The best vacation spots in Crimea: rating of resort cities. Secluded Crimean beaches: where to relax from the hum of the resort towns of Crimea, uncrowded places to relax
In what places is the sea in Crimea considered the cleanest? The question is asked by vacationers who are going to Crimea on vacation. So, in Crimea there are at least 500 officially open beaches. But any holiday on such beaches is overshadowed by garbage lying everywhere, not entirely clean water, and many visiting tourists. And still I want to spend time on a clean beach. And where is the cleanest tmoer in Crimea?
Malorechenskoye - Rybachye.
These are small resort villages located between Sudak and Alushta. The water here is very clean, so tourists will be happy. They come here because there are very few vacationers here, and the beaches are wide and clean, and they have a beach area.
Compared to the South Coast, prices on these beaches are more reasonable. At the same time, there are no fewer attractions here than on the southern coast of the peninsula.
Don't forget about the Bay of Love. Couples in love come here happily to spend time in solitude. There are two ways to get to the Bay: by sailing to the shore from the sea or by traveling along the road from the village of Rybachye.
Tarkhankut
There is no doubt that this cape can rightfully be considered a leader in the purity of water and terrain. It is located in the area of the Tarkhankutsky Nature Reserve, which means that there is no large populated area nearby, and therefore there are few tourists.
Tarkhankut is a place where sea water is the most frequent
People come here not only for the clear sea, but also to look at the colorful rocks of Maly and Bolshoy Atlesh. Many films were shot against their background, because they became real scenery.
On a note: These beaches also have negative aspects: deep water begins sharply from the shore, and some beaches are generally difficult to get to, because there are steep cliffs.
They speak very highly of Tarkhankut, noting that here not only is the cleanest sea in Crimea, but you can also watch the sunset, watching the sun set on the horizon of the sea. If we compare this cape with simple beaches, then there are not so many retail outlets that sell souvenirs and street food. This is the great advantage of Cape Tarkhankut, because on it you can simply be alone with yourself and in your thoughts, and not listen to food being offered from all sides.
There is a settlement nearby. There is no infrastructure in the area, so when planning a trip to Tarkhankut, you must take food and water with you.
In Olenevka there is the famous estate of General Popov. It was presented to Prince Potemkin in the 18th century, and a house was immediately built for the owner of the estate. Today the estate has been restored and is located on the land of a boarding house.
The sights under water will also not leave anyone indifferent. The well-known “Alley of Leaders” is located here, namely an underwater museum, which includes monuments to artists and big politicians.
Alley of Leaders in Olenevka
Best time to relax in Olenevka
The best time to come to beaches with light sand is September. With the arrival of autumn, there is no velvet season on Cape Tarkhankut, like on the warm shore. This happens due to the lack of rocks, and they accumulate heat during the summer period. So with the beginning of autumn, there are almost no people here anymore, and for those who like to be in silence and collect their thoughts after a hard year, this is an ideal place. There is no better place for those who want peace. There is something to do on the cape for those who love entertainment and all kinds of excursions, so no tourist will definitely get bored at such a resort.
Koktebel
This beach is located between two villages - Koktebel and Ordzhonikidze. The sea water here is very clean and there are no sharp cliffs, and the depth gradually increases. There are pebbles all over the beach, there are none only in a small area, which is located not far from Ordzhonikidze.
Cape Chameleon hides the beach from strong gusts of wind, which earned it the name Quiet Bay. Although the waves are small, you need to be careful when swimming, because you can stumble upon a boulder in the water.
Cape Chameleon Crimea Koktebel
Those who love clean air and nature come to Quiet Bay, because there is no infrastructure here, all of it remains near Koktebel and Ordzhonikidze. Anyone can come here on their own, since cars cannot pass here.
New World
The village, which is called New World, can please you with clean water in the water area. The beach located there is quite small in size, on which there are pebbles and large boulders.
The Tsarsky Beach, the place where the imperial family vacationed, will not disappoint with its cleanliness. Only this beach is often closed, as the rocks can collapse, so not everyone relaxes here. However, this place is among the TOP of the best places with the cleanest and most transparent sea water on the Black Sea.
New World Tsarsky Beach
But the village itself no longer boasts of water, because many tourists come here. Their large number does not have a very good effect on the cleanliness of the water and the beach itself.
Balaclava
The beaches in Balaklava are located in a very interesting way - they are located outside the city. In order for vacationers to get to these beaches, they have to travel by regular boats.
