Sights from Foros to Alupka. Sights of Alupka - what to see, where to go. What to visit in Alupka
Alupka is one small pearl in the crown of the beautiful settlements of the southern coast of the Crimean peninsula. In addition to excellent beaches and the gentle Black Sea, the city is full of historical and simply interesting places that are definitely worth visiting.
The most important historical monument and attraction of Alupka at all times was considered the Vorontsov Palace with its surrounding park.
The Vorontsov Palace is made of diabase stone, which is several times stronger than granite. The palace has 150 rooms.
The library contains about 20,000 books, of which 5,000 belong to the owner of the palace, Vorontsov. On each book, on the inside, there is a Vorontsov book sign with the slogan: “Always invariably faithful.”
Back in 1972, a park was founded, the area of which reached an incredible size - 40 hectares. In the park you can observe many trees, plants and shrubs, the number of which exceeds 200 varieties.
The park that surrounds the Vorontsov Palace was created thanks to the import of trees from botanical gardens around the world. One of the most interesting trees in the garden is the Aleppo pine, whose branches always tend to the south. In the park you can see 10 waterfalls and 22 fountains. They were artificially created by bringing water from the mountains. Such diversity will allow you to enjoy not only the music of plants (the rustling of leaves), but also the music of water.
The park is divided into two parts: upper and lower. The lower part of the park is more elegant and sophisticated. It feels the style of the Italians and the breath of the Renaissance. In the upper part of the park you can contemplate more wild nature: forest plants, ponds, boulders.
The decoration of the park is white swans, which are always ready to make contact with people, especially if you have grass or dandelions in your hand.
3. Big and Small chaos
If, while walking through Vorontsovsky Park, you move to its eastern part, you will come across another interesting attraction of Alupka: the Big and Small Chaos. Large and Small stone chaos are natural formations of large stone blocks that arose many millions of years ago due to volcanic eruptions and the formation of the relief of present-day Alupka. During the construction of the palace, they also decided to integrate these stone blocks into part of the park’s landscape design, creating many stone paths and romantic places with waterfalls and places to relax.
4. Theater of sea animals
Arriving in Alupka, you need to visit the theater of sea animals. The theater will surprise you with its variety of animals and their incredible skills and capabilities. On the territory of the theater there is house number 13, which was built upside down. You can walk into it and not believe your eyes, because... Everything in it is upside down, and you can walk on the ceiling (the main thing is not to catch the chandelier).
5. Wuchang-Su Waterfall
Not far from Alupka you can visit the Uchan-Su waterfall, the entrance to which is fenced with a massive wooden gate. The waterfall is more intense when the snow melts and mountain rivers overflow their banks (January-March). The rest of the time, locals call it “Wuchang-Su waterfall” rather than a waterfall. This is due to the fact that the amount of water decreases sharply and drops flow down.
6. Mount Ai-Petri
Also, while relaxing in Alupka, you simply need to visit Mount Ai-Petri. This is one of the few mountains where the top is a flat plateau. This natural phenomenon contributed to the development of the restaurant business right on the mountain. Local cafes are famous for Crimean Tatar cuisine, which attracts tourists and travelers. There you can not only have a delicious meal, but also try your culinary skills in national cuisine.
The top of Ai-Petri can be reached using a cable car, which was created in 1967. Its length is about 1.5 km.
7. Mount Shaan-Kaya
Almost the complete opposite of Ai-Petri is Mount Shaan-Kaya. If Ai-Petri is about relaxation and beauty, then Mount Shaan-Kaya is about extreme sports: skydiving, mountaineering and many derivatives of these sports. It also has climbing routes with a negative slope. The height of the mountain is 871 m, and it gradually moves towards the sea.
8. Lake Shaan-Kaya
Not far from Mount Shaan-Kaya there is a lake. It is often called Shaan-Kai after the name of the mountain. The lake is completely fresh and is formed from underground sources and springs. Romantics, photographers and simply lovers of beautiful and wild nature are often drawn here. It is from Shaan-Kaya Lake that stunning views of the Gazebo of Winds and Mount Shaan-Kaya open up.
