The peninsula offers many options for recreation: beaches, boat trips, museums and more. But where is it better to go – to Yalta or Bakhchisarai? Or maybe even to Sudak? We have selected the most famous and popular resorts in Crimea.
Yalta
As such, the city of Yalta is small – about eighty thousand people. But every year two million tourists come here to relax, which makes Yalta the most popular Crimean resort. Of course, it is the most expensive, but the conditions are excellent.
In addition to excellent beaches, you can visit the Chekhov House Museum, the large Skazka zoo, and the Massandra Wine Palace hosts tastings of excellent wines that are known far beyond the borders of Crimea. There is also a cable car to Mount Ai-Petri, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.
Gurzuf
The village is located not far from Yalta, literally 18 kilometers. Children here will be interested in the Artek pioneer camp, and their parents will be interested in the opportunity to leave their children under supervision during their vacation. Mountains rise around Gurzuf: Ayu-Dag, Genoese rock and several others.
The accessibility of the mountains has made the place popular among outdoor enthusiasts. The village itself is divided into old and new. The old one has preserved the cozy atmosphere of past years, the buildings look very authentic – here you can relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle.
Feodosia
Feodosia is known as widely as Yalta. Only this resort is located on the eastern coast of Crimea, and holidays here are usually cheaper. Feodosia has a mild climate and many sandy beaches, which are called golden. And it’s not just the yellow sand, but also the particles of shells that shimmer spectacularly in the sun.
This is one of the oldest cities in Crimea with a centuries-old history. It was founded back in the 6th century BC. Many ruins have been preserved: ancient settlements, fortresses and other objects that are open to tourists. Among the attractions are the Armenian Temple, the Aivazovsky Gallery, and the Alexander Greene Museum.
Pike perch
And this is the center of winemaking throughout Crimea. The climate here is warmer than in other regions of the peninsula, which means the conditions for growing grapes are more favorable.
The infrastructure is well developed: many cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops and other shops that are difficult to pass by without looking inside. The main attraction of Sudak is the Genoese fortress, built in the 14th century. Medieval battles are held here every year.
It is better to come to the beaches early, because there is not enough space here, and by nine o’clock in the morning it can be crowded. However, it all depends on the season.
Alupka
Alupka is located on the southern coast of Crimea at the foot of Mount Ai-Petri. Not far from here is the world famous Swallow’s Nest (read more about the 10 most picturesque places in Crimea). And in Alupka itself there is an incredible Vorontsov Park, built in the first half of the 19th century. It contains about two hundred species of shrubs and trees, some of which are extremely rare in the wild.
There are also many sanatoriums and health resorts in Alupka, so this place is often chosen by people who want to improve or improve their health. The beaches along the coast are clean, well-equipped and relatively uncrowded.
Balaclava
Before the collapse of the USSR, Balaklava was a closed military town, which could only be entered with a special pass. Now Balaklava is open to tourists, but is still not as popular as Yalta or Feodosia. So this is a great option for those who are trying to avoid overly popular places. The local bay is favored by fishermen – the catches here are rich. There are practically no beaches, and tourists relax on a small area near the embankment.
You can go on a boat trip or visit the Cold War Museum. This is an interesting place where you will learn interesting facts about the arms race. In addition to the museum, in Balaklava there is the 14th-century Chembalo fortress and the Temple of the Holy Twelve Apostles. The place is gradually gaining popularity. We recommend it if you are interested in a more active holiday than lying on the beach.
Bakhchisaray
Located thirty kilometers from Simferopol, Bakhchisarai is famous for its delicious and fresh vegetables that are grown in the vicinity of the city. So there are always especially fresh fruits and vegetables here. The mountain ranges make the place popular among outdoor enthusiasts: you can ride off-road on a bicycle, and some trails seem designed for horseback riding.
Like Balaklava, there are plenty of fishing spots in Bakhchisarai. In some reservoirs, residents specially feed the fish, so that not only seasoned and patient fishermen, but also amateurs can boast of their catch. There is no access to the sea, but there are many beaches on clean lakes.
Kerch
Kerch is perhaps the most ancient city in Crimea. Currently, archaeological excavations are being actively carried out here, in which valuable artifacts are being found. But there are quite a few architectural monuments: during the Great Patriotic War, the front line passed through the city four times, and after many battles, not all buildings survived.
However, Kerch can still be proud of its location – after all, two seas are accessible here: the Black and Azov. So, those who especially like to swim, swim and practice kite and windsurfing will most like it here.
Evpatoria
Since the times of the USSR, Evpatoria has been known to people as a health resort for both children and adults. You can get here by train from Sevastopol, the journey will take about two hours. You can get there faster by bus or minibus.
There are many tourist spots, and the history of Yevpatoria can be learned by taking a tram tour through the city. Children will certainly enjoy the dolphinarium, Dinopark and the largest water park in Crimea. The sea in this place is clean and warm throughout the entire season.
Alushta
Most of the beaches here are pebble. In summer it is very hot here, and the water temperature is always very comfortable for swimming, but it is not for nothing that the name of the place is translated from Turkic as “draft”. Winds often blow here, so even on the hottest days the weather seems cool.
There are many restaurants, clubs and attractions on the embankment – you won’t be bored. When all the city beaches are busy, and this happens often, you can go for a walk along the coast and enjoy the views.
Convenient and understandable hotel website – OneTwoTrip.