Marble Beach in Balaklava
You can also take a boat to wonderful wild beaches. The infrastructure here is completely absent, and due to the impossibility of setting up a tent on the beach, they have to be installed very high on the mountain. Although this is a big inconvenience, you don’t notice it, thanks to the dizzying landscapes, wonderful views, the presence of clean water, and the small number of vacationers.
Cape Aya
On the peninsula, Lost World Beach is not that easy to get to. It is located a short distance from Cape Aya. Mostly those tourists who prefer a “wild” holiday come here.
It was given this name due to the fact that there are large rocks on it, because of which it is practically impossible for tourists to get here on foot. Those who have been here leave positive reviews. As a rule, vacationers are satisfied with the clean and warm water in this picturesque place.
In order to relax on the “Lost World” beach, you will have to travel here by boat or travel a long time along a mountain road.
In fact, clean water can be seen in all water areas that are not located close to resorts and big cities. If you are one of those vacationers who prefer to lie in the sun with all the amenities on their vacation, then it is advisable to relax on resort beaches, but if you want to relax in Crimea, then go where the sea is clean and you will have indelible impressions of the time spent !
The Crimean peninsula is a real pearl, a unique place for a beach holiday. Picturesque views of the sea and mountains attract many tourists from different parts of the world. Here you can not only relax, but also improve your body. In order for your vacation to bring as many positive emotions as possible, you need to properly prepare for it. The most important question that every vacationer must find an answer to is where is the cleanest sea in Crimea? Clean water and the beach will not only provide aesthetic pleasure to the vacationer, but will also minimize the risk of developing infectious diseases and allergic reactions. But often these two troubles can ruin any vacation, turning it into a real nightmare. It is especially important to choose the right place for a beach holiday if there are small children among the vacationers.
Important Factors
When choosing where the cleanest sea and beaches are in Crimea, you need to consider the following factors:
- Beach attendance. A large flow of vacationers leads to a large accumulation of garbage. Wild beaches are considered the cleanest, but in this case you will need to independently organize comfortable conditions for relaxation in such a place.
- Climate. In the Western, Southern and Black Sea regions of the peninsula, temperatures, the amount of precipitation, the frequency of storms, etc. differ. All this undoubtedly affects the quality of the water and the nearby beach area.
- Treatment plant. Every major resort destination has a large treatment facility near it. If such a station exists, it is necessary to clarify its serviceability.
In search of a clean sea: reviews from tourists
There are more than 500 beach areas known on the Crimean peninsula, which to one degree or another can be considered crowded. And if we take into account any wild beach or simply the opportunity to approach the sea, then this number will almost double.
Let's determine the best places to relax, where the cleanest sea is in Crimea. In the reviews of vacationers you can find opinions about every resort destination on the Crimean peninsula - from Feodosia to Tarkhankut. Therefore, it does not seem difficult to compile such a rating.
Golden Beach in Feodosia
This place is unique for its clean water near the shore and incomparable golden sand. This is what gave the beach its name.
It is located on the eastern coast of the peninsula and extends for several kilometers. There are several recreation centers here, equipped with everything necessary for an active vacation. From the city of Feodosia the beach is located a couple of kilometers away. You can get to it by your own car or by public transport, which runs quite frequently.
Golden Beach is especially loved by families who come on holiday with small children. Since the entrance to the sea here is gentle and the sea itself is shallow enough for several meters to make it comfortable for children to swim in. This beach is the most popular on the east coast. However, this can rather be called its disadvantage. There are always crowds of people here both on the beach itself and in transport traveling from the city in its direction.
Beach "Quiet Bay" in Koktebel
"Quiet Bay" is located near Cape Chameleon. This beach is a long arc of coastline with coarse sand and shells. If you are wondering where the cleanest sea is in Crimea, then the Quiet Bay beach will be an excellent option. It’s a good place to relax, as the sea here is really clean, almost transparent. From the resort village of Koktebel you can get here on foot in just half an hour. Some people prefer to drive up in cars. Which is quite possible, because getting to the “Quiet Bay” by personal transport is not difficult.
The sea near the shore is shallow and the slope is gentle. This is especially appreciated by vacationers with children and those who are not good swimmers. Here you can not only enjoy the charm of the surrounding nature, but also visit the famous place with healing mud. The infrastructure here is not developed at the highest level, but health improvement and a quiet beach holiday are what you can come here for.
Royal Beach
The famous Tsarsky Beach is located near the city of Sudak, in the resort village of Novy Svet.
This village has many attractions - juniper groves, unique bays, a champagne wine factory, but the main one is the clean sandy beach. We'll talk about it further.
For those who are looking for the cleanest sea water in Crimea, Tsarsky Beach will be a real find. The coast is strewn with small pebbles. This beach is one of the most popular on the Crimean peninsula. You can get to it from the New World on foot. You just have to follow the path from the western part of the village to the turn into the gorge.
