What sights to see in Crimea by car?
In 2014, the number of Russian tourist attractions increased significantly. Crimea returned to the country's treasury many interesting places, natural monuments and human hands.
Overview of iconic places
Going independently to Crimea by car, you must definitely add to the list of beautiful places that are worth visiting on the peninsula. Most of them are located along the coast, some are located on the territory of large cities of Crimea.
Sevastopol Fortress
The age of the city bearing the name Sevastopol is more than two millennia. Some buildings of past centuries have survived to this day. The remains of the ancient Chersonesos are carefully guarded by the servants of the museum. The ruins of buildings allow us to talk about the strong fortifications that defended the city... An observation tower stood on two-row walls. Enemies could only get close to the fortress.
Chersonesos near Sevastopol has two more strongholds. The Kalamita fortress appeared in the Middle Ages, it was intended to protect trade routes. The high cliffs overlook the road leading from the middle of the peninsula to the seaside town. Several buildings have survived from those times, including part of the tower and fortifications, and at the foot of the rock are the caves of the monastery.
Cembalo fortress Is another interesting place left by our ancestors, where it is worth taking a walk. Numerous wars have destroyed most of the once impregnable fortifications.
Monuments to heroes
The Crimean territory was subjected to raids by enemies. Numerous peoples tried to conquer the "tidbit". Since then, many monuments have survived in Sevastopol.Some of them remind of the Crimean War, others - of the Great Patriotic War.
The heroic defense of Sevastopol is represented by a panorama. The defenders of the city had to sink their own ships in order to block the path of the enemy in the harbor. Wrecks today are a monument on a cliff protruding from the depths of the sea. The inspirer and leader of military events, Admiral Nakhimov, "closely watching" the city from his high pedestal.
Dedicated to Heroes of the Great Patriotic War diorama "Storm on Sapunskaya Mountain" and a sculpture of a soldier with a sailor. In addition, a huge number of beautiful buildings, squares and gardens have been preserved within the city walls.
Yalta
Yalta has been known as a resort town since the 19th century. After the Crimean War, peoples began to quickly settle on the coastal territory. It soon became clear that the local climate has a beneficial effect on human health. The healing air in combination with the bright sun and warm sea allows hundreds of thousands of vacationers to improve their health even today.
A rare city in the world is able to compete with the beauty of Yalta. In this wonderful resort city, which stretches along the coastline for several tens of kilometers, a huge number of sanatoriums, boarding houses, private hotels, villas and mansions have been built.
Ancient buildings are of particular interest. Massandra Palace "Grew up" surrounded by dramatic rocks and majestic grottoes. Once it belonged to the royal family of the Romanovs. With round towers, balconies and spiers adorned with sculptures, the palace resembles a medieval castle.
By car from Yalta you can get to the Alupka Palace, no less attractive from the side of architecture.
And yet the most interesting, significant and original is the castle. "Bird home". The miniature structure is clearly visible both from land and from the sea. It "stuck" to the rock like swallows' nests, hence the name.
Coastal parks
They cover the entire coast of Crimea. Both local flora and rare plants brought from other regions of the world grow in them. Parks and walking paths lead to natural and artificial reservoirs, to cozy gazebos, fountains and sculptures. The air on the territory is soft and pleasant. It soothes the nervous system and helps improve health, especially for people with pulmonary diseases.
Crimean Khanate
The history of Crimea cannot do without mentioning the Crimean Khanate. Several centuries ago, not only the peninsula, but also part of modern Ukraine belonged to the Crimean Tatars. Nowadays, the indigenous population settled in the former capital of the khanate - Bakhchisarai.
The most interesting attraction is Khan's palace. It is the only one in the world built in the style of the Crimean Tatar architecture. The expositions of the museum tell about the life and political structure of the khanate. Fountain of tears, located on the territory of the palace, was sung by the great Pushkin in the poem "The Fountain of Bakhchisarai".
Other interesting places to add to your Crimea travel guide include: Assumption Monastery and Chufut-Kale (cave city).
A visit to Bakhchisarai gives tourists the opportunity to taste dishes of the Tatar national cuisine, to take part in a tea ceremony.
