The Crimean Peninsula has many vacation options. From a holiday somewhere far from civilization to the best hotels a stone’s throw from the sea. But a vacation in Crimea always means a mild climate, warm sea, picturesque mountains, good cuisine, and the trip is several times cheaper than abroad. In addition, you won’t have to spend all your time on the beach here, because the peninsula is rich in cultural and historical values, as well as an incredible number of unique natural reserves.
Rest in Yalta
The Yalta coast is covered with pebbles of various sizes. The beaches are well equipped, well maintained and quite crowded. They can boast of a developed infrastructure. Entry into the water is convenient.
Attractions
Yalta Embankment
There are restaurants, shops, attractions on it, and boats for boat trips are located on the pier. This place is the core of resort life: during the high season it is very lively, noisy and fun, but at the same time atmospheric.
Swallow’s Nest
Located on the edge of a steep cliff, the stylized knight’s castle is familiar to everyone from postcards, which is why everyone who finds themselves in Crimea dreams of visiting here. The observation deck offers views of the surrounding rocks and Mount Ayu-Dag. Ethnographic, art and archaeological exhibitions are often held inside.
Golitsyn Palace
One of the most beautiful palaces in Crimea was built in the style of European romanticism with Gothic elements. Previously it belonged to the Golitsyns. The English Middle Ages are forever imprinted in the appearance of the palace made of gray stone. Each of the octagonal three-tiered towers with battlements has a symbolic meaning.
Yusupov Palace
Visit the ancient estate of the famous Yusupovs – and touch the history of their family, examine the architectural buildings – and get to know the neo-romantic style better. And near the sculptural sculptures made in Italy, Germany and the Baltic states you will get wonderful memorable photographs.
Museum “Glade of Fairy Tales”
Cartoon and fiction characters “live” here. There are glades of fairy tales from Russia, Ukraine, Europe and America, as well as a fairy forest and a Slavic settlement. Little tourists remain delighted with their favorite characters.
Royal Path
A walking path of almost 7 kilometers runs from the Livadia Palace to Cape Ai-Todor. This is a wide path for leisurely walks along the rocky coast among pine groves. From time to time there are observation platforms on it, from which a panorama of the Black Sea opens.
Where to stay in Yalta
- Hotel “Anna” – from 4,700 rubles per night for two.
- Pension “Imperial” – from 9 000 rubles per night for two.
- Premier Hotel “Oreanda” – from 25,000 rubles per night for two.
Rest in Evpatoria
There are more than 30 public beaches in Evpatoria. Free admission. Basic services, for example, visiting the shower, toilet, renting canopies, sunbeds – are paid. The surface is sandy and sandy-pebble, the sea is calm.
Attractions
Living Sculpture Park
It is located on the Embankment. Gorky. During the summer months, well-made-up actors in eccentric costumes stand so motionless for long periods of time that they are almost indistinguishable from stone statues.
Arboretum
There is a huge number of plants, both local and imported, and natural and man-made beauties are harmoniously combined. The park becomes especially magnificent during the flowering of trees and shrubs. It is good to enjoy the silence and relax among them.
Karaite kenasses
The temple complex consists of five interconnected courtyards: Vine, Marble, Ritual, Memorial and the courtyard of Waiting. Each is a work of architectural art. Colonnades, arches, gardens, stained glass windows, massive carved doors – a walk here will bring real aesthetic pleasure.
Moinak Lake
The lake was part of the sea, but after the spit was formed, it separated. It is believed that there are minerals left in the water, which is why it is healing. Mentions of this are found even in ancient Greek literature. Nowadays people bathe here and do mud wraps to improve their health.
Where to stay in Evpatoria
Hotel “Dzheval” – from 18,000 rubles per night for two.
Rest in Sevastopol
There are few equipped and comfortable beaches within the city. But they are in the north – in Uchkuevka and Lyubimovka (sandy and extended). The best of the city can be called “Solnechny”. The entrance to the sea is gentle, the water is clean, despite the large number of vacationers. The surface is small pebbles and sand. Good infrastructure, lots of entertainment.
Attractions
National Reserve “Tavrichesky Chersonesos”
Here are the results of many years of archaeological excavations: ruins of temples, the central square of Chersonesus, a basilica, an ancient amphitheater, household items, handicrafts and works of art of ancient inhabitants, even medieval artifacts raised from the bottom.