The beach area is small and is part of a nature reserve. Holidays in these places will be truly unforgettable thanks to the picturesque nature and clear sea.
Here you can spend a vacation with your family, in a noisy company, or even completely alone.
"Bay of Love" in the village of Rybachy: reviews
"Bay of Love" is a wild beach of volcanic origin. It occupies a small area, but is therefore very cozy and comfortable. This is exactly the place where the cleanest sea in Crimea is. In the reviews of tourists who have visited these areas, one can find admiring comments. People write that the sea and the beach itself are really clean here. There are few tourists here, as on any other wild beaches. The bulk of vacationers are romantics seeking solitude with nature. Among the entertainments here you can do underwater fishing and snorkeling. Thanks to the clear water, it is not at all difficult to spot the inhabitants of the sea.
You can get to the beach from the village of Rybachye on foot. However, many will find this path difficult due to the large number of cliffs. The easiest way to get here is by sea. The picturesque nature is complemented by the remains of a once active volcano, which adds mystery and uniqueness to this place.
Yalta: Massandra Beach
This small-pebble beach is especially in demand among young people who prefer an active and noisy holiday, as well as among those who are looking for the cleanest Black Sea in Crimea. The sea water is really clear. In addition, it is also very warm.
The infrastructure here is quite developed and vacationers are offered a wide variety of entertainment. There is a rental point where you can rent motor boats, jet skis, diving equipment and much more.
Beach "The Little Mermaid"
This beach is easy to recognize by the sculpture of a mermaid located near the shore. Located in Miskhor. It is quite popular among vacationers and therefore crowded. However, despite this, “The Little Mermaid” may well be called the place where the cleanest sea is in Crimea.
The shore is equipped with everything necessary for comfortable swimming and sunbathing. In addition to a beach holiday in Miskhor, you can enjoy a large and beautiful park. This place is an excellent option for a family or romantic holiday.
Lost World Beach
Not far from Cape Aya there is a beach with the romantic name “The Lost World”. Around it are five-meter high mountains that block access for tourists who do not have special equipment and skills. However, this does not stop many vacationers and local residents who get here by boat from Balaklava or on their own boats.
This place attracts adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, when going here, you need to take care of a minimum supply of food and water in advance. Since The Lost World has absolutely no infrastructure. During periods of severe landslide collapse, the beach is closed to the public. Since it is really unsafe to be here at such moments.
Silver Beach in Balaclava
Those looking for a place with the cleanest sea in Crimea often choose Silver Beach in Balaklava. It gets its name from the yellow sand and the bright sun that reflects on the water during sunset.
From Balaklava you can get to the beach by boat, which goes in this direction every hour, or you can walk. And although the infrastructure of Silver Beach is not well developed, there are usually a lot of vacationers here. Probably, many are attracted by the clear sea and amazing landscapes. This is the main criterion for a good rest.
Miami Beach in Olenevka
Not far from Cape Tarkhankut there is the cleanest beach on the entire Black Sea coast. The purity of the water here is due to the fact that in this area, as well as in the immediate area, there is not a single river flowing into the sea. And although this place is characterized by steep slopes and strong rockiness, this does not prevent many tourists from organizing their holidays here, pitching tents or simply staying on the pebbly shore.
This beach especially attracts lovers of “wild” holidays. Here you can also have a great time diving, underwater fishing, and simply enjoying the purity of almost untouched nature.
Sea of Azov in Crimea: where is the cleanest water?
The Sea of Azov does not attract tourists from the Crimean Peninsula as much as the Black Sea. This is due to the prevailing impression of the Sea of Azov in the Krasnodar Territory. But where is the cleanest water? We can safely name at least three resorts - Kerch, Shchelkino, Mysovoe. Having visited one of these places once, you will want to come back here again and again. The sea here is clean, almost transparent, the beaches are not crowded, and the infrastructure is quite developed. Here you can have a great holiday with children, since the slope to the sea on these beaches is gentle, the shore is quite shallow, and the water is very warm.
A little conclusion
Now you know where the clean sea is in Crimea. We looked at different beaches on the peninsula. We hope that this information was useful and interesting to you.
There are still endless beaches in Crimea. Photo: io.ua
Belyaus
This is a spit of clean sandy beach 10 kilometers long. On one side there are low trees and bushes that provide shade. On the other hand, the beach is washed by a deep turquoise sea, transparent even in a storm.
The water warms up with the first hot summer days. Sometimes the temperature can change sharply due to cold currents, but this does not happen very often.