9. Tasting room "Massandra"
Another attraction of Alupka is the Massandra tasting room, which was opened in 1936. The wine business was actively developing on the Vorontsov estate, because there were all conditions for this type of activity.
10. Monument to the pilot Amet-Khan Sultan
A separate attraction of Alupka is the monument to the great pilot, in honor of the pilot Amet-Khan Sultan, who went from a cadet at the Kachin flight school to a squadron commander. At the end of the war, he entered into an unprecedented air duel with an ace pilot of the fascist Luftwaffe, who shot down over 50 Soviet aircraft, and emerged victorious, glorifying the valor and courage of the Crimean pilots.
11. Obelisk of the Govyrin brothers
Not far from the Alupka bus station there is an obelisk made of black marble. It was installed in 1957 in memory of the feat of the Govyrin brothers, who were hanged by the Nazis in 1942 in the city center. At first, the brothers were buried outside the city, but later, in the post-war period, their graves were moved to a quiet city square and a memorial obelisk was erected.
Also in Alupka there are stunning Christian churches: the Temple of the Archangel Michael and the Temple of Alexander Nevsky.
The Church of the Archangel Michael was built in 1841 and illuminated on August 31 of the same year. The Church of the Archangel Michael is the oldest temple in the city of Alupka and has a very long and fascinating history.
The Alexander Nevsky Temple is the youngest in Alupka, it was built in 1913 and already in 1918 it was closed by the Bolsheviks and completely looted. Only in 1996 the temple was re-consecrated and opened to parishioners. The Alexander Nevsky Temple is located in the western part of Alupka, on Cape Zeleny, at the address: st. Lenina, house 60.
Sights of Alupka are known far beyond the borders of Crimea, many of them remain on the pages of world history, but most importantly, they all leave a warm and memorable mark in the hearts of vacationers in Crimea.
Alupka is a well-known, even in some respects, elite resort on the coast of Crimea. It is famous for its beauty - both natural and architectural, amazing sea and clean air.
How to get to Alupka
You can get to Alupka from Moscow and Krasnodar in different ways:
- by train;
- by plane;
- by car.
You can only fly to Simferopol by plane. From there you have to get to Alupka by bus - and first you need to get to Yalta by bus or trolleybus (the second option is cheaper), and from there transfer to a bus directly to Alupka.
If you plan to travel to Alupka by train, then there are two possible route options: through Simferopol and through Sevastopol. From Simferopol it takes longer to get to your destination, but transport runs more often. It is much closer from Sevastopol to Alupka.
Finally, if you prefer road trips, there are options here too. More precisely, you need to get to the Kerch crossing in the same way as during any trip to Crimea: From Moscow - along the federal highway "Crimea", from Krasnodar - through Slavyansk, Temryuk and Port Caucasus. But then you can go either along the eastern route (via Sevastopol) or along the western route (via Yalta).
What is interesting about a holiday in Alupka?
Castle in Alupka
For more than a century, Alupka has been welcoming guests from all over the world. This city may not boast ideal beaches that seem straight out of the pages of tourist advertising brochures, but most of the most famous attractions of Crimea are concentrated here, and the views of the surrounding nature are literally breathtaking.
Despite the fact that at the height of the tourist season Alupka can be quite crowded, here you can always find a secluded place where no one will disturb you from enjoying your vacation. Well, if you are a supporter of noisy fun, then in Alupka you won’t be bothered with this either: there are plenty of bars, clubs and discos here.
Prices for private housing and hotels in Alupka
The peculiarity of the development of Alupka is such that no matter where you stay, the sea will always be a stone's throw away. Therefore, the issue of proximity to the beach practically does not arise here. True, this resort cannot boast of low prices, unlike, for example, Simeiz: its popularity and elitism affect it.
Housing in Alupka is approximately equally represented by private estates, which are rented through intermediaries or by the owners themselves, and a variety of hotels, mini-hotels, and guest houses.
A one-room apartment can be rented for an average of 800-1200 rubles per day. A room in a private house will cost less, from 400 to 700 rubles; and a whole house or cottage can be rented at a price from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles per day, depending on the size, number of places and time of rest.
Those vacationers who still want to find cheaper accommodation can pay attention to the villages of Simeiz and Koreiz, which are located very close to Alupka. There prices are noticeably lower and there are fewer people.