Koktebel
The village of Koktebel is famous for the quality of wines and cognacs produced at the local factory. There were no early settlements on the site of the modern settlement. Perhaps the reason is an old volcano. Gems are now found on the mountain, including onyx, opal, sardonyx and others.
Free access to these resources is prohibited. Only organized groups are allowed to climb the summit.
At the foot of the volcano there is another sea attraction - Golden Gate. Rising from the sea, the rocks formed something like a natural arch. Every visitor considers it his duty to swim under it and take a picture against the background of the natural monument.
It is noticed that people like to appear in the center of Koktebel flocks of dolphins. There are many fish and other marine animals here, which is probably why fishing in the local waters is prohibited.
Demerdzhi
This mountain complex, which has become a geological natural monument, is worth visiting on its territory. It is located near the city of Alushta. The area is used for horse riding, quad biking and hiking.
At the foot there is a monument inside the monument. The fact is that it was here that some scenes from the famous film "Prisoner of the Caucasus" were filmed. Anyone can see the stone that the heroine allegedly jumped on during the dance, as well as Nikulin's oak.
Soon after the start of the climb, you can meet Valley of ghostscreated from tall rocks formed by the wind. The further path is a kind of path for rock-climbing lovers.
If you want, you can get to the first plateau, but it will take strength. If you have experience of hiking, then you can walk to the second, but it is not available to everyone.
Object 825 GTS
Lovers of history and military subjects will be able to appreciate the object 825 GTS, which is also called The Cold War Museum. Basically, this is the place where submarines are created underground in the Balaklava mountains.
The construction process was kept secret during the Cold War, but today anyone can visit the site.
The building was designed to withstand an atomic bomb with a yield of up to 100,000 tons. Inside is a canal, an iPod docking station and a repair shop. Here boats built according to the 613 and 633 projects could have sheltered, a place for storing ammunition was supposed.
In this peculiar bunker, the temperature rarely exceeds + 15 degrees, so guests of the peninsula are advised to take a jacket with them if they want to walk here or visit a museum.
Botanical Garden
Nikitsky Botanical Garden can be considered both an architectural and a natural monument at the same time. He is also referred to to one of the most frequently visited attractions on the territory of Crimea.
The garden was created on the initiative of Emperor Alexander I, who personally allocated 20 thousand rubles annually for the construction. At one time, this place became the first experimental garden object in the southern part of Russia.
The main goal here was to grow useful decorative specimens collected in Europe. It was assumed that they would be distributed on the Crimean peninsula. As a result, the collection grew, multiplied and developed. Soon the garden became a place where experiments were carried out on the cultivation of tobacco, and then vegetables.
Over time, Nikitsky Botanical Garden changed many directors and owners, until at the beginning of the twentieth century it began to perish due to lack of funding. Only the wine industry managed to survive relatively well.
Today anyone interested can visit the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. In addition to the main huge park, you can visit the permanent exhibitions of decorative flowers, butterflies and cacti. Winemaking has also survived, but getting into the tasting room is extremely difficult.
Golitsyn trail
The Golitsyn family played a significant role in the life of the Crimean peninsula. Various events in the area are associated with people who have such a name. The trail called "Golitsyn" was created with the arrival of Nicholas II. The tsar planned to visit a paradise village, to see Lev Sergeevich and his family. The prince bought land for the development of winemaking.
Today this city is called the New World.
The path along which the tsar and prince Golitsyn walked was carved on Mount Koba-Kaya. It stretches for more than 5 kilometers. Several historical and natural monuments are located at the indicated distance. For example, there is a large grotto, which was formed under the influence of sea waves. Golitsyn used it to store created drinks.
Further along the route, there are numerous bays where pirates and smugglers once hid.
Kerch fortress
The Crimean peninsula is a multitude of ancient fortresses available to residents and guests of the region. One of these structures is the Kerch Fortress. It is believed that its first part appeared at the end of the 18th century.
Over time, the building was rebuilt and strengthened many times, and by the time of the Crimean War, the batteries numbered 20 guns. However, as a result of ground threats, it was decided to destroy almost everything that was in the Kerch fortress. In Soviet times, there was a warehouse for equipment and ammunition for the fleet. The special terrain was also used to accommodate the disciplinary battalion.