Belyaus before a thunderstorm
The long and wide beach is almost never crowded. Therefore, you can always sit here comfortably and not suffer from excessive attention. Belyaus is quite remote from the main resort towns; most often people come here for several days with tents.
Crystal clear water
Belyaus got its name from the archaeological site of the same name. This is a Greco-Scythian fortress-city that existed from the 4th century BC to the 1st century AD. Archaeological work continues here today. Once upon a time, the site was fortified with a tower made of square stone blocks. Today you can still see the few remaining rows of masonry.
If you prefer a cultural holiday to a wild one, then there are several private hotels and recreation centers located near the sea.
You can get to Belyaus by bus, traveling from Simferopol to Yevpatoriya, and then from Yevpatoriya station to Znamenka. From the village to the spit of white and clean sand you will have to walk about three kilometers.
General's beaches
The landscape park is located east of Cape Kazantip. An almost wild natural zone stretches 30 kilometers along the coast of the Azov Sea. Tourists rarely come here; mostly locals come to relax by the warm water.
General's beaches
The coast is indented with rock ledges ending in the sea and open coves with smooth beaches. Despite the apparent chaos, getting down to the sea here is quite simple. Between the villages of Kurortnoye and Zolotoe there is a dirt road along the sea cliffs, along which you can get to the beaches. You can even find fresh water springs in several bays.
Beach among the cliffs
Dzhangul
The tract is located in the west of Crimea, a little north of Olenevka. The strip of ravines, canyons and beaches stretches for about five kilometers.
People come here for impressions of natural diversity and secluded relaxation. If you are involved in sports, then Tarkhankut is the best place for windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, etc.
Dzhangul
Small bays and beaches closed on several sides by rocks make it possible to completely seclude yourself from the outside world.
Rocky beach
Bakal Spit
The sand spit separating Lake Bakalskoe and Karkinitsky Bay protrudes into the sea for 8 kilometers. This is a natural landscape reserve, the visit of which is paid. But here you can relax with tents, engage in water sports and no one will bother you. It is also believed that Bakal Spit is a good place to relax with small children. The water here warms up quickly, and the seabed does not drop off abruptly to great depths.
Bakal Spit
To get to the warm shore strewn with small shells, you can get from Simferopol to Steregushchy by bus, then you have to walk or drive your own transport.
It's deserted and free here
Yakovenkovo
To the left and right of the village, located on the seashore, deserted beaches and fine shell sand extend for about 10 kilometers. Even on weekends there are quite a few vacationers here. The sea is warm, especially in calm weather.
People often come here with tents, but you can stay in the village itself at the recreation center.
Yakovenkovo
To get to the wild beach, you need to take a regular bus from Simferopol to Kerch, and from there by local minibus to Yakovenkovo. You will have to walk from the village to the beach. Between the sea and the village there is a lake with mud.
Double anchor bay
Not far from Feodosia, in the village of Ordzhonikidze, you can find wild beaches surrounded by boulders of blue clay. Now Dvuyakornaya Bay is being actively built up with elite cottages, but there are still free beaches here, where vacationers rarely visit. Dolphins often swim close to the shore, hunting for fish.
Two-anchor bay
Previously, the village was closed; torpedoes were created here. Now the factories are abandoned and collapsing.
In the village itself there is also a beach equipped with awnings and trestle beds, but even on weekdays there are a lot of holidaymakers.
Figs
This tract, despite its sufficient proximity to Balaklava, can still be called wild. Foresters allow vacationers here for a fee, so there are not very many people who want to camp here.
Figs captivate with their beauty, the contrast of mountains covered with juniper and pine trees, and the cool, gentle sea. You can get here by boat from Balaklava or along a hiking trail starting from the final Balaklava minibus.
A selection of the best beaches in Crimea with the cleanest sea from Feodosia to Tarkhankut - 10 places for an ideal holiday.
It is reliably known that there are more than five hundred beaches in Crimea, and if any approach to the sea where you can stretch out in the sun or pitch a tent is considered a beach, then it will be almost impossible to count all the options. This review is dedicated to the cleanest beaches of Crimea with clear water. Some of them are hard to find and unique in their own way.
Golden Beach in Feodosia
Thick sand and its rich golden hue brought fame to this beach along the entire eastern coast of Crimea. The Golden Beach stretches for several kilometers from Feodosia to Primorskoe, where recreation centers and cafes are located. You can get from Feodosia by car or public transport; the beach is located a few kilometers from the city.
