Sevastopol is a port city on the southwestern coast of the Crimean peninsula. Here you will find a historical center, original coffee shops, as well as parks that lead to the sea. In addition, some of the most beautiful locations in Crimea are located in Sevastopol – Balaklava and Fiolent.
How to get there
Planes fly constantly from Moscow to Simferopol, the price of a round-trip ticket starts from 6000 rubles*.
Upon arrival, you can get to Sevastopol by regular bus (runs from 4:30 to 21:00) or taxi.
Be sure to check your mobile communication tariff: on the peninsula, almost all Russian operators operate in roaming mode. You can purchase a local “Volna” SIM card at the airport terminal.
Where to stay
Hotels in Sevastopol offer comfortable living conditions and developed infrastructure nearby. It is most convenient to stay close to the center and make day trips to various parts of the city.
Here are some suitable options:
Art-hotel “Ukraine” – from 3100 rubles per night*;
“Optima Sevastopol” – from 3500 rubles per night*;
Resort complex Aquamarine Resort&Spa – from 10400 rubles per night*.
What to do in Sevastopol?
Go to Chersonesus to remember the great civilization that once existed on this land and explore the historical monuments of the past. And when you get hungry, be sure to stop by the cozy cafes and restaurants of the city.
Visit museums
Tavrichesky Chersonese
Khersones is a state open-air museum-reserve. Take a walk through the territory of the ancient settlement among the ruins of Zeno’s tower, baths, amphitheater, medieval fortresses of Chembalo and Kalamita. Be sure to visit the Italian courtyard. Entrance to the territory of the reserve – 200 rubles, excursions – from 175 rubles per person*.
Sevastopol Military Historical Museum-Reserve
Panorama “Defense of Sevastopol 1854–1855” is a must-see place. The building houses a painting included in the list of the 60 largest panoramas in the world. The circumference is 115 meters, the height is 14 meters. The composition is based on battle scenes. The cost of excursions is 500 rubles per person*.
Museum of the Black Sea Fleet
One of the most visited attractions in Sevastopol. The museum stores many exhibits dedicated to the Black Sea Fleet from its founding in the 18th century to the present day.
The museum has eight exhibitions related to a specific historical period. For example, room No. 4 talks about the participation of the Black Sea Fleet in revolutions and the First World War. Among the exhibits are a part of the foremast from the battleship Prince Potemkin Tauride, personal belongings of Lieutenant P.P. Schmidt, and a golden award weapon. Entrance ticket – 100 rubles*.
Take a walk in the parks by the sea
Photo: Dmitrenko Ekaterina/Shutterstock.com
Victory Park
The park has a central alley with singing fountains, a monument to St. George the Victorious, and many secluded paths for those who like to walk alone. Here you can have an evening jog or a picnic among the cypress trees. All paths will lead you to the sea, where it is especially pleasant to admire the sunset and throw pebbles from the pier into the sea surface. At any time of the year on the embankment you can buy drinks, eat pasties or hot dogs.
Matrossky and Primorsky boulevards
Matrossky is the first boulevard of Sevastopol, built back in the 1830s.
On it there is a monument “In honor of the 100th anniversary of the invention of radio by A. S. Popov.” From here, along a wide staircase you can go down from the City Hill to the central entrance to Primorsky Boulevard.
Installations, fountains, restaurants and cafes await you there. On Primorsky Boulevard you can admire the sea sunset while enjoying the work of street musicians. Architecture lovers will appreciate the splendor of the Lunacharsky Drama Theater and the building of the Art Museum. M. P. Kroshitsky, built at the end of the 19th century.
North side: Uchkuevka park
A separate item on the program could be a trip by boat to the northern part of the city. A short walk will be remembered for the waves crashing against the side of the ship, the view of the embankment and the famous monument to the Sunken Ships.
On the North Side, you should definitely go to Uchkuevka Park: the wooden playgrounds are equipped with stylish recreation areas with swings and sunbeds, many playgrounds for children, and a skate park. All paths, according to the classics of the genre, will lead you to the sea. The coastline is occupied by the beaches of Lyubimovka and Uchkuevka, which are loved for their sandy shore and photogenic red rocks.
