its entrance staircase, with a wall located on one side, showing holy places from all over the world with a handful of earth.
You can come to the Assumption Monastery from Bakhchisarai by taking minibus # 2, the Staroselie bus stop.
8. Genoese fortress
Do you want to see spectacular theatrical knightly tournaments within the walls of a real medieval fortress? Then you should definitely take a ride to the city of Sudak and visit the Genoese fortress. Within the walls of the sights, you can see the main gate, 12 towers, a consular castle, a temple - a mosque, a temple of the twelve apostles, a warehouse, barracks and, of course, the walls of the fortress, serpentine going to the inaccessible rocks of the stone ridge.
Review - Genoese fortress, as I was drinking honey beer there,.
9. Cave cities
The cave cities of Crimea are another amazing historical attraction of the peninsula, all of them are located in the Bakhchisarai region, and if you have an interest in such places, you can set aside a day for a trip. The most popular places where you can come on your own are Bakla, Mangup, Eski Kermen, Chufut Kale. In the Middle Ages, these caves were created by human hands to protect people from the frequent attacks of enemies and invaders. The openings for the entrance are carved into the rocky rocks, so you need to move around the cave cities with caution. You can see both residential caves and cave monasteries, temples with frescoes and paintings.
10. New light. Golitsyn trail
The Golitsin trail is primarily interesting for tourists because it runs along the coastline under the slope of the mountain, as well as some of its sections pass through grottoes and caves. The trail originates from the village known for its wines and champagne - Novy Svet, the village itself is also one of the most beautiful places in Crimea, especially given its miniature size and location in a natural bay. In the process of passing the trail, such attractions are visited as three colored bays, the famous Golitsina grotto with a wine cellar in the walls of the cave, a juniper grove and many viewing platforms.
The trail is three kilometers long, but despite the short distance, it has strong elevation differences. Therefore, it is better to go through the mountainous terrain in comfortable shoes and with a supply of drinking water in a backpack.
11. Adzhimushkay quarries
In Crimea, there is a place that every vacationer must visit, so as not to forget about the heroism of our ancestors and what price they had to pay for our today's peaceful sky overhead. This place is a museum on the site of a former quarry, where during the war years people lived and defended from the mines, surviving in inhuman conditions and with their last strength fought back the enemy onslaught of the Hitlerite army. It is scary to imagine what the occupied residents had to endure. Along with hunger and lack of drink, the Nazis blew up and filled up the entrances, pumped smoke into underground tunnels, and staged landslides. Of the ten thousand unfortunate occupied residents who descended into the quarry in 1942, several hundred survived.
The underground museum is located near the city of Kerch and it is impossible to miss it, next to it there is a giant memorial monument to the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.
Natural Monuments
12. Cape Fiolent
Cape Fiolent is the most picturesque creation of nature in Crimea, because a volcano worked on its appearance, today the eruptions of which can be observed in the form of huge blocks of black lava towering over the sea surface. The sight is unforgettable, as all tourists say, and I completely agree with them ...
You can swim at Cape Fiolente. But to freshen up on local beach, you will have to go down about a thousand unequipped and extreme steps, but the reward will be the cleanest sea in Crimea with a view of the cliffs and an almost complete absence of tourists.
It will not be difficult to come to Cape Fiolent in Crimea, either as part of an excursion group or on your own. Public transport stop "5th kilometer", then you need to change to a minibus going to Cape Fiolent.
13. Demerdzhi
Demerdzhi is the most mysterious mountain in the Crimea and here's why. Firstly, this is not a mountain at all, but a plateau stretching for several kilometers along the Black Sea, near the city of Alushta. The second reason is the bizarre formations in the form of giant stone pillars, reminiscent of the sculptures of warriors, and one of them, due to the similarity with the face of Empress Catherine, is named in her honor. Thirdly, this is the popular place of the Valley of Ghosts, so named because of the frequent fogs descending on the valley. When from under thick clouds only the tops of stone sculptures can be seen, reminiscent of frozen silhouettes of people.
By the way, interesting fact, v different time days, Demerdzhi changes its appearance, each time appearing before tourists in a new color, this is due to the amazing composition of the rocks that form the mountain range. There are several trekking paths leading to Demerdzhi, passing through oak and beech groves, so you won't get lost or miss interesting things.