The water has a wonderful azure hue, clean and transparent. This beach is very popular with couples with children: shallow sea, gentle entrance, although sometimes there are rocks. Golden Beach is very popular; many note that the beach is always clean and well-groomed, and consider it the best beach in Crimea. The crowded public transport traveling in this direction is a little upsetting.
Quiet bay in Koktebel
Not far from Cape Chameleon is the beach of Quiet Bay - a long arc of coarse sand with shell rock. The water is clean and clear, shallow. You can get here from Koktebel, even on foot it’s easy to get there in just 40 minutes. There are a lot of vacationers: most often they come by car, pitch tents and live.
The shallow water stretches for tens of meters, so people like to relax here with small children. Not far away there is a place with healing mud, which everyone willingly smears with. People who visited Tikhaya Bay noted the charm of these places, but complained about the overcrowding and poorly developed infrastructure of the beach.
Photo © mr. Wood / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY 2.0
The famous village of Novy Svet is located near Sudak. The village is known for its unique bays, relict junipers and champagne wine factory. But the main attraction of the New World is its beaches.
The most famous and popular among vacationers is the small-pebble Tsarsky Beach. It is believed that this is where Tsar Nicholas II swam during his visit. The beach is located in Blue Bay; you can get to it by following a path from the western outskirts of the village to the turn to the gorge.
Tsarsky Beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Crimea. All garbage is collected in specially designated bins. The water is so clean and transparent that you can see schools of small fish. The bottom is sandy in places, with large rocks here and there. The beach is wild and small, located on the territory of the reserve. Tourists who have been here are delighted with the beauty of this place, although some found the descent and ascent through the gorge difficult; they recommend getting there by boat by sea. The beach is located on the territory of the reserve; officially, due to landslides, visiting it is prohibited.
Photo © make-trip.ru
Bay of Love in Rybachye
A wild beach of volcanic origin, located between the villages of Rybachye and Malorechenskoye, near the lighthouse. The bay is small and cozy, and the water is so clean and transparent that you can see the inhabitants of the seabed. Mostly lovers of underwater fishing and snorkeling, as well as romantics seeking solitude with nature, flock here. The descent on foot is very difficult and steep, so the beach is not crowded; it is easier to get here by sea. At the very bottom of the path leading to the beach, a small volcanic crater with a diameter of about three meters has been preserved.
Tourists write in their reviews that it is very difficult to get to the place, and the few who dared did not get the desired privacy, since there are still a couple of tents with inhabitants there.
Massandra beach in Yalta
The beach is well-maintained and very popular, especially among young people. The sea is deep; for those who like a comfortable stay, there are bamboo bungalows. According to reviews from vacationers, this is one of the best beaches in Yalta and Crimea: warm pebbles and clear water.
Beach "The Little Mermaid" in Miskhor
The famous beach with a mermaid sculpture is not far from the shore. The beach is small, pebble, fully equipped, and the water is always clean and warm. The beach is popular and crowded, there is a beautiful park nearby. Most vacationers speak well of the beach, only complaining about the crowded conditions during the high season.
Photo © Grigory Gusev / flickr.com / License CC BY-ND 2.0
"The Lost World" (near Cape Aya)
This place received its romantic name for a reason: there is a unique, sparsely populated beach, surrounded on all sides by high five-hundred-meter cliffs; it is simply impossible to get there without special skills and equipment. Tourists are advised to go there by boat from Balaklava; locals get there by swimming or by boat.
The shore is gradually crumbling, relict plants grow on it, and the beach itself is surrounded by the debris of an ancient landslide. There are no traces of civilization here, so you need to take water and food with you. Romantics and adventure seekers, as well as lovers of active recreation, those who are able to appreciate the pristine beauty of Crimean places untouched by man, speak with delight about the beach.
“The Lost World” stands out among the best beaches of Crimea and attracts many with its beauty, inaccessibility and privacy, but due to scree and landslides the beach is often closed to the public.
Silver and Gold beaches in Balaclava
Surrounded by mountains, Silver Beach is a mixture of sand and small pebbles and is located near Balaklava Bay. The beach is large, the water is clean, the bottom is sandy, and there are large boulders at the depths. Golden Beach is a little further away. It got its name because of the unique color of the surrounding landscape; the beach looks especially beautiful during sunset. There is a clean, open sea here.
From Balaklava, both beaches can be reached on foot or by boat; flights run every hour until 19:00. According to tourists, the beaches do not have a developed infrastructure, although during the season there are canopies and sunbeds; some inconveniences are compensated by the crystal sea.
Jasper beach in Sevastopol
The famous wild beach is usually not crowded, but during the season there is a greater influx of tourists. It got its name because of the colorful pebbles that dot the seashore, among which there is jasper interspersed with pyrite. Opposite the beach in the sea there is a rock of the Holy Apparition with a cross, in the rock there are steps along which you can climb.
