Sights of Crimea that are worth visiting on the map. The most beautiful places in Crimea. Interesting places in Crimea: focus on historical and cultural value
Using our detailed review of the “best attractions in Crimea”, you can make your trip to this hospitable city unforgettable. When developing a rating of what you should definitely see in Crimea, we took into account the recommendations of qualified guides and reviews of vacationers.
What to see in Crimea Firstly
2. Vorontsov Palace
Southern facade of the Vorontsov Palace Derevyagin Igor
Few attractions in Crimea can boast such a stunning view. In fact, the object is a former summer residence of the count’s family, a park complex, and a museum reserve that preserves its luxurious interiors. numerous magnolias and cypresses, as well as Mount Ai-Petri create a worthy exterior. Filming of such films as “Ten Little Indians” and “An Ordinary Miracle” took place here.
3. Livadia Palace
Snow-white Livadia Palace surrounded by a green park
The date of construction of the snow-white royal palace is over a hundred years ago. It is also a museum reserve, famous for its incredible architectural beauty. In exhibition centers you can see thematic exhibitions dedicated to the Romanov family. If you don’t know what to see in Crimea in 1 day, come here.
4. Massandra Palace
Eastern facade of the Massadra Palace
Another palace complex of the 19th century, which at one time was the property of Count Vorontsov. The building is decorated in the style of the time of Louis the Thirteenth. Today there is a museum on its site.
5. Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai
Great mosque and courtyard in the Khan's Palace in Bakhchisarai
If you are interested in the culture, life and architecture of the Crimean Tatar people, you just found out where to go in Crimea. The former khan's residence was supposed to become “paradise on earth.” However, over the many hundreds of years of its existence, it was destroyed and remodeled more than once. However, even today in this cultural and historical reserve you can look at the decoration that was in the harems of the wives and personal chambers of the Tatar rulers. Other attractions include the famous Fountain of Tears, Sarah Guzel Baths and mosques.
See the beautiful places of Crimea in this wonderful video!
6. Foros Church
Foros Church on a steep cliff - Red Rock above the village of Foros in Crimea
An exquisite and small temple from the 19th century, built at an altitude of 412 meters above sea level. Look at it from below, and it will seem to you that it is floating in the air. The church is active: weddings, baptisms and clergy services are held here. From the observation deck you can look at the surrounding areas and Foros.
7. Assumption Cave Monastery
Assumption Cave Monastery on the slope of the Crimean Mountains, in the picturesque Mariam-Dere gorge
When talking about the best places in Crimea, it is necessary to mention this men’s temple, created by Byzantine monks back in the 13th century. The building has existed for such a long time that even the Khan of Crimea came to it to venerate the local shrines. During the USSR, the temple was closed and practically destroyed, but about 25 years ago it was completely restored.
8. Nikitsky Botanical Garden
Blooming summer garden and gazebo in Nikitsky Botanical Garden
The territory of the botanical garden covers tens of hectares. The 19th century square houses research centers, all kinds of flowers, plants and trees. There are many greenhouses and even its own museum with a unique herbarium. For fans of fauna, regular excursions are held, flower festivals, exhibitions and balls are organized.
9. Bear Mountain (Ayu-Dag)
View of Ayu-Dag from Gurzuf Papa Q
A natural and archaeological monument with a rich history, containing the remains of a city from the 8th to the 14th centuries. According to legend, Ayu-Dag is a giant fossilized bear that was laid to rest by the king of the sea. Over 10 species of rare animals listed in the Red Book live in the protected area of the mountain.
10. Mount Ai-Petri
Mount Ai-Petri in clear weather Batyashev Alexander
A mountain peak that formerly served as the site of the Greek Temple of St. Peter. A cableway stretches across Ai-Petri, almost three kilometers long. Ascent to the top point is carried out in special cabins.
11. White rock Ak-Kaya
The white rock of Ak-Kaya rises above the valley of the Biyuk-Karasu River Seitmemetoff
Rock massif formed by white varieties of limestone. At the foot of the mountain, sites of primitive people, their fossilized bones and tools were discovered. Not far from Ak-Kai stands an 800-year-old oak tree, under which Suvorov held military conversations with representatives of the Sultan of Turkey.
12. Cave city Chufut-Kale
Preserved caves of the medieval fortified city of Chufut-Kale in Crimea Peter Ashton
An ancient fortress-city, built by the Byzantines in the 3rd century. It is here that ancient architectural and natural masterpieces - grottoes, caves and foundations - have been preserved in the best condition. In addition, the city’s territory (an area of 90 hectares) offers wonderful panoramas of the canyon. Be sure to go and see the local men's temple, built directly on the rocks.