Shuldan Cave Monastery
The road to the main temple goes through the caves, then along the gallery, which offers a magnificent view of the Shul Valley. Next to the monastery there is a large grotto with a stone lace created by water and wind. There is nothing inside the beautiful stone chapel with a golden dome, but from the platform at the top you can look out over the surrounding mountains and forests.
Chersonese Bell
He survived two wars, was captured twice, and made three trips. The bell, cast from Turkish cannons, was even a beacon – it served as a guide for ships in bad weather. There are many interesting historical facts and no less exciting legends associated with it, which is why it seems mysterious and attracts visitors.
Chersonos lighthouse
Many tourists traveling around Western Crimea strive to capture the unique ancient lighthouse, the pride of Russia, and enjoy the sunset on the edge of Cape Chersonesos. The lighthouse has survived severe storms, storms and hurricanes. A powerful earthquake in 1827 destroyed many historical sites, including the foundation of the Swallow’s Nest, but the lighthouse remained intact and still serves its intended purpose.
Peter and Paul Cathedral
The rectangular building is reminiscent of the Athenian Parthenon: a white colonnade in the Doric style with grooves and modest capitals, a triangular frieze, stucco. In fact, the cathedral was created according to an individual project and does not copy other buildings. It attracts mainly with its elegant appearance, but if you want, you can also take part in the services. The cathedral is active.
Count’s pier
This is the main entrance to the city from the sea. A wide staircase leads to the double colonnade of the Doric order. Stone lions lie at the steps – their gaze is fixed on the sea, attentive and cautious, they guard the bay. Walking along the embankment, you will see moored boats, skiffs and catamarans. If you take a sightseeing tour of the bay, they will tell you about the city and the ships of the Black Sea Fleet.
Where to stay in Sevastopol
- Villa “Venice” – from 3,300 rubles per night for two.
- Hotel “Sevastopol” – from 7 500 rubles per night for two.
- Hotel “Sandy Bay” – from 22,000 rubles per night for two.
Rest in Feodosia
Most beaches have a sandy surface, sometimes with small shell rock. But the central beach “Kameshki” is pebbly. The entrance to the water is generally gentle and comfortable. You can get to the hotel beaches for a small fee, to the municipal ones – freely, but if you need a sun lounger, you will have to rent it.
Attractions
Taigan Safari Park
Representatives of the cat family gathered here: lions, tigers, as well as lynxes, cheetahs, pumas and others. And in addition to predators, the park is home to giraffes, camels, llamas and monkeys. The animals are free from enclosures and cages, so you will have the impression of walking among the wild nature of Africa.
Museum of Antiquities
The museum is divided into several halls, each of which belongs to a certain era of history: from the Stone to the 20th century. The museum contains many items from the everyday life of the Cimmerians, Scythians, Sarmatians, Karaites, Crimean Tatars and Ottomans. Among the exhibits there are statues of pagan gods and weapons from the Russian-Turkish War.
Golden Gate
Arch in the rocks located directly in the sea. Previously, excursion ships passed through them, but now, in order to avoid destruction of the attraction, this is prohibited. It’s not scary – it’s good to admire the gate from afar: under the bright rays of the sun, the rocks literally flash a rich yellow color, hence the name. It is especially beautiful here at dawn and when the sun is at its zenith.
Volcano Kara-Dag
It has gone out, but continues to attract tourists and scientists. The volcano has preserved traces of the active eruption process and weathering processes that took place here more than a hundred million years ago. The appearance of the mountains created by magma flows is very unusual and beautiful – combine a sea and walking tour of the attraction and see for yourself. The special energetic activity observed here is also interesting. Anomalies were even recorded by NASA. For example, compasses do not work on mountain tops.
Genoese fortress “Cafa”
One of the most ancient fortresses that has survived to this day. It was built in the early 14th century by Italian settlers. Not many fragments of their life have been preserved here, and besides, restoration is not given due attention. But this has its advantages. You can appreciate the true scale of the ancient fortress, see it in almost its original untouched form.
Palace-dacha Stamboli
An amazingly beautiful mansion is located in the prestigious walking area of Aivazovsky Avenue. The history of the Stamboli family is contradictory and surrounded by many legends; the owner is even credited with unique abilities, because he became a millionaire almost out of nowhere. The building in the Art Nouveau style with elements of the Moorish style is not called a palace for nothing. It is richly decorated on the outside – arched terraces, minaret, turrets, lancet openings, and inside – the rooms are decorated with marble of different colors, precious wood, stucco.