One of the cleanest beaches in Crimea: at the entrance to the beach there are bins where all the garbage is collected. The water is clear, so you can see the pebbles, the bottom is uneven and rocky.
You can get to Jasper Beach by car or by boat. Tourists who visited here complained about difficulties: to get to the beach, you need to climb 800 steps of the Monastery Stairs. The descent is difficult and dangerous, there are not handrails everywhere, and the reverse ascent is even more difficult to overcome. However, those who cannot bear such physical effort can use sea transport: a boat runs from the beach to Balaklava every two hours.
Photo © make-trip.ru
Olenevka Beach (Cape Tarkhankut)
The cleanest sea and the cleanest beach in Crimea, in our opinion, is the Miami beach in Olenevka. The water here is very clear, because not a single river in this area flows into the sea. Rocky landscapes, wide steppes, crystal clear water, strong currents - Cape Tarkhankut has become a true paradise for diving enthusiasts. The beaches are mostly inaccessible, characterized by steep slopes and strong rockiness. Fans of wild recreation love these places and consider them one of the best in Crimea.
Vacationers with their families flock to Olenevka: there are sandy and shell beaches, undeveloped, but clean, and the water is clear. As the tourists themselves note in their reviews, the lack of good infrastructure and some seclusion of the village allows only those who...
Where is the best place to relax in Crimea? There is no clear answer to this question. After all, the nature of the peninsula is very diverse, and some are only interested in a beach holiday, some want to go hiking, and others want to see historical sights.
In this post I will tell you in general about the resorts of Crimea, about the strengths and weaknesses of each. After all, even resort towns and villages differ in infrastructure development, prices and much more. I marked all the places I talk about in the post on the map, it’s at the bottom of the post.
Where to relax in Crimea? Resorts of Crimea
I will tell you here only about those places that I have personally visited, and I will describe the pros and cons regarding my point of view. For some, my cons will be advantages and vice versa :)
West Coast
Olenevka- a calm village at the westernmost point of the peninsula near Cape Tarkhankut. It is here that one of the best beaches in Crimea is located with white sand and clear water. That’s why Olenevka is a good place to relax with children and for those who want to feel like they’re at grandma’s in the village, but by the sea :)
Beach in Olenevka
- good environment, not a single large enterprise nearby
- relatively quiet
- gorgeous sandy beach
- diving opportunities
- Tarkhankut
- poor infrastructure, ordinary village
- there are no normal supermarkets and a large selection of cafes and restaurants
- difficult to get to, not many buses and relatively far to go
- steppes (a minus for me personally, I love mountains)
- not a lot of interesting things around, it can get boring
Evpatoria is the most famous resort on the West Coast. An entire area of the city is occupied by sanatoriums and children's health camps, some of which appeared at the beginning of the 20th century. The city has an oriental atmosphere, there is a large beautiful mosque, an old city with colorful streets. also sandy, popular among vacationers with children.
Where is the best place to relax in Crimea with children? Evpatoria is one of the best options
- several sandy beaches within the city
- developed infrastructure: cafes and restaurants, many hotels, guest houses, sanatoriums
- easily accessible by bus or train from Simferopol
- at the height of the season there are a lot of people, the beach is crowded
- there are few places around where you can still go
- Soviet atmosphere and it seems that houses, roads, sidewalks have never been repaired
There are still many places where you can relax on the west coast. These are small villages, the most famous of which are: Chernomorskoye, Popovka, Nikolaevka, Peschanoye, Kacha.
Sevastopol- hero city, city of sailors, St. Petersburg on the warm sea. Just a charming place in the hills with beautiful old buildings and squares. It is clear that a lot of money is being invested in Sevastopol, there are good roads, mowed lawns, paved sidewalks, everything is new - a big contrast with other cities of Crimea.
Sevastopol
Sevastopol should not be considered as a base for a beach holiday (there are beaches, but not the best), but it’s definitely worth coming for a day or two to see the center, Tauride Chersonesus, the Defense of Sevastopol Museum and other places.
the south coast of Crimea
Fiolent- a cape and a village of the same name located nearby. Fiolent is a suburb of Sevastopol, located just 15 km from the city. The place is best known for its monastery and good pebble beach.
At Cape Fiolent
- quiet place
- nice beach with clean water
- long stairs to the beach, you have to climb it up and down every day
- there is almost nothing in the village itself, only the private sector, a few shops
Balaclava- a famous bay and submarine base during Soviet times. A huge number of moored yachts give Balaklava a special flavor and set it apart from other small villages/towns on the South Coast. There is also a beach here, but vacationers go by boat to nearby ones that are difficult to access.