13. Marble Cave
“Mammoth” in the Gallery of Fairy Tales of the Marble Cave in Crimea
According to historians, the formation was formed millions of years ago, and is gradually expanding in size. Inside there are spacious halls, approximately one and a half kilometers long. If you don’t know where to go in Crimea, come to the Marble Cave and look at the unique varieties of local stalactites and crystals.
14. Chersonese Tauride
Ruins of Chersonese Tauride in Crimea
The remains of an ancient city, which was created by the Greeks over 2.5 thousand years ago. Nearby there is a museum with archaeological artifacts, the Vladimir Temple and a park complex.
15. Genoese fortresses
Fortress walls with towers and the ancient mosque of the Genoese fortress in Sudak
A trio of fortified structures once used to defend against attack from the water. By agreement between the Genoese and Tatars, the fortresses became part of the Genoese Gazaria. Later they belonged to the Ottomans. Today, anyone can look at such interesting places in Crimea.
16. Dolphinarium in Koktebel
Trained dolphins at the Koktebel Dolphinarium
What to visit in Crimea with children? Dolphinarium, the main characters of which are: the snow-white northern whale, fur seals and Black Sea bottlenose dolphins. Each “artist” has his own number and coaches. The opening date of the site is summer 2008. During the warm season, the complex operates outdoors. In winter it is covered with a dome.
17. Dinopark in Evpatoria
Life-size dinosaur in the Dinopark of Evpatoria
A dinosaur park where “real dinosaurs” live. 16 objects are life-size and are also located in the fresh air. They not only move and growl, but even breathe.
18. Water park in Sudak
Slides of various lengths and steepness at the Sudak Water Park
The water park is located on an area of more than 20,000 square meters. meters, and is divided into 3 parts. The number of slides, cascades and pools is pleasantly surprising. Guests of the complex can be people of any age: there is entertainment for both children and adults. There are several cafes where you can enjoy cold drinks and ice cream.
19. Museum panorama “Defense of Sevastopol”
Fountain in front of the panorama building “Defense of Sevastopol 1854-1855.” Cmapm
A grandiose building telling about the days of the defense of Crimea. You can see it only by purchasing a ticket for a tour group. The museum is located in a park area.
20. Monument to sunken ships
Monument to sunken ships on the main embankment of Sevastopol
Monumental object immersed in water. The monument was created in memory of the events of the 19th century (Russian ships were sunk in a local bay in order to cut off the waterway for the most powerful fleets of England and France - on the orders of Prince Menshikov).
Sights of Crimea: what else to visit in Crimea?
We told you about the main attractions of Crimea briefly. In addition, take time to explore the city's treasures, such as:
21. Balaklava Bay
Panoramic view of Balaklava Bay in Crimea
A compact bay with rugged, colorful coastlines. There is also a Genoese fortress here. If the opinion is that the first buildings appeared on the shores of Balaklava Bay back in the 8-9 centuries BC. During the Crimean War, a British military base was located here, and later - under the USSR, a secret facility.
22. Object 825GTS
Entrance to the underground submarine base - Object 825GTS RussiannamePreviously classified Balaclava military facility and underground station for submarines. During the Soviet Union, the bay was not even put on maps. After the collapse of the Union, the landmark was looted and destroyed. But 15 years ago, the Ukrainian authorities set up a museum here with exhibitions dedicated to the fleet. Now the Russian government wants to once again change the purpose of the facility by placing a new base on its territory.
23. Grand Canyon of Crimea
Landscape of the Grand Canyon of Crimea
Included in the list of “best natural » . The object is known for its basins and quaint baths, waterfalls and relict forests. Please note: getting here by public transport is quite difficult. Many hotels in Crimea organize excursions here: visiting with a group is recommended. A large landscape canyon is a vast crack in the rock, along which cliffs and capes stretch. Tourist routes have been laid along the surrounding area and along the bottom of the crack (there are equipped observation platforms).
24. Valley of Ghosts
A cluster of oddly shaped rocks in the Valley of Ghosts in Crimea
More than a hundred stones of various sizes cast original shadows at sunset and dawn, intertwining with each other and “moving.” The dimensions of some rock blocks are over 25 meters. There are no spirits here; the name was given to the area precisely taking into account the extraordinary ability of the stones to “change their location.”
25. Cape Fiolent
View of Cape Fiolent in Crimea
Landscape object with unique flora and fauna. The territory has several attractions of its own, such as Jasper Beach and St. George's Monastery (connected to each other by several hundred steps). We can recommend a visit to this cape to everyone, but especially to those who are passionate about diving. Because There are almost never ships moored here and there is 100% visibility at sea.