14. White rock Ak-Kaya
Ak Kaya is a sheer white cliff, resembling the canyons from the Wild West films. It is not for nothing that many directors chose this area for filming films; here they fit perfectly into the landscape - cowboys in wide-brimmed hats, galloping on frisky horses.
But the rock also has a dark history, on the top of Ak Kai in the Middle Ages, people were executed by throwing them down from a steep cliff. The robbers arranged hiding places for the loot in the Ak Kai caves. Famous generals held meetings on its plateau, and the soldiers took the oath.
15. Kara Dag reserve
Unlike previous natural creations, the Kara Dag reserve cannot be entered without warning. First, you need to clarify the time to visit, book a place for walking around the reserve, as well as pay an entrance ticket. But in return you will receive such unforgettable views and emotions that you will remember for a long time.
So why is this place so attractive for a vacationer? Firstly, this place is a real concentrate, where all the most beautiful and rare plants and trees in Crimea are collected, which are under protection, you can see natural marble and blocks of solidified lava. Secondly, there is the famous Golden Gate rock, you can swim through a natural arch and make a wish during a boat trip along Kara Dag.
Thirdly, this is not just a nature reserve, but an extinct volcano that once spewed out fiery lava, the black color of the rock reminds of this, it is not for nothing that Kara Dag means Black Mountain in translation. Other attractions of the reserve are the museum of the same name, a 7 km long hiking trail, panoramic observation platforms.
16. Waterfalls
The Uchan-Su waterfall is considered the highest waterfall in Crimea, but unfortunately its view during the peak season leaves much to be desired, in the summer months it almost dries up and in order not to get disappointed from the trip, it is better to plan a visit to the lower, but operating in summer, Dzhur-Dzhur waterfall.
Dzhur - Dzhur is the most spectacular and beautiful waterfall in Crimea, even the name of the waterfall is gurgling. If you come to Abkhazia and do not ride to the waterfall it will be considered bad form, then while resting in Crimea, you should visit Dzhur - Dzhursky waterfall. The height of the falling stream is fifteen meters, and stones fall from the mountain along with the water, so you won't be able to enjoy swimming, but not many will agree to plunge into the icy water. But against the background of the waterfall, excellent photos are obtained, and if you have not seen such a miracle of nature before, it can impress you!
With health benefits
17. Estuary
Crimea is not only beautiful landscapes and sights, but also healing air, unique salt lakes and mineral mud. Arriving in Crimea to rest it is quite possible to improve your health and recover from many ailments. Where can you do this if you are not undergoing spa treatment in a sanatorium? The fact is that in Crimea there are many free natural hospitals, which you can use right in the open air, and such wonders of nature are called estuaries.
Estuaries are lakes with a high concentration of salt in the composition of the water, and at the bottom of such reservoirs there are medicinal mud, which has a beneficial effect on the skin and the body as a whole. To receive treatment, it is enough to come to the estuary, of which there are a huge number in the Crimea, to take a mineral bath and apply therapeutic mud to the body.
You can read a review of how we went to the estuary in Evpatoria, Lake Moinaki.
18. Jau Tepe mud volcanoes
If you are sure that there is no active volcanoes, then you are deeply mistaken. On the peninsula there are amazing natural volcanoes that erupt not fiery lava, but streams of healing mud! In total, there are about seven active volcanoes in Crimea, and all of them are located in the east of the Kerch Peninsula in the village of Vulkanovka. But unlike estuaries, getting into the mouth of a volcano to smear yourself with mud would be a big stupidity, you can easily fall into a natural crater. Mud mud contains a storehouse of minerals and is used by doctors for recreational purposes in hospitals and sanatoriums of the Crimea.
Entertainment activities
Crimea has long ceased to have the status of a pensioner vacation; the events held on the peninsula are most often aimed at youth and active pastime. Jazz festivals are held here, informal youth gathers, many clubs, cafes and other entertainments, the nightlife in resort towns... What unusual events can you visit in Crimea that you definitely won't see at home?
19. Mud fights
This non-traditional sport appeared in Crimea relatively recently and has already gained popularity among spectators, visitors and tourists. Indeed, in the role of athletes in the arena are beautiful pumped-up girls, but this is not their main quality. What visitors come here for is to see with their own eyes the masterful techniques of karate, and sometimes even tricks like spectacular acrobatic numbers. Do not be afraid there will be no blood and broken ribs, but an adrenaline rush while watching mud fights is guaranteed for you. And you can also take part in this event personally, each spectator is given the opportunity to enter the ring and compete with the gladiator girls.