Today the object is a historical and cultural reserve, where excursions for tourists are regularly held.
Although the construction has received considerable attention, some of its dungeons have yet to be fully explored.
Agarmysh forest
Those who are interested in nature much more than ancient buildings should visit this monument. The complex is located in the mountains of the Kirovsky region and stretches over 40 acres.
If you go towards the Old Crimea, you can see stone ridge several kilometers long. It is called Agarmysh, in the vicinity of which there is a famous forest.
It is best to visit this place in the fall, because it is at this time of the year that the beauty of the forest is most fully revealed. Of course, the property also has a special charm in winter and summer.
The highest density of the Agarmysh forest reaches in the Volchiy Yar tract, as well as in the Sychev area. He managed to achieve this state in 200 years of its existence. Most often here you can find Crimean beech, eastern hornbeam, oaks among the vegetation. In addition, common plants such as ash, maple or linden can be found.
The local flora is rich in numerous shrubs, dogwood is found in the forest, hazel, sumac and hawthorn grow. The southern slopes are covered with barberry, rosehip and blackberry.
Where to go with children?
There are enough places on the peninsula where you can go with children. Together with the family it is interesting to take a ride in water park, which is located in Alushta, or visit dolphinarium in Partenit.
Entertainment for children is presented in a large assortment in Evpatoria, because this resort is not in vain called "family". The city's infrastructure is designed in such a way that neither adults nor children will get bored.
In 2014, a water park was finally built in the city center. Previously, tourists had to go to an institution located a few kilometers from the city along the highway. Now you can walk to the water park and spend the whole day in it.
There is also a huge aquarium, a dolphinarium, a multipark, movie theaters with cartoons, as well as a huge selection of all kinds of attractions on the embankment and in parks, bike rental.
When planning a vacation itinerary, you need to understand the difference between the South Coast of Crimea and other parts. From the south, almost all the beaches are covered with pebbles, the infrastructure is poorly developed in some places.
If you want your child not only to sunbathe and swim, but also to develop, then it is better to go to Sevastopol, where all the most interesting places that have glorified Crimea are based.
The program must be selected carefully so as not to overload the child, but to give him the opportunity to see the wonders of nature and man-made monuments.
Usually children are interested in ancient karst caves with unpronounceable Tatar names. The most visited is Emine-Bair-Khosar or the mammoth cave, which is located on the territory of the Crimean natural reserve.
The newly opened zoo and park of lions "Taigan" or safari park in Belogorsk (Crimea, Belogorsk district, Belogorsk, Lavandovaya st., 1) are very intricately arranged. This is a territory without enclosures, in which lions and other felines roam.
Here, visitors move along bridges located at a safe height, which allows them to see even those predators who tried to hide. Feeding meat to animals is a popular pastime.
It is imperative to include the Crimean palaces in the program. The most famous - Vorontsovsky, Livadia, Massandra and Swallow's Nest.
There are also parks in Crimea, the largest "Banana Republic" in Yalta - a budget option in comparison with European counterparts.
In addition to all this, the peninsula also has wellness centers with special programs. The third type of children's recreation on the coast - camping, it is for the most daring... Spartan conditions: tent, sleeping bag, dry closet and dining room in the area where families cook their own food in bowlers over the fire.
Despite the difficulties, this type of recreation is popular with parents whose children love outdoor activities. Mass events related to orienteering, swimming, rowing, unauthorized construction of houses from scrap metal, evening bonfires - all this will make the children's holiday unforgettable.
You can take advantage of the popular tour, which starts with an excursion to Chersonesos Tauride - ancient city and museum under the sky. Chersonesos was founded in the 5th century BC. NS. Greek invaders. For centuries, it was under the control of the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines.
During the day, you can get acquainted with the history of the attraction, stroll along its streets, touch its ancient ruins and admire the beautiful cliffs of the Black Sea coast.