What to see in Alupka
Alupka is famous for its unique attractions. People from all over the Crimean coast come here to see them.
Among these attractions are: Vorontsov Palace and the surrounding park. The palace in its beauty can easily compete with the more famous Livadia Palace; In addition, it is built from a unique material called diabase. And Vorontsovsky Park can safely be called a masterpiece of landscape art - the alleys, paths, flower beds, and decorative elements are so harmoniously located in it.
Vorontsov Palace
Another architectural monument in the vicinity of Alupka is Swallow's Nest Castle. It amazes not only with its beauty, but also with its location: it seems to hang over the sea, being on the very edge of the Aurora rock, which is 37 meters high.
Aurorina rock
Swallow's Nest Castle
The main natural attraction of Alupka is Mount Ai-Petri, which offers stunning views of the entire Crimean peninsula. You can climb the mountain by cableway, which starts in Miskhor. This road is the longest unsupported structure in all of Europe.
Mount Ai Petri
Entertainment in Alupka
One of the most popular entertainment in Alupka is excursions both around the city itself and in its surroundings or other cities: Yalta, Alushta, etc. During such excursions you can visit various attractions: Nikitsky Botanical Garden, the Dulber palace and park complex, Livadia Palace and much more.
Vacationers are also offered boat trips and boat excursions to the extinct volcano Karadag or to Balaklava.
Fishing lovers can do their favorite thing on the open sea.
Party-goers can head to the Neptune disco, where they will be offered a cafe with delicious seafood dishes, fiery dance music and spectacular shows. And in the Kedy night club, in addition to a sushi bar, a disco and a bartender show, you can visit a mini-cinema. Of course, there are other bars, clubs, cafes, billiards and karaoke clubs in Alupka, so no one will be bored.
Alupka beaches
The beaches of Alupka can hardly be called elite and well-maintained, but this is more of a plus for them than a minus: it is the wild, pristine beauty that makes them so attractive. In addition, the water here is clean due to the rocky bottom, and the views from the beaches are truly stunning.
The beaches in Alupka are pebbly and rocky, not wide.
- The largest and most popular beach has a popular name "Frog"- in honor of the huge stone located there, its shape reminiscent of a sitting frog. There are quite a lot of people here, but the beach is very long, so you can always find room. There are sun loungers, sun umbrellas, a promenade with changing rooms, shops and entertainment for children.
Beach Frog
- The beach is noticeably different from its other “brothers” "Black Hillock"(formerly Rainbow Beach). It is not rocky, but small pebbles, with a gentle entrance to the water. From the beach there is a beautiful view of a small bay. The territory is landscaped, there are wooden paths, changing cabins, sun loungers, there are cafes and tents with drinks. But there are few people here, since the beach cannot be reached by car, and there are not always people who want to walk. Entrance to the beach is free.
Wild beach
Beach in Alupka
- Of the wild beaches of Alupka, the most famous "Beach of Monk Bertholtz Schwarz". It consists mainly of small pebbles, but there are also large boulders. You can go down to the beach using an iron staircase. There are few vacationers here, there is no entertainment or infrastructure at all - well, that’s why it’s wild! But you can enjoy a relaxing holiday and a beautiful view of the bay.
Alupka is not the most economical of the Crimean resorts, but it is worth going here for the sights and picturesque landscapes. This place is perfect for a relaxed family holiday, including those with children.
A small gem in the tiara of the beautiful cities of the South Coast, a resort that you fall in love with at first sight, beautiful beaches and a gentle sea - all this Alupka. Attractions This picturesque corner of the Crimean peninsula, the atmosphere of calm and comfort, the unique healing climate have made it a place to which you always want to return. This is probably the reason why thousands of tourists from all over the world come here to relax. Here you have the opportunity to combine a traditional beach holiday and study of the architectural and natural monuments that Alupka is replete with.
Vorontsov Palace
In the very heart of the city, surrounded by the greenery of a luxurious park, is the Vorontsov Palace, rightfully considered a unique architectural monument of the early 19th century. It is quite unusual and different:
- Unique, bright architectural forms;
- Original layout;
- An interesting style solution for each case;
- Masterful interior finishing.