26. Golitsyn Trail
Golitsyn mountain trail off the coast of Blue Bay in Crimea
The length of the trail, built by order of the Golitsyn princes in the eastern part of the peninsula, is 3 kilometers. Fragrant pine trees grow along the famous tourist route, and there are several observation platforms. The attraction became a huge success thanks to its picturesque landscapes and fantastic views from the mountain peaks. The Golitsyn trail goes around the magnificent Novosvetsky bays - Blue, Blue and Green.
27. Jur-Jur waterfall
Jur-Jur waterfall in the picturesque area of the Khapkhal gorge
A wonderful place, pleasing with its beauty and coolness even on hot days. The height of the famous full-flowing waterfall with an average water flow of 270 liters per second is 15 meters. Buy a ticket and you will be able to look at the territory of the Khapkhal gorge, including from the observation deck. You can get to the waterfall by jeep along mountain paths.
28. Factory of champagne wines "New World"
Monument to Prince Lev Golitsyn on the territory of the New World sparkling wine factory Ta2Ed
An organization that produces champagne using classic French technology. The length of the enterprise's tunnel system is seven kilometers. During the year, about one million six hundred thousand bottles of sparkling wines and champagne of excellent quality are produced here. The plant was founded by order of Prince Golitsyn back in 1878. After 12 years, it was decided to produce drinks on an industrial scale. As for today, organized excursions are held around the enterprise: their goal is to improve the culture of alcohol consumption and to familiarize guests and residents of the city with branded products in detail. Experienced oenologists and winemakers work in the exhibition halls and provide detailed advice on all issues of product selection. Both luxury and budget alcoholic drinks are available for sale.
29. Massandra Winery
Tower of the main wine cellar of the Massandra plant Pavel Mozhaev
In addition to the enterprise with a beautiful façade, on the winery’s premises there are cellars and cellars that are unique in their architectural design (the legendary bottles of wine, which have a fabulously high value, are securely stored in them). It is also recommended to visit the plant as part of an excursion group. You will be able to conduct personal tastings of vintage drinks, as well as learn about how various wines are produced. It is possible to purchase Massandra brand products.
30. Crimean Bridge
View of the 19-kilometer Crimean Bridge
World-famous transport links, which include roads and railways. The length of this high-tech landmark is such that it makes it the longest bridge in the Russian Federation and countries throughout Europe.
We are sure that those sights of Crimea, photos with names and descriptions of which you just saw, aroused your interest. When you arrive on the peninsula, be sure to check them out.
The most popular attraction on the map of the southern coast of Crimea is the Vorontsov Palace. It is located in the state palace and park reserve of the city of Alupka.
The palace fits perfectly into the surrounding landscape of mountains and vibrant vegetation. The architectural features of this place are considered to be massive towers with pointed crenellations, openwork balustrades, white marble of the southern facade, lion statues and the unusual atmosphere of the halls.
Cheap flights to Simferopol
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Map of Crimea with attractions
Sights of the Crimean Peninsula on a satellite map.
When you zoom in and go to the “Satellite” layer, you can look at interesting places in Crimea in great detail and understand how to get to them.
Here's an example of what the Vorontsov Palace looks like on this map.
Click on the image.
Excursions
Detailed map
Here is the largest and most detailed map of Crimea with descriptions and photos of attractions, which you can download and print.