On the second day, it is worth going on a hike for Cape Fiolent - one of the pearls of the Crimea peninsula. This is a piece of paradise with incredibly beautiful cliffs and many wild and public beaches on the Black Sea coast. There is a beautiful garden right on the side of the mountain, and there is an opportunity to stay overnight in the camp.
Or on the second day you can take a walk along the historical part of Balaklava and visit the city museum.
After that, go to the mountains, climb the hill to see Genoese fortress of the XIV century. The beautiful landscape of the ruins of the citadel and its watchtowers still makes you feel the power of this ancient city and its warriors.
After lunch you should definitely go on a yacht trip along the cliffs of the Crimean peninsula coast to the second camping camp in the Ayazma reserve.
There is a great place for swimming in the sea, a sandy beach and a small park.
The third day is worth planning hike along the trail to Mount Kush-Kaya. Ruins can be seen along the way Church of St. Elijah, blooming peonies, breathtaking rocks and a very beautiful panoramic view of the southern coast of Crimea. If you have enough time, it is better to devote the rest of the day to the study of the Crimean mountains, so the best option would be hike to the Temple of the Sun and Mount Ilyas-Kaya.
On the fifth day of the family trip, the first stop will be monument to Soviet partisans, who during the Second World War fought with the Nazi army. From here you can move along the river to a beautiful waterfall to relax and swim there. Next stop - the village of Rodnikovoye and Skelsky menhirs - vertical stone pillars, the purpose of which is still unknown.
It's better to go on the last day of the trip on a sightseeing tour of the stone city of Eski-Kermen, whose name translates as "stone fortress". The city was founded in the 6th century. It is surrounded by sheer cliffs and narrow passages that lead to its streets, which were previously guarded by watchtowers and other fortifications. The settlement was destroyed in the 13th century by the Mongol army.
After exploring Eski-Kermen, you can return to Sevastopol to end your journey there.
Popular tourist destinations
Each tourist's list of the best attractions may vary depending on their own preferences. It is not necessary to watch other people's routes, you can build it yourself by car.
"Haunted Valley" - a unique stone beauty created by time and weather. Over the millennia, under their influence, stone giants were formed, exciting the imagination of local residents and tourists. This is one of the most popular excursion destinations in Crimea.
Must visit and "Stone of Chaos"... In the beginning, there was a powerful earthquake, which left behind huge stone blocks weighing several tons, prompting the then settlers to go in search of another place for settlement.
It is equally popular and Funa fortress. Most of the trails lined up lead to the historic ruins of Funa, whose construction began in the 13th century. It was a kind of princely family castle of Teodoro, and was used as a border fortification on the small Silk Road.
Another tour is historical and architectural monuments of Sudak, including the Museum of Torture on the territory of the Genoese Fortress, where you can not only listen to what weapons were used, but also personally pose for the camera as a smiling “victim”.
Most of the excursions are aimed at visiting "Fountain of Youth".
You should definitely quench your thirst with this water, since it has a unique composition and a high silver content - its structure is as close as possible to that of “holy water”.
Popular tourist destinations "Broken heart" - a crevice, which, according to rumors, is capable of fulfilling wishes, if voiced out loud here.
Must be included in the trip hike to the eastern slope of Mount Demerdzhi. Some horse trails pass through the picturesque area, bypassing the Bykhalova rock. Strawberry fields appear before my eyes. It is easy to plunge into the scent of the pine forest and then enjoy the cascade of waterfalls.
Beech forest - also included in the list of routes in demand today. What is remarkable about this place is that so tall trees grow here that even three people cannot hug the trunk of one tree.
Further it is worth going on the plateau of South Demerdzhi, where you can discover a unique panorama of the local landscapes and the entire coast from Sudak to Yalta.
If time remains, lavender fields are worth your attention, here you can take unique and incredible pictures.
Crab stream - this is another attraction that is worth your attention when organizing your own route through the territory of Crimea. An amazing fact - this stream keeps the same water temperature in winter and summer.
If you want to see Greek medieval graves, then you need to go to the Maubi Valley... Although it is located above sea level, only 700 meters away, the perception is completely different. When looking down, it seems that you are above the clouds, and when looking up, it seems that the top remains inaccessible.
It is also surprising that there is no severe frost in the Maubi Valley.It is considered one of the warmest places on the east coast.
Silver waterfall - no less popular tourist destination. This cascade descends to 350 meters and is considered one of the most beautiful Crimean waterfalls. An architect named nature paved the way for water, creating grottoes and caves along the way. First, you have to overcome mountain barriers, and closer to the sea, the river calms down and pleases with a measured current.
The waterfall is surrounded by a valley of snowdrops, which looks unimaginable during the abundant flowering. It seems that there is snow on the surface of the earth, in fact, delicate flower petals create such a feeling. The beauty and aroma are impossible to describe - it seems that it smells like a fairy tale.
How to get there?
The road to Crimea depends on where the movement starts from.A passenger car is one of the most convenient means of transportation. As an example, you can take the most common route starting from Moscow.
To move in the right direction you need to leave to the M4 highway. Direction of movement towards Voronezh, slightly skirting the city... Next you need drive to Rostov, but without entering the city, but again bending around it.
After the sign "Kislyakovskaya" the road turns off, you need to get to the station of the same name. Further, the movement is carried out at the following destinations:
- Leningradskaya;
- Kanevskaya;
- Timashevsk;
- Slavyansk-on-Kuban;
- Temryuk;
- Port Caucasus.
As soon as we passed the traffic police post located in Ilyich, you need to be guided by the sign where it will be written "Seaport".
Previously, it was required to cross along with light transport on the coast of Crimea by means of a ferry, today a bridge specially created for this is actively working. Travel on it is free.
After entering the territory of the peninsula, you can drive to any of the cities. There are numerous signs on the tracks, in extreme cases it is worth loading the map into the navigator.
Immediately after the bridge there are the first signs to Simferopol, and a little further to the left to Kerch and Feodosia. The main thing is not to go around the Kerch Strait.
Reviews
At any time, Crimea was very popular. Today a lot of efforts are directed to improve the infrastructure of the peninsula. Here you can enjoy not only the aroma of unique flowers, which are abundant in summer, but also the clear sea, beaches, and picturesque nature.
There are several resort areas in Crimea that are worth visiting when organizing an independent trip: southern beaches, southeastern, western, eastern coasts, Sevastopol and other cities. Each zone has its own characteristics and attractions.
Those who visited Crimea by private car note that having your own car is always a lot of advantages, since you can independently plan your own time, visit all available attractions and even save on accommodation by staying in a tent camp.
The southern beaches stretch along the coast from Alushta to Foros. According to reviews of travelers on their car, this region is distinguished by good infrastructure; more excursions are organized here.
You can swim in the sea from late spring to mid-autumn. It also happens that in July the north cold wind begins to prevail, which must be taken into account when traveling with children.
The coast from the southeastern side stretching from Feodosia to Alushta will delight you not only with amazingly clean air and water. They note that the mountain ranges here are not so steep and high, so you can go to conquer them with the whole family.
The wonderful nature in this region and the popular Alushta circus are popular with tourists of all ages. There are many health resorts on the territory of Feodosia, which are famous for their unique health programs. Many are attracted by the large local beach.
The Kerch Peninsula is located in the east. Its peculiarity is that the territory is washed by two seas at once: Black and Azov. However, car enthusiasts note that it is not worth waiting for attractive landscapes while driving through local attractions, since they are not there, as in other parts.
People come here to enjoy the ancient monuments of history, soak up the coast and swim in the warm sea, the water of which sometimes reaches +30 degrees Celsius.
Golden beaches are located in the west of Crimea, there are always many rave reviews about them. They note that there is enough space for everyone, since there is a huge area of many kilometers with wonderful coarse sand. The relief is mostly flat, without sharp rocky formations.
Most of all attention from this side attracts the city of Evpatoria with its springs and curative mud, which have no equal in the whole world.
It is best to come here on vacation with children, the sea always remains calm.
In general, going on a trip on your own, as a rule, there are no problems with movement. The roads on the peninsula are well organized, there are all the necessary signs, so it is difficult to get lost. Free parking is available around most of the attractions.
For a video review of Crimea's attractions, see the next video.