View of Balaklava from above
- easy to reach from Sevastopol
- a beautiful bay, if you settle on a slope, you can watch this beauty from above every day
- high prices for food, housing
- there is no normal beach, you have to swim to the neighboring ones
- it’s difficult to get to other cities to see the sights (except Sevastopol)
The following villages are all included in the so-called Greater Yalta.
Foros- the southernmost populated point of the Crimean Peninsula, also known for the proximity of the state dacha (Gorbachev’s dacha) and the Resurrection Church, rising on the mountain nearby.
Beach in Foros
- relatively calm and not too many people
- clean sea
- beautiful nature around
- bad narrow beaches with large stones, abrupt entry into the water
- almost no entertainment
- not so easy to get to, there are minibuses from Yalta and passing buses, but the latter go along the highway and do not enter the village
- a bit dirty and unsettled
Katsiveli- a small village where the famous artist Kuindzhi once lived, and after the war several scientific laboratories, an astrophysical observatory, an oceanographic platform and other objects appeared. Unfortunately, now the village looks very abandoned, although there are vacationers.
Abandoned embankment in Katsiveli
- one of the few places on the South Coast where there are few people
- near Simeiz, Mount Cat, water park
- silence, tranquility, beautiful scenery
- not much housing, no normal store, small selection of cafes and restaurants
- difficult to get to, there is only a minibus from Yalta
- poor undeveloped wild beaches, abandoned embankment
- The shortest route to the sea through the House of Creativity is closed, now it’s a long detour
Simeiz- truly a paradise surrounded by picturesque rocks, juniper groves, and the clearest sea. Located next to Katsiveli and Alupka. It is notable for its clean air, pleasant parks, and mountains around. The beaches are pebbly and sandy.
Where to go to Crimea - Simeiz
- simply gorgeous nature
- the cleanest sea I have seen in Crimea
- well-groomed and pleasant area, parks, although there is some work to be done
- small but clean beaches
- combination of infrastructure, entertainment and tranquility
- a lot of people
- high prices
- rough terrain, which may be a minus for some, you have to walk up and down constantly
Alupka- a popular resort in Crimea, 20 km from Yalta, located at the foot of Mount Ai-Petri. The most important places here are the Vorontsov Palace and the park.
Vorontsov Palace and view of the Crimean Mountains
- picturesque surroundings
- attractions - palace, park, near the cable car to Ai-Petri
- easy access to/from Yalta and other places on the southern coast
- undeveloped infrastructure, not many shops, cafes, etc., or rather they are concentrated only in the center, and Alupka is very stretched and scattered
- narrow and small beaches
- rough terrain, it is better to book accommodation closer to the sea
- little entertainment
Koreiz and Miskhor- a small village located between Alupka and Gaspra. It is very calm here, nice narrow streets, beautiful Miskhorsky Park. It is from here that the cable car cabins to Ai-Petri begin their journey. The beaches are pebble.
Beach in Miskhor
- good location, easy access to many places in the surrounding area
- fairly developed infrastructure
- There are also some attractions: Yusupov Palace, Dulber sanatorium
- abandoned in some places
- slides
- almost no entertainment
- when entering the water you can stumble upon large stones
- the beaches are narrow
Gaspra- a resort village, the main attraction of which is the visiting card of Crimea - Swallow's Nest. Gaspra is located on a slope, the private sector is far from the sea, it’s a long way down, and the sanatoriums are near the sea, but living there is expensive. The beaches are pebble.
Resorts of Crimea: Gaspra
- good transport accessibility
- several shops, many cafes, restaurants
- Crimean mountains, picturesque, clean air, clear sea
- cable car
- sharp descents and ascents, it is better to settle closer to the sea
- average beach, some rocks at the bottom
- no embankment
- the village is scattered on a slope, it's a long walk
Livadia- a small village very close to Yalta, it is here that the Livadia Palace is located, where the Yalta Conference was held during World War II. Recommend for a quiet family holiday.
View of Yalta from Livadia
- proximity to Yalta, can be reached by city bus
- Livadia Park, Palace
- quiet, beautiful
- clean sea
- a bit expensive
- undeveloped infrastructure, not many shops, cafes and other things
- far from the sea to budget accommodation
Yalta- the main resort of the southern coast of Crimea. Located between high mountains and the sea in a picturesque area. The city is notable for its cool embankment, good infrastructure for tourists, and is rich in attractions, including in the surrounding area. From here it’s easy to explore the entire southern coast on your own. The beaches are pebble.