The map of Crimea shows the following attractions:
Perekopsky Val,
Ostrich farm,
Hermit settlement,
Arabat arrow,
Cape Kazantip, Kazantip Nature Reserve,
Crimean NPP,
Lake Chokrak,
Mud volcanoes,
Ostrich farm in Kerch,
Yeni-Kale fortress,
Royal Kurgan,
Adzhimushkay quarries,
Panticapaeum, ancient city,
Kerch fortress,
lake Tobechik,
Opuk mountain and reserve,
Feodosia Art Gallery of Aivazovsky,
Green's house-museum in Feodosia,
Uzun-syrt (Mount Klementyev),
Quiet bay
Koktebel Dolphinarium,
Cape Chameleon,
Koktebel water park,
House of the Poet M. Voloshin,
Kara-Dag reserve,
Kara-Dag Dolphinarium,
Fox Bay,
Echki-dag mountain range,
Cape Meganom,
Waterpark Sudak,
Genoese fortress in Sudak,
New World Champagne Factory,
Golitsyn's path,
Chaliapin's Grotto,
Panagia tract and Arapat waterfalls,
Choban-kule tower,
Jur-Jur waterfall,
Red Cave (Kizil-koba),
Water park "Almond Grove"
Ai-Yori is a healing spring,
cave Emine-Bair-Koba,
Emine-bair-khosar cave,
bottomless cave,
Marble Cave,
ancient city of Naples Scythian,
Cosmo-Damianovsky Monastery,
Arbor of the Winds,
Ayu-dag (Bear Mountain),
Pushkin Grotto,
Artek,
winemaking association Massandra,
Massandra beach,
Yalta Embankment,
wine-making center Magarach,
Theater of sea animals "Aquatoria",
Museum of floristry "Glade of Fairy Tales" and Zoo "Fairy Tale",
Wuchang-su waterfall,
Livadia palace and park complex,
Kharaks, palace and park,
Miskhorsky sanatorium and park complex,
Cable car to Ai-Petri, lower station,
Vorontsovsky Park,
Water park "Blue Bay"
Cable car to Ai-Petri, upper station,
Baydar Gate,
Foros Church of the Resurrection of Christ,
Laspi Bay,
Batiliman tract,
Balaklava Bay,
Underground submarine repair plant,
Chembalo fortress,
memorial complex Sapun-gora,
Panorama "Defense of Sevastopol 1854-1855",
Sevastopol Aquarium,
Sevastopol Primorsky Boulevard,
Sevastopol Dolphinarium,
Chersonesus archaeological reserve,
Water park "Zurbagan" in Sevastopol,
cave city of Inkerman (Kalamita fortress) and cave monastery,
cave city Eski-kermen,
Mangup, cave city,
Assumption Cave Monastery,
cave fortress city Chufut-kale,
cave city Tepe-kermen,
Crimean Astrophysical Observatory (CRAO),
Cave city of Bakla,
Saki healing lake,
entertainment center Sunny,
Water park "Banana Republic"
Juma-jami mosque,
Evpatoria Space Center,
Republic of KaZantip (Popovka),
Donuzlav, lake,
beam Big Castel,
rock chaos Dzhangul (kekury),
ancient city of Kalos Limen.
The highest point of the Crimean Mountains is the peak of Ai-Petri (height 1234 meters). You can get to it by cable car from Miskhor or along the mountainside by car. Here tourists can feel the exciting emotions of the height and the panoramic view of Yalta. Local residents can offer local entertainment: horseback riding and donkey riding, as well as lunch in a real Tatar restaurant.
It is also recommended to visit Sevastopol, a hero city with a very complicated history. The bay with moored submarines and military vessels will not leave anyone indifferent. The city has many historical museums of the Black Sea Fleet, which are rightfully considered the oldest buildings in the world.
If you have the opportunity and desire, visit such architectural attractions as the Ai-Todor Lighthouse, Livadia Palace Museum, Villa Otrada (Alushta), Villa Ksenia (Simeiz), Dream Villa (Simeiz), Admiralty Cathedral (Sevastopol), Genoese fortress Kafa (Feodosia), Kharaks Palace and Park (Gaspra), Dulber Palace (Gaspra), Karasan Palace (Alushta), Gagarina Palace-Estate (Alushta) and much more.
Crimea is a real pearl of the Black Sea. This unique peninsula has attracted people since ancient times; there are traces of ancient and medieval civilizations here. Crimea managed to be a rich Greek colony, a harbor for Italian merchants, and an outpost of the Ottoman Empire before becoming a vacation spot for the rulers of the Russian Empire. During Soviet times, the peninsula was the main beach of a huge country.
First of all, a vacation in Crimea means relaxing on the beaches of the picturesque South Coast and the famous healing resorts of the West Bank. In between sunbathing, tourists go to explore numerous attractions: ancient cave cities on high plateaus, magnificent imperial palaces in Livadia and Massandra, famous Sevastopol and the old Khan's Bakhchisarai.
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What to see and where to go in Crimea?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
A famous architectural monument of the southern coast of Crimea, one of the most famous attractions of the peninsula. In the 19th century here was the private residence of a retired general; later the land passed into the hands of the German Baron Steingel, under whom a palace in the neo-Gothic style was built in 1911. After the end of the Civil War, Swallow's Nest fell into disrepair and only in the 1960s. recovery has begun.
Palace complex with a landscape park in the village of Livadia. The first buildings appeared here at the beginning of the 19th century. After 1861, the Livadia Palace was sold to the royal family and began to be used as a summer residence. The white stone building that has survived to this day was built at the beginning of the 20th century. During the Second World War, the entire territory of the park was destroyed, the palace lay in ruins. It was restored before the start of the Yalta Conference in February 1945.