Where to stay in Feodosia
- Hotel “Lidiya” – from 3,500 rubles per night for two.
- Hotel “Mileta” – from 3 500 rubles per night for two.
Rest in Alushta
More often, the beaches of Alushta are covered with dark shale sand, which has healing properties. Sometimes there is sand mixed with natural gravel. The central beach of Alushta is pebbly. Breakwaters are installed along the Black Sea coast, and on the beach areas there are changing rooms, showers, and toilets. Entry into the water is convenient, the depth begins not far from the shore.
Attractions
Miniature Park
It is impossible to see all the ancient fortresses, palaces, mosques and other famous buildings of Crimea in one visit. Therefore, the main attractions are presented in this park in a reduced form. In a couple of hours spent at the educational exhibition, you can visit many corners of the peninsula. There are about 50 exhibits here, and the collection is growing every year. The precise works of miniature masters delight visitors.
Aluston Fortress
In the center of Alushta there are the remains of an ancient Byzantine fortress of the 6th century. Despite time, fires, bad weather, numerous wars, many fragments of the structure have been preserved. The spirit of the mighty and impregnable walls of the distant past still lives in these romantic ruins. You can walk around the territory on your own, but it is much more interesting to learn about the historical past of this place by taking a tour.
Mount Demerdzhi
You can go on a jeep tour or explore everything on your own. The slopes of the mountain are covered with beech forest and shrubs. From the southern and northern peaks, rising almost one and a half kilometers, beautiful landscapes open up, and clouds float below. There are the remains of two fortresses, caves, waterfalls, a valley with stone sculptures, gorges and rocks of unusual shape.
Ghost Valley
From the southwestern side of Mount Demerdzhi there is a walking path to a valley with stone sculptures. The largest is about twenty meters in height. They resemble statues of animals, birds, strange creatures, various objects, male and female silhouettes. It seems to many that all living things here froze in an instant, which is why the place was named that way.
Golovkinsky Waterfall
It is surrounded by birch groves and falls from a height through eight rapids. Tourists are attracted here by its power and mysterious beauty. Over time, the streams formed small lakes in the rock with clean and cool water. They were called “baths of youth” – you can drink the water and rinse yourself with it, but you are not allowed to bathe. The path to Golovkinsky lies through a gloomy and mysterious gorge.
Kyzyl-Koba Caves
Located near Alushta. There are many cave halls with reddish tint vaults. On the walls you will see thousand-year-old stalactites, carbonate deposits, corallites and stalagmites. The beauty and atmosphere are enhanced by underground lakes and waterfalls. For extreme sports enthusiasts, tours through the flooded parts of the cave are provided in wetsuits and with an experienced instructor.
Where to stay in Alushta
- Hotel “Lidiya” – from 3,200 rubles per night for two.
- Guest house “South Coast” – from 3,800 rubles per night for two.
- Barton Park Hotel – from 11,000 rubles per night for two.
- Krasnodar – Simferopol. Ticket price – from 1,100 rubles per adult.
- Krasnodar – Feodosia. Ticket price – from 700 rubles per adult.
- Krasnodar – Yalta. Ticket price – from 1,200 rubles per adult.
- Krasnodar – Sudak. Ticket price – from 2,900 rubles per adult.
- Krasnodar – Alushta. Ticket price – from 1,100 rubles per adult.
- Krasnodar – Sevastopol. Ticket price – from 1,500 rubles per adult.
- Anapa – Simferopol. The price of a bus ticket is from 700 rubles per adult.
- Anapa – Yalta. Ticket price – from 1,100 rubles per adult.
- Rostov-on-Don – Simferopol. Ticket price – from 1,300 rubles per adult.
- Rostov-on-Don – Yalta. Ticket price – from 1,300 rubles per adult.
- Rostov-on-Don – Feodosia. Ticket price – from 1,300 rubles per adult.
- Rostov-on-Don – Sevastopol. Ticket price – from 2,000 rubles per adult.
- Rostov-on-Don – Alushta. Ticket price – from 1,300 rubles per adult.
Holidays in Sudak
The beaches are covered with sand of an unusual gray color – it is given by quartz. Entry into the water is convenient. The bottom near the shore is shallow, so the sea is warm. There are almost no storms or strong waves: the mountain protects the bay from the wind. Therefore, a vacation in Sudak is suitable for families with children. There are both well-equipped beaches (for example, Central), and completely wild, distinguished by crystal clear water (Megan).
Attractions
Cape Meganom
The longest cape in Crimea. This is the sunniest area of the peninsula. The cape has stunningly beautiful sunrises and sunsets, which attracts not only tourists admiring the sky, but also many yogis. The bay near the cape is covered with volcanic pebbles of different colors. Rocks protect the place from the winds, the water here is clean and transparent – ideal conditions for diving.
Alchak-Kai nature reserve
This is essentially an old coral reef that has petrified and turned into a rocky headland. Now it extends five hundred meters into the sea and separates two bays. The ascent to the mountain starts from the embankment, passes along a wooden bridge, then past the gorge, through boulders towards the grotto, then to the shore of the bay on the eastern slope, and from here to the very top. From the top there is a panorama of Sudak, Cape Meganom, the blue bays of the New World and the Genoese fortress.
Blue Bay with Royal Beach
Located in a hard-to-reach protected area, therefore this natural corner, untouched by civilization, has been preserved in its pristine beauty. The bay is surrounded by two capes, the water in it is of an unusual blue color. Tsarsky Beach is not equipped for relaxation; there are many cobblestones on it. It is the local views that attract tourists: you can spend hours looking at the stunningly blue sea and breathing in the purest air, thanks to the pine and juniper forests.
Ruins of a cave monastery
The mysterious ruins attract tourists, historians, and archaeologists. Once upon a time, monks hid here, under the protection of nature itself. They lived without communication with the outside world. Then the monastery was destroyed. All that has survived to date is its base and three cells crashed into the mountainside. Their unusual appearance and stunning landscapes around are a worthy reward for those who decide to walk here along the steep slopes.
Kapsel Valley
Small bays formed by landslides and endless beaches. Lovers of outdoor recreation come here with tents. If you prefer convenience, you can stay in equipped campsites. Also, many fishermen gather here, calling it the best place for fishing in Crimea. Divers also flock here: the sea is clear, the underwater world is diverse. Around the valley there are remains of ancient settlements excavated by archaeologists; you can take a walk and look at their ruins.
Where to stay in Sudak
Hotel “Forum” – from 2,300 rubles per night for two.
How to get to Crimea by plane or train
The transport center of the peninsula is the city of Simferopol. The fastest way to get to it from Russian cities is by plane. Nordwind, Ural Airlines, S7, Red Wings, Smartavia, Aeroflot, and Yakutia airlines operate flights from Moscow. Flights are direct, travel time is about 2.5 hours. The price of an air ticket is from 2,600 rubles one way. S7, Ural Airlines and Aeroflot fly from Vladivostok to Simferopol with one or two transfers. Travel time is from 13 to 39 hours. The price of a plane ticket is from 17,000 rubles one way. You can fly from Arkhangelsk in 3 hours 40 minutes. Smartavia and Aeroflot flights with transfers will take 6–26 hours and cost from 6,900 rubles one way. It is more profitable for travelers from Novosibirsk to travel with transfers: the ticket price for Ural Airlines starts at 7,600 rubles, while for S7, Azimut, Red Wings and Aeroflot it is more expensive. But S7 and Alrosa also have direct flights. The travel time in this case will be only 5.5 hours. With transfers – from 9 to 30 hours.
The railway connection between Simferopol and Moscow is carried out by branded Tavria trains, which include compartment and SV cars. They run every day, travel time is 33 hours. Train ticket price – from 3,200 rubles There is another option to get to Crimea by train – go to Sevastopol from St. Petersburg. The branded “Tavria”, consisting of reserved seat and compartment cars, runs daily and reaches the hero city in 43 hours. Ticket price – from 5,100 rubles one way.
How to get to Crimea by bus
From cities on the Russian mainland located close to the peninsula, you can get there by bus (to Simferopol, Yalta, Alushta, Feodosia, Sudak). This option is suitable for you if you live in Krasnodar, Anapa, Rostov-on-Don or Novorossiysk. Or it is convenient for you to reach them by plane or train. The fastest way to get to Crimea is by bus from Anapa, in just 3-5 hours. Travel time from Krasnodar and Rostov-on-Don is approximately 8 – 15 hours.
Bus tickets
Prices indicated in the material are valid at the time of publication.