Yalta embankment
- developed infrastructure, many cafes, restaurants, travel agencies, hotels
- embankment, promenade
- good transport accessibility, you can take a trolleybus as far as Simferopol and get to almost any city in Crimea
- prices in Yalta are among the highest in Crimea
- there are a lot of people in the summer, and during the high season too
- not very clean water in the sea within the city
Gurzuf— this is where the famous children’s camp “Artek” is located. A pleasant resort village near the Ayu-Dag mountain and a beautiful panorama of other Crimean mountains. Most of the village is located on a slope; it can be difficult for older people to go up and down every day. Gurzuf has pebble beaches.
Where is the best place to relax in Crimea: the beach in Gurzuf
- scenic area
- quite clean sea
- easy to reach from Simferopol, Yalta, Alushta
- not so far from the attractions of the South Coast
- many people
- There's not much to see in the town itself
Parthenite- a fairly large village also at the foot of Mount Ayu-Dag (Bear Mountain). It is calm and quiet here, you can walk through parks and alleys, breathe in the sea air, although some may find such a vacation boring.
- relatively quiet, calm
- the infrastructure is developed quite well, there are sanatoriums, hotels, the private sector, cafes, restaurants, etc.
- easy access to Yalta, Simferopol, Alushta
- very small beach (free), the rest are paid, belong to boarding houses
- as a result, there is nowhere to turn around, there are a lot of people in the season
- landscaping needs updating
Alushta- a large resort town in the heart of the southern coast. There is a huge selection of housing, cafes, restaurants, excursions, and there is a good and long embankment. The beaches are pebble and sand-pebble.
Alushta in September
- easy to get from anywhere, you can from Simferopol by trolleybus
- large selection of housing
- good infrastructure for recreation: dolphinarium, long beach, cafe
- a large number of vacationers
- high prices
- the city is very Soviet, and has not changed much in recent years
Zander— the town is located in a cozy bay, and the main attraction is the Genoese fortress. It is not as picturesque here as in the vicinity of Yalta, the mountains are lower and rather bald, but it has its own beauty. Sudak is considered a youth resort; there is plenty of nightlife and discos here.
View of the Genoese fortress in Sudak
- warm sea
- quite wide pebble and sand-pebble beach
- developed infrastructure for tourists
- water park, dolphinarium
- a lot of people
- the city is without zest, faded and gray
- very dirty beach in high season
New World- a wonderful quiet and peaceful place not far from Sudak, you can get there by bus for 14 rubles and 20 minutes. It is here that the champagne wine factory and the Golitsyn trail are located, along which it is pleasant to walk along the sea itself.
View of the New World from the Golitsyn Trail
- beautiful nature
- clean beach, less crowded than in Sudak
- Golitsyn trail
- calm and quiet
- quite far from everything, it takes a long time to get somewhere other than Sudak
- infrastructure is not very developed, shops, small selection of cafes and restaurants
I hope this post will help you decide where is the best place to vacation in Crimea. Alternatively, consider a vacation on the Eastern Shore.
Eastern coast of Crimea
Koktebel— perhaps this is the place with the most creative atmosphere in Crimea. This village was chosen by poets, writers, artists, musicians, esotericists of all stripes. Located in a picturesque location next to the rocky mountains and in a cozy bay. The beaches are pebble.
Resorts of Crimea: Koktebel
- in Koktebel there is always something to do, a lot of interesting people
- easily accessible from Simferopol, Feodosia, Kerch
- developed tourist infrastructure: hotels, guest houses, cafes, travel agencies
- Mount Karadag and the Golden Gate rock, many opportunities for excursions
- water park, dolphinarium
- there is no central sewage system in the village, and everything is drained into the sea
- It’s high time to improve the village, a little further from the sea, it’s still an ordinary village with no lighting, no normal pedestrian zone
- there is an embankment, but it is unkempt, no one is watching it
- like everywhere else, there are a lot of people during the season
- the village is very elongated, there may not be a normal store or cafe at hand
Feodosia- a large city on the eastern coast of Crimea. Feodosia has many parks, its own Genoese fortress, Aivazovsky's art gallery, and several interesting churches. The beaches are sandy and pebble.
Monument in the center of Feodosia
- good transport accessibility, easy to get from anywhere, buses run around the city
- large selection of beaches, length
- large selection of housing
- many attractions
- There is a railway running right through the central part, it looks completely out of place, as if you are in an industrial zone
- the city is very stretched
- a lot of people
- disorganization and dilapidation in many places
- dirty sea
Of course, these are not all resorts in Crimea, but I have listed the main and most popular ones.