Museum-reserve at the foot of Mount Ai-Petri in the village of Alupka. The complex was built in the first half of the 19th century for Count Mikhail Vorontsov according to the design of the English architect Edward Blore (he took part in the construction of Walter Scott's Scottish castle and Buckingham Palace). The western part of the building is made in the English Tudor style, the southern facade is an example of Moorish architecture.
Another Crimean palace of the late 19th century not far from Yalta. Originally belonged to the Vorontsov family, but was then purchased for the imperial dynasty. The castle was built with elements of the style of the times of the French king Louis XIII; the construction work was led by the architect M. Messmacher. During the Soviet years, the palace was used as a summer house for top officials of the state; now there is a museum on the territory.
The former residence of the Crimean khans, built in the 16th century. The main architectural idea of the complex is to convey the Crimean Tatars’ idea of heaven on earth. Several generations of rulers of the Girey Khan dynasty lived here, each trying to expand and complement the palace complex. In the XVIII–XIX centuries. the palace burned, was rebuilt, repaired and almost lost its original appearance. Only in the 20th century was it possible to restore the original interiors.
One of the mountain peaks of the southern coast of Crimea. Belongs to the Yalta Mountain Forest Reserve. Previously, the Greek monastery of St. Peter was located here. A cable car runs almost 3 km across the mountain. in length, which is recognized as one of the longest in Europe. While climbing to the top in a cabin, the tourist gets the opportunity to admire the picturesque views from a bird's eye view.
A natural and archaeological monument of Crimea, located in the valley of the river. Biyuk-Karasu. The rock is a massif composed of white limestone rocks. At the foot of Ak-Kai, sites of primitive man, the remains of tools and fossilized bones were found. Ancient Scythian mounds were excavated at the top. An 800-year-old oak tree grows next to the rock. It is believed that under this tree Suvorov negotiated with a representative of the Turkish Sultan.
A historical, archaeological and natural monument of the peninsula, where the remains of a fortified settlement from the 8th-15th centuries have been preserved. One of the legends says that the mountain is a petrified huge bear that wandered around the valley, destroyed everything around and calmed down on the shore at the behest of the sea god. The reserve is home to more than a dozen species of rare animals listed in the Red Book.
Karst cave near the village of Mramornoe. The age of formation is several million years. Until now, the cave continues to expand, as the processes of formation of the young Crimean Mountains continue. The cave has several large halls, through which excursion routes are laid about 1.5 km long. Here you can admire the rarest types of crystals and stalactites.
A fortified city located on a high mountain plateau near Bakhchisarai. The road to the cave city passes through the territory of the rocky Holy Assumption Monastery. It is believed that Chufut-Kale appeared in the 5th-6th centuries. as a fortification on the outskirts of Byzantine possessions. In the XIII-XIV centuries. the city became the center of a small principality - a vassal of the Crimean Khanate, where representatives of the Karaite people began to settle. In the 19th century, the last inhabitants left Chufut-Kale.
An ancient Greek city founded in the 5th century BC. Subsequently it became a large and rich center of the entire Greek colony on the peninsula. From the 2nd century BC. was dependent on the ancient Bosporan kingdom, and later became a vassal of Rome. Chersonesus is also one of the cradles of Christianity - the first followers of Christ settled here in the 1st century. In the 10th century, Prince Vladimir of Kievan Rus was baptized in Chersonesos.
Three fortified forts of Genoese sailors, located in Balaklava, Sudak and Feodosia. In the Middle Ages, they were Black Sea outposts of the powerful Genoa and were used for defense from the sea. According to an agreement with the Tatars in the 14th century, the Genoese annexed the territory from modern Feodosia to Foros to their possessions. The region was called Genoese Gazaria. In the 15th century, the fortresses passed into the hands of the Ottoman Empire.
Another name for the temple is the Church of the Resurrection of Christ. It was built at the end of the 19th century on a cliff rising 400 meters above sea level. Alexander III gave the order to build a temple in memory of the train crash, in which the entire family of the emperor almost died. A few years after the victory of the 1917 Revolution, a restaurant was placed in the building, which existed until the early 70s. In the 90s The temple was restored with funds from the Ukrainian government.
An active monastery, presumably founded in the 8th century AD. fugitive Byzantine monks. The monastery existed for many centuries; during the Ottoman rule, even the Crimean Khan came here to pay homage to local shrines. After the establishment of Soviet power, the monastery was closed, and the 1927 earthquake destroyed the buildings. Revivals and restorations began only in 1993.
The monument in the waters of the sea on the embankment of Sevastopol is considered a symbol of the city. It was erected in honor of the events of the mid-19th century, when Russian ships were deliberately scuttled in Sevastopol Bay in order to block the path of the Anglo-French fleet. To avoid a battle (since the enemy fleet was more powerful and better armed), Prince Menshikov decided to sink the ships, but not allow enemy troops to approach the city.