Drink coffee and have a delicious lunch
“Protest”
Panoramic windows onto Aivazovsky Street, dozens of plants and a creative atmosphere – it’s easy to feel the spirit of the city here. There are always fresh baked goods on the shelves, unobtrusive music on the speakers, and postcards and jewelry from local craftsmen for sale. Find the best cinnamon rolls in town here.
Aroma
Small coffee shops at the Nakhimov and Ushakov stops. They offer hearty bowls, oatmeal with tomatoes, and avocado toast. For drinks, we recommend trying the signature “Salted Caramel” and “Pear-Turmeric” lattes.
23 Café La Brasserie
A piece of France in the city center. It’s worth going here to taste crispy croissants with almonds and enjoy a glass of sparkling wine. The place will definitely appeal to lovers of luxurious interiors: mirrors, candles, paintings, red velvet armchairs. During the warm season, there is a summer veranda, from where you can leisurely watch the life of the city.
“Greenhouse”
The cozy establishment is compactly located on Ochakovtsev Street. The Greenhouse has many flowers, among which live canaries, accompanying the calm lounge music. The menu includes salads, cream soups, bowls and main courses – everything that is so loved and familiar.
BOUQUET garni
The cafe is located in the Gagarinsky district and will certainly become a frequent place of visit for residents of the Aquamarine Hotel. The path to the establishment lies through Victory Park – an excellent chance to combine a pleasant walk with a long-awaited lunch. The BOUQUET garni menu includes French breakfasts, eclairs with various fillings, farm cheeses, pastas and risotto.
A day in Balaklava
Balaklava Bay is loved for its picturesque views, mild climate, comfortable beaches, historical sights and yacht trips. Get ready to fall in love forever with this special place, glorified by Russian poets and writers for centuries.
Chembalo Fortress
The Genoese fortress is the main attraction of this southern city. The remains of Chembalo are located on the slope of Fortress Mountain, offering magnificent views of the bay and the Black Sea. The fortress is open to visitors around the clock, admission is free.
Nazukina Embankment
The main walking route in Balaklava is Nazukin embankment. Here you will see Balaklava Bay and the Chembalo fortress from a new perspective, and you will also be able to refresh yourself in restaurants and cafes. There are many boats at the pier that can take you to hard-to-reach but even more exciting places.
Beaches: Vasily, Golden and Silver
Vasili is a beach fenced off by a 150-meter-high rock wall that protects from the wind. The fastest way to get to Vasili is by boat (10–15 minutes).
The Golden Beach of Balaclava is a secluded place where you can enjoy the wild nature to the fullest. Stock up on fruit, a thermos of tea and sandwiches, Zolotoy is a great place for a picnic.
There is a bar with drinks and snacks on Silver Beach. During the season it will be crowded here, so we recommend visiting in the off-season.
Golden and Silver beaches can be reached by boat, but if you prefer active recreation, go on foot through the mountains. The path follows the route of the Great Sevastopol Trail and takes from 45 minutes to Serebryany, and from 1.5 hours to Zolotoy (one way).
Fiolent Locations
Cape Fiolent appeared due to a powerful volcanic eruption. Rocks, cliffs, mythical trees, turquoise water – all this makes tourists return here year after year.
Jasper Beach
Here you can find pebbles of various colors, the iridescence of which shimmers in the clear water. The lucky ones manage to find small pieces of real jasper.
Near the beach there is the St. George Monastery, and 140 meters from the shore there is the Rock of the Holy Apparition (St. George’s Rock).
Diana’s Grotto
Diana’s Grotto is an amazing natural phenomenon created under the influence of the forces of tides and wind. Photo sessions are often held against the backdrop of the arch, and on the descent to the cape you will find another object for photography – a swing with a view of the rocks and the sea.
Beach under the lighthouse
The place is also called Bounty or Crocodile. The last name was not given by chance – the rock looking out from the depths of the Black Sea resembles a giant head of a predatory reptile. During the season, extreme sports enthusiasts and divers jump from a cliff into the water, try their hand at slacklining and tickle their nerves on a bungee.
The descent to the sea is not easy: you will need to climb down sandy rocks, and in some areas use auxiliary ropes. For families with children, we recommend choosing more family-friendly beaches – Jasper Beach and Diana’s Grotto.
*Prices valid at time of publication
Photo: shutterstock.com/unsplash.com