20. Kazantip
You've probably heard about Kazantip, but you don't know what it is. The Kazantip Republic is a mega party held annually in Crimea and gathering hundreds of visitors from all over the world on its territory. Vacationers come here for the sake of listening to club and electronic music performed by the most top DJs from all over the world. Here you can hang out, dance and light up all day long, and you can come here in beach shorts and a swimsuit, or you can come up with an original image and apply makeup.
You can read our impression of the days spent at Kazantip.
I hope my memo, what to see in the Crimea is obligatory, will be useful to you. I wish you all a pleasant and memorable stay!
Map Golden ring Crimea, circular routes by car and bus on the highway, on off-road vehicles on dirt roads
posted at the bottom of this overview.
We recommend the first trip to the "world in miniature" along the circular route the Golden Ring of Crimea and recommend a mandatory long stop in Alupka.
Most of the Crimean attractions are located in the southwest, on the Simferopol - Bakhchisarai - Inkerman - Sevastopol - Balaklava - Laspi - Simeiz - Alupka - Miskhor - Yalta - Gurzuf - Partenit - Alushta - Angarsk Pass - Salgirskaya Valley - Simferopol. Overview The Golden Ring of Crimea from any of this point can be traveled in 1 day! Of course, you can go in any direction. But we recommend the first trip so that you arrive in Alupka early. You can also return to your place of residence in the dark.
At night, the trolleybus route Yalta - Alushta - Simferopol is also quite suitable. But during the day in the season you will have to abandon it - it is too busy. The Simferopol - Bakhchisarai - Sevastopol highway is suitable at any time of the day. But there are not many viewpoints on it. The most high density attractions are still in the south-west of Crimea.
Map of the circular automobile route "The Golden Ring of Crimea" - the main route along the highway (red dots), routes for mountain bikes, and motorized off-road vehicles (blue dots).
Separately, over time, we will analyze the routes for off-road vehicles (from mountain bikes to expedition jeeps). But, unlike the Golden Ring of Crimea, you cannot pass the route by car on the highway in one day. However, it is possible to keep within a day if part of the route with a bicycle at the beginning or at the end is carried out in an electric train, trolleybus, or agree on an auto-transfer.
All our routes are also accessible by public transport. Again, in this case, you will not be able to cope with the Golden Ring of Crimea during daylight hours. It will be necessary either to break it up into loop-like routes to return to your base point, or to spend the night at one of the points of the ring. Agents of apartment bureaus are always at the bus stations around the clock. Inexpensive hostel-type hotels operate directly at bus stations, for example, in Yalta.
The true pearl of the Black Sea is the Republic of Crimea. This is one of the most beautiful places modern Russia... Due to the variety of natural beauty, distinctive history and mild climate, the peninsula has attracted millions of tourists for more than a decade. Here there is everything that even the most sophisticated vacationer, seeker of curiosities and incorrigible romantic dreams of. Landscapes create enchanting eyes majestic mountains, picturesque coves, beautiful beaches, cliffs, caves, forest reserves and an abundance of vegetation.
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Admiration is caused by the emerald warm waters of the Black Sea, luxurious palaces and historical monuments cultures, parks and squares, a combination of mountain and sea air. Only an independent trip on a personal or rented vehicle will provide an opportunity to experience the absolute freedom of travel without limiting the distance and time. Among the variety of noteworthy resort towns and places, it is important for tourists to determine what to see in Crimea by car.
For a thorough acquaintance with the famous landmarks of the peninsula, a rented car is ideal. This type of voyage will allow tourists to go on an exciting and comfortable journey along the desired route, without burdening themselves with finding the desired public transport flight and studying the travel schedule. You can make stops on scenic sections of the road and take with you as many things as you need.
Renting a car in Crimea is as easy as in other civilized countries. Many local rental offices provide their services here. It is recommended to book a car a few months before the trip through an online aggregator, which will select the best rental offers from trusted local car rental companies. Thus, the client will be offered a large selection of cars of different classes at an affordable price. You can get the car directly upon arrival at the Simferopol airport or indicate any settlement where the customer will be delivered the transport.