A historical monument dedicated to the events of the Crimean War of 1853-1856. This is a monumental panorama of the defense of Sevastopol by the master of battle painting Franz Alekseevich Roubaud, located in a round-shaped building. Work on the canvas began in 1901. F. Roubaud created his masterpiece with the help of students from the Bavarian Academy of Arts and several German painters.
Formerly a secret military facility in Balaklava, a former underground submarine base. During the USSR it was one of the most secret in the USSR. For many years, Balaklava Bay was not marked on maps. After the fall of the USSR, the facility was neglected and looted, only in 2004 the Ukrainian government organized a museum of the history of the submarine fleet there. After Crimea comes under Russian jurisdiction, the Russian authorities plan to establish a new base there.
A small bay with intricately rugged and picturesque shores, where, according to Homer’s Odyssey, the legendary navigator visited. On the shores of the bay stands one of the Genoese fortresses. It is believed that the first settlements arose here in the 8th-6th centuries. BC. During the Crimean War, the bay was the site of a British base; during Soviet times, it was a secret submarine station.
A landscape landmark of the Crimean Peninsula, a state reserve since 1974. The canyon is a wide crack in the rock formed during the formation of the Crimean Mountains. There are several cliff capes along the crevice, and the river flows along the bottom. Auzun-Uzen. There are several tourist routes with observation platforms along the bottom of the canyon and in the surrounding area.
A cluster of rocks on the western slope of the Southern ridge of the Demerdzhi mountain range. There are more than 100 rock blocks of different sizes scattered throughout the valley, the largest reaching 25 meters in height. At dawn and during sunset, the stones cast bizarre shadows that move and intertwine with each other. That is why the place received the poetic name “Valley of Ghosts”.
Natural area 15 km. from Sevastopol with an expressive landscape, a 10-kilometer coastline and a unique flora. On the cape there is the St. George's Monastery and Jasper Beach, connected by a staircase of several hundred steps. Cape Fiolent is considered the best place for diving, as there is almost one hundred percent visibility and there are no ships moored here.
A three-kilometer trail in the village of Novy Svet, created by the princes Golitsyn specifically for the arrival of Emperor Nicholas II. Now it is a popular tourist route. The trail begins at Mount Orel, goes along the coast past Mount Khoba-Kai to the through Golitsyn grotto. Along the route, observation decks are equipped in the most beautiful places, with fragrant pine trees growing all around.
It is considered the largest and most powerful Crimean waterfall. Jets of water fall from a height of 15 meters, the maximum size of the riverbed is 5 meters wide. It remains full even during the long dry season. Sometimes stones fall into the heights along with the water. The waterfall is located in a mountain-forested protected area; the water temperature, even in hot summer, does not exceed 10 °C.
Located approximately 10 km from Yalta. The garden covers an area of several tens of hectares; scientific activities are conducted on its territory and research institutions are located. It appeared at the beginning of the 19th century with the assistance of Count Vorontsov and the botanist F. Biberstein. The first director was the famous naturalist H. Steven, who over 12 years of work collected and adapted about 500 plant specimens to local conditions.
Crimean wines are several well-known brands that produce various varieties of grape drink. The most famous of them: “Massandra”, “Sunny Valley”, “Inkerman”, “New World”, “Koktebel”. The New World brand is famous for its excellent champagne (the brut variety is especially good), Massandra is famous for the specific taste of its wines, and Inkerman produces a good red wine under the same name.
Travelers are now worried about many reasons: exchange rates are rising, prices are also rising, and flights to many countries are being cancelled. What to do? There is a way out - and this is Crimea. Someone who has already been to Crimea returns to their favorite place year after year, while others are just getting ready to discover all the charm of a holiday on the increasingly popular peninsula.
To make the task easier for those who are going there for the first time, or maybe just deciding to refresh old memories, we have written this article in which you will find all the useful information about the most popular attractions of Crimea. If this is not enough, and everything has already been studied, then in this case we have an article “10 most unusual sights of Crimea”, which we advise you to take a look at.
One of a kind, the Bakhchisarai Palace is a unique example of Crimean Tatar architecture and annually attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world. On the vast territory of the palace there is not only the palace complex itself, but also a mosque, gardens with fountains and museums: an art museum, museums of the history and culture of the Crimean Tatars and, of course, the main exhibition of the museum itself, which includes not only the decoration of the palace, but also an impressive exhibition of cold weapons.
