We continue to share inspiring routes for the summer together with Russian Explorers photographers. Roman Korshunov has prepared a guide to Crimea. And so that you can use it as soon as possible, in our telegram channel we are giving away a discount on air tickets to Simferopol, and also for accommodation there.
Perhaps you have never considered Crimea as an option for a weekend trip. But in vain: in a few days spent on the peninsula, you can visit many amazing places.
I offer you a version of the program, rich in travel, watching sunrises and visiting various locations – in two days you want to see as much as possible. I traveled without my own car, so the route is suitable even for those who do not drive a car.
What you need to know before you go
Of course, traveling around Crimea without a car is not easy. It is better to gather a company with at least one driver and rent a car. The cost of renting a car on OneTwoTrip starts from 3,700 rubles* per day.
As an alternative, try using classified ads services where you can find a local carrier or escort who is willing to provide services. This option became available here with the development of domestic tourism – there were more travelers and transfer services became more in demand. Just remember that a local is not always a guide, so it’s better to navigate on your own.
The cost of one day of such trips varies from 7,000 to 15,000 rubles. It is better to look for a driver, agreeing on the time of arrival and the number of people in advance.
How to get to Crimea
The main airport of the peninsula is in Simferopol. A new modern terminal was opened in 2018. The cost of tickets depends on the season and days of the week: as a rule, flights in the summer and on weekends are more expensive. For example, the average price of an air ticket from Moscow to Simferopol and back with departure this summer is 10,000 rubles*.
Important nuances
In Crimea there are no usual telecom operators and taxi services operating in other regions. Smartphone payment systems do not work here. But, contrary to rumors, you can pay by card. So don’t rush to withdraw all your cash before your trip. There are several Crimean operators for communication; the local bank can carry out the necessary financial transactions, and Maxim is a local taxi operator.
Route
Day 1. Sevastopol – Chersonesos – Cape Fiolent
The most beautiful city in Crimea, ancient ruins and an ideal spot for watching sunsets just 20 minutes from the city. A route where all the attractions are nearby will help you get involved in a short trip. I’ll tell you how to get a taste and feel the atmosphere of the peninsula.
Sevastopol
In my opinion, one of the few cities in Crimea that really deserves attention. Not only because it is the largest and most developed, but also due to its interesting architecture.
After the Great Patriotic War, Sevastopol was actively and extensively restored. Young architects came here to realize their creative ideas. The city has a huge number of unique buildings, but, nevertheless, it looks holistic and pleasant due to the commonality of architecture, inspired by the images of St. Petersburg in the era of classicism. Take a walk along “Big Ring” – st. Bolshaya Morskaya, st. Lenin and Nakhimov Avenue. You will definitely like it.
Chersonese (Tavrichesky Chersonese)
A branch of the Roman Forum in Crimea, which should not be confused with Cape Chersonesus (although it is also beautiful there). But seriously – an amazing treasure of ancient Greek civilization on the southwestern coast of Crimea. The polis was founded around 422-421 BC, Prince Vladimir was baptized here, and many ancient objects and utensils have been preserved. Therefore, history buffs and others should stop by. You can easily get there by taxi in 25 minutes or by rented transport.
Cape Fiolent
Sevastopol is also amazing because there is such an epic observation point next to the city. You can easily get here on your own or by taxi. Just 20 minutes and you are already surrounded by incredible natural beauty. Like many similar places, I advise you to come here to see off the sunset, setting aside time for a walk before the sun has yet set. See the cliffs as you walk from above, go down to Jasper Beach, and then head back up to enjoy the sun. The perfect end to a busy day.
Day 2. Balaclava – Dzhangul
An empty city with dozens of boats and cozy streets, an ancient fortress and views of the nearest cape.
Balaclava
If you are as crazy as me, I advise you to arrive in Balaklava at dawn. This solution has several advantages. Firstly, there are few people and tourists in the city, and secondly, you can see the mountains in the light of the incredible rising sun.
The Chembalo fortress, located on the Balaklava cliff, also deserves attention. Climb higher to walk around the ancient walls, look at the city and Cape Aya from above.
The city itself is not an acquired taste, but when it is deserted it makes a completely different impression. Bring a snack and have breakfast overlooking the boats. For the sake of such romance, it’s worth making an effort and waking up early, because this way you can see these places almost deserted.
Dzhangul
Go here if you are not only a traveler, but also a collector of unusual places. Some will say that 8 hours spent on the road is not worth it to see the landslide coast. But lovers of rare, fascinating species will definitely not regret the decision to see it with their own eyes.
Dzhangul is located near the village of Olenevka on Cape Tarkhankut. The rocks that slid down to the sea formed a landscape with stone teeth and paths around them. And if you have the energy, on the way back, stop by Tarkhankut lighthouse for the romantic landscape. Ask locals for directions and follow the signs.
Day 3. Sudak – Cape Meganom
An ancient fortress, like from “Game of Thrones” and the cutest lighthouse on the epic coast. We end the trip with a busy day, where a new impression covers the previous one.
Pike perch
One of the most wine-rich cities in Crimea. I advise you to take a walk along the embankment in the evening and maybe go to the New World for a sparkling wine tasting.
The most interesting things in the city — The Genoese fortress, which looks as if “Game of Thrones” or “The Lord of the Rings” were filmed here: a fortress wall with loopholes and towers stretches along a steep cliff. You can take a walk on the territory of the fortress and climb to the very top to look at Sudak from above. In general, the place is good from literally all sides: it will appeal to both those who are interested in history and those who like to enjoy the views. Entrance ticket costs 200 rubles*.
Cape Meganom
Important: previously you could drive straight to the lighthouse by SUV. Now the path is closed by a barrier in one section, so you will have to walk for about 20
Meganome and the lighthouse on the cape are another place where the head refuses to read the geolocation. You are either in Crimea, or on the Faroe Islands, or even in some incredible world somewhere in a computer game. The Meganomsky lighthouse itself is very low – only 12 meters, but it is cute, like a picture from a book about adventures.
It’s better to come here at sunset or dawn, so think in advance about how to combine this trip with a tour of Sudak and the surrounding area.
Crimea is amazing. My top tip is to avoid the crowds by planning your visits to places where you can be one with nature. Then you will see that the peninsula is not only a popular resort location, but also a place where you can feel peace and relax your soul.
*Prices valid at time of publication