It is important to remember that before making a lease, you must study the terms of the contract. You should pay attention to the intricacies of insurance, limiting the daily mileage of the car, the amount of the deposit and the general rental pricing. All information is detailed on the aggregator sites. Upon receipt of the car at his disposal, the tourist must conduct an external and internal inspection of the transport for damage.
The territory of the peninsula is penetrated by an extensive network of highways. Routes to the famous resorts of Crimea run through steppe regions and steep mountain serpentines. While in cities and towns, you can leave your car in the parking lot and go on an exciting walk. Most of Crimea's attractions are located along the extensive coastal strip of the peninsula.
Kerch
At the eastern end of the peninsula is the hero-city of Kerch, the historical chronicle of which has been going on since the 6th century BC. From time immemorial, this small port site has had an important strategic importance... The city stands on the strait of the same name, connecting the waters of the Black and Azov seas. Fierce battles were fought over the possession of this piece of land, as evidenced by the walls of the fortresses of Yeni-Kale and Kerch. Citadels are masterpieces of the fortification art of the 18th-19th centuries.
Kerch is famous for its abundance of historical sights. On one of the well-groomed seaside streets there is the Church of St. John the Baptist. The Byzantine style church was built in the 8th century. Mount Mithridates rises in the center of the city, the top of which is definitely worth climbing. In fact, it is a 92-meter-high hill. To get to the highest point of the mountain, you need to climb 436 steps of a staircase decorated with sculptures of griffins (mythical winged predators) and vases. From the slope, tourists can see an amazing view of the city, immersed in greenery, the obelisk of glory to the Soviet troops, the "eternal flame", as well as unique antique ruins.
Feodosia
The eastern resort of Crimea - Feodosia hospitably welcomes its guests. The city, located at the junction of mountains and steppes, attracts tourists with beautiful landscaped streets with picturesque parks, magnificent sandy beaches and cultural and historical museums.
The hallmark of Feodosia is the embankment with a characteristic architectural flavor. The appearance of the main street of the resort is determined by the villas of the 19th century. The facades of the buildings are decorated with columns, arches, towers and balustraded terraces. Shrubs and flower beds are planted along the alleys. There are picturesque parks near the embankment, where you can relax in the shade of trees. Walking around the city, you can see many monuments, ancient churches, fountains and playgrounds.
A visit to the National Art Gallery named after I.K. Aivazovsky. The richest collection of seascapes is located in the personal home of the world famous artist, who was born in Feodosia. You can also visit the museum of another talented master - the writer A.S. Green. This is a literary and memorial institution that demonstrates to visitors the environment in which the famous romantic writer lived and worked.
Koktebel
In a picturesque, cozy bay, framed by low mountain ranges, there is the wonderful village of Koktebel. As is typical of the Crimean resort area, acceptable conditions for recreation have been created here - a well-groomed coastal strip, clear sea, hotels of different levels, landscaped parks, a spacious embankment with an abundance of entertainment.
Koktebel bewitches with its famous extinct volcano Karadag, which is a protected area, where walking and sea excursions are organized. This is a unique place, which contains rare representatives of flora and fauna listed in the Red Book. The surface of the mountain was riddled with traces of eruptions. The volcano's slopes are covered with bizarre cliffs, polished by the winds. The sea part of the massif is indented by bays. At the foot of the reserve stands high rock arched shape. Because of the overgrown yellow lichen, this geological formation is called the Golden Gate.
Sunny Valley
Tourists who prefer solitude with the surrounding nature without hustle and bustle will love the village of Solnechnaya Dolina. This place, located 12 kilometers from Sudak and 3 kilometers from the sea, is considered one of the least populated in Crimea, even in the midst of the summer season. Harsh huge rocks, forming a group of picturesque cliffs, tightly surround the settlement and protect the area from cold winds. Forest plantations and vineyards set a special tone for the local landscape.
The best varieties of grapes are grown in the Sun Valley, which is facilitated by a special microclimate. It is warm and sunny for more than 300 days a year, and there is also little rainfall. The heart of the village is the winery named after Prince L.S. Golitsyn, founded by him in 1880. Among the abundance of exotic plants and flower beds are hidden long tunnels of cellars with barrels and bottles of the noble drink. In the tasting room, tourists are offered to experience the unique taste of several varieties of wines.
The nearest pebble and sandy beach is in settlement Coastal. Along the coastal strip you can find guest houses for holidaymakers and green alley with stalls and small cafes.
New World
Among the juniper groves and pine forests, framed by majestic cliffs, there is a small town - New World. Coastline cut with cozy windless bays, in which the Ottoman pirates have sheltered their ships for a long time. The winding serpentine roads penetrate the hilly reliefs that surround the village. The resort was born thanks to the entrepreneurial spirit of Prince Lev Golitsyn, who founded a winery here in 1878. Barrels of wine were kept in the caves of the rock formations.
The amazingly beautiful landscapes of the New World make a memorable impression on travelers. Tourists are advised to walk along the Golitsyn trail to see the breathtaking Crimean nature. The road is made of stone steps carved into the side of the mountain, surrounded by a curb. The trail is 3 kilometers long and runs along a cliff over the edge of the sea coast and under high rock canopies. Overcoming the path, you can visit the grotto beaten out by the waves in the rock. Its height is 30 meters. The cavity of the cave is occupied by stone arches.
The end point of the Golitsyn trail is Cape Kapchik. The rocky ledge resembles the outline of a lizard quenching thirst with the waters of the Black Sea. This is a natural border between two bays with steep mountains. The sea waters here amaze with their transparency and the cleanliness of the pebble beaches pleasantly surprises. The highest coral reef in Europe, Mount Sokol (472 meters), rises nearby.
Zander
The sunny city of Sudak is located in the coastal mountainous area of the southeast of the peninsula. The resort is great for families with children. There are many sandy beaches, as well as a gentle and safe entrance to the sea. A narrow alley of cypress trees leads to the lively and well-maintained embankment, teeming with entertainment establishments. There is nice places, where you can spend time in a measured way surrounded by lush subtropical vegetation.
The main symbol of Sudak is the legendary Genoese fortress. This is a unique architectural monument of medieval Crimea, erected at the turn of the XIV-XV centuries by colonialists from the Genoese Republic. The citadel stretches along a steep cliff, from where a picturesque view of the outskirts of the city opens, and occupies 30 hectares of territory. The fortress structure consists of powerful battlements and quadrangular towers, the height of which reaches 15 meters. The historical building blends harmoniously with the sea and mountain landscape.
Alushta
You can walk through the historical and memorable places where the legendary "Prisoner of the Caucasus" was filmed in one of the best resorts south coast Crimea - Alushta. The city is framed by a chain of majestic mountain ranges, which contributes to the constant circulation of air currents. The long and wide central embankment is dotted with fluffy crowns of evergreen conifers, under which rows of benches are lined. In addition to a separate alley with restaurants, the embankment houses the iconic symbols of the city. This is a rotunda with six columns, a monument to the Olympic "Bear", a fountain "Boy with a fish" and a large park with an abundance of vegetation and flower beds.
The surroundings of Alushta deserve attention. You should definitely visit the Valley of Ghosts on the slopes of Mount Demerdzhi. This is literally a natural open-air museum, where, as a result of weathering, huge stone pillars took bizarre shapes. The thick fog settling on the valley gives particular mystery to the figures. Walking through these places, you can see the famous tree, from where the hero of Yuri Nikulin threw nuts. The rock formations of the valley, which have their own names, are mesmerizing. For example, you can see the rock "Catherine's Head", as it resembles the profile of the Empress.
In 30 kilometers from Alushta there is an amazingly beautiful temple of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. The church, erected in the form of a lighthouse, is dedicated to the lost travelers at sea. The temple is crowned with a gold cross instead of a dome. In the basement of the shrine is unique museum maritime disasters, in which the walls and ceilings are decorated with shipwrecks.
Yalta
The most famous and popular resort of the Republic of Crimea is the unsurpassed Yalta, which is definitely worth a visit. This business card the southern coast of the peninsula. Mountain ranges, landscaped parks and squares, palm and cypress groves, azure Black Sea and many interesting places, full of sights, give a special ambiance to this city.
The long seafront promenade of Yalta is a favorite street of tourists and locals, where you can make pleasant walk admiring the natural beauty. Alleys of palm and coniferous trees, sculptural compositions, marinas with yachts and many entertainments for every taste delight the eye. Along the promenade, there are old buildings of the 19th century lined up in a long row, the facades of which are decorated with columns and roof balustrades. The embankment is popular with street musicians and artists.
While in Yalta, there is the opportunity to go on an air trip on the cable car that passes over old streets cities. Tiny double cabins climb up to Darsan Hill. During the trip, you can see the gilded domes of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and historical buildings. An amazing panoramic view of the city opens from a height of 138 meters.
The park and palace complex in the village of Massandra, which is 5 kilometers from the center of Yalta, will leave pleasant impressions. On a mountain slope, surrounded by forests and well-groomed alleys, rises a castle built for Emperor Alexander III. The beautiful architecture of the three-story palace delights you. The facade is decorated with galleries, balconies, towers with spiers. The terraces are framed by balustrades with flowerpots. In front of the building there is a small artificial pond with goldfish and a fountain. Those who wish can inspect the interior decoration of the premises and get acquainted with the conditions of the tsarist life of those times.
Gaspra
The famous symbol of Crimea "Swallow's Nest" is located in a cozy resort village Gaspra, 12 kilometers from Yalta. This place attracts vacationers with its picturesque landscapes and beneficial maritime climate. The village is literally covered with mountain ranges, so cold winds do not reach here. The town is dotted with garden and park complexes in which palaces, fortresses and estates are located.
The famous structure "Swallow's Nest" was erected on a steep forty-meter cliff of Cape Ai-Todor in 1912. The Gothic architectural style of the castle with its characteristic crenellated camps and lancet windows recalls the times of the valiant knights of the Middle Ages. The palace is crowned with a round tower with spiers.
Alupka
The city of Alupka, located between the magnificent Mount Ai-Petri and the sparkling Black Sea, seemed to stand still in silence and tranquility. Here, enchanting landscapes are saturated with lush vegetation, and the combination of coniferous and sea air creates a healing boost of energy.
Alupka owes its popularity to the Governor-General of the Novorossiysk Territory M.S. Vorontsov. In the first half of the 19th century, on the initiative of the count, a luxurious castle was erected, which is framed by a fragrant subtropical park with exotic plants and ornate paths. Vorontsov Palace is a majestic and austere monumental complex that combines several architectural styles at once.
The southern facade includes elements of oriental architecture. These are arches covered with stucco ornaments, thin columns, low minarets and open terraces with sculptures. The northern facade of the palace is decorated in the medieval Gothic style, which is characterized by battlements, round and quadrangular towers, pinnacles and protruding polyhedral columns.
The program of walking in Alupka is unthinkable without climbing to the top of Mount Ai-Petri. Its mighty stone walls rise to the sky at 1234 meters. You can climb up by cable car or by car, overcoming a winding mountain serpentine. During an independent trip along the scenic road, you will meet famous mountain objects: Uchan-Su waterfall, Turtle Lake and Silver gazebo. Once on a plateau covered with trees, a breathtaking panorama opens up in front of tourists.
Sevastopol
The legendary naval port of Sevastopol is located on the western coast of Crimea along several bays. Inspired by the spirit of historical glory and great accomplishments, the hero city is replete with numerous attractions that will not leave anyone indifferent. The architectural ensembles of the city reflect the greatness, valor and honor of the Russian people.
It is worth starting the walk from the central square of Nakhimov. Here, attention is drawn to the monument to Admiral Pavel Nakhimov, the memorial wall of the defense of Sevastopol with a relief image of a warrior, the alley of glory and the "Eternal Flame".
Next to the square is the Grafskaya pier, the main entrance of which is a snow-white colonnade with a massive attic, built in 1846. Going down to the sea along a wide staircase, you can see a monument to the sunken ships 20 meters from the coast. The monument is presented in the form of a seven-meter column, set on a granite rock and crowned with a bronze eagle.
The Grafskaya quay smoothly turns into the embankment, from where a panoramic view of the Sevastopol Bay opens. The powerful Mikhailovskaya and Konstantinovskaya batteries, which provide protection from the entry of the enemy fleet into the sea area of the city, will stand out. Primorsky Boulevard, which is adjoined by a picturesque alley with lawns, trees, fountains and numerous architectural structures, leaves pleasant impressions. There is a theater, a palace of culture, an oceanarium and a dolphinarium.
The museum complex "35th Coastal Battery" should be a must-see point of view of the hero-city. During the defense of Sevastopol in 1941-1942, the fortress with artillery pieces in the Cossack Bay to the last resisted the fascist invaders. On the territory of the complex there are two battery towers, a pantheon of memory of the heroes of the defense, artifacts of weapons and military equipment.