The palace is located, as you might guess, in the city of Bakhchisarai, which is approximately 50 kilometers from Sevastopol and 30 kilometers from Simferopol. You can get to the city by car - from the nearest large cities the journey will take about an hour, but, for example, from Yalta or Yevpatoria - an hour and a half, from Feodosia - two and a half. Besides by car, you can get to Bakhchisarai from Sevastopol and Simferopol by buses departing several times a day from the bus station, and by train. The Bakhchisaray Palace itself is not difficult to find in the city; it is located at 133 Rechnaya Street.
The palace's opening hours vary depending on the time of year: in winter, the ticket office is open from 9 am to 5 pm, in summer - from 9 am to 6 pm. A visit to the palace is only possible with a guided tour at a fairly affordable price: 275 rubles for adults and about 150 rubles for students.
Swallow's Nest is one of the symbols of the Crimean Peninsula. This small, but so strongly reminiscent of a knight’s castle, architectural monument is located right on top of the steep cliff Ai-Todor. Initially, the Swallow's Nest was wooden and only very vaguely resembled a modern building. But periodic restorations and reconstructions after earthquakes and wars have done their job, and now you can’t take your eyes off the Swallow’s Nest.
There is a restaurant and an observation deck inside; there are no museums or exhibitions in the Swallow's Nest. The “castle” is located in the south of the peninsula, approximately 15 kilometers from the city of Yalta. You can get there by car or by buses No. 32 and No. 102. In addition, local travel agencies offer access to the attraction by water - by boat or motor ship.
Ai-Petri is the highest mountain in the mountain range located in the south of the peninsula, near the city of Yalta. Its height is 1231 meters. Actually, this figure speaks for itself - it’s definitely worth climbing to the top - for the air, for the view of the mountains on one side and the sea on the other, for the beautiful nature. You can climb it on foot, by car or by cable car, which originates in the village of Miskhor on the southern coast.
In winter, in addition to walking and climbing the mountain, you can also go skiing, as many locals do. And in the summer there is the possibility of excursions even on horseback. In addition, there are interesting caves and waterfalls along the way, so in order not to miss anything, it might make sense to take an excursion. On the other hand, “conquering” Ai-Petri without a tour group gives a completely different, more intense experience.
Minibuses run regularly from Yalta to Miskhor. The cost is 25 rubles, the journey is about an hour.
One of the main attractions of Crimea and the largest waterfall of the peninsula, Uchal-Su, is located 7 kilometers from Yalta, on one of the tourist trails to Mount Ai-Petri, which we wrote about above.
Almost 100 meters, or more precisely 98 and a half - this is the height of Uchal-Su. Powerful streams of water tending to crash against rocky rocks at the foot of the waterfall do not leave anyone indifferent. With one exception. During the most popular tourist season in Crimea, that is, in summer, the waterfall dries up, and it is likely that in the hot months you will not see the power that delights tourists and local residents. The best time to visit Uchal-Su is the rainy autumn and spring months or winter, when you can even catch a frozen waterfall, which, although it happens, is quite rare.
The closest tourist trail to Uchal-Su is Taraktashskaya, which is also the most picturesque of all. You can also get to the waterfall by transport: by minibus No. 30 from the Yalta bus station and by car along the M18 highway.
The surrounding area of Mount Ai-Petri is rich not only in natural attractions and beaches, there are also several interesting architectural structures and museums. One of these attractions of Crimea is the Vorontsov Palace, which is essentially an entire palace complex consisting of several buildings and a beautiful well-kept park. It was created at the beginning of the 19th century, and in 1990 it was given the status of a museum-reserve.
Visiting the Borontsov Palace can take a lot of time. If you want to walk around the grounds and look at the palace from the outside, plan on it taking from several hours to half a day. Well, if your visit plan also includes an inspection of the palace from the inside, then it’s better not to plan anything else for the same day, the museum-reserve is so rich in various “interests”. In addition, there is a beach in the park at the palace, which will allow you to combine a cultural program with a seaside holiday.
The Vorontsov Palace is located in the city of Alupka, not far from Yalta, on the southern coast of Crimea. You can get from Yalta by minibus No. 32, which stops in the city center, or No. 102, which departs from the bus station. Minibuses No. 107 and No. 115 are also suitable, they just stop a little further - about 15 minutes walk to the palace.
The Palace Museum is open every day from 9 am to 5-5:30 pm. The ticket office closes at 16.15. In addition to the main exhibition, there are exhibitions on the museum’s territory that welcome visitors every day except Monday and Wednesday.
Tickets for each exhibition or exposition are sold separately and cost from 50 to 300 rubles per adult and from 25 to 150 rubles per child. There is no single ticket.