Hundreds of civilian workers and serfs contributed their labor and talent to its construction. In addition, the landscape with the Ai-Petri peak in the background was used to the maximum. It seems as if the castle rises directly from the surrounding nature.
The estate was built for the important statesman Count Vorontsov. The palace was designed by the court architect of the English Queen, Edward Blore.
The facades are made in different styles:
- On the northern side, facing Ai-Petri, the structure resembles a Medieval castle;
- On the south is the palace of the eastern ruler. The Moorish style is maintained here.
Park at the Vorontsov Palace
The composition of the landscape park was thought out by the talented German gardener K. Kebach. Parts of the object were divided according to the principles of an amphitheater, with the creation of spatial connections stretching from the “Tea House” to stone chaos, lakes, fountains, clearings, and gazebos.
The park is home to approximately 200 species, hybrids and varieties of overseas trees and shrubs. Among them are palm trees, cypresses, olives, araucarias, and viburnums. The park designer Kebah laid out the park in such a way that it complements nature, as if man had not taken part in its creation.
Be sure to pay attention to the lion terrace. On its steps there are three pairs of white marble lions by the famous Italian sculptor V. Bonnani.
The park in the city of Alupka is divided into two parts:
- The upper one is decorated with mirror ponds, harsh stone chaos with romantic names;
- The lower one is designed in Italian style with mountain springs and fountains.
Estate "Sofievka"
Another monument of the city on the Crimean peninsula is the estate, which belonged to General Naryshkin. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century.
The life of not only General Naryshkin is connected with the history of this landmark. Initially it belonged to Count Vorontsov’s cousin, then to his wife.
The mansion is surprisingly harmonious in its architectural beauty. It has grace and majesty complemented by lightness and tenderness. It looks like a castle that holds many mystical secrets.
At the beginning of the 20th century, parts of this attraction could be rented. Its guests used the park and the beach. Over time, other small estates and dachas appeared around, and as a result, the village of New Miskhor, Crimea, arose.
Amet Khan Museum
Alupka, Crimea, boasts a large number of interesting museums. One of them has become a real symbol and pride of the resort - the Museum of Ahmet Khan Sultan, who was born in this city. The life of a hero of the World War was eventful and interesting. The museum contains documents, awards, and personal belongings that can tell a lot about a person who went through the war.
You will learn about the time when he tested new airplanes and other innovative inventions.
The museum is divided into halls:
- The first will tell about the participation of Ahmet Khan Sultan in hostilities during the war;
- The second is about his life after the war.
Mount Shaan-Kaya
Sokolinaya Mountain, Crimea, is known primarily to climbers. Its negative slopes with extreme routes of the sixth level of difficulty attract extreme sports enthusiasts.
Thanks to this attraction, Alupka has become a real mecca for rope jumpers. From the top of Shaan Kaya you can make a free fall jump of 150 meters.
Of course, these are not all the attractions that are located in the resort town. Here are some more interesting places worth visiting:
- Ya. Basov Museum;
- Temple of the Archangel Michael;
- Theater of sea animals.
The sights of this city are known not only on the Crimean peninsula. Most occupy an honorable place in world history. Alupka will surprise you with a variety of historical, architectural, and natural monuments that will remain in your memory for a long time.
The small town of Alupka represents the resorts of the Southern Coast of Crimea and is deservedly popular among tourists. Vacationers will be able to find here entertainment for every taste at quite affordable prices: all kinds of entertainment for children and adults. You should also visit the most interesting sights of Alupka; we provide photos with descriptions of them below in the article. Despite its modest size, the resort area is literally crammed with ancient architectural structures, museums, historically significant places and natural monuments. What to see here first?
Vorontsov Palace – a trace of the Middle Ages in all photos
- Address: Palace Highway, 18.
- a real pride and calling card of the town. It was built by order of Count Vorontsov, a successful politician and military man. The project was compiled by the famous English engineer E. Blore. An interesting fact is that the architect never visited the construction site and never saw his creation with his own eyes. However, Blore was well prepared, taking into account all the nuances, down to the features of the relief. The result of his work was a magnificent medieval palace ensemble in the style of English romanticism. Photos of Alupka sights can be seen on postcards and postage stamps.
Vorontsovsky Park is a brilliant attraction
- Address: Palace Highway, 18.
It surrounds the Vorontsov Palace on all sides. It miraculously intertwines natural beauty and the efforts of human hands. Count Vorontsov invited the best gardener of those times, K. Kebach, and he did his best: in addition to the existing Crimean vegetation, he ordered exotic seedlings from all over the world and harmoniously distributed them in the garden.
Temple of the Archangel Michael: description of the newly revived church
- Address: Sanatorium dead end, 4.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, it is rightfully considered a real symbol of Alupka. The head of the construction project was H.V. Vasiliev, a well-known admirer of the Byzantine style in architecture. The construction was financed from donations, so it took quite a long time. During this time, the building was seriously damaged, it was abandoned and gradually looted. And in 1991 it again became part of the Russian Orthodox Church, and since then work has been underway to restore it.
Museum of Crimean Tatar Culture – living history of Alupka and Crimea
- Address: Rosa Luxemburg street, 30
The museum was founded in 1992 and was originally an art gallery where the works of Crimean Tatar artists were exhibited. Over time, it was filled with other exhibits related to the history of the people, their culture and traditions. Today there is a unique collection of works of art, ancient household items, decorative art, and entire exhibitions telling about the life of the Crimean Tatars.
Aivazovsky's Rock - a romantic date place
- Coordinates: 44°25′5″N (44.418058), 34°3′24″E (34.056699).
Famous marine painter I.K. Aivazovsky loved to visit Alupka, and he especially liked the rock near Vorontsovsky Park. Here he painted his best paintings. The rock also attracts tourists with its unusually breathtaking views from above. This place also serves as a haven for couples in love: indeed, where else can you enjoy each other’s company in a romantic setting?
Tasting rooms "Massandra" - a favorite place for tourists
- Address: Palace Highway, 26.
The wines of southern Crimea are famous all over the world for their excellent taste and high quality. Vacationers have an amazing opportunity to look at the wine production process from the inside. The Massandra plant provides this opportunity to city guests. You will be taken around the entire territory, shown wine cellars and cellars, told an interesting history of creation, shown valuable specimens and, of course, allowed to taste the products.
Krestovaya Mountain - a mysterious hill in the vicinity of Alupka
- Coordinates: 44°25′53″N (44.431271), 34°3′19″E (34.055192).
The mountain got its name from the cross installed on its top. In 1837, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna visited these places. She ordered a wooden cross to be installed. It has not survived to this day, but now there is a metal cross on the mountain - it is unknown who put it up. Don't know what to see in Alupka? Go to this reminder.
Amet Khan Museum - a reminder of the legendary man
- Address: Yaltinskaya street, 22.
The museum's exhibitions are dedicated to different years of the life of Amet-Khan, a brave and courageous military pilot, twice a hero of the USSR. Every resident of the resort is proud of his famous countryman and knows his history since childhood. During the Great Patriotic War, Amet-Khan accomplished many feats, participated in numerous military operations and knocked out more than 30 enemy vehicles. In peacetime, he was involved in testing the latest space equipment. The sights of Alupka also include a monument to the famous pilot.
Shaan-Kaya rock – a paradise for climbers
- Coordinates: 44°26′8″N (44.435659), 34°1′10″E (34.019346).
The Shaan-Kaya rock, or “Shanghai” as the Crimeans call it, attracts lovers from all over the country - all thanks to its height (871 m) and the location of the slope. There are many routes of varying degrees of difficulty along this slope. Mountain climbing competitions are often held here. Just nearby is located, attracting lovers of natural picturesque corners.
The Naryshkin estate is a family estate
- Address: Alupkinskoe highway, 15b.
The ancient building, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is perfectly preserved and is available to tourists in almost its original form. The walls of the mansion have seen the fates of entire generations and probably keep many family secrets. From the outside, the estate looks like a fairytale castle, so against the backdrop of the estate you get incredibly beautiful photos; a more detailed description of the Alupka attraction can also be found on our website.
Interesting places in Alupka are unique and varied. Even a whole vacation is not enough to travel around and see them all, so vacationers return to the town again and again!