In the vicinity of Sevastopol, there are the largest ancient Greek ruins of cultural value for mankind. This is the national archaeological reserve Chersonesos-Tavrichesky. Tourists have a unique opportunity to stroll through the city, founded in 420 BC. On a vast territory of more than 500 hectares of land, there are antique ruins, columns, fragments of buildings and structures. Significant place Chersonesus is the Cathedral of St. Vladimir. According to legend, Prince Vladimir converted to Christianity here in 988.
Bakhchisarai
The once capital of the Crimean Khanate, which existed under the patronage of the Ottoman Empire until 1783, is located in a mountain gorge among dense vegetation and far from the coast. This is the picturesque city of Bakhchisarai. Narrow streets with small old houses immerse you in the atmosphere of antiquity.
The main pearl of the city is the vast residential area of the Crimean Khanate. This is a palace complex of structures that forms a labyrinth of unique eastern buildings... The two-storey buildings are decorated with openwork window grilles, high minarets, galleries and paintings reflecting the traditions of Tatar culture. On the territory of the complex there are gardens, fountains, gazebos, utility buildings, a harem, a stable, baths, a falcon tower and a mosque.
Walking through the small rooms of the khan's residence, you can pay attention to oriental luxury... The halls of the palace are decorated with bright floral ornaments, decorative patterns, and carpets. In addition, a museum of culture, art, history of the Crimean Tatars is open here.
Having got acquainted with the traditions and way of life of the Crimean Khan, it is recommended to go to Chufut-Kale. This is one of the masterpieces cave towns, located on a rocky plateau of sheer cliffs 600 meters high. Here in the Middle Ages lived mainly Karaites, professing a religious doctrine similar to Judaism. Household and living quarters have been skillfully cut out in the stone formations. At the time of the Crimean Khanate, a mint was located in the cave fortress.
Simferopol
Simferopol is the capital of the Republic of Crimea and the gateway to the peninsula that welcomes tourists arriving at the international airport. An exciting journey by car begins here. A highly developed transport network of roads leads to absolutely any resort areas of the Crimea. Most travelers are often carried away by a trip to the coast, so Simferopol is left without proper attention. However, the city has something to see and where to walk.
The central street is Lenin Square, where a monument to the leader of the proletariat, the building of the government of the republic and the academic theater are erected. You should walk along the pedestrian Pushkin Street. The boulevard is lined with old buildings of the 19th century. Gagarin Park is replete with vegetation, manicured lawns, fountains, monuments, memorials, benches and entertainment areas with attractions. The central part of the vast territory of the park is occupied by a lake with a small island in the middle, which can be reached by catamaran.
Noteworthy ennobled Vorontsovsky park With botanical garden saturated with flowers and rare plants. More than 200 types of roses of all colors of the rainbow are grown here. In the garden, you can retire in gazebos, walk along narrow forest paths or along wide alleys under the crowns of tall trees. On the territory of the park there is a small estate of Count Vorontsov with classical columns. The visiting card of Simferopol is the railway station, built in 1951. The majestic building is decorated with a clock tower and a graceful arcade gallery. Architectural ensemble forms a courtyard with a broken square and a fountain.
Evpatoria
The amazing resort Evpatoria is one of the few Crimean cities, combining comfort, entertainment and cultural monuments of architecture. Wonderful sandy beaches, marvelous beautiful parks, a refined promenade with endless entertainment venues and various historical buildings evoke enthusiastic feelings among tourists.
Evpatoria is famous for its religious architectural buildings. You can see the multi-domed Juma-Jami mosque, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the temple complex of the ancient Karaites, the Armenian church, and the synagogue. The shrines reflecting the cultural heritage of different nations amaze with their beautifully designed facades. The city is full of sculptures and monuments dedicated to the historical past, famous figures, fairy-tale characters... For lovers of active and cultural recreation, there is a water park, a dolphinarium, a zoo, a theater and a museum.
Cape Tarkhankut
Cape Tarkhankut is the pearl of the western part of the peninsula. This place attracts tourists with its pristine nature untouched by civilization. The lack of vegetation is compensated by the numerous coastal rocks rising vertically upward from the sea. For a thousand years, waves and wind have carved caves, arches and bizarre boulders along the coast.
Among the enchanting landscape, the natural aquarium "Chalice of Love" deserves attention. This the most picturesque place is a heart-shaped pool surrounded by boulders. The bowl is filled with water thanks to an underwater tunnel cut by waves in the coastal cliffs.
