How to have an interesting time in Crimea
In search of interesting places for recreation, people continue to explore their native lands. In this article, we will look at Crimea from all angles and find places that will make your head spin. Many are used to the fact that our southern regions usually have their own atmosphere: with pebbles, tents with churchkhela and pies on the beach. But we will talk about how to travel around the entire peninsula during a standard vacation and discover it from a different side.
From the airport to the city
All planes arrive in Simferopol, and from there tourists travel in different directions. From Simferopol, you can reach almost any city by bus, trolleybus, taxi, or train. The price depends on the destination. For example, from Simferopol to Yalta, you can get by trolleybus for 100 rubles and 2.5 hours, and by bus a little more expensive, but in almost 2 hours. But keep in mind that the roads are old, and so is the transport, so the level of comfort in public transport is appropriate.
For convenience, we recommend renting a car. You can do this right at the airport, but it's better to book a car online in advance – it will be cheaper and less hassle on site. On average, a week's rental will cost from 10,000 rubles. You can view options here, here and here.
Regions of Crimea
Crimea is divided into five main zones: Eastern, Central, Western, Southern, and the Kerch Peninsula. A few words about each zone.
Eastern
The main resorts of the region are Koktebel, Feodosia, Sudak. National parks in this territory are Karadag and Opuk. Overall, the zone consists of a rocky coast and steppe plains. One of the notable, but often overlooked, places is the village of Solnechnaya Dolina (Sunny Valley). The place is famous for its beaches and wine – it is one of the main winemaking centers in Crimea. There are even equipped wild and nudist beaches here.
There are also many entertainments here: yacht and quad bike rides, kayaking, water slides in Kapsel Bay. It will be fun for both children and adults.
Central
This part of Crimea is ideal for getting acquainted with the culture and history of the region. Here are steppes, vineyards, and mountains – natural beauty at its best! Notable cities are Bakhchisarai and Simferopol.
Western
This zone will appeal to those who don't tolerate heat well. The terrain here is quite flat and winds blow, so even in super hot weather, it's easy to breathe. Major cities in the region: Evpatoria, Saki, Nikolaevka.
Southern
One of the most picturesque zones of Crimea. This is where Russian emperors and Soviet leaders rested. And all because the nature here is incredibly beautiful, the mountains cover the coast from cold winds, so it is usually warmer in this region. Be sure to sign up for a couple of excursions. Here, more than in other places, there are various palaces, estates, parks, waterfalls, and man-made attractions. The main resort areas of the Southern coast are Greater Yalta and Greater Alushta.
Kerch Peninsula
This region is quite poorly developed in terms of tourism; usually only independent travelers or those seeking thrilling experiences visit here. The beaches of the Kerch Peninsula are flooded with surfers and nudists, and it was also here that the Kazantip festival was held earlier.
What to see
Throughout Crimea, there are scattered places that you simply must visit during your trip.
Mount Ai-Petri and Swallow's Nest
How to get there: You can reach Swallow's Nest from Yalta by buses No. 102 (from the bus station) and No. 132 (from Lenin Square). The ride takes about half an hour.
Getting to Ai-Petri is more difficult. You can either go with a one-day excursion (which is very convenient), or by car on your own, or even by taxi, but that's a bit expensive. On the mountain, there are two suspension bridges that you can cross with safety harnesses – a challenge for those who like to get an adrenaline rush.
The most popular way to the mountain is by funicular from Mishor. It's a 3 km cable car, with cabins accommodating 35 people each. During peak season, it might be a bit stuffy, so we recommend visiting during the off-season. The cost is from 200 rubles one way.
Taraktash Trail
History says that this trail was created by members of the Mountain Club, and they were inspired by a certain Dr. Dmitriev, who recovered from tuberculosis by walking in these places. It turns out that a walk along this trail will benefit your respiratory organs. The route is 3.5 km long, starting at the Uchan-Su stop and ending on the Ai-Petri plateau. You can safely combine this walk with an ascent to the mountain itself.
But be careful. A permit is required to visit the territory of the Yalta Nature Reserve. If you are caught there without one, you may be fined.
Cape Fiolent
Another natural attraction that is worth your attention. The turquoise water and rocky cliffs are no different from those abroad, and nearby is Diana's Grotto – also a picturesque spot. You can easily get there from the center of Sevastopol. Buses No. 3, 24, 35, and 79 will take you to the Cape. Dedicate a whole day to the trip, you definitely won't regret it.
Koyashskoe Lake
Oh, this is – imagine – a pink lake! It's this color because it contains special algae that produce pigments. Additionally, it has more salt than the Black Sea, so you can see salt crystals along the shore.
It is located near the Opuk Nature Reserve, almost on the Black Sea coast. You can go from Kerch or Feodosia. Aim for the village of Maryevka if you are coming from Kerch, and the settlement of Borisovka if you are coming from Feodosia.
How to get there: You can only get there by public transport from Kerch on bus No. 78. However, it will only take you to Yakovenkovo or Maryevka, and from there you will have to walk 7 and 5 km respectively.
Cape Tarkhankut and the Bowl of Love
An unusual iconic place for lovers. The Bowl of Love is a natural small pool with crystal clear water. Its depth is only 8 meters, and its width is 15. And at a depth of four meters, there is an underwater tunnel that connects the Bowl to the sea.
How to get there: The nearest major city is Evpatoria. From there, take a bus to Olenevka. And from there, you can go by boat, on foot, or by bicycle. In Olenevka, there are definitely no problems with excursions to the Bowl, you won't get lost.
Valley of Ghosts
An interesting place with natural stone sculptures, shaped by centuries and wind. Tourist trails pass right through these stone hordes. So why "ghosts"? There are many opinions. One of them is this: the wind blows between the stone sculptures, sometimes creating interesting sounds, and as you ascend to the highest point, you can encounter thick fog or even a light show from the sun. Together, all this creates interesting illusions that make some people uneasy. But it's all nature, so there's nothing to fear!
This magnificent place is located near Alushta. Look for the village of Luchistoe and the "Zolotaya Dolina" (Golden Valley) tourist base. There you can eat before heading to the valley, and even book a horseback ride or a jeep tour.
How to prepare. Since the place is unpredictable, we do not recommend taking children on this walk. Physically unprepared tourists might also find it challenging, as the terrain is not flat, and the path can be tiring. Frequent weather changes also play a role, so bring various clothes and definitely a windbreaker.
Marble Cave
There are many caves in Crimea, but the most beautiful is the Marble Cave. Huge cool halls with waterfalls, small lakes, and whimsical stone figures and stalactites. It's hard to describe in words how magical the atmosphere is in each hall of the cave, and the lighting definitely creates an interesting mood.
How to get there: In Simferopol, take trolleybus No. 1, 51, or 52, and go to the final stop "Zarechnoye village". The journey is approximately 20 km. In Zarechnoye, transfer to a bus and go to the village of Mramornoye, and from there you will have an 8 km walk through the quarry. To avoid getting lost, follow the power lines.
Dzhur-Dzhur Waterfall
The noisiest and most restless waterfall in Crimea, which does not subside even in the driest summer, is Dzhur-Dzhur (translated as "ever-murmuring"). It is 15 meters high, only five meters wide – but it attracts tourists like a magnet.
To see this natural wonder, you can take an excursion or get there on your own. An excursion will cost at least 1300 rubles, and this is without considering tickets to the reserve. But on the other hand, there are no road problems – you don't have to think about how to get there and by what means.
How to get there: but if you are an independent traveler, take a bus from Alushta to the village of Generalskoye (about 40 minutes travel time), then you can take a taxi to the Khapkhalsky Reserve, or walk (about an hour's walk). Entrance to the reserve is paid, but inexpensive (from 100 rubles).
This is just a small part of the attractions worth seeing with your own eyes. There are many more places, and all are good, but we have collected the most interesting and accessible ones, not visiting which would simply be a crime.
The peninsula is worth driving around its coastal areas, because Crimea is so different from each side, and each cape has its own unique charm.
If you don't want to bother with roads, take excursions. In every major city, there are many options for one-day trips to the iconic places of the peninsula. You can find out about excursions online or directly at your hotel.