One of the most prominent artists in Russia has many fans both in his homeland and around the world. The great marine painter became famous during his lifetime, and after his death and to this day, Aivazovsky’s fame is only growing.
In Feodosia, where the artist was born, he himself opened an exhibition of paintings in his own home, which now bears the proud name “National Art Gallery named after Aivazovsky.” It is not surprising that it contains the largest number of works by Aivazovsky, and it is also not surprising that most of them were written in Crimea.
Moreover, in the museum you can see not only the paintings themselves, but also the artist’s personal belongings. And the gallery guides will be happy to tell you more about the artist’s work.
The museum is open all days of the week except Wednesday, from 10 am to 5 pm. The box office closes at 4 pm. Tuesday is a short day, so the gallery is open until 2 pm. The price of a ticket with a tour is 250 rubles for adults and 125 for children. The Aivazovsky Museum is located near the railway station of the city of Feodosia, on Galereynaya Street, building 2.
The ancient Genoese fortress of Chembalo is located on Fortress Mountain in the city of Balaklava, which, in fact, is just a district of Sevastopol.
The fortress, after its centuries-old history, has not been preserved very well, or rather, even poorly. But this does not diminish the interest of travelers who travel from all over Crimea to look at a historical monument of this magnitude.
Today the Genoese fortress is an open-air attraction, free and unfenced. Now restoration and restoration work is being carried out here, since quite recently the already destroyed fortress suffered from heavy rain, which almost collapsed the main tower. But from the hill on which Chembalo is located there is a beautiful view of the city and Balaklava Bay.
The ascent begins from the Nazukin embankment. It is better to wear comfortable shoes and stock up on food and water. And at the top you can even have a picnic overlooking the sea, if the weather cooperates, of course.
The westernmost point of the city of Sevastopol is named after Cape Chersonesos, which is definitely worthy of tourist attention. There are many reasons for this: beautiful views of the sea, the lighthouse of the same name, the rocky coast (although there is also a sandy beach), but the main reason is the ruins of an ancient Greek city. Agree, where else in Russia can you see the ruins of buildings of this ancient civilization?
Today the cape has the status of a national reserve called “Tavrichesky Chersonesus”. And we are pleased with the variety of leisure activities offered by the administration of the reserve. Be it excursions, which are held here free of charge every hour from 9:30 to 15:30. Or be it excavations, in which you can take part by prior arrangement. Thematic exhibitions are constantly held here, and lectures are given for children and adults and generally engaged in scientific and educational work.
The Khersones Tauride Nature Reserve is open to visitors daily from 8:30 am to 6 pm. The ticket office closes at 5 o'clock. You can get from the center of Sevastopol by bus No. 22.
A huge mountain range called Ayu-Dag, or popularly simply “Bear Mountain,” is located in the south of the Crimean Peninsula, separating Greater Yalta and Greater Alushta. The height of the mountain is 577 meters above sea level, and the far edge is separated from the shore by more than two kilometers, so rest assured, Bear Mountain will not go unnoticed by you and all visitors to Yalta.
Today it is an iconic natural monument of the Crimean peninsula, which also boasts the ruins of a medieval settlement. Archeology lovers will be pleased.
The mountain is dotted with hiking trails and paths, which are simply impossible to cover in full in one day. Ayu-Dag has a very diverse flora and fauna, so you are guaranteed to be delayed due to admiring strange plants. Several species of animals and plants on Bear Mountain are listed in the Red Book, so be respectful of nature. However, it is worth doing this always and everywhere.
Entrance to the reserve is through a checkpoint from behind the sanatorium located here, but the entire fence is riddled with holes, which tourists successfully take advantage of.
The Karadag Nature Reserve is an amazing combination of unearthly landscapes, an interesting history full of legends and myths, a rich flora and fauna, and a long-extinct volcano. It is located in the southeast of the Crimean Peninsula, half an hour’s drive from Feodosia. There are hotels on the territory of the reserve, which is ideal for those who do not want to limit their visit to one day. And there are many such travelers, because the total territory of Karadag is almost three thousand hectares on land and sea.
You can take a guide and start exploring the reserve on foot. Moreover, if you ask, the guide will not refuse to show not only the most popular routes, but also protected trails.
And many tourists choose another way to explore Karadag - from the sea. Boats and motor ships go here from Sudak, Feodosia and Koktebel, and the views of the coast are such that, without exaggeration, they are breathtaking. Well, as a bonus, you will see Shaitan-Kapa (Golden Gate) - a rock shaped like an arch sticking out of the water. Sometimes ships even sail right through the